Archive for March, 2019
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12, ESV
Temptations, persecution, mocking, and struggles and worries will come our way. If we trust God and hold firm, they may not touch us, or they will bring us to Him all the quicker. Either way, they will not stop us!
One thing I have asked from the Lord , that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord And to meditate in His temple.
Psalm 27:4, NASB
Our passion in life should be to see God enthroned in majesty. That only will happen when we get to hear “Well done.”
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 will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NASB
God does allow us to go through pain and problems so that we are able to share the comfort He has given us with others.
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13, NASB
Temptation will come as long as you live. It is not new nor unexpected. Trust in the Holy Spirit and choose to avoid sin and reject the temptation.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Psalm 139:23-24, NASB
Seek God, but know that He knows everything about you. He will reveal every sin and imperfection, but it is to help you trust and rely on Him as He makes you like Jesus.
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,
Psalm 119:2, ESV
True happiness is found in knowing and obeying God and His Word. Make this your driving passion in life. All else is secondary.
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:11, NASB
God will do all He has promised, the ultimate goal being the redemption of the Saints to the glory and praise of His Name. (And not necessarily our comfort in this life.)
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; When shall I come and appear before God?
Psalm 42:2, NASB
Our driving passion in life should be seeking out God and His righteousness. We should long to be with His Church and worship together as we await Christ’s return.
People ask if the the Bible is reliable, that it can be trusted as authentic and historical. (See the video on YouTube by clicking this sentence.)
There are a few items that prove the historicity and reliability of the Bible.
To begin with, in the last 20 years alone, several archaeological discoveries have been made confirming the existence of Kings David and Solomon, as well as much of ancient Israel from Biblical times, including NT times.
One of the greatest discoveries was the Dead Sea Scrolls, collections of biblical manuscripts dating from before the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and even before the time of Christ. These scrolls contained much of the Hebrew Bible, confirming that existed it before Jesus’ time. This is important, because it means the prophecies of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection existed prior.
What about the New Testament?
First, if we want to discuss numbers of manuscripts, as a whole there are about 24,000 of the New Testament, and the four Gospels alone have nearly 6,000 copies from early on, possibly as early as late first century or early second century. This is within 100 years of Jesus’ and the Apostles’ lives. Even further, we know the majority of the gospels were written before 70 due to Paul – who was killed by 64 – quoted Luke 10:7 in 1 Timothy 5:18. By contrast, the next closest ancient document is Homer’s “The Iliad” with 643 manuscripts from over 500 years after Homer lived.
This should be enough to convince anyone, but just in case, the ultimate proof is that Jesus corroborated much of the OT and said His testimony is true. His proof was that He predicted His own death and resurrection (See Luke 20-22), adding validity to His claims by being crucified and rising again.
Therefore, as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15, “For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (vv. 16-20)
In other words, the resurrection proves the Bible is true (by backing up Jesus’ claims). (See also the series beginning with this post.)
Wanna debate, challenge, or question what was said here? Leave a comment below or send us an e-mail at Together@asimplemanofgod.com.
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord , “Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
Joel 2:12 NASB
God is offended by our sin and pride, and we should be, too. He calls to change – our thinking and actions – and seek Him. By the power Jesus’ sacrifice and through the working of the Holy Spirit, He helps us and redeems us.
a simple man of God 