Tag Archive: Prophecy


Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus Christ- Prophecy as Proof

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April 22, 2017

Jesus Christ: A Brief List of Fulfilled Old Testament Messianic Prophecies

PROPHECY AS PROOF

ALL of the prophecies below were made hundreds, some thousands, of years before Jesus Christ was born. Looking in the face of how He literally fulfilled them all (plus hundreds more), it is an impossibility that He is not Messiah, Savior of the world. The ONLY person… past, present or future… who could fulfill all these prophecies is Jesus Christ. 

In Isaiah 46, the Lord reminded the prophet, “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done…” Isaiah 46:9-10.

Jesus said to His disciples, clearly pointing back to what He had said to Isaiah several hundred years before, “Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, you may believe that I am.” John 13:19 (Remember, the “He” at the end of verse 19 is in italics, meaning it was not in the original. So Jesus was really saying the I AM, the One true God of the Old Testament, was the One who became flesh and was at that very moment speaking to the disciples.)

The 100% accurate and fulfilled prophecies throughout the Bible are THE great internal proof that it alone is God’s book to mankind. Regardless of what many of today’s popular preachers are touting, may we soberly seek to understand the importance of prophecy in God’s Word.

For an excellent audio teaching on prophecy as the great proof of God’s Word, go to: Bible Prophecy Proof Jesus is The Christ, Jewish Messiah, God in The Flesh – TheBereanCall.org (Dave Hunt)

Fulfilled Prophecy Tenakh/Hebrew Scripture New Testament
His pre-existence Micah 5:2 John 1:1, 14
Born of the seed of a woman Genesis 3:15 Matthew 1:18
Of the seed of Abraham Genesis 12:3 Matthew 1:1-16
All nations blessed by Abraham’s seed Genesis 12:3 Matthew 8:5, 10
God would provide Himself a Lamb as an offering Genesis 22:8 John 1:29
From the tribe of Judah Genesis 49:10 Matthew 1:1-3
Heir to the throne of David Isaiah 9:6-7 Matthew 1:1
Called “The mighty God, The everlasting Father” Isaiah 9:6 Matthew 1:23
Born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2 Matthew 2:1
Born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:18
His name called Immanuel, “God with us” Isaiah 7:14 Matthew 1:23
Declared to be the Son of God Psalm 2:7 Matthew 3:17
His messenger before Him in spirit of Elijah Malachi 4:5-6 Luke 1:17
Preceded by a messenger to prepare His way Malachi 3:1 Matthew 11:7-11
Messenger crying “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” Isaiah 40:3 Matthew 3:3
Would be a Prophet of the children of Israel Deuteronomy 18:15 Matthew 2:15
Called out of Egypt Hosea 11:1 Matthew 2:15
Slaughter of the children Jeremiah 31:15 Matthew2:18
Would be a Nazarene Judges 13:5; Amos 2:11;
Lam. 4:7		 Matthew 2:23
Brought light to Zabulon and Nephthalm, Galilee of the Gentiles Isaiah 9:1-2 Matthew 4:15
Presented with gifts Psalm 72:10 Matthew 2:1, 11
Rejected by His own Isaiah 53:3 Matthew 21:42; Mark 8:31, 12:10; Luke 9:22, 17:25
He is the stone which the builders rejected which became the headstone Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16 Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:7
A stone of stumbling to Israel Isaiah 8:14-15 I Peter 2:8
He entered Jerusalem as a king
riding on an ass		 Zechariah 9:9 Matthew 21:5
Betrayed by a friend Psalms 41:9 John 13:21
Sold for 30 pieces of silver Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 26:15; Luke 22:5
The 30 pieces of silver given for the potter’s field Zechariah 11:12 Matthew 27:9-10
The 30 pieces of silver thrown in the temple Zechariah 11:13 Matthew 27:5
Forsaken by His disciples Zechariah 13:7 Matthew 26:56
Accused by false witnesses Psalm 35:11 Matthew 26:60
Silent to accusations Isaiah 53:7 Matthew 27:14
Heal blind/deaf/lame/dumb Isaiah 35:5-6; Isaiah 29:18 Matthew 11:5
Preached to the poor/brokenhearted/captives Isaiah 61:1 Matthew 11:5
Came to bring a sword, not peace Micah 7:6 Matthew 10:34-35
He bore our sickness Isaiah 53:4 Matthew 8:16-17
Spat upon, smitten and scourged Isaiah 50:6, 53:5 Matthew 27:26, 30
Smitten on the cheek Micah 5:1 Matthew 27:30
Hated without a cause Psalm 35:19 Matthew 27:23
The sacrificial lamb Isaiah 53:5 John 1:29
Given for a covenant Isaiah 42:6; Jeremiah 31:31-34 Romans 11:27/Galatians 3:17, 4:24/Hebrews 8:6, 8, 10; 10:16, 29; 12:24; 13:20
Would not strive or cry Isaiah 42:2-3 Mark 7:36
People would hear not and see not Isaiah 6:9-10 Matthew 13:14-15
People trust in traditions of men Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:9
People give God lip service Isaiah 29:13 Matthew 15:8
God delights in Him Isaiah 42:1 Matthew 3:17, 17:5
Wounded for our sins Isaiah 53:5 John 6:51
He bore the sins of many Isaiah 53:10-12 Mark 10:45
Messiah not killed for Himself Daniel 9:26 Matthew 20:28
Gentiles flock to Him Isaiah 55:5, 60:3, 65:1; Malachi 1:11;
II Samuel 22:44-45; Psalm 2:7-8		 Matthew 8:10
Crucified with criminals Isaiah 53:12 Matthew 27:35
His body was pierced Zechariah 12:10; Ps. 22:16 John 20:25, 27
Thirsty during execution Psalm 22:15 John 19:28
Given vinegar and gall for thirst Psalm 69:21 Matthew 27:34
Soldiers gambled for his garment Psalm 22:18 Matthew 27:35
People mocked, “He trusted in God, let Him deliver him!” Psalm 22:7-8 Matthew 27:43
People sat there looking at Him Psalm 22:17 Matthew 27:36
Cried, “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?” Psalm 22:1 Matthew 27:46
Darkness over the land Amos 8:9 Matthew 27:45
No bones broken Psalm 34:20, Numbers 9:12 John 19:33-36
Side pierced Zechariah 12:10 John 19:34
Buried with the rich Isaiah 53:9 Matthew 27:57, 60
Resurrected from the dead Psalm 16:10-11; 49:15 Mark 16:6
Priest after the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4 Hebrews 5:5-6; 6:20; 7:15-17
Ascended to right hand of God Psalm 68:18 Luke 24:51
LORD said unto Him, “Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool Psalm 110:1 Matt 22:44; Mark 12:36;, 16:19; Luke 20:42-43; Acts 2:34-35; Hebrews 1:13
His coming glory Malachi 3:2-3 Luke 3:17

314 Messianic Prophecies

  1. Genesis 3:15…         He will bruise Satan’s head… Hebrews 2:14, 1 John 3:18
  2. Genesis 5:24…        The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated… Mark 6:19
  3. Genesis 9:26,27…    The God of Shem will be the Son of Shem… Luke 3:36
  4. Genesis 12:3…        As Abraham’s seed, will bless all nations… Acts 3:25,26
  5. Genesis 12:7…        The Promise made to Abraham’s Seed… Galatians 3:16
  6. Genesis 14:18…      A priest after Melchizedek…Hebrews 6:20
  7. Genesis 14:18…      A King also… Hebrews 7:2
  8. Genesis 14:18…      The Last Supper foreshadowed… Matthew 26:26-29
  9. Genesis 17:19…      The Seed of Isaac… Romans 9:7
  10. Genesis 22:8…        The Lamb of God promised… John 1:29
  11. Genesis 22:18…      As Isaac’s seed, will bless all nations…Galatians 3:16
  12. Genesis 26:2-5…      The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer… Hebrews 11:18
  13. Genesis 49:10…      The time of His coming… Luke 2:1-7; Galatians 4:4
  14. Genesis 49:10…       The Seed of Judah… Luke 3:33
  15. Genesis 49:10…       Called Shiloh or One Sent… John 17:3
  16. Genesis 49:10…       To come before Judah lost identity… John 11:47-52
  17. Genesis 49:10…       To Him shall the obedience of the people be… John 10:16
  18. Exodus 3:13,14…      The Great “I Am”… John 4:26
  19. Exodus 12:5…           A Lamb without blemish…1 Peter 1:19
  20. Exodus 12:13…         The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath… Romans 5:8
  21. Exodus 12:21-27…     Christ is our Passover… 1 Corinthians 5;7
  22. Exodus 12:46…          Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken… John 19:31-36
  23. Exodus15:2…            His exaltation predicted as Yeshua…Acts 7:55,56
  24. Exodus 15:11…          His Character-Holiness… Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27
  25. Exodus 17:6…           The Spiritual Rock of Israel… 1 Corinthians 10;4
  26. Exodus 33:19…         His Character-Merciful… Luke 1:72
  27. Leviticus 14:11…        The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood… Luke 5:12-14; Acts 6:7
  28. Leviticus 16:15-17…    Prefigures Christ’s once-for-all death… Hebrews 9:7-14
  29. Leviticus 16:27…        Suffering outside the Camp… Matthew 27:33; Hebrews 13:11, 12
  30. Leviticus 17:11…        The Blood-the life of the flesh… Matthew 26;28; Mark 10:45
  31. Leviticus 17:11…        It is the blood that makes atonement… 1 John 3:14-18
  32. Leviticus 23:36-37…   The Drink-offering: “If any man thirst.”… John 19:31-36
  33. Numbers 9:12…       Not a bone of Him broken… John 19:31-36
  34. Numbers 21:9…       The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up… John 3:14-18
  35. Numbers 24:17…      Time: “I shall see him, but not now.”… Galatians 4:4
  36. Deuteronomy 18:15…     “This is of a truth that prophet.”… John 6:14
  37. Deuteronomy 18:15-16… “Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me.”… John 5:45-47
  38. Deuteronomy 18:18…      Sent by the Father to speak His word… John 8:28, 29
  39. Deuteronomy 18:19…      Whoever will not hear must bear his sin… John 12:15,
  40. Deuteronomy 21:23…      Cursed is he that hangs on a tree… Galatians 3:10-13
  41. Ruth 4:4-9…        Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us… Ephesians 1:3-7
  42. 1 Samuel 2:10…      Shall be an anointed King to the Lord… Matthew 28:18; John 12:15
  43. 2 Samuel 7:12…      David’s Seed… Matthew. 1:1
  44. 2 Samuel 7:14a…    The Son of God… Luke 1:32
  45. 2 Samuel 7:16…        David’s house established forever… Luke 3:31; Revelation 22:16
  46. 2 Kings 2:11…             The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated… Luke 24:51
  47. 1 Chronicles 17:11…       David’s Seed… Matthew 1:1; 9:27
  48. 1 Chronicles 17:12, 13a… To reign on David’s throne forever… Luke 1:32, 33
  49. 1 Chronicles 17:13a…     “I will be His Father, He…my Son.”… Hebrews 1:5
  50. Job 19:23-27…               The Resurrection predicted… John 5:24-29
  51. Psalms 2:1-3…             The enmity of kings foreordained… Acts 4:25-28
  52. Psalms 2:2…             To own the title, Anointed (Christ)… Acts 2:36
  53. Psalms 2:6…              His Character-Holiness… John 8:46; Rev. 3:7
  54. Psalms 2:6…               To own the title King… Matthew 2:2
  55. Psalms 2:7…               Declared the Beloved Son… Matthew 3;17
  56. Psalms 2:7-8…         The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated… Acts 13:29-33
  57. Psalms 2:12…           Life comes through faith in Him… John 20:31
  58. Psalms 8:2…             The mouths of babes perfect His praise… Matthew 21:16
  59. Psalms 8:5-6…         His humiliation and exaltation… Luke 24:50-53; 1 Corinthians 15:27
  60. Psalms 16:10…          Was not to see corruption… Acts 2:31
  61. Psalms 16:9-11…       Was to arise from the dead… John 20:9
  62. Psalms 17;15…         The resurrection predicted… Luke 24:6
  63. Psalms 22:1…          Forsaken because of sins of others… 2 Corinthians 5:21
  64. Psalms 22:1…          Words spoken from Calvary, “My God…” Mark 15:34
  65. Psalms 22:2…          Darkness upon Calvary…Mt. 27:45
  66. Psalms 22:7…          They shoot out the lip and shake the head… Mt. 27:39
  67. Psalms 22:8...         “He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him”… Mt. 27:43
  68. Psalms 22:9…          Born the Saviour… Luke 2:7
  69. Psalms 22:14…        Died of a broken (ruptured) heart… John 19:34
  70. Psalms 22:14,15…    Suffered agony on Calvary… Mark 15:34-37
  71. Psalms 22:15…         He thirsted……..John 19:28
  72. Psalms 22:16…         They pierced His hands and His feet… John 19:34,37; 20:27
  73. Psalms 22:17-18…     Stripped Him before the stares of men… Luke 23:34,35
  74. Psalms 22:18…        They parted His garments… John 19:23,24
  75. Psalms 22:20,21…    He committed Himself to God… Luke 23:46
  76. Psalms 22:20,21…     Satanic power bruising the Redeemer’s heel… Hebrews 2:14
  77. Psalms 22:22…         His Resurrection declared… John 20:17
  78. Psalms 22:27…         He shall be the governor of the nations… Colossians 1:16
  79. Psalms 22:31…        “It is finished”… John 19:30
  80. Psalms 23:1….         “I am the Good Shepherd”… John 10:11
  81. Psalms 24:3…           His exaltation predicted… Acts 1:11; Philippians 2:9
  82. Psalms 30:3…          His resurrection predicted… Acts 2:32
  83. Psalms 31:5…         “Into thy hands I commit my spirit”… Luke 23:46
  84. Psalms 31:11…        His acquaintances fled from Him… Matthew 14:50
  85. Psalms 31:13…        They took counsel to put Him to death… John 11:53
  86. Psalms 31:14,15…    “He trusted in God, let Him deliver him”… Mathew 27:43
  87. Psalms 34:20…        Not a bone of Him broken… John 19:31-36
  88. Psalms 35:11…         False witnesses rose up against Him… Matthew 26:59
  89. Psalms 35:19…         He was hated without a cause… John 15:25
  90. Psalms 38:11…         His friends stood afar off… Luke 23:49
  91. Psalms 40:2-5…        The joy of His resurrection predicted… John 20:20
  92. Psalms 40:6-8…      His delight-the will of the Father… John 4:34
  93. Psalms 40:9…         He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel… Matthew 4:17
  94. Psalms 40:14…       Confronted by adversaries in the Garden… John 18:4-6
  95. Psalms 41:9…         Betrayed by a familiar friend… John 13:18
  96. Psalms 45:2…         Words of Grace come from His lips… Luke 4:22
  97. Psalms 45:6…         To own the title, God or Elohim… Hebrews1:8
  98. Psalms 45:7…         A special anointing by the Holy Spirit… Matthew 3:16; Hebrews1:9
  99. Psalms 45:7,8…      Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)… Luke 2:11
  100. Psalms 55:12-14…   Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy… John 13:18
  101. Psalms 55:15…       Unrepentant death of the Betrayer… Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:16-19
  102. Psalms 68:18…       To give gifts to men… Ephesians 4:7-16
  103. Psalms 68:18…       Ascended into Heaven… Luke 24:51
  104. Psalms 69:4…         Hated without a cause… John 15:25
  105. Psalms 69:8…         A stranger to own brethren… Luke 8;20,21
  106. Psalms 69:9…         Zealous for the Lord’s House… John 2:17
  107. Psalms 69:14-20…   Messiah’s anguish of soul before crucifixion… Matthew 26:36-45
  108. Psalms 69:20…       “My soul is exceeding sorrowful.”… Matthew 26:38
  109. Psalms 69:21…       Given vinegar in thirst… Matthew 27:34
  110. Psalms 69:26…       The Saviour given and smitten by God… John 17:4; 18:11
  111. Psalms 72:10,11…   Great persons were to visit Him… Matthew 2:1-11
  112. Psalms 72:16…       The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground… John 12:24
  113. Psalms 72:17…       His name, Yinon, will produce offspring… John. 1:12,13
  114. Psalms 72:17…       All nations shall be blessed by Him… Acts 2:11,12,41
  115. Psalms 78:1.2…       He would teach in parables… Matthew 13:34-35
  116. Psalms 78:2b…       To speak the Wisdom of God with authority… Matthew 7:29
  117. Psalms 88:8…         They stood afar off and watched… Luke 23:49
  118. Psalms 89:27…       Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings… Luke 1:32,33
  119. Psalms 89:35-37…    David’s Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever… Luke 1:32,33
  120. Psalms 89:36-37…    His character-Faithfulness… Revelation 1:5
  121. Psalms 90:2…          He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)… John 1:1
  122. Psalms 91:11,12…    Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ… Luke 4;10,11
  123. Psalms 97:9…          His exaltation predicted…Acts 1:11;Eph. 1:20
  124. Psalms 100:5…         His character-Goodness… Matthew 19:16,17
  125. Psalms 102:1-11…    The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary… John 21:16-30
  126. Psalms 102:25-27…   Messiah is the Preexistent Son… Hebrews 1:10-12
  127. Psalms 109:25…       Ridiculed… Matthew 27:39
  128. Psalms 110:1…        Son of David… Matthew 22:43
  129. Psalms 110:1…        To ascend to the right-hand of the Father… Mark16:19
  130. Psalms 110:1…        David’s son called Lord… Matthew 22:44,45
  131. Psalms 110:4…       A priest after Melchizedek’s order… Hebrews 6:20
  132. Psalms 112:4…        His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al… Matthew 9;36
  133. Psalms 118:17,18…  Messiah’s Resurrection assured… Luke 24:5-7;1 Corinthians 15:20
  134. Psalms 118:22,23…  The rejected stone is Head of the corner… Matthew 21:42,43
  135. Psalms 118:26a…     The Blessed One presented to Israel… Matthew 21:9
  136. Psalms 118:26b…     To come while Temple standing… Matthew 21;12-15
  137. Psalms 132:11…       The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)… Luke 1:32
  138. Psalms 138:1-6…      The supremacy of David’s Seed amazes kings… Matthew 2:2-6
  139. Psalms 147:3,6…      The earthly ministry of Christ described… Luke 4:18
  140. Psalms 1:23…          He will send the Spirit of God… John 16;7
  141. Song of Solomon 5;16…    The altogether lovely One… John 1:17
  142. Isaiah 6:1…            When Isaiah saw His glory… John 12:40-41
  143. Isaiah 6:9-10…        Parables fall on deaf ears… Matthew 13:13-15
  144. Isaiah 6:9-12…        Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words… Acts 28:23-29
  145. Isaiah 7:14…           To be born of a virgin… Luke 1:35
  146. Isaiah 7:14…           To be Emmanuel-God with us… Matthew 1:18-23
  147. Isaiah 8:8…             Called Emmanuel… Matthew 28:20
  148. Isaiah 8:14…           A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense… 1 Peter 2:8
  149. Isaiah 9:1-2…          His ministry to begin in Galilee… Matthew 4:12-17
  150. Isaiah 9:6…             A child born-Humanity… Luke 1:31
  151. Isaiah 9:6…             A Son given-Deity… Luke 1:32; John 1;14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  152. Isaiah 9:6…             Declared to be the Son of God with power… Romans 1:3,4
  153. Isaiah 9:6…             The Wonderful One, Peleh… Luke 4:22
  154. Isaiah 9:6…             The Counsellor, Yaatz… Matthew 13:54
  155. Isaiah 9:6…             The Mighty God, El Gibor… Matthew 11:20
  156. Isaiah 9:6…             The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth… John 8:58
  157. Isaiah 9:6…             The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom… John 16:33
  158. Isaiah 9:7…             To establish an everlasting kingdom… Luke 1:32-33
  159. Isaiah 9:7…             His Character-Just… John 5:30
  160. Isaiah 9:7…             No end to his Government, Throne, and Peace… Luke 1:32-33
  161. Isaiah 11:1…           Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer… Matthew 2:23
  162. Isaiah 11:1…           A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse… Luke 3:23,32
  163. Isaiah 11:2…           The anointed One by the Spirit… Matthew 3;16,17
  164. Isaiah 11:2…           His Character-Wisdom, Understanding, et al… John 4:4-26
  165. Isaiah 11:4…           His Character-Truth… John 14:6
  166. Isaiah 11:10…         The Gentiles seek Him… John 12:18-21
  167. Isaiah 12:2…           Called Jesus-Yeshua… Matthew 1:21
  168. Isaiah 25:8…           The Resurrection predicted… I Corinthians 15:54
  169. Isaiah 26:19…          His power of Resurrection predicted… John 11:43,44
  170. Isaiah 28:16…          The Messiah is the precious corner stone… Acts 4:11,12
  171. Isaiah 29:13…          He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word… Matthew 15:7-9
  172. Isaiah 29:14…          The wise are confounded by the Word…I Corinthians 1:18-31
  173. Isaiah32:2…            A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place… Matthew 23:37
  174. Isaiah 35:4…            He will come and save you… Matthew 1:21
  175. Isaiah 35:5…            To have a ministry of miracles… Matthew 11:4-6
  176. Isaiah 40:3-4…         Preceded by forerunner… John 1:23
  177. Isaiah40:9…           “Behold your God.”… John 1:36;19:14
  178. Isaiah 40:11…          A shepherd-compassionate life-giver… John 10:10-18
  179. Isaiah 42:1-4…         The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer… Matthew 12:18-21
  180. Isaiah 42:2…            Meek and lowly… Matthew 11:28-30
  181. Isaiah 42:3…            He brings hope for the hopeless… John 4
  182. Isaiah 42:4…            The nations shall wait on His teachings… John 12:20-26
  183. Isaiah 42:6…            The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles… Luke 2:32
  184. Isaiah 42:1,6…         His is a Worldwide compassion… Matthew 28:19,20
  185. Isaiah 42:7…            Blind eyes opened… John 9:25-38
  186. Isaiah 43:11…          He is the only Saviour… Acts. 4:12
  187. Isaiah 44:3…           He will send the Spirit of God… John 16:7,13
  188. Isaiah 45:23…         He will be the Judge… John 5:22;Rom. 14:11
  189. Isaiah 48:12…         The First and the Last…John 1:30;Rev. 1:8,17
  190. Isaiah 48:17…         He came as a Teacher…John 3:2
  191. Isaiah 49:1…           Called from the womb-His humanity… Matthew 1:18
  192. Isaiah 49:5…           A Servant from the womb… Luke 1:31;Phil. 2:7
  193. Isaiah 49:6…           He is Salvation for Israel… Luke 2:29-32
  194. Isaiah 49:6…           He is the Light of the Gentiles… Acts 13:47
  195. Isaiah 49:6…           He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth… Acts 15:7-18
  196. Isaiah 49:7…           He is despised of the Nation… John 8:48-49
  197. Isaiah 50:3…           Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation… Luke 23:44,45
  198. Isaiah 50:4…           He is a learned counsellor for the weary… Matthew 11:28,29
  199. Isaiah 50:5…           The Servant bound willingly to obedience… Matthew 26:39
  200. Isaiah 50:6a…         “I gave my back to the smiters.”… Matthew 27:26
  201. Isaiah 50:6b…         He was smitten on the cheeks… Matthew 26:67
  202. Isaiah 50:6c…         He was spat upon… Matthew 27:30
  203. Isaiah 52:7…          To publish good tidings of peace… Luke 4:14,15
  204. Isaiah 52:13…        The Servant exalted…Acts 1:8-11; Ephesians 1:19-22
  205. Isaiah 52:13…        Behold, My Servant… Mt. 17:5; Philippians 2:5-8
  206. Isaiah 52:14…        The Servant shockingly abused… Luke 18:31-34; Matthew 26:67,68
  207. Isaiah 52:15…        Nations startled by message of the Servant… Romans 15:18-21
  208. Isaiah 52:15…        His blood shed to make atonement for all… Revelation 1:5
  209. Isaiah 53:1…          His people would not believe Him… John 12:37-38
  210. Isaiah 53:2a…        He would grow up in a poor family…. Luke 2:7
  211. Isaiah 53:2b…        Appearance of an ordinary man… Philippians 2:7-8
  212. Isaiah 53:3a…        Despised…. Luke 4:28-29
  213. Isaiah 53:3b…        Rejected… Matthew 27:21-23
  214. Isaiah 53:3c…        Great sorrow and grief… Luke 19:41-42
  215. Isaiah 53:3d…        Men hide from being associated with Him… Mark 14:50-52
  216. Isaiah 53:4a…        He would have a healing ministry… Luke 6:17-19
  217. Isaiah 53:4b…        He would bear the sins of the world… 1 Peter 2:24
  218. Isaiah 53:4c…        Thought to be cursed by God… Matthew 27:41-43
  219. Isaiah 53:5a…        Bears penalty for mankind’s transgressions… Luke 23:33
  220. Isaiah 53:5b…        His sacrifice would provide peace between man and God… Colossians 1:20
  221. Isaiah 53:5c…        His back would be whipped… Matthew 27:26
  222. Isaiah 53:6a…        He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind…Galatians 1:4
  223. Isaiah 53:6b…        God’s will that He bear sin for all mankind… 1 John 4:10
  224. Isaiah 53:7a…        Oppressed and afflicted… Matthew 27:27-31
  225. Isaiah 53:7b…        Silent before his accusers… Matthew 27:12-14
  226. Isaiah 53:7c…        Sacrificial lamb… John 1:29
  227. Isaiah 53:8a…        Confined and persecuted… Matthew 26:47-27:31
  228. Isaiah 53:8b…        He would be judged… John 18:13-22
  229. Isaiah 53:8c…        Killed…. Matthew 27:35
  230. Isaiah 53:8d…        Dies for the sins of the world… 1 John 2:2
  231. Isaiah 53:9a…        Buried in a rich man’s grave… Matthew 27:57
  232. Isaiah 53:9b…        Innocent and had done no violence… Mark 15:3
  233. Isaiah 53:9c…        No deceit in his mouth… John 18:38
  234. Isaiah 53:10a…      God’s will that He die for mankind… John 18:11
  235. Isaiah 53:10b…      An offering for sin… Matthew 20:28
  236. Isaiah 53:10c…      Resurrected and live forever…. Mark 16:16
  237. Isaiah 53:10d…      He would prosper… John 17:1-5
  238. Isaiah 53:11a…      God fully satisfied with His suffering… John 12:27
  239. Isaiah 53:11b…      God’s servant… Romans 5:18-19
  240. Isaiah 53:11c…      He would justify man before God… Romans 5:8-9
  241. Isaiah 53:11d…      The sin-bearer for all mankind… Hebrews 9:28
  242. Isaiah 53:12a…      Exalted by God because of his sacrifice… Matthew 28:18
  243. Isaiah 53:12b…      He would give up his life to save mankind… Luke 23:46
  244. Isaiah 53:12c…      Grouped with criminals… Luke 23:32
  245. Isaiah 53:12d…      Sin-bearer for all mankind… 2 Corinthians 5:21
  246. Isaiah 53:12e…      Intercede to God in behalf of mankind… Luke 23:34
  247. Isaiah 55:3…          Resurrected by God… Acts 13:34
  248. Isaiah 55:4…          A witness… John 18:37
  249. Isaiah 59:15-16a…  He would come to provide salvation… John 6:40
  250. Isaiah 59:15-16b…  Intercessor between man and God… Matthew 10:32
  251. Isaiah 59:20…         He would come to Zion as their Redeemer… Luke 2:38
  252. Isaiah 61:1-2a…      The Spirit of God upon him… Matthew 3:16-17
  253. Isaiah 61:1-2b…      The Messiah would preach the good news… Luke 4:17-21
  254. Isaiah 61:1-2c…      Provide freedom from the bondage of sin and death… John 8:31-32
  255. Isaiah 61:1-2…        Proclaim a period of grace… John 5:24
  256. Jeremiah 23:5-6a…      Descendant of David…Luke 3:23-31
  257. Jeremiah 23:5-6b…     The Messiah would be God… John 13:13
  258. Jeremiah 23:5-6c…     The Messiah would be both God and Man… 1 Timothy 3:16
  259. Jeremiah 31:22…        Born of a virgin… Matthew 1:18-20
  260. Jeremiah 31:31…        The Messiah would be the new covenant… Matthew 26:28
  261. Jeremiah 33:14-15…    Descendant of David… Luke 3:23-31
  262. Ezekiel 17:22-24…    Descendant of David… Luke 3:23-31
  263. Ezekiel 34:23-24…    Descendant of David… Matthew 1:1
  264. Daniel 7:13-14a…   He would ascend into heaven… Acts 1:9-11
  265. Daniel 7:13-14b…   Highly exalted… Ephesians 1:20-22
  266. Daniel 7:13-14c…   His dominion would be everlasting… Luke 1:31-33
  267. Daniel 9:24a…       To make an end to sins… Galatians 1:3-5
  268. Daniel 9:24b…       He would be holy… Luke 1:35
  269. Daniel 9:25…         Announced to his people 483 years, to the exact day, after the decree to rebuild the city of Jerusalem… John 12:12-13
  270. Daniel 9:26a…     Killed… Matthew 27:35
  271. Daniel 9:26b…     Die for the sins of the world… Hebrews 2:9
  272. Daniel 9:26c…     Killed before the destruction of the temple… Matthew 27:50-51
  273. Daniel 10:5-6…    Messiah in a glorified state… Revelation 1:13-16
  274. Hosea 13:14…      He would defeat death… 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
  275. Joel 2:32…          Offer salvation to all mankind… Romans 10:12-13
  276. Micah 5:2a…        Born in Bethlehem… Matthew 2:1-2
  277. Micah 5:2b…         God’s servant… John 15:10
  278. Micah 5:2c…          From everlasting… John 8:58
  279. Haggai 2:6-9…        He would visit the second Temple… Lu. 2:27-32
  280. Haggai 2:23…          Descendant of Zerubbabel… Luke 3:23-27
  281. Zechariah 3:8…       God’s servant… John 17:4
  282. Zechariah 6:12-13…  Priest and King… Hebrews 8:1
  283. Zechariah 9:9a…      Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem… Matthew 21:8-10
  284. Zechariah 9:9b…      Beheld as King… John 12:12-13
  285. Zechariah 9:9c…      The Messiah would be just… John 5:30
  286. Zechariah 9:9d…      The Messiah would bring salvation… Luke 19:10
  287. Zechariah 9:9e…       The Messiah would be humble… Matthew 11:29
  288. Zechariah 9:9f…        Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey… Matthew 21:6-9
  289. Zechariah 10:4…        The cornerstone… Ephesians 2:20
  290. Zechariah 11:4-6a…    At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders… Matthew 23:1-4
  291. Zechariah 11:4-6b…    Rejection causes God to remove His protection… Luke 19:41-44
  292. Zechariah 11:4-6c…    Rejected in favor of another king… John 19:13-15
  293. Zechariah 11:7…         Ministry to “poor,” the believing remnant… Matthew 9:35-36
  294. Zechariah 11:8a…        Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them… Matthew 23:33
  295. Zechariah 11:8b…         Despised… Matthew 27:20
  296. Zechariah 11:9…           Stops ministering to the those who rejected Him… Matthew 13:10-11
  297. Zechariah 11:10-11a…    Rejection causes God to remove protection… Luke 19:41-44
  298. Zechariah 11:10-11b…   The Messiah would be God… John 14:7
  299. Zechariah 11:12-13a…   Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver… Matthew 26:14-15
  300. Zechariah 11:12-13b…   Rejected… Matthew 26:14-15
  301. Zechariah 11:12-13c…   Thirty pieces of silver thrown into the house of the Lord… Matthew 27:3-5
  302. Zechariah 11:12-13d…   The Messiah would be God… John 12:45
  303. Zechariah 12:10a…       The Messiah’s body would be pierced… John 19:34-37
  304. Zechariah 12:10b…       The Messiah would be both God and man… John 10:30
  305. Zechariah 12:10c…       The Messiah would be rejected… John 1:11
  306. Zechariah 13:7a…        God’s will He die for mankind… John 18:11
  307. Zechariah 13:7b…       A violent death… Matthew 27:35
  308. Zechariah 13:7c…       Both God and man… John 14:9
  309. Zechariah 13:7d…      Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him… Matthew 26:31-56
  310. Malachi 3:1a…          Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah… Matthew 11:10
  311. Malachi 3:1b…         Sudden appearance at the temple… Mark 11:15-16
  312. Malachi 3:1c…        Messenger of the new covenant… Luke 4:43
  313. Malachi 4:5…        Forerunner in the spirit of Elijah… Matthew 3:1-2
  314. Malachi 4:6…       Forerunner would turn many to righteousness… Luke 1:16-17
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CHRISTmas: Prophecy as Proof (Waiting and Watching)

Filed under: The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
December 24, 2016

God-Write-the-Bible“I have even from the beginning declared to you; before it came to pass I shewed it to you: lest you should say, My idol has done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, has commanded them.” Isaiah 48:5

“Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, you may believe that I am.” John 13:29

Jesus came exactly when He said He would.  He came in the “Fullness of time”, just at the right time.  Jesus, who is God, knows the end from the beginning and has told us the things that will happen before they happen so that when they happen, we will know that He truly is the Son of God.

God used prophets to give clues about the: who and what and where and when and why ,concerning the Messiah, the Chosen One, that people were to be using to look for Him.  People were to be looking for the Messiah, the Chosen One, that was to come and save them from their sins.  The prophets were given these clues to speak and write down hundreds and sometimes even thousands of years before Jesus was ever born on earth as a man, never stopping being God.

These clues or prophecies are what make the Bible separate or totally different than any other religious book or book written by people in the entire world.  God’s word is in a category all of its own.  That would make sense if there is only one God: one God, one book.  God’s clues, spoken by His prophets were to be searched and the people should have been longing for, wanting the Messiah to come.

This is what Christmas is all about!  God’s promise finally happened.  Emmanuel, God with us, was born into the world and was named Jesus which means “Jehovah or YHWH or I AM, is salvation.”  There is no other Savior than God Himself.  Christmas was God’s word, His promise, becoming flesh.  Jesus is the Word of God in the flesh.  Christmas is what proved that God’s promise really did happen and because this promise of Jesus happened along with many other prophecies given by God, we know we can trust Him in His word for those things that have not happened yet.

He came once and people were to be watching, and He promised that He would come again to bring His children to where the Father is, in heaven and then finally return for good as the ruling King over this earth.  Be watching.  Don’t be like those who didn’t watch for His first coming, but be paying attention, looking forward to the King who is coming again.

“I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold you hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the LORD: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isaiah 42:6-9 

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“Why We Believe” ~Major Ian Thomas

Filed under: Edifying Quotes, The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
June 1, 2015

Featured Image -- 2181“You see, there’s a historicity so far as God’s concerned about the future just like there’s a historicity so far as we’re concerned about the past. We look into the past and call it history. God looks into the future and calls it history because He’s timeless, the Eternal I AM. He inhabits eternity. The only difference from God’s point of view between the future and the past is that in the human experience it just hasn’t happened yet.”

“That’s why we don’t believe that Jesus came as He did, conceived by the Holy Ghost, born in Bethlehem because the Bible says He did. Nor that He lived that sinless life because the Bible said He did.  Nor that He went to the cross because the Bible says He did. Nor even that He rose again from the dead because the Bible said He did. Nor that He ascended from the Mount of Olives back to be with His Father in Heaven glorified forever because the Bible said He did. Nor even that He’d come as His other Person as the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost to share His Life with His redeemed people because the Bible said He did. We’ve got better grounds for believing it.“

“We don’t believe all these things because the Bible says He did. We believe them because the Bible said He would. ‘I’ve come to do Your will oh God. All the things that are written of Me in the volume of the Book.’ That’s the Old Testament, the only Bible that was available for years to the early church. You and I have a bonus. It’s called the New Testament and the New Testament simply says the Lord Jesus did what the Bible [Old Testament] said He would.”  ~Major Ian Thomas

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well that you take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

 

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Intentional Opportunities — (Resurrection Day Activities for the Whole Family)

Filed under: The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
April 18, 2014

Boy Reading the holy bible“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 

As parents and teachers, we have so many balls in the air at any given time, losing track of what’s most important can happen quickly. With all the business of our days, it’s easy to let too many opportunities slip by. With the eternal destinies of this next generation at stake, it’s this author’s opinion that we, as Christians, should not only make good use of the many teachable moments, but we should also be THE most intentional in actually making opportunities to biblically train those we’ve been entrusted with by the Lord.  Before entering their land, the Lord through Joshua commanded the priests to set up stones. Why? These stones would be used as an opportunity to generate discussion and training for the next generation of Israel. “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?” Joshua 4:6.  If the Lord can use stones to remind Israel’s children and fathers of His greatness and glory, how much more so His Word!

With this in mind and Resurrection Sunday literally right around the corner, there are several activity ideas included below that might serve as intentional and biblical teaching opportunities for years to come. Perhaps some of these family ideas could even replace those traditional “Easter” children’s activities, too many of which have really nothing to do with Resurrection Day.

1. Clue Hunt- Choose several key Resurrection prophecies, print them out, fold and place them in little plastic tupperware containers and hide them around the house or yard. Have children search for them, then put the verses in Bible book order. Later look them up and even find the New Testament fulfillment verses. Talk about why true clues (prophecies) are so important in trusting God’s Word.

The following link serves as a great resource containing many of Jesus’ Old Testament prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment — https://unityinthetruth.com/2017/04/22/old-testament-prophecies-of-jesus-christ-prophecy-as-proof/.

2. Find the Lamb- Purchase a small stuffed lamb or print a picture of a lamb. Look up several of the main Old Testament and New Testament verses referring to The Lamb. Starting on Palm Sunday, put the Lamb in different rooms of your house. Do not hide it. Remember, starting on what we call Palm Sunday (Nisan 10), the Jewish people were bringing lambs to Jerusalem to be observed until they were killed on the 14th. Jesus was coming not to hide, but to be observed and found sinless.Lamb on Rock

For each location you move the lamb, include one of the Lamb verses. Once someone finds the Lamb, he/she will get to read the verse at breakfast or dinner, then discuss it further as the Lord leads. (Some of the main “Lamb” verses in the Bible- John 1:36, Genesis 3:21( Possibly a lamb was killed to cloth Adam and Eve), Genesis 22:7-8, Exodus 12:5-6, Psalm 23:1-6, Isaiah 53:7, 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 5:11-13, Revelation 7:10, Revelation 12:11, Revelation 15:3, Revelation 19:9, Revelation 21:22-23,27, Revelation 22:3, John 3:16)

Also consider playing the following song- “You are My All in All“. It’s a great reminder of  Jesus being the Lamb of God and our All in All.

Author’s Note: When showing cartoon or live action movies portraying Bible accounts, please use wisdom and discernment. Many Bible movies claim to be about Jesus, however actors of Jesus are not Jesus. We do not know what Jesus looked like, plus He no longer looks like He did while He was here. We definitely don’t want to unintentionally put a false image in place of the true Jesus revealed to us by His Holy Spirit as we read His Word. Also, we must be careful to explain to children that there are always subjective dialog and events in Bible movies that are additions to Scripture in order to make a Bible account make sense as a film. Ultimately, make sure your children understand what is actually in God’s Word.

3. Set it Straight- Choose small sections of the last few weeks of Jesus’ life prior to His crucifixion. Print them out and cut each part, then put them in a bag. Shake the bag to mix them up and then dump out the verses. Have one person or a group put the events in order. Time each group to see how quickly they can do it.(Possible reference chapters to choose events from: Matthew 19-28, Mark 13-16, Luke 18-24, John 12, 18-21.)

4. Match ‘Em Up- To keep from getting lost we need to know our addresses. Print out several New Testament fulfillment verses and their addresses surrounding Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, betrayal, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection. See the link for Activity 1- Clue Hunt.  Print and then cut out each of the verses and addresses separately. Mix them up in a shoe box or bag. Work in groups to match up the verses and addresses. Time each person or group to see who can do it the fastest.

5. Focusing on Passover– Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was paralleled with the Jewish Passover. He entered Jerusalem on the same day as the lambs for Passover, Nisan 10. He was crucified on the same day as the sacrifices on Nisan 14. (For one audio article touching on some of this information, go to: Was Palm Sunday a Fulfillment of Prophecy?)

6. Greatest Prophecies! With older kids, take time to explore two of the Bible’s most amazing prophecies- Isaiah 53 and Daniel 9. To begin further study on these two chapters, go to- The Doctrine of Salvation in the Book of Isaiah and Daniel 9:25 Q & A

7. The Last Adam Video by: Answers in Genesis/The Creation Museum. This excellent 15 minute video focuses on Jesus being the Last Adam. It is definitely worth watching as a family.  It is both tastefully and biblically done. You may want to watch ahead of time to determine if it’s appropriate for your younger children.  Go to: The Last Adam video OldRuggedCross_B&W(15:00)

Interestingly, the children involved in these activities won’t be the only ones growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we, as adults, read through the Scriptures, prayerfully planning the activities in hopes of training young people, it is inevitable that we will grow as well.

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 


A couple other articles on biblical prophecy to encourage and bolster our own understanding: 

 

 

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“Christ Esteem or Esteeming Christ” (You Tube Video)

Filed under: Emergent, Truth — Leave a comment
June 11, 2013

This video, courtesy of  Once Lost Ministries, is based on a previous post entitled “Christ Esteem or Esteeming Christ“.  

 

Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26-27

 

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES: 

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Christ-Esteem or Esteeming Christ

Filed under: Emergent, Truth — 2 Comments
May 13, 2013

Bible Light Bulb ImageLovers of Self- A Sign of the End: We live in an era that is literally saturated with pop-psychological jargon.  From the news stands to the TV to America’s school curricula, Freudian, Jungian, Adlerian, etc. philosophies have inundated the human perspective at every turn. Although men have always been lovers of self, there has never been a time in history where the solution for all men’s ills has been so falsely sold as simply having high self-esteem.

Yes, worldly thinking will continue to get worse and worse, but having it flow so pervasively throughout the body of Christ is truly a sign of the last days!  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves… Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:1-2a. 3, 7

The Holy Spirit’s warning here isn’t for the world, but for the church and one of the men who has arguably most  infected the body of Christ with the false doctrine of self-esteem is Dr. James Dobson. Dobson has authored or coauthored 36 books and sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. The Focus on the Family radio broadcast reportedly reaches 200 millions listeners in 164 countries each day.  His grandfatherly demeanor perhaps gives the impression that his advice can only bring healing, but sadly the seeds of deceit planted by his worldly philosophies will continue producing unrighteous fruit until the Lord returns with His saints.

Dr. Dobson has unashamedly expressed innumerable times that the biggest problem in all humanity is low self-esteem. Therefore it would stand to reason that his number one solution for mankind is not the Gospel, but a good self-esteem.  In his book Hide or Seek he says,

  • “… whenever the keys to self-esteem are seemingly out of reach for a large percentage of the people, as in twentieth-century America, then widespread ‘mental illness,’ neuroticism, hatred, alcoholism, drug abuse, violence, and social disorder will certainly occur. Personal worth is not something human beings are free to take or leave. We must have it, and when it is unattainable, everybody suffers. … a sizable proportion of all human activity is devoted to the task of shielding us from the inner pain of inferiority. I believe this is to be the most dominant force in life” (Hide or Seek, pp. 20-21, 152). (Emphasis added.)

There are several excellent resources (posted below) on the subject of James Dobson and the problems with self-esteem.  The purpose of this post, however, is to expose a layer beneath this, examining a repackaged version of self-esteem that may be less easily detected.

Two Techniques: In every industry there are those talented enough to sell.  Whether it’s an idea or product, to get ahead in the business world, it is important that one understands the nature of sales. For some this comes quite naturally and for others it takes study and practice.  Two basic techniques of selling might be called “Problem/Solution” and “Repackaging”.  The first is what Dr. Dobson is famous for.  He presents the problem as being low self-esteem.  He does this by telling many stories, the kind that tug on your heart strings and before you know it your feelings end up trumping your intellect. You begin developing an emotional connection with the misinformation.  Given enough time, the listener also develops an atrophied ability to reason.  Then, after you are so emotionally invested, Dr. Dobson triumphantly declares the sole solution being a healthy self-esteem. Although this technique is worth an in depth examination, the second sales technique will be the focus for the remainder of this post.

“Repackaging” has been around since almost the beginning of time.  Satan repackaged the fruit of knowledge of good and evil as a product that would bring wisdom, not death.  After all, wisdom is a good, godly thing, right?  Yes, if it’s from the Creator.  Creation, however,can never bring men true, everlasting, and godly wisdom!  “Repackaging” can also be thought of as the Trojan Horse approach.  The whole purpose to this technique, of course, is to make whatever you’re selling seem more appealing to the person you’re selling it to.

When it comes to the idea of self-esteem, there’s most assuredly been a “repackaging” over the last several decades in hopes of making it more palatable, even to  many fundamental Christians.  The history of this modern day “repackaging” really goes back to Norman Vincent Peale and Robert Schuller. (For more, see The Berean Call’s newsletter articles “Toward the Prize” and “Psychology in Prophecy”)

Too many of today’s professing Bible teachers have continued offering millions of followers this destructive fruit as the ultimate form of wisdom, carefully keeping their teachings hidden in biblical jargon.  They talk of Jesus and godliness, yet carefully woven into their messages is the idea that Christ has come to heal us of all our negative self-concepts, that Christ has come to bring about a “healthy” self-esteem within us.  They say, “Let’s focus on Jesus”, but too often Jesus is not their ultimate goal. What many of them really mean to say is, “Let’s focus on Jesus so we can finally feel good about ourselves.”  To illustrate this better, consider this brief illustration.

  • A boy goes to school sad because he’s picked on every day and never first in line.  He’s never chosen first to be on anyone’s team at recess and at lunch he has trouble finding a place to sit.  He comes home every day feeling bad because he just isn’t popular at school.  Then one day the boy discovers a beautiful rock as he explores his backyard, a rock like no other.  It’s full of colors. Parts are shiny while other sections are clear.  When held up to the light the rock shimmers and glistens, sending the sun’s rays bouncing in every direction.  He decides to bring it to school for show and tell and immediately everyone wants to see the rock.  Suddenly the boy is the most popular kid in school.  Everyone wants to be his friend.  Then one day he loses the rock.  He looks everywhere, but can’t find it.  He reluctantly goes to school, but once the other kids find out he no longer has the rock, the boy goes back to being ordinary and quickly loses his popularity.  His sadness comes knocking and he’s quick to let it in.  A few weeks later, the boy begins digging, but this time not in the dirt, but in his Bible.  He finds another Rock, but this time it is Christ.  He finds the Savior and calls out to Jesus, asking Him to forgive his selfishness, to forgive his sinfulness against the Creator.  The boy gladly receives God’s full and free pardon and adoption into God’s family.  As the boy begins searching and studying the Word, he quickly realizes that his selfish pursuits were simply that, selfish.  He finds Galatians 2:20, Luke 9:23, and Luke 14:26 and soon begins to understand that life is not about feeling good about himself, but simply turning from self to God, serving Jesus, not the flesh.

In this little story, the boy first used a rock to make him feel good about himself. Then he found the true Rock, Jesus Christ, who taught him that Jesus isn’t here to make him feel good about himself, rather to free him from self so that he could finally begin learning about the God who is eternally good.  This story sums up what much of Christianity has become.

You see, too often the popular teachings of self-esteem have been carefully repacked to appear biblical so they will more readily be acceptable to those in the church.  For example, people will say that Jesus came to make us feel good about ourselves.  Another goes something like this, “Once Jesus is in your life, you can now have a healthy self-image, realizing how worth it you are. After all Jesus died for you.  He paid the ultimate price proving how valuable you are.”

On her website, in a section entitled Everyday Answers, Joyce Meyer says, “We all need to accept ourselves, embrace our personalities and even our imperfections, knowing that although we are not where we need to be, we are making progress. Jesus died for us because we have weaknesses and imperfections, and we don’t have to reject ourselves because of them. God wants us to love ourselves and enjoy how He’s made us!” (Emphasis added.)

Rick Warren, arguably today’s most popular teacher of self wrapped in Christian garb, has for years focused on having a good self image.  An interesting side note: Rick Warren was trained for years at Robert Schuller’s Institute at The Crystal Cathedral.  A quote from Pastor Warren’s Daily Hope devotional posted May 12, 2013, says,  “For years psychologists have told us that our self-esteem comes from what you think the most important person in your life thinks about you. Make Jesus the most important person in your life, and it’ll change everything. God’s Word says you’re lovable (John 3:16), capable (2 Peter 1:3), valuable (Luke 12:6), forgivable (Psalm 103:12), and usable (Ephesians 4:12). Let that tape become the soundtrack of your life, and you will never be the same.”

Jesus dying on the cross doesn’t prove my worth, rather the price of my sin.  Yes, He paid it all, but it’s not like Jesus went to Jostens Jewelry to buy a diamond ring.  It’s more suitable and biblical to say He went to the judge to pay off in full mankind’s penalty, a fine that was infinite in cost.  Such a high-priced penalty doesn’t denote value, but the extent and severity of my crime.  His death reveals the extent of my sinfulness and the depth of His love.  Jesus didn’t die for creatures that were worth something, but for creatures that were so not worth it!  I don’t deserve His forgiveness, nor does God somehow see a diamond in the rough, some glimmer of hope.  I am hopeless and rebellious to the core.  God’s love  is not based on me, rather solely upon His own infinite character!  After all God is love.  In other words, it is the love God is that motivates His actions, not my loveliness!

Christ-Esteem: In recent years, the phrase “Christ-esteem” has begun circulating the pulpit as a way of replacing self-esteem.  And while I agree that our focus must be on Christ, it seems to this believer that the phrase “Christ-Esteem” still lends a bit of credibility to today’s psychologized Christianity, saying we must focus on Christ in hopes of realizing how lovely we really are.  Loved, yes!  Lovely, no!   Paul said it this way, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwells no good thing…” Romans 7:18.  The only good in me is Christ!  He is my hope of glory.  Being that we’re in such a psychologically defined society, it’s every believer’s responsibility to be extra cautious in the language chosen when teaching the truth of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Esteeming Christ:  Instead of saying I have Christ-esteem, I’d rather declare that I esteem Christ.  Webster’s online dictionary defines Esteem as “to set a high value on : regard highly and prize accordingly.”  Jesus is not simply in my life. He is my Life!  Jesus does not simply enter my heart and mind to make me a better man.  He comes to transform and renew me into His image, living His Life in me and through me.  John the baptist said it best, “[Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30.  He should be my all in all! Clearly, my highest aim is not to esteem self, but to esteem Christ and Christ alone.  My pursuit to do so should be pure and careful.  It should be thoughtful and bold.

Our love for Christ should go beyond all men’s opinions and teaching, no matter how popular and kind the man may be.  God is not a respecter of persons, nor should His children.  Using the phrase “Christ-esteem” might be a little thing, but again, due to the psychologically redefined language flooding our world today, I choose to speak clearly and carefully, not desiring to confuse the Gospel to its hearers.  Reflecting the heart of every sinner, Isaiah wrote, “He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”  Isaiah 53:3.  As an enemy of God, I esteemed Him not.  As a blood-bought sinner, I can truly and whole heartily declare my sole desire is to esteem Jesus Christ above all!

“[May] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:17-23

For the You Tube video discussing this article, go to: “Christ Esteem or Esteeming Christ”.

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Prophecy is THE Proof!

Filed under: Emergent, The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
March 30, 2013

magnifying-glassProphecy is THE Proof! 

Did you know the probability of Jesus fulfilling even eight prophecies would be 1 in 1017.

That’s 1 in 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000.

If you made that many silver dollars there would be enough coins to cover the face of the entire state of Texas two feet deep. To make some sense of such huge odds, say say we marked one of those dollar coins and then blindfolded a man, sending him out of Dallas by foot in any direction.  The odds of  him being able, on his very first attempt, to pick up one specifically marked silver dollar out of 100, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 is 1 in 1017.  

Now consider that Jesus didn’t fulfill only 8, but a few hundred prophecies!  We truly serve an awesome God! 

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Carefully consider the prophecies centering on Jesus’ death and resurrection with a humble heart. Set aside all your preconceived notions for a moment and think about actual proof.  Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, not a church or the traditions of men.  

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The Jews at the time of Jesus’ birth were under the domination of the repressive Romans and were looking for a Messiah to deliver them from the hands of the occupying forces. They were looking for a man of war to lead them in an uprising. They totally overlooked the prophecies in the Old Testament that the Messiah would be ‘a man of sorrows, despised and rejected of men’. Many are still waiting for their Messiah to come.

Rejected by Jews and rulers

Matthew 21:42
“Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures:

The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the LORD’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’?”

Psalm 118:22
“The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord’s doing;
It is marvelous in our eyes.
Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures:

The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone.
This was the Lord’s doing,
And it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?”

Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver by one of his disciples

Zechariah 11:12
“Then I said to them, ‘If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain.’ So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver.”

Matthew 26:14-15
“Then one of the Twelve–the one called Judas Iscariot–went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.”

Psalm 55:12-13
“For it is not an enemy who reproaches me;
Then I could bear it.
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me;
Then I could hide from him.
But it was you, a man my equal,
My companion and my acquaintance.
We took sweet counsel together,
And walked to the house of God in the throng.”

Matthew 26:47-50
“And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people.

Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.’

Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him. But Jesus said to him, ‘Friend, why have you come?’ Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him.”

Thirty pieces of silver used to buy the Potters field

Zechariah 11:13
“And the LORD said to me, ‘Throw it to the potter’—that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter.”

Matthew 27:6–8
“But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.’ And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day.”

Silent before His accusers

Isaiah 53:7
“He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.”

Matthew 27:12–14
“And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, ‘Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?’ But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.”

Mocked by His accusers

Psalm 22:7-8
“All those who see Me ridicule Me;
They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him;
Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

Matthew 27:27–29
“Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’”

Beaten and spat upon

Micah 5:1
“Marshal your troops, O city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod.”

Isaiah 50:6
“I gave My back to those who struck Me,
And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard;
I did not hide My face from shame and spitting.”

Mark 15:19
“Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him.”

Matthew 27:30-31
“Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.”

Scourged

Isaiah 53:5
“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.”

Matthew 27:26
“Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.”

Piercing of His hands and feet

Psalm 22:16
“For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet;”

Matthew 27:31
“And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.”

Crucified with thieves

Isaiah 53:12
“Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.”

Mark 15:27–28
“With Him they also crucified two robbers, one on His right and the other on His left. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors’.”

Prayed for His persecutors

Isaiah 53:12
“And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.”

Psalms 109:4
“In return for my love they act as my accusers; but I am in prayer.”

Luke 23:34
“But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.”

His side was pierced

Zechariah 12:10
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”

John 19:34
“But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.”

Given gall and vinegar to drink

Psalm 69:21
“They also gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”

John 19:28-29
“After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

Suffered no broken bones

Psalm 34:20
“He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.”

John 19:32-33, 36
“Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, ‘Not one of His bones shall be broken’.”

Lots cast for his garments

Psalm 22:18
“They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

John 19:23-24
“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,’ that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:

They divided My garments among them,And for My clothing they cast lots.Therefore the soldiers did these things.”

Buried in a rich man’s tomb

Isaiah 53:9
“And they made His grave with the wicked
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.”

Matthew 27:57-60
“Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.”

Rose from the dead

Psalm 16:10
“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Isaiah 53:8, 11
“By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.”

Psalms 30:3
“O LORD, Thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol; Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.”

Psalms 49:15
“But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol; for He will receive me. Selah.”

Matthew 28:2, 5-9
“And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.’

And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.”

Mark 16:6-7
“And he said to them, ‘Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter, `He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you’.”

Acts 2:31
“He, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.”

Ascended into Heaven and sits on the right hand of the Father

Psalm 68:18
“You have ascended on high,
You have led captivity captive;
You have received gifts among men,
Even from the rebellious,
That the LORD God might dwell there.”

Psalms 110:1
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet’.”

1 Corinthians 15:4
“And that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Ephesians 4:8
“Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.”

Acts 1:9
”Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.”

(All scriptures on this page are from the NKJ version.)”

(The actual prophecies section was originally from http://www.praise-and-worship.com/Jesus-death.html.

Note: I have not personally explored their entire site.  As always, read with biblical discernment.)

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“The Bethlehem Connection”

Filed under: The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
December 22, 2012

star-of-bethlehem1

“When Jesus was born in the little hamlet of Bethlehem of Judea, as Scripture foretold, God again directly intervened in human affairs to undertake a mission worthy only of Him. Revered Bible teacher Major Ian Thomas often expressed it this way: “God invaded humanity.”

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me to One to be Ruler in Israel whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. (Micah 5:2)

Often buried beneath the trappings of the Christmas season is the monumental fact that the coming of Christ and subsequent birth of the church would alter this planet’s future and transform the lives of untold millions.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us'” (Mt. 1:23).

“To fallen humanity, the church is an inconvenient contradiction to every godless thing it desires. Thus, from the beginning, hostile forces have tried to annihilate Christians, their God-loving culture, and the faith. Over more than 2,000 years, the conflict accelerated in stages until we now find ourselves in what has all the markings of a final push to finish the crusade to wipe out the faith—the same faith that has brought stability, truth, justice, social order, morality, and a sanctity of life previously unknown in history.”

“Many say we now live in a “post-Christian society.” Perhaps that popular phrase most clearly delineates the endgame of the anti-God campaign controlled by moral renegades who increasingly impose their will on those too spiritually emaciated to resist.”

“But in the midst of what may seem a hopelessly deteriorating situation, the fact remains we are not left alone to suffer the unpleasant consequences of an era ending in a tearful whimper. With Hanukkah and Christmas, we remember God is well, “He knows those who trust in Him” (Nah. 1:7), and He is able to come to our aid and bring matters to a [godly] conclusion.”

“Our confidence is in Jehovah, who steps in to take control. God has not left the arena. The last page of Earth’s history has yet to be turned, and we rest in the competence of a God who will perform what He has promised.”

“God articulates, history confirms. Our Lord speaks, and debate ceases. His Word is immutable fact, and history is the record of how He executed His Word.”  By Elwood McQuaid (Consulting editor for The Friends of Israel)

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