Tag: eyewitnesses
Scripture’s Divine Origin
Scripture reading for November 14: 2 Peter 1
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice born from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic Word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts, knowing that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will or man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:16-21
As Peter wrote his second and final letter to the church before his execution by Rome, he reminded the believers to hold Scripture in high regard. He wrote as an “eyewitness” of Christ’s Majesty. Peter was speaking of the transfiguration where Moses and Elijah met with Jesus on the mountain and Jesus was transfigured in the sight of Peter, James and John who were there at Jesus request. (Matthew 17:1-8) He and the others heard the voice of God the Father declaring His beloved Son. This glorious experience was wonderful, but Peter wanted the believers to recognize that Scripture that was written down and passed down from the fathers and prophets was just as true and to be trusted.
Scripture does not come from man’s ideas or thoughts. Peter told how he and holy men and women of old, like Moses, were moved on by the Holy Spirit to write down God’s revealed truth. Scripture does not have its origin in man’s will or imagination. Scripture is God’s eternal Word spoken through men and women who were willing to yield to God. Scripture is full of the Spirit and Life of God the Father. Scripture is eternally true. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s Word will never pass away. (Matthew 24:35) It is critical for our world view to hold the highest regard for God’s eternal Word and Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. (John 1:14)
Have you taken time to consider the origin of the holy Scriptures? Do you believe in the eternal truth of God’s Word? If all we have in the Bible are just the opinions of men, how does this change our world view?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word and the solid foundation of truth that I have come to know and depend on. Thank You for moving on men and women throughout our history and inspiring them to write down Your thoughts for us to know You. I will preach and teach Your Word with confidence! Amen.
Being confident in Christ!
Scripture reading for March 3rd: Luke 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Luke 1:1-4 “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Luke’s gospel account was carefully investigated in order to be accurate and orderly presentation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles written in Greek. Luke documented this account from eyewitnesses of Christ, many who were his personal friends. Luke was a Greek who was a medical doctor and close friend of the Apostle Paul, often traveling with him.
Luke, and our Lord Jesus wanted Theophilus, and us, to have this account so that we might be certain of what we were taught. Faith comes by hearing God’s word from God’s servants! Faith is transmitted by sharing God’s word in written form as well as spoken form. We can have confidence in this written record because it ties directly to those who walked with Jesus Christ while He ministered and revealed the Father’s heart to reach all nations with the gospel of the kingdom.
Observations for over-comers: Put your trust in God’s word as transmitted from the eyewitnesses and servants of the word! “Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel just as He has promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses.” (1st Kings 8:56)
The “Son of God!”
Scripture reading for March 4th: Luke 1
Luke was a traveling companion of the Apostle Paul and of Greek origin. He was a physician and a man who was well-studied and articulate. God chose to use him to write an orderly account of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of His Son. Luke’s Gospel places an emphasis on the humanity of Jesus, the Son of God. Luke also wrote the Book of Acts which chronicles the early church and the spread of the Gospel throughout the known world.
Luke began his account with the story of two miraculous births to two different women. The first birth was that of John the Baptist. He was born to a godly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had been barren. Zechariah was a priest in Israel and was serving in the temple when an angel appeared to him telling him that his prayers for a son would be answered. Zechariah asked the angel how he could be sure of that, given he and his wife’s age. The angel identified himself as Gabriel, who stood in God’s presence. Zechariah would be mute until the birth of the child for his unbelief!
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel the angel, made another appearance. This time to a young virgin named ‘Mary’ who was betrothed to Joseph. “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:30-33) Mary accepted God’s favor and conceived the Son of God!