Hold Fast Apologetics

What Does Scripture Say?

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A former Speech and Language Pathologist for nearly 20 years, I began educating our 3 children full-time in 2015 and have cherished every gifted moment (even the challenges). But what is interwoven into all aspects of daily life (as a wife, via motherhood, teaching, friendship, fitness, etc.) is Christian Apologetics (1 Peter 3:15)… which is why this blog exists.
  • “Who Made God?”

    “Who Made God?”

    The following is a message was written by Christian Apologist, Ken Ham, via Twitter on April 20, 2023:

    @aigkenham

    Who made God?

    I have many secularists mock at me as a Christian for believing in an eternal God. They’ve asked me the question “so who made God?” They then claim it doesn’t make sense to believe in an eternal God.

    I do give them an answer, but then I ask them about what they believe.

    So, what is the answer to the question who made God? The Bible makes it clear that God exists in eternity. He has always existed. He didn’t have a beginning. There are many verses of Scripture that attest to the fact that God is everlasting, eternal:

    “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28).

    “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2).

    “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

    “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

    At a conference once I had a young boy about ten years of age come up and ask me, “sir if God created us, who created God?” How do you answer that question for a young child?

    I then said to him, “if someone made God then you would have to have a bigger God.” The boy replied, “Yes Sir,” I said, “but now you have a problem, who made the bigger God? You would then need a bigger bigger God who made the bigger God who made God.” I then said, “now you have a problem.” The boy said, “I know.” I then went on, “who made the bigger bigger God? Now you would need a bigger, bigger, bigger God who made the bigger bigger God who made the bigger God who made God.” The young boy understood. We could keep going back with bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger forever and then have to keep going. The only thing that make sense is you would have to have the biggest God of all, the infinite, eternal God of the bible. The only one true God who has always existed. He had no beginning.

    Now that is difficult, really impossible for us to understand because we are created finite beings. The space, mass, time universe we live in was created. We think in terms of everything having a beginning because we are finite beings who had a beginning. This means there will always be a faith aspect to understanding who God is. We can’t scientifically prove God exists because we don’t have all information, only God does. That why God’s Word states, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

    However it’s important to understand this is not blind faith. It’s a faith that makes sense of what we observe in this world, and observational science in many ways (that’s for another post) confirms this faith over and over again. The history recorded in the bible makes sense of the evidence we observe in the present in biology, geology, astronomy, and so on.

    Note that when you begin reading the first book of the bible it states, “In the beginning God…”. In other words, God’s word starts with God. He exists. He was NOT created. God’s Word doesn’t set out to prove God exists, it states God exists! He is and as He quotes states over and over again in Scirpture, “I am.”

    I explain all that to secularists, and that about the faith aspect, when they ask me that question about who made God, but then I ask them questions.

    After my debate with Bill Nye in 2014, we took questions that were submitted by audience members. One of the questions came from a young boy who asked, “where did matter come from.” Bill Nye responded, “I don’t know, it’s a great mystery.” I answered, “There is a book [the bible] that tells us where matter came from.”

    Atheists may mock at Christians for believing in an eternal God, but what do they believe? Where did matter come from? Why does anything exist? Where did energy come from? Why does time exist? Why does space exist? Is matter eternal? Did matter suddenly come from nowhere for no reason? They have no answers! They can have all sorts of opinions and beliefs but the bottom line is they have no definitive answer at all.

    I remember atheist Richard Dawkins claiming the possibility life was seeded on earth by aliens from outer space. Obviously, atheists can’t explain how life on earth could arise from matter by chance random processes, so one of their ways around this is to claim life came from outer space. All they did was shift the origin of life on earth to another planet. But then we could ask where the aliens from another planet that seeded life on earth came from? Well, maybe other aliens seeded life on that planet to become aliens to seed life on earth. But then where did the aliens that seeded life on that other planet come from? Were there other aliens that seeded life on that planet so aliens could arise to seed life on another planet so aliens could arise and seed life on earth! I think atheists would be happy to believe in eternal aliens, but not an eternal God. And how do atheists explain the laws of nature that are immaterial? And why do these laws stay that same and not evolve?

    It’s the atheists who have a blind faith. They believe that space, mass, and time somehow eternally existed or came into existence for some reason and somehow matter gave rise to life against everything we observe and know about the laws of nature.

    As I’ve said many times, atheism is a religion, a belief system. There is no non-religious position. Atheists have a faith, but it’s a blind faith that lacks credulity. Christians have faith, but it’s an objective faith that makes sense of life and the universe, and a faith that observational science confirms.

    Where do you put your faith?

    In eternal matter?

    In eternal aliens?

    In the eternal God who created all things and created the first man and woman. But the first man, the head of the human race rebelled against God bringing sin and death into the world. But God loved man so much, he provided a way of salvation for man so his sin could be forgiven and be able to spend eternity with the eternal God.

    “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28).

    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

  • At a Crossroads?

    At a Crossroads?

    Crossroad-moments…We can confidently expect them to be woven into the fabric of our live, whether we are prepared or not. Health crises that unexpectedly arise; the loss of a job you enjoyed; financial obstacles that constantly loom; the heartbreak of fractured relationships, and the parenting inadequacies we all encounter daily. Despite how seemingly insurmountable some may feel, we can look at these occurrences as gifted opportunities to consider God…namely, the cross of Jesus.

    These opportunities to consider the cross are incredibly important! For when we acknowledge that we need help, we then have to decide from where that help will come. Are we the true source of our hope and salvation (creation wanting to be the Creator), or does hope come from outside of ourselves?

    The Cross: one column positioned vertically, pointing up towards the sky while anchored into the ground…holding a second beam fixed horizontally, stretching to the east and to the west. Friends, as weighty decisions unfailingly enter our paths, we often find ourselves soberly face-to-face with those wooden beams… posturing our “gaze” in one of three possible ways:

    Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.

    Elisabeth Elliot

    Horizontally – ↔️ Focus: what is seen. 🔍

    • Comparison-driven;
    • Desperately seeking immediate guidance from other broken “vessels” (the world around us);
    • Redefining our viewpoints against the ever-changing cultural norms;
    • Relevancy tends to override authenticity; and
    • Man-centered messages dominate (“True Self,” personality tools, etc).

    Downward/Within – ⬇️ Focus: what is felt.💔

    • Readily pursuing the counsel of a fickle heart and it’s “wind-tossed” emotions;
    • Self-reliant;
    • Trusting in our own personal reasonings and limited understanding;
    • Often fixated upon unmet expectations;
    • Motivated by worry;
    • Anxious regarding possible outcomes, and
    • Settles for wishes and vibes.

    Upwards – ⬆️ Focus: who is Lord (Jesus). 🙏🏼

    • Devoted to Prayer and reading His Word (the Bible) often;
    • Seeking His perspective, His lead, His Wisdom, and His Strength;
    • Invests in Community (Hebrews 10:25)
    • Gospel-driven; and
    • Rests (trusting) in His goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty.

    Corrie Ten Boom, after enduring tremendous suffering within a Nazi Concentration Camp, defined crossroad-moments with these words: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” Friends, looking first to Jesus (in prayer) is not putting your head in the proverbial sand…nor is avoiding difficult conversations. Deferring to God and asking for His lead puts our perspective in His Hands…and seeks His wisdom instead. Asking for God’s guidance enables us to respond to conflict and hardship in ways that are best for every person involved. For what seems good and right might not be best. And selfless love seeks the best for others… even if it feels painful for a season. Friends, It’s arrogant to think that we could care more about our loved ones than God does.

    Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?

    Corrie ten Boom

    When we turn our gaze upwards, we can place our complete confidence in God’s sovereignty… trusting that He will faithfully provide what we need, when we need it, and in the best way possible. The love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control He supplies will be a blessing both horizontally: in our homes, work places, church families, and local communities…as well as within our own hearts: providing needed encouragement, perspective, and truth. Gals, as crossroad (crux) moments come your way, take a breath, look to Him in prayer, and dive into His Word (Bible) . Place every ounce of self-sufficiency in His hands, and allow the work that Jesus accomplished on the cross (on our behalf) to be enough for all that you will face. 🙏🏼♥️

    …But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
    ‭‭

    Matthew‬ ‭6:32-33‬ ‭

    His Love through me,
    Mer

    Scripture

    Galatians 1:16 “ I did not immediately consult with anyone (flesh);”

    Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

    2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18. “as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

    Philippians 3:2 “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”

    Romans 12:10 “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

    Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

    2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.“

    Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

    Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength[a]of my heart and my portion forever.”

    2 Corinthians 3:4-5 “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,”

    Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”

    Acts‬ ‭17:24-27‬ ‭ “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,”

    Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

    Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

    Psalm 16:2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

    James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

    Galatians 5:16-18 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

    Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

    Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

    “These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.”
    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:12-13‬ ‭

    Ephesians 4:15-16 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

    Ephesians‬ ‭4:17-24‬ “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” ‭

    Romans 7:18 “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”

    John 15:5 “…apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

    Matthew 5:3 ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

    Apologetics

    Jesus Outside of the Bible
    Who is Jesus?
    6 minutes
    What is the Gospel

  • The Suffering Servant, Jesus

    ✏️“Fulfillment Of Prophesies Of Christ In Isaiah 53,” http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

    Written between 739 and 681 B.C. (approx 700 before the crucifixion), Isaiah 53 is a powerful example of God’s faithfulness, not to mention, His sovereignty. God purposefully wove the gospel plan into history, preparing His people for the Messiah/Christ. The writers of the New Testament Scriptures, demonstrate this truth by how they fervently point to the Old Testament Scriptures as God’s Word revealing Jesus as the promised Messiah (Jn 5:48; Lk 24:44).

    He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

    Jesus, Luke 24:44

    Jesus also viewed the Old Testament as God’s Word (Mk 7:8-13) and regularly affirmed that its authority was steadfast and true (Mt 5:17-18; Jn 10:35). As John Wenham articulates in his book, “Christ and the Bible, the Christian view of Scripture is Jesus’s view of Scripture. We need to value the whole Bible as God’s Word to us (Jn 17:17; 1 Ti 3:16-17).

    Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished.

    Jesus, Matthew 5:17-18

    Let’s follow the noble example of the Bereans as recorded by Luke in Acts 17 and study the Scriptures diligently, using it as our straight-edge (Elisabeth Elliot’s exhortation) for all of life. Holding fast to God’s Word is not only incredibly important, it’s also a command (Mt 4:4; 1 Co 15:2-3).

    Much love,
    Meridith

    http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf
    http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

    Isaiah 53

    Who has believed what we have heard?
    And to whom has the arm of the Lordbeen revealed?


    2 He grew up before him like a young plant
    and like a root out of dry ground.
    He didn’t have an impressive form
    or majesty that we should look at him,
    no appearance that we should desire him.


    3 He was despised and rejected by men,
    a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
    He was like someone people turned away from;
    he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

    4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
    and he carried our pains;
    but we in turn regarded him stricken,
    struck down by God, and afflicted.


    5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
    crushed because of our iniquities;
    punishment for our peace was on him,
    and we are healed by his wounds.


    6 We all went astray like sheep;
    we all have turned to our own way;
    and the Lord has punished him
    for the iniquity of us all.7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth.
    Like a lamb led to the slaughter
    and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
    he did not open his mouth.


    8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
    and who considered his fate?
    For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.


    9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    but he was with a rich man at his death,
    because he had done no violence
    and had not spoken deceitfully.10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.
    When you make him a guilt offering,
    he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
    and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.


    11 After his anguish,
    he will see light and be satisfied.
    By his knowledge,
    my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will carry their iniquities.


    12 Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,
    and he will receive the mighty as spoil,
    because he willingly submitted to death,
    and was counted among the rebels;
    yet he bore the sin of many
    and interceded for the rebels

  • Luke 24: “Jesus Vindicated”

    One of my favorite sermons. Tim Keller 2013

    “If Jesus was raised from the dead, you’re going to have to deal with everything in the Bible.” (19:27 minutes in)

    Tim Keller

    Luke 24 (CSB)

    On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzlingclothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

    “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayedinto the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.

    9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter,however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.

    13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.

    18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”

    19 “What things?” he asked them.

    So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophetpowerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

    25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.

    28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

    30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

    36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

    44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sinswill be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empoweredfrom on high.”

    50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.52 After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple praising God.

  • Isaiah 53 and Jesus

    Isaiah 53 and Jesus

    ✔️Isaiah was written between 739 and 681 B.C. (approximately 700 before the crucifixion);
    ✔️Jesus came down and put on humanity between 6 and 4 B.C. (Jn 1:1-14);
    ✔️Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection A.D. 30 or 33.

    Click to access 21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

    📙ISAIAH 53:1-12

    Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

    2 He grew up before him like a young plant
and like a root out of dry ground.
He didn’t have an impressive form
or majesty that we should look at him,
no appearance that we should desire him.

    3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from;
he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

    4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.

    5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.

    6 We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all.

    7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.

    8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
and who considered his fate?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.

    9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
but he was with a rich man at his death,
because he had done no violence
and had not spoken deceitfully.

    10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.
When you make him a guilt offering,
he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.

    11 After his anguish,
he will see light and be satisfied.
By his knowledge,
my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will carry their iniquities.

    12 Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,
and he will receive the mighty as spoil,
because he willingly submitted to death,
and was counted among the rebels;
yet he bore the sin of many
and interceded for the rebels.

    ✏️STUDY: “Fulfillments of Prophecies of Christ in Isaiah 53:” http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

  • Good Friday: Psalm 22 and Mark 15

    Good Friday: Psalm 22 and Mark 15

    Question: Have you ever wondered why Jesus exclaimed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” before yielding His spirit to the Father?

    In order to adequately address this heartfelt query, we need to highlight an important cultural detail concerning how scripture was both memorized and shared around AD 30.

    Per numerous scholars, if someone living during the first century quoted the beginning of a Psalm, he or she would do so knowing that the listener could recite the rest. It is likened to when we sing the first few words of a song (“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…”), anticipating that our friends could finish the tune. Therefore, when our Lord and Savior spoke the words of Psalm 22:1…“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He did so with the whole Psalm in mind!

    The final verse of Psalm 22, written 900-1000 years prior to the crucifixion, tells of the victorious outcome regarding the rule and reign of our God among His people.

    Ladies, please take time to read both Mark 15 and Psalm 22 (shared below), as well as to examine the resources provided alongside. It’s my hope and prayer that these scriptures point your heart and mind to the faithful purposes of our God…and how no adversary could thwart God’s rescue plan from taking place.

    85 minutes with Mike Winger about Psalm 22
    5 minute, artistic teaching of Psalm 22
    18 minutes with Nabeel Qureshi

    Inspired by God, the book of Mark was written by Peter’s attendant, Mark (John Mark), in the mid-to-late 50’s AD. While Psalm 22 was penned by King David approximately 1000 years earlier (before Roman crucifixions). Note: The book of Mark was composed in Rome and is primarily written to a Church “audience largely unfamiliar with Jewish customs.” One example of this is that the Roman day began at 12am, but the Jewish day commenced at 6am. Therefore, an account of the time of Jesus’s crucifixion would vary from Mark’s account to another Gospel’s account (i.e. John), as the intended audiences were different.

    Mark 15

    Jesus Delivered to Pilate

    And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things.4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

    Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

    6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.”14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

    Jesus Is Mocked

    16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters),[b] and they called together the whole battalion.[c] 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

    The Crucifixion

    21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour[d] when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.[e] 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

    The Death of Jesus

    33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (see Psalm 22:1) 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he[h]breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son[i] of God!”

    40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

    Jesus Is Buried

    42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died.[j]And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph[k] bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

    Psalm 22

    (WRITTEN MORE THAN 900-1000 YEARS BEFORE THE CROSS)

    22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
        Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
    2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
        and by night, but I find no rest.

    3 Yet you are holy,
        enthroned on the praises[a] of Israel.
    4 In you our fathers trusted;
        they trusted, and you delivered them.
    5 To you they cried and were rescued;
        in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

    6 But I am a worm and not a man,
        scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
    7 All who see me mock me;
        they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
    8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
        let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

    9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
        you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
    10 On you was I cast from my birth,
        and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
    11 Be not far from me,
        for trouble is near,
        and there is none to help.

    12 Many bulls encompass me;
        strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
    13 they open wide their mouths at me,
        like a ravening and roaring lion.

    14 I am poured out like water,
        and all my bones are out of joint;
    my heart is like wax;
        it is melted within my breast;
    15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,
        and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
        you lay me in the dust of death.

    16 For dogs encompass me;
        a company of evildoers encircles me;
    they have pierced my hands and feet[b]—
    17 I can count all my bones—
    they stare and gloat over me;
    18 they divide my garments among them,
        and for my clothing they cast lots    .

    19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!
        O you my help, come quickly to my aid!
    20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
        my precious life from the power of the dog!
    21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!
    You have rescued[c] me from the horns of the wild oxen!

    22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;
        in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
    23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
        All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
        and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
    24 For he has not despised or abhorred
        the affliction of the afflicted,
    and he has not hidden his face from him,
        but has heard, when he cried to him.

    25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
        my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
    26 The afflicted[d] shall eat and be satisfied;
        those who seek him shall praise the Lord!
        May your hearts live forever!

    27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
    and turn to the Lord,
    and all the families of the nations
    shall worship before you.
    28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,
    and he rules over the nations.

    29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;
    before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
    even the one who could not keep himself alive.
    30 Posterity shall serve him;
    it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
    31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
    that he has done it.

    More on Psalm 22

    55 minute refutation, Dr Michael Brown and Rabbi Singer regarding Ps 22

    Who is Jesus?

    6 minutes
    45 minutes with Mikel Del Rosario
    18 minutes, The essential Christian Doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus is the Son of God.

    Jesus’s Resurrection

    56 minutes with Nabeel Qureshi. The overwhelming evidence for both the crucifixion and the Resurrection.
    75 minutes w/ Gary Habermas
    < 3 minutes w/ Lee Strobel

    Essential Christian Doctrine

    62 minutes with Alisa Childers and Krista Bontrager
  • Gentleness and Respect

    Gentleness and Respect

    YouTube Channel: So Be It, 28 minutes

    Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭11‬ ‭

    “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

    In Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he overflows with love and gratitude for them, and commends them for their partnership in defending the gospel. It’s incredibly important that we don’t rush through this portion of his letter as a merely a greeting to friends… We need to slow down and carefully examine Paul’s words.

    In verse 7 of the first chapter of Philippians, the author, Paul, uses the term “defense” as a specific reason for his appreciation of the Philippian Church. But what does “defense” refer to exactly? In the Greek, “defense” is translated, “apologia”…a reasoned defense…often called, Apologetics. That’s right- apologetics is NOT the study of apologies, but instead connotes giving a defense to a position, belief, or worldview.

    Sadly, we often view providing a defense of something as acting with “defensiveness.” Or, we feel as though standing-up for something, if not popular, is therefore carried-out with selfish motives, and is unloving.

    And while a defensive defense often happens (as we are sinful), giving an apologia for the gospel is not meant to be that way. How we share the gospel actually points to “all of life” purpose of God’s saving plan! We can’t save ourselves…It’s all God. And how we share this fact needs to be done with God’s help and with His love! It’s not about us…

    Let’s look at apologetics through the lens of being a parent:

    When we know our child has been lying to us, we can prayerfully respond to him or her with a loving firmness… or we can take the reins and not ask God for help and react out of utter fatigue and frustration. Either way, we need to address the issue of lying.

    You see, biblically, it’s not a question of IF we engage in apologetics, it’s HOW we engage! You might not realize it, but you too partake in apologetics daily…defending numerous beliefs and opinions which you hold dear. Whether it’s why one college team deserves the NCAA title over another, or whether cheddar or American makes for a tastier grilled cheese sandwich! But when it comes to the weightier topic of someone’s soul, opinions pale in comparison to facts. And therefore, how we give a defense matters so very much!

    In 1 Peter 3:15-17, a frequently quoted scripture pertaining to giving a reasoned defense, Peter encourages Christians to be gentle and respectful when sharing the gospel:

    “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

    1 Peter 3:15-17

    Below is a 28-minute video of a beautiful example of a Christian man (Jewish heritage) giving a gentle and respectful defense of the gospel to a Jewish man who is agnostic with New Age beliefs…highly recommend!

  • Science and Faith: YES!!

    Science and Faith: YES!!

    And he (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” -Matthew 22:37

    7-minutes with Tim Barnett, Mr. B

    Friends, Science and Faith (placing one’s trust in God) are not mutually exclusive. Nor are they incompatible. Far from it, actually! 🧪🧬🔭

    To quote respected historian, Tom Holland (not Spider-Man 😉), “Without Christianity, we would not have Science.” Tom Holland’s statement is incredibly bold! Possibly, shocking to many! Let’s not dismiss his assertion without investigating it first! It’s also important to note that Holland is not a Christian.

    “Without Christianity, we would not have Science.”

    Tom Holland, Historian

    Below is a 7-minute video by apologist, Tim Barnett, approaching the bold claim proclaimed by Tom Holland and others. It’s a succinct compilation of research shared with respect and care.

    “Sometimes, the best way is to combat bad information is to use good information. Christianity gave rise to modern science. This isn’t an opinion. This is a fact, like it or not.” -Tim Barnett

  • Not One Letter…

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭

    Jesus

    Jesus’s view of the Old Testament Scriptures should be our view. Jesus made it clear that God’s words do not change. His character does not change, so His words will not change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (He 13:8).

    Some claim that Jesus was overriding the words of the Old Testament when he said, “You have did it said, but I say,”but this is taking Jesus’s words out of context, and not accepting the rest of his teaching. Jesus did not come to change the Law…Jesus came down from eternity past as to fulfill it. Jesus, fully God and fully human, obeyed the law perfectly, in heart and in action, perfectly…on our behalf.

    Jesus did not stop being God but instead humbly put on humanity as to be a substitute FOR us. He carried our sin on the cross to make a way back to God…the only way possible. God made a way back to Himself.

    Friends, no matter how charismatic and talented a person might be, if he or she encourages you to unhitch from the Scriptures, either the Old Testament or the New Testament, please remember that Jesus did not teach that message. Jesus conducted His earthly ministry according to the Old Testament Scriptures and viewed them as authoritative. He proclaimed that we need God Word more than food (Mt 4:4). Jesus taught His disciples that God’s Word…both the Old and New Testaments…are inspired by God, trustworthy and true.

    Matthew 5

    The Sermon on the Mount

    When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

    3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
    4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
    5 Blessed are the humble,
    for they will inherit the earth.
    6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
    7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
    8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
    9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called sons of God.
    10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

    11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.

    12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

    13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

    14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

    17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

    21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge tothe officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

    27 “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

    31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. 32 But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

    33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to our ancestors,You must not break your oath, but you must keep your oaths to the Lord. 34 But I tell you, don’t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God’s throne;35 or by the earth, because it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.

    38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

    43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those whopersecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect,therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect

  • Is Easter Pagan?

    The following shareable slides about Easter were shared on Facebook by The Wandering Pilgrims. The research below was provided by Nick Campbell from Christ Is the Cure. Nicholas’s book, Holidays and the Feasts, can be purchased on Amazon.

  • For or Against ?

    For or Against ?

    “As creations of the Creator, we don’t get to make the rules; we simply have to decide whether we are for Him or against Him.”

    GotQuestions

    “What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30)?” By GotQuestions

    The following article was written entirely by GotQuestions.org and can be found here. For your convenience, Matthew 12 is shared below as well.

    “Matthew 12 is a pivotal chapter in the narrative of Jesus’ earthly ministry and one that includes Jesus’ notable statement that “he who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad” (Matthew 12:30, NKJV).

    Up to the point when Jesus says, “He who is not with Me is against Me,” He had been proclaiming the good news about the kingdom that He was offering, but in Matthew 12 He and His kingdom are rejected—particularly by the leaders of the nation. The situation comes to a head when Jesus heals a blind and mute man (Matthew 12:22). The crowds were in awe and were wondering whether He might be the Son of David, the Messiah (Matthew 12:23). The Pharisees, on the other hand, quickly rejected Jesus’ healing work as Messianic and instead asserted that Jesus had healed the man by demonic power (Matthew 12:24). Jesus challenged the absurdity of this critique and the failed logic of a divided kingdom and Satan fighting against Satan (Matthew 12:26–29). He then presented them with a dilemma, asking in whose power their sons cast out demons (Matthew 12:27). The point Jesus was making was that, if Jesus was casting out demons in the power of God, as He was claiming to do, then indeed the kingdom He was presenting had come because the King had come (Matthew 12:28).

    Jesus then took it one step further by saying that “he who is not with Me is against Me.” The people had to make a choice. Their Messiah had come, offering to them the prophesied and covenanted kingdom of the heavens (which was ultimately God’s kingdom in the heavens come to earth in fulfillment of God’s covenant to David, with the Messiah ruling on David’s throne in Jerusalem). Jesus was the Messiah, and He was presenting His kingdom to the people. They had to choose—if they were for Him, they would have to change their mind (repent) about how they could gain entrance into the kingdom (Matthew 4:17). They would have to recognize that they could only enter the kingdom by the internal spiritual righteousness Jesus described, and not by their external obedience to the Law of Moses (Matthew 5—7). The Pharisees and other leaders were deeply opposed to changing their minds about these things; they could not accept that He was the Messiah, lest they have to submit to what He was telling them. Their rebellion illustrated Jesus’ statement that “he who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30).

    Like the Pharisees of that era, we also have a choice to make about Jesus. Jesus famously asked the question of His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Each one of us has to answer that question for ourselves. Either we acknowledge that He is who He said He is—the Messiah—or we reject that and attribute His words and works to something other than the true ministry of our Creator, Messiah, Savior, and King. With this choice there is no third option. Jesus did not give His listeners the option of avoiding the choice. “He who is not with Me is against Me,” He said. And if we claim to be for Him, then we must come to Him as He prescribes and not as we might prefer. The Pharisees were open to God’s involvement in their lives and the lives of the nation of Israel, but only on their own terms. As creations of the Creator, we don’t get to make the rules; we simply have to decide whether we are for Him or against Him.”

    Matthew 12

    BibleGateway.com

    At that time Jesus passed through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick and eat some heads of grain. 2 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.”

    3 He said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry: 4 how he entered the house of God, and they ate the bread of the Presence—which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? 5 Or haven’t you read in the law that on Sabbath days the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? 6 I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 7 If you had known what this means, I desire mercy and not sacrifice, you would not have condemned the innocent. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”9 Moving on from there, he entered their synagogue. 10 There he saw a man who had a shriveled hand, and in order to accuse him they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11 He replied to them, “Who among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? 12 A person is worth far more than a sheep; so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.”13 Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and plotted against him, how they might kill him.15 Jesus was aware of this and withdrew. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them all. 16 He warned them not to make him known, 17 so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

    18 Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
    my beloved in whom I delight;
    I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
    19 He will not argue or shout,
    and no one will hear his voice in the streets.
    20 He will not break a bruised reed,
    and he will not put out a smoldering wick,
    until he has led justice to victory.
    21 The nations will put their hope in his name.

    22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and unable to speak was brought to him. He healed him, so that the man could both speak and see. 23 All the crowds were astounded and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” 24 When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man drives out demons only by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.”25 Knowing their thoughts, he told them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26 If Satandrives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27 And if I drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons drive them out? For this reason they will be your judges. 28 If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29 How can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house. 30 Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not gather with me scatters.31 Therefore, I tell you, people will be forgiven every sin and blasphemy, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.32 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the one to come.33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit will be good, or make the tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.34 Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. 35 A good person produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil person produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. 36 I tell you that on the day of judgmentpeople will have to account for every carelessword they speak. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”39 He answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at Jonah’s preaching; and look—something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the south will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and look—something greater than Solomon is here.43 “When an unclean spirit comes out of a person, it roams through waterless places looking for rest but doesn’t find any. 44 Then it says, ‘I’ll go back to my house that I came from.’ Returning, it finds the house vacant, swept, and put in order. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and settle down there. As a result, that person’s last condition is worse than the first. That’s how it will also be with this evil generation.”46 While he was still speaking with the crowds, his mother and brothers were standing outside wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Look, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”48 He replied to the one who was speaking to him, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?” 49 Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

  • How Can Christians Respond to the Problem of Evil?

    The following 3-minute video clip was produced by Summit Ministries, featuring former public school educator, now Christian apologist, author, and speaker, Mary Jo Sharp, gently proclaiming the reasons for the hope we have in the midst of so much heartbreak (1 Peter 3:15) in the world.

    3-minutes with apologist, Mary Jo Sharp

    2 Corinthians 1:3-5

    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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

    Isaiah 61:1-3

    The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to bring good news to the poor;
    he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
    to comfort all who mourn;
    to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
    to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
    the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
    the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
    that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.

    Romans 5

    Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

    6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

    12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

    15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

    18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.