Monthly Archives: May 2010

What You Think of Me …

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“Even my close friend, whom I trusted, he who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.”1

A Daily Encounter reader writes, “I am currently experiencing discouragement from a friend caused by their criticism of me. In my case I wonder if some friends are too afraid of us surpassing them in some area and their being left behind. Sad, but it makes me want to pray more for my ‘discouragers’ so that they may find our Lord faithful to supply all of their wants, needs, and desires as well. After all, discouraging us doesn’t make them more successful, significant or victorious—rather, quite the opposite.”

It is true in that whenever someone rises head and shoulders above his fellow man, he quickly becomes the target for the jabs and jibes of jealous lesser men.

Criticism can be very painful especially when it comes from those who are closest to us. In the long run, however, it does much more harm to the one criticizing than it does to the one being criticized. Furthermore, criticism only destroys us if we allow it to.

If we are being criticized and the criticism is valid, we need to be big enough to accept the criticism and make necessary changes to correct where we have been wrong.

On the other hand, if the criticism is unjust, we need to realize (though easier said than done) that the more secure we become within ourselves, the less others’ criticism will bother us. In such cases I like what another has said, “What you think of me is none of my business.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to be big enough to accept all criticism, evaluate it honestly, admit where I am wrong, and make changes where such is necessary. Where criticism is unjust, help me to brush it off and pray for my critic. And please deliver me from having a negative, critical attitude. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Psalm 41:9 (NIV).

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Label Me and You Negate Me

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“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”1

Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

True, we could call a rose by any other name and that wouldn’t change its characteristics. We would just get to know it by whatever name we called it, and it would still live up to its name.

Names are significant in that they describe what an object is and what its characteristics are. They also identify places, people, positions, and processes—as well as innumerable other things.

The early followers of Jesus Christ were first known as Christ-ones and soon were named Christians. Thus, a true Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.

But when it comes to name-calling, or labeling, that’s a different issue. As another has said, “If you label me, you negate me.” This is especially true if the label is a negative one.

For example, if you label a politician as either a rank liberal or a rightwing conservative, you will automatically negate him/her to those who hold the opposite position. This is destructive when used falsely and maliciously as a political ploy seeking to destroy the reputation of a particular politician who happens to be opposed to your point of view. Or if you take a stand against abortion, homosexuality, or gay marriage, you will immediately be labeled by many as being a narrow-minded, behind-the-times, politically incorrect ultra-rightwing bigot.

Because I include psychology in some of my writings, my writings have been labeled of the devil by at least one person who claimed that psychology was of the devil. I have also been labeled by some as a psycho-babbler. And, if I am so labeled to others, this will negate me and my ministry to some. Actually, as theology applies to the understanding of God, psychology applies to the understanding of the human mind and personality. This makes Jesus both the Master Theologian and the Master Psychologist par excellence.

While we don’t want to close our eyes to evildoers, the important thing is that we don’t maliciously label others and use such labeling as a form of destructive gossip. For if you label me with a false, negative label, and I do the same to you, we negate each other and in so doing can seriously hurt each other’s good name.

Trying to take back such labeling and gossip is like trying to un-ring a bell.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please deliver me from the sin of gossip by falsely labeling another in an attempt to destroy their good name. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Proverbs 22:1 (NIV).

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Is Jesus the Son of God? Part III

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Continued from Wednesday

“‘But what about you?’ he [Jesus Christ] asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”9

Today we share more evidence to verify the reality of Jesus Christ as being the Son of God and Savior of the world.

For example, six hundred years prior to Christ’s coming Daniel predicted when it would be. One hundred years later Zechariah told how Christ would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey; how he would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver; and how this money would be used to buy a potter’s field.10

All these predictions about Christ and many more—written hundreds of years before his coming—were fulfilled in detail, giving evidence to show that Jesus Christ was indeed God’s promised Messiah—the Savior of the world.

When Jesus came, he asked his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”11

This is the crucial question that each of us needs to answer. If Christ is who he claims to be, then our response to this question will determine our relationship to God for all eternity.

One thing we cannot do is accept Christ as a great moral teacher but not as God. As C.S. Lewis, a former professor at Cambridge and Oxford wrote, “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else would be the devil of hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool; you can spit at him and kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”12

Jesus himself said, “He who is not with me is against me.”13 That is, unless we act on our belief and make a commitment to follow Christ in our everyday life, we are automatically against him.

However, if you do believe Jesus is the Son of God, you can commit your life to him through a simple prayer. Tell Christ that you believe he is the Son of God who died for your sins, and that you would like to become one of his true followers starting today.

To assist you in doing this, click on the “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” link below.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you that your Word clearly shows that Jesus is your Son, and that history has verified that all the prophecies in your Word also confirm that Jesus is your Son, the only way to you, and the only Savior of the world. This I believe. Thank you for showing me the way and thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

To verify that you know God who knows you, be sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian

9. Matthew 16:15-16.
10. Daniel 9:25-26; Zechariah 9:9-10 and 11:12.
11. Matthew 16:15-16 (NIV).
12. Cited on Christian Odyssey website at: http://www.christianodyssey.com/history/lewis.htm. 13. Luke 11:23 (NIV).

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Is Jesus the Son of God? Part II

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Continued from Tuesday…

“From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”2

Yesterday we mentioned how Lew Wallace, a distinguished general and literary genius, and Robert Ingersoll, a notable skeptic, agreed to write a book that would prove Christianity to be a myth. However, their research convinced them otherwise and they came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was who he claimed to be—the Son of God and Savior of the world.

A similar thing happened to one of today’s leading Christian authors and spokesmen, Josh McDowell. His outstanding book that supports Christianity, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, began as his attempt to deny Christianity.

Jesus Christ, however, is not the only religious leader who claimed to be God, but he is the only one who ever convinced a great portion of the world that he is. He is also the only leader who ever claimed that he would rise from death.3

According to historical evidence, he did. He was seen by the women who visited his tomb and found it empty, by the disciples, and by more than 500 other witnesses.4

Christ’s resurrection was also recorded by Josephus, the Jewish historian, in his Antiquities. Josephus was a Jew writing to satisfy the Romans, so his report of Christ’s resurrection wouldn’t have pleased the Romans at all. He would not have included it had he not believed it to be true.

Further evidence to support the deity of Christ is seen in the more than 300 prophecies concerning him and his life that are found in the Bible and were written centuries before his birth.

For instance, 700 years before Christ was born in Bethlehem, Micah wrote, “But you, Bethlehem…though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”5

A thousand years before Christ’s death David predicted how he would die. “They have pierced my hands and my feet,” he wrote.6 This happened at Christ’s crucifixion.

This is even more remarkable when considering that, in David’s time, death by crucifixion was unknown. This inhuman, torturous death was first used by the Persians centuries later.

David also predicted that Christ would be betrayed by a friend, that people would “throw dice” for his clothes, and that he would die with criminals.7 He also predicted the dying Savior’s cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”8 All of these predictions came true.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for all the prophecies in the Old Testament section of the Bible regarding the promised Messiah (Jesus Christ), and that all of these have been fulfilled in minutest detail. Please open the eyes of my understanding so that I will know the truth about you, the truth about your Word, the Bible, and the truth about your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

To be continued …

2. Matthew 16:21 (NIV). 3. Matthew 16:21. 4. Luke 24:13-43; 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. 5. Micah 5:2, (NIV). 6. Psalm 22:16, (NIV). 7. Psalm 41:9; 22:18. 8. Psalm 22:1 (NIV).

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Is Jesus the Son of God? Part I

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Jesus said, “I and the Father [God] are one.”1

Almost 2,000 years ago when Caesar Augustus was ruling the vast Roman Empire, Jesus Christ was born in Palestine in very humble circumstances. Until he was 30 he was virtually unknown apart from his immediate family and friends.

However, during a brief three-year public ministry, his impact was such that it changed the world—including the change of our calendar from B.C. to A.D.

H.G. Wells, the famous historian, once said about Christ: “I am not a believer. But I must confess, as an historian, this penniless creature from Galilee is irresistibly the center of history.”

No other person ever made the stupendous claims that Jesus did. He claimed to be the Son of God, the promised Jewish Messiah, and the only way to God for all mankind. He claimed to have power to forgive sins and to give people eternal life. Above all, he claimed to be God, saying, “I and the Father [God] are one.”1

Socrates once said, “Oh, that someone would arise, man or God, to show us God.” Four hundred years later Christ came and claimed to be that person.

But was Jesus Christ the Son of God? If not, he would have been the greatest impostor who ever lived!

Lew Wallace, a distinguished general and literary genius, and Robert Ingersoll, a notable skeptic, agreed to write a book that would prove Christianity to be a myth.

After two years of research, however, in some of the leading libraries of Europe and America in preparation for writing this book, Mr. Wallace had a transformation of attitude. He was only up to the second chapter when he fell to his knees and prayed, “My Lord and my God.”

After studying the evidence, Wallace became convinced of the deity of Jesus Christ. He then wrote Ben Hur, one of the greatest novels ever written about the times of Christ. Later, Robert Ingersoll had this to say: “In using my speeches do not use any assault I may have made on Christ, which I foolishly made in my early life.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please reveal to me the truth about Jesus Christ so that I can know without any shadow of a doubt whether he is your Son and the Savior of the world or not. And please show me the way to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

To be continued …

1. John 10:30, (NIV).

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I Am the Way

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“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”1

Stanley Jones tells of a missionary who got lost in an African jungle, nothing around him but bush and a few cleared places. He found a native hut and asked the native if he could get him out. The native said he could.

“All right,” said the missionary, “show me the way.”

The native said, “Walk,” so they walked and hacked their way through unmarked jungle for more than an hour.

The missionary got worried. “Are you quite sure this is the way? Where is the path?”

The native said, “Bwana, in this place there is no path. I am the path.”2

When it comes to finding the way to God, there are various religions in the world today all claiming to have a corner on the truth and to be “the path” to God.

There are also vast numbers of people who believe that the way to God and the path to Heaven are through good works. Or at least, they reason (as I did in youthful days), “If I do more good things than I do bad things, my good deeds will outweigh my bad deeds, and that will get me into Heaven.” According to God’s Word, the Bible, this belief is also doomed for failure. As the Bible says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”3

It is true that Christianity makes the claim that it is the ONLY path or way to God and to God’s Heaven. Again, the Bible says: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name [other than Jesus Christ] under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”4

The question we need to ask is this: “Is Jesus Christ the Son of God and the Savior of the World?” If he is and his Word is truth, then he is the only way to God and to Heaven. If he is not the Son of God, then he is not a good man nor a great religious leader. He would be a liar, an imposter, and guilty of leading multiplied millions astray.

But how can we know if Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, or not?

We will answer this question in the next three issues of Daily Encounters.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, in all the many voices claiming to have the way to you and that of eternal salvation, help me to know the truth so I can be absolutely certain that I am on the ‘Truth Way’ and on my way to Heaven when I die. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

1. John 14:6 (NIV).

2. Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com

3. Ephesians 2:8-9, (NKJV).

4. Acts 4:12, (NKJV).

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The Fate of Flight 232

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“And then he [Jesus] told them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere.’”1

“In 1976, a daily flight which originated in Quito, Ecuador, and departed for the southern Ecuadorian city of Cuenca completely disappeared. Despite ongoing investigations, Saeta Flight 232, a 727 Boeing jet with 59 passengers, was never heard from again until recently. For over 25 years family members had no peace of mind regarding the plight of their loved ones. But that changed a few short years ago as Chimborazo Mountain climbers discovered the jet imbedded in the snow and ice of one of the highest volcanic mountains in the world. The plane was almost intact and the bodies of the passengers were well preserved by the year-round icecap on top of the great mountain.

“However, the story doesn’t end there. Upon finding the wrecked plane and its preserved bodies, it was evident that others had already been there. The passengers had been stripped of their jewelry, wallets and other possessions. When, nobody really knows.”2

It’s difficult to believe that those who found the wrecked airplane never bothered to inform any authorities so loved ones of those who perished on that fateful flight could be told of their whereabouts.

And how tragic that we know people who are lost without Christ and without hope, and we never bother to share with them the saving message of Jesus Christ. As Mark Creech said, “Perhaps the greatest of all sins is to know the truth, to possess the knowledge that can free others, and then to conceal it for reasons that are essentially selfish.”

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, how can I ever thank you enough for those who told me about your marvelous plan of salvation—which includes your gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life? Please use me to be ‘as Christ’ to every life I touch and therein communicate your love and salvation—and grant that others, seeing Jesus in me, will want you for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

To be sure you have God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life please read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian” at: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian

1. Mark 16:15 (NLT).

2. Rev. Mark H. Creech. Cited on Agape Press, July 15, 2003. http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/7/152003mc.asp

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Is the Bible the Word of God? Part III

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”19

In concluding this series on the validity of God’s Word, the continuity of the Bible is further confirmation of its authenticity. Though it was written over a period of fifteen hundred years by thirty-five to forty different writers with sixty-six different books, it has only one major theme—the salvation of lost mankind. This supports the claim that there is only one author—God.

Evidence from science and archaeology. While the Bible isn’t a book of science, scientific facts that have been in its pages for at least thirty-five hundred years have come to light only in recent times. For example, many of the statutes and regulations in the Old Testament were given for health and hygienic purposes—knowledge that was unknown to the ancient world.

In his book, None of These Diseases, Dr. S.I. McMillen wrote, “When God led the Israelites out of afflicted Egypt, he promised them that if they would obey his statutes, he would put ‘none of these diseases’ upon them [diseases from which Egypt and other nations were suffering]. God guaranteed a freedom from disease that modern medicine cannot duplicate.”20

Dr. McMillen continues, “I am confident that the reader will be intrigued to discover that the Bible’s directives can save him from certain infectious diseases, from many lethal cancers, and from a long gauntlet of psychosomatic diseases that are increasing in spite of modern medicine.”21

In the final analysis, however, it is up to each individual as to whether or not he or she chooses to accept the Bible as God’s Word. For those who want to believe it is, there is more than sufficient evidence to support this belief.

Furthermore, all who have accepted the Bible as God’s Word, and have responded to Jesus Christ’s invitation to receive him as Lord and Savior and live according to biblical principles, have a deep assurance that the Bible is God’s Word, that it is true, and that they have been given the gift of eternal life.22

The greatest quest of man over the ages has always been to know: “Where did I come from? Why am I here? And, where am I going?” Only God’s Word, the Bible, can give the authentic answers to these questions.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you again for your Word, and that it is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Help me to live according to its divine principles and thereby make my life a light unto those who don’t know you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Footnotes: 19. Psalm 119:105 (NKJV). 20. McMillen, S.I., None of These Diseases (Westwood, New Jersey; Fleming H. Revell Company, 1963), p. 17. 21. Ibid, p. 18. 22. See John 17:17 and 1 John 5:13.

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Is the Bible the Word of God? Part II

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Regarding the Coming Messiah: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”11

Yesterday we mentioned a number of fulfilled biblical prophecies, all of which help verify the validity of God’s Word, the Bible. Today we want to mention several more relating to major events that were still to come at the time they were predicted.

Hundreds of years before Christ came to planet Earth, both David and Isaiah predicted in specific detail the sufferings of Christ and the manner of his death. David, referring to and “speaking for” Jesus Christ, wrote in the Psalms, “They pierced my hands and my feet.”12 This is precisely what happened when Jesus was crucified on a Roman cross.

Isaiah also predicted the fall of the then mighty Babylonian Empire, saying it would be conquered by the nation of Media. He predicted permanent extinction for Babylon. The site has been deserted since the fourth century B.C.13 (However, Saddam Hussein began the rebuilding of the city of Babylon, which Revelation 18:21 said will once again be “thrown down, never to be found again.”)

Evidence from Israel. The nation of Israel is one of the clearest evidences for the validity of God’s Word, the Bible. Its history is a continual story of biblical prophecy being fulfilled.

Some fifteen hundred years B.C., God said through Moses that Israel would turn from him [God] and be driven by enemies from their homeland. God said, “I will bring the land into desolation … I will scatter you among the nations … your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.”14

The result? In 721 B.C., the ten northern tribes of Israel were taken into captivity by Assyria, and in 586 B.C. the two southern tribes by Babylon. Seventy years later a small remnant of 40,000 Jews returned to Israel while the rest were scattered throughout the world. In A.D. 70 Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans, and the remnant of Israelites was dispersed among the nations. Israel then became desolate as predicted 1,600 years before.

God’s word also stated that the nation of Israel would be restored, saying, “Neither will I destroy them utterly.”15 “For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all countries and will bring you into your own land.”16 “I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and live in them again,”17 and the nation “will blossom as the rose.”18

The people of Israel have survived heinous atrocities committed against them by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Romans, Hitler and others. Their repeated survival against overwhelming odds and the rebuilding of their nation—which is still taking place at this time—twenty-five hundred years after God said that it would happen—is irrefutable evidence of the validity of the Bible.

To be continued ….

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you for the numerous prophecies in the Old Testament, all of which have been fulfilled, which in turn verify the validity of your Word, the Bible. Thank you, too, that this gives us the assurance that all future prophecies regarding the return of Jesus to earth and the promised home of heaven will also all be fulfilled. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

11. Micah 5:2 (NKJV). 12. Psalm 22:16 and Isaiah 53. 13. Isaiah 13:5-22. 14. Leviticus 26:32-33. 15. Leviticus 26:44. 16. Ezekiel 36:24. 17. Amos 9:14 (TLB)(NLT). 18. Isaiah 35:1.

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Is the Bible the Word of God? Part I

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“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”1

Have you ever wondered why the Bible is one of the best-selling books of all time and why almost every home has a copy?

Some, I suppose, have a Bible as a sort of lucky charm. Others have a copy to maintain a form of religious acknowledgment. And many millions have a copy because they believe the Bible is God’s Word.

But is the Bible God’s Word and his special message to mankind, or is it simply a compilation of man-made messages? How can we know whether it is one or the other? What evidence is there to support the Bible’s own claim that it is “inspired by God?”2 Let us examine the following evidence:

Support from Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus accepted the Bible as God’s Word is important to note. In his day, only the Old Testament section of the Bible had been written. It was then known as the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms, or simply as the Law. Referring to these writings Jesus said, “All things which are written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”3

He also said, “Do not think I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law [the Bible] until everything is accomplished.”4

Peter’s confirmation. The New Testament section of the Bible was written immediately following Christ’s time on earth. A large part was written by the Apostle Paul. In speaking about Paul’s writings, Peter—one of the better-known disciples of Jesus—equates what Paul wrote with the rest of the Bible.5

Evidence from fulfilled prophecy. The Bible boldly foretold events of major historical significance hundreds of years in advance—many of which have already been fulfilled.

For instance, at least fifteen hundred years B.C., God gave the first hope of a Savior (the Christ) who would come from Israel through the tribe of Judah.6 A thousand years B.C., the Bible said that Christ would come through the family of David.7 Seven hundred years B.C., Bethlehem was named by the prophet Micah as the birthplace of Christ.8 About the same time the prophet Isaiah wrote that Christ would be born of a virgin,9 and six hundred years B.C., the prophet Daniel predicted the time of Christ’s coming.10 All of these predictions were fulfilled exactly as stated in the Bible.

To be continued ….

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, thank you not only for your Word as found in the Holy Bible, but also for its invaluable instructions for life, and that there is so much evidence to prove its validity for all who want to see it. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB). 2. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB). 3. Luke 24:44. 4. Matthew 5:17-18 (NIV). 5. See 2 Peter 3:15-16. 6. Genesis 3:15 and 49:10. 7. 2 Samuel 7:12-16. 8. Micah 5:2. 9 Isaiah 7:14. 10. Daniel 9:25, 26.

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