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All the ways that Jesus claimed to be God, referring to Himself as the “I AM” from the burning bush in Exodus three, caused the religious leaders to have a visceral response. When He did this, they desired to stone Jesus for blasphemy. Why? Because Jesus was making Himself equal with God. Yet, throughout His earthy ministry, Jesus repeatedly answered the questions left open from Moses’ conversation with YHWH Elohim in Exodus, “Who is this great I am, and what is He like?”

Here are the references:

John 6:20; 8:24; 28; 58

John 18:18;4-8

John 6:35; John 6:47–48; 51

John 8:12

John 9:5

John 10:7-9

John 10:11

John 10:14

John 11:25-26

John 14:6

John 15:1-2

John 14:6-11

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So what is the Bible all about? God's Word is the history of His gracious redemptive plan for all His creation. The plan was made before the foundations of the world. Paul writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." (Ephesians 1:3–6) Peter writes, "He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:20–21)

Why should we faithfully read the scriptures? The promises of such a great redemption like the the one we share should be studied deeply. It should be sought to be known and shared in the fullness of its rich truth also, that we may be built up in our most Holy Faith. Paul tells the church in Rome, "So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans10:17) 

He also writes to Timothy, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering  and teaching." (Timothy 3:16-4:2) To preach the written Word, The Scriptures, is to preach and proclaim Jesus! The Living Word and redeemer of Humanity as I fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. If we are not teaching/preaching Jesus, we are not teaching/preaching the Word of God. As we will see it is all about Jesus.

References:

Ephesians 1:3–6

1 Peter 1:20–21

Romans10:17

Timothy 3:16-4:2

Isaiah 55:8–9

Job 38:4

Isaiah 40:13–14

Philippians 2:8–11

Hebrews 1:1–4

Hebrews 10:5–7

John 5:39-40

Deuteronomy 18:15

John 1:11

John 3:19

Revelation 3:20

1 John 2:27

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I do not know about you, but I have heard many people say, “Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus ever claim to be God.” Well, this causes me to wonder if they have ever read the Bible for themselves. Maybe, they are just repeating what they have heard others say over the years. But Jesus publicly declares that He is God. When you and I read the scriptures, do we see Jesus as God because we believe that already, thus, reading into the text our personal opinions? Or do we know what the Bible teaches about Jesus through diligent study over a life time? I hope and pray it is the latter.

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The world we live in is a scary place indeed. Each day there seem to be new troubles coming upon us from every side. Most of us are not only distracted by earthly pain, but we are losing hope. The bad news we hear and see repeatedly has become a billion-dollar industry of global influence. Bad news, the only kind we see nowadays, has become a flood of negativity that has poisoned the very soul of humanity. We are sick and need a powerful healer.

Despair, depression, self-harm, rage, injustice, and violence against the innocent are our new mundane. What has happened to us? We live in a deeply troubled and egocentric social economy spilling war and woe into the streets. We are in a downward spiral of hopelessness and are starting to panic! Yes, I have seen believers losing it too.

Things can often seem hopeless until we remember that the creator of the universe has been vindicated and crowned as the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus has defeated sin, death, and hell on the cross so that we may have a new and living hope, and hope in Jesus does not disappoint, no matter our hardship! (See Romans 5:1-5) Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Finally, consider this, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:1–2)

References:

Matthew 27:59–60

Isaiah 53:9

Matthew 12:39-40

Mark 16:3

Philippians 3:1

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Perhaps you have seen the “Jesus Revolution” movie. Many of us were in the church scene of southern California during those times. As you watch the move, one theme keeps coming to the forefront: “One person can make a difference.” More importantly, YOU can make a difference.

St. Patrick is an example of one man’s obedience making a difference to the pagan culture of Ireland.

Elizabeth Elliot walked in obedience to God’s call and brought the Gospel into the culture of the Waodoni Tribe, demonstrating God’s love and forgiveness.

What about Noah, and Abraham & Sarah? What about Joseph or Moses?

How about Ruth, Jael, or Esther? 

What difference can one person make? All the difference in the world!

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Two men are crucified at the same time as Jesus, one on his right and one on his left, which the Gospel of Mark interprets as fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:12 ("And he was numbered with the transgressors"). Both of these men spoke evil against Jesus at first, but then something happened we should note.

When we are in a close knit relationship with someone, others may say we are "Thick as Thieves." A relationship that seems inseparable, where you do everything together and are somewhat secretive. So, in everything you do, good or bad, you do it together.

These men, the Bible tells us, are thieves, and "honor among thieves" states: among them, there is a trustworthiness within a group that is not considered trustworthy by outsiders. In other words, criminals observe a twisted moral code of honor in that they do not do anything harmful to their partners in crime. The basic concept has existed in many different languages worldwide for centuries.

But when the pressure is on and push comes to shove, thieves turn on each other like wild animals. That is why we have a contrasting proverb that states there is "no honor among thieves." Why? A thief can not be trusted even by other thieves! Believe it or not, most people will seek what is best for them to suit their current situation.

But many people go their separate ways when their journey together leads them to the cross of Christ. Because to continue the must agree. (Amos 3:3) Jesus said, "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to 'set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law'; and a man's enemies will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 10:34–39)

References:

Matthew 10:34–39

Galatians 3:13

Mark 8:33

Matthew 27:54

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Come listen to our guest speaker Ryan Ries from the Whosoever Movement!

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Have you ever considered what Jesus did for us on the cross? I mean, really take the time to meditate on it. Paul teaches us, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21) This is what we have called "The Great Trade." He took our sins, and we receive a righteousness standing with God. We have the better end of that deal.

I am sure that most of us, who have been around the church in the West for any length of time, have heard a lesson or two on this subject of the cross. Hundreds of books have been written, and thousands of sermons preached. However, what about the things Jesus willingly suffered through before His tortuous and public execution at the hands of the Roman hierarchy and authorities? The betrayal, abuse, abandonment, and ridicule, all of which we deserved, He took it for us freely. 

Jesus came to redeem all of His creation. This means those who mocked, beat, tortured, chided and abused Him. Each of these He loved unto the end and asked the Father to "forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34). He was the King of kings hanging on our cross so we may have eternal life with Him. 

References:

2 Corinthians 5:21

Isaiah. 52:13-15

Revelation 5:1–7

Luke 9:23

Matthew 5:43–45

Luke 16:14

Psalm 2:4

Psalm 22:7–8

John 1:9–13

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Isaiah 44:24; Acts 17:23-24; Romans 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:1-4, 11:3; John 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 1:3-5, 1:14; Colossians 1:15-18; John 14:6-10

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