FULFILLED BIBLE PROPHECY IS CONCLUSIVE EVIDENCE TO BELIEVE THE BIBLE IS GOD’S WORD

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What was going through Jesus’ mind as He prepared for His crucifixion?

He certainly was not anxious or fearful, look at His actions. He washes the disciples feet. Jesus was teaching His disciples how to serve others and how to be humble all the way until the very end.

“Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:3-5

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mathew 20:28.

Then He calmly predicts His betrayal

“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He.” John 13:18-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me. John 13:21b

“Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.“ John 13:21b The disciples in disbelief asked who?

“Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.” John 13:26

This is just one of the many Bible prophecies Jesus gave the disciples so that they might believe that He is the Son of God. Look at the powerful message Jesus gave them in the following verses.

Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.” John 14:27-31

Despite what Jesus told the disciples in advance in these verses, and having lived with Him for three years and seen all the miracles He performed, the Bible tells us that Peter still denied Jesus three times exactly as predicted and only John turned up to be with Jesus at His crucifixion.

The Bible reveals the truth, warts and all, about His followers and is just more evidence for us to believe it is the “Word of God” to be trusted, believed and obeyed.

DIED TO SELF, ALIVE IN CHRIST

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Paul tells us our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. He also tells us not to be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Why? So that we will know the perfect will of God for this day and the days ahead.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1

To be transformed, not only do I need Jesus, His blood sacrifice and the Holy Spirit, I also need the Word of God.

Jesus, in His prayer to His heavenly Father said:

“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ” John 17:17

This is how we transform our mind, with the Word of truth. It is only then, we will hear from God, perceive correctly the here and now, and know what God has for us to do today.

Our love for Jesus must be such that our hearts desire is to pray this prayer for all of those that God leads us to, or brings across our path. We must never forget God is the one who chooses – “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13

“Jesus, you have brought this person to me, please help me to show them who You are. Also, I know, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, You are able to transform whatever their deficits are into victories, Holy Spirit show me the part I am to play in their journey with you.

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Is it true that God chooses people to have eternal life and yet we must believe to have eternal life? Why are we urged to believe when it is God who gives us the faith?

“Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.
You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honour and another for dishonour? Romans 9:18-20

The answer to this paradox is unknown: it is a mystery but Scriptures tell us both are true. Hence, it is imperative we are led by the Holy Spirit moment by moment. The old hymn says it all: “Trust and obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”

JESUS WILL NEVER ABANDON YOU!

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31;6

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6

Do you truly believe this promise Jesus made, that He will never leave you or abandon you. It is not as if Jesus does not know what abandonment is, He experienced the wrath of God, all because of the fullness of our sin resting upon him. Jesus had to be utterly removed/separated from the presence of our Holy God. Contemplating what was ahead of Him, no wonder He shed tears of blood in the garden of Gethsemane

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46-47

As R.C. Sproul writes, ‘This cry represents the most agonising protest ever uttered on this planet. It burst forth in a moment of unparalleled pain. It is the scream of the damned for us.’

Contemplate once again the extent of what Jesus achieved for us as you listen to Christy sing the Mighty Cross. As the tribulation of the “last days” descends upon us, it is essential you believe His important promise; Jesus will never abandon you!

FOR LAST DAYS PROVISION: WILL YOU TRUST GOD?

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Imagine if Christians prayed like they depend on God and lived like God depended on them?

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20

“Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:22-23, 29-32

Jesus says, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14 

“In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:23-24

“Your Father holds the universe. The hills and all that moves on them are His! The world and it fullness is His!” Psalm 50:10-12

“Trust His abounding kindness, compassion, graciousness, love and faithfulness, in all circumstances.” Exodus 34:6

Seek and discern the source for His provision of your needs. This will be essential during the coming tribulation. Sometimes our Father provides through our labour and wages and sometimes He leads us another way. At all times we are to look to heaven and trust and obey! 

TIME TO STAND STRONG AND STAY THE COURSE

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Francis Chan speaks to pastors, realising there is an urgency at this time to challenge leaders of the need to be courageous and fearless, and to prepare their flock for the coming of the Lord. Of the need to stay on course, despite the tragic end times events that are unfolding. Don’t judge those outside the church, but we do need to judge those inside the church.

He takes us to 2 Timothy 3. In the last days there will come times of great difficulty, people will be lovers of self, “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God”, even having the appearance of godliness.

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3;1-7

He really challenges these pastors:

  • about loving their flock, as Jesus prayed to His Father that they would be one as we are one. Why? So that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
  • about teaching the truth of God’s Word.
  • about the truth of what can be achieved with the Holy Spirit.

 

REMEMBER WHO WE BATTLE AGAINST AND WHO WINS

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“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

God powerfully reminds us in the Scriptures that:

  1. God wins; therefore, We win!
  2. The devil loses; therefore, We win!
  3. Our real enemy was defeated 2,000 years ago!
  4. Jesus has given us the keys to the kingdom victory. (Matthew 16:19-20)
  5. Our battle is to step into the supernatural realm and declare God’s eternal word over us.
  6. Nothing is impossible in our personal or marketplace situation with God leading our team. (Matthew 1:37)
  7. All things do work together in the end for those of us called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

The Battle Rages On…

The battle will only get worse as we move closer to the end times. Yet our victories in the marketplace will only get bigger, better and more profound if we live each minute of each day with an eternal focus, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct our steps.

Let’s embrace these marketplace battlefield truths:

  • The bigger the battle, the bigger His victory!
  • The more the enemy throws at us, the more His power will crush those attempts!
  • The worse the natural environment gets, the more His supernatural power will shine!

…But is Already Won

It is a war, a marketplace preeminence war fought in the heavenly realms.

Let’s get out of fighting our marketplace battles in the natural where the devil reigns.

Let’s win the battle where it really exists – in the heavens where God fully reigns, is fully in control, and has already defeated an enemy who is desperately clinging to his last few breaths before the pit.