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Monday Morning Prophecy #65 – The Messiah Would Not Judge Based On Outward Things

Wayne — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 14:00:07 +0000

Introduction

God does not judge people based on outward appearance but by what is on the inside. This is clear in the story of God’s selection of David. The Old Testament tells us that the Messiah would not judge people based on their outward appearance either.

Old Testament Prophecy

And he will delight in the fear of the LORD .
He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
or decide by what he hears with his ears; [Isaiah 11:3 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. [Matthew 23:27]

Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment.” [John 7:24 NIV]

You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. [John 8:15-16 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

Image courtesy of Abby Reed

Monday Morning Prophecy #64 – The Messiah Would Desire to Do God’s Will

Wayne — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:00:29 +0000

Introduction

The Messiah’s purpose on earth was made clear in the Old Testament. He would come to do the will of God.

Old Testament Prophecy

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come-
it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart.” [Psalm 40:7-8 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. [John 5:30 NIV]

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am–it is written about me in the scroll– I have come to do your will, O God.’ ” [Hebrews 10:5-7 NIV]

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Monday Morning Prophecy #63 – The Messiah Would Have Complete Authority

Wayne — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:28 +0000

Introduction

The Old Testament prophesies, and the New Testament confirms, that the Messiah would have complete authority from God.

Old Testament Prophecy

Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession. [Psalm 2:8 NIV]
You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet: [Psalm 8:6 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [Matthew 28:18 NIV]

For he has put everything under his feet. Now when it says that everything has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. [1 Corinthians 15:27 NIV]

…which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, [Ephesians 1:20-22 NIV]

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [Philippians 2:9-11 NIV]

…and put everything under his feet? In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. [Hebrews 2:8-9 NIV]

…who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. [1 Peter 3:22 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Monday Morning Prophecy #62 – The Messiah Would Be Called the Son of God

Wayne — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:00:26 +0000

Introduction

We all know Jesus as the Son of God. That title was prophesied in the Old Testament thousands of years prior to his birth.

Old Testament Prophecy

He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men. [2 Samuel 7:13-14 NIV]

I will be his father, and he will be my son. I will never take my love away from him, as I took it away from your predecessor. I will set him over my house and my kingdom forever; his throne will be established forever.’” [1 Chronicles 17:13-14 NIV]

I will proclaim the decree of the LORD :
He said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have become your Father. [Psalm 2:7 NIV]

Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know [Proverbs 30:4 NIV]

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” [Matthew 3:16-17 NIV]

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 7:21 NIV]

“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” [Matthew 8:29 NIV]

“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. [Matthew 10:32 NIV]

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. [Matthew 11:27 NIV]

Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” [Matthew 14:33 NIV]

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. [Matthew 16:16-17 NIV]

Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters–one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” [Matthew 17:4-5 NIV]

“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. [Matthew 18:19 NIV]

He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” [Matthew 27:43 NIV]

The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. [Mark 1:1 NIV]

Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” [Mark 9:7 NIV]

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 will 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.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. [Luke 1:31-35 NIV]

A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” [Luke 9:35 NIV]

I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” [John 1:34 NIV]

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. [John 3:18 NIV]

For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. Jesus gave them this answer: I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. [John 5:18-20]

“Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” [John 11:27 NIV]

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” [Hebrews 1:5-6 NIV]

So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” [2 Peter 1:17 NIV]

If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. [1 John 4:15 NIV]

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true–even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. [1 John 5:20]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Monday Morning Prophecy #61 – The Messiah Would be a Shepherd to his people

Wayne — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:00:25 +0000

Introduction

A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the prophecy that the Messiah would become a sacrificial lamb. This week, we will examine the prophecy that the Messiah would also be a shepherd to his people.

Old Testament Prophecy

He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. [Isaiah 40:11 NIV]

“‘My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. [Ezekiel 37:24 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

“‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” [Matthew 2:6 NIV]

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [John 10:11 NIV]

May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [Hebrews 13:20 NIV]

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. [1 Peter 2:25 NIV]

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. [1 Peter 5:4 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Monday Morning Prophecy #60 – The Messiah Would Bring Salvation

Wayne — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:23 +0000

Introduction

Thousands of years before Christ’s death on the cross, the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would bring salvation.

Old Testament Prophecy

Truth is nowhere to be found,
and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey.
The LORD looked and was displeased
that there was no justice.

He saw that there was no one,
he was appalled that there was no one to intervene;
so his own arm worked salvation for him,
and his own righteousness sustained him. [Isaiah 59:15-16 NIV]

I looked, but there was no one to help,
I was appalled that no one gave support;
so my own arm worked salvation for me,
and my own wrath sustained me. [Isaiah 63:5 NIV]

And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the LORD has said,
among the survivors
whom the LORD calls. [Joel 2:32 NIV]

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey [Zechariah 9:9 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. [Matthew 26:28 NIV]

And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’ ” [Luke 3:6 NIV]

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” [Luke 19:10 NIV]

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. [John 3:16-18 NIV]

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” [John 3:36 NIV]

For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” [John 6:40 NIV]

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ [Acts 2:21 NIV]

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. [Colossians 2:13-15 NIV]

But since we belong to the day, let us be selfcontrolled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. [1 Thessalonians 5:8-10 NIV]

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. [Titus 2:11 NIV]

…so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. [Hebrews 9:28 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Why I Believe the Bible #20A (Introduction to Biblical Prophecy)

Wayne — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:00:50 +0000

One of the most convincing pieces of evidence of the supernatural origin of the Bible comes in the form of prophecies included in the text. In my own spiritual journey, it was these prophecies given by God, and their ultimate fulfillment, that ultimately convinced me that Bible was inspired by God and was accurate and reliable. Due to that, the prophecy of the Bible holds a special place for me.

Let’s look at some background information this week. John F. Walvoord, in The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook, explains that there are 1,013 prophecies in the Bible including 574 in the Old Testament and 439 in the New Testament. 342 of those prophecies have not yet come true because they deal with heaven or the second coming of Christ. Of the remaining 671, 668 of those prophecies were historically fulfilled. The other 3, while not proven wrong, cannot be historically verified. That means that not one of the hundreds of prophecies written throughout the Bible has proven to be incorrect. While the exact count of prophecies in the Bible sometimes varies, the fact of the matter is that not one of them has proven incorrect, and this is strong (I would argue) irrefutable proof of the supernatural origin of the Bible.

Now, when you talk about prophecy, many people think of Jean Dixon or Nostradamus and types of predictions they make. To the contrary, the prophecies of the Bible are oftentimes very specific and even include detailed explanations hundreds of years before events unfolded in history. For anyone to predict the future with 100% accuracy requires supernatural revelation. It is no wonder then that the Bible uses prophecy as a test for whether or not something comes from God.

The book of Deuteronomy explains the punishment and test for false prophets:

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’ And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’– when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. [Deuteronomy 18:20-22 ESV]

God is clear that only he can predict the future:

remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ [Isaiah 46:9-10 ESV]

Nest week, we will look at some of the individual prophecies which God included in the Bible to allow us, the readers, to test its origins.

Return to the Why I Believe The Bible index page.

Monday Morning Prophecy #59 – The Messiah Would Be a Sacrificial Lamb

Wayne — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:00:22 +0000

Introduction

Another one of the many roles of the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament was the role of Lamb. The Messiah was destined to become a sacrificial lamb.

Old Testament Prophecy

He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is silent,
so he did not open his mouth. [Isaiah 53:7 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29 NIV]

When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” [John 1:36 NIV]

Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. [Hebrews 7:27 NIV]

so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. [Hebrews 9:28 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

Image courtesy of Abby Reed

Monday Morning Prophecy #58 – The Messiah Would Bring Peace

Wayne — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:00:20 +0000

Introduction

One thing the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would do was to bring peace. In the famous Messiah verse of Isaiah, the prophet calls him the “Prince of Peace.”

Old Testament Prophecy

New Testament Fulfillment

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. [John 14:27 NIV]

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33 NIV]

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. [Acts 10:36 NIV]

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, [Ephesians 2:14 NIV]

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:7 NIV]

…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. [Colossians 1:20 NIV]

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. [2 Peter 1:2 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Monday Morning Prophecy #57 – The Messiah Would Preach the Good News of God

Wayne — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 14:00:18 +0000

Introduction

The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would come to preach the good news of God of the Father.

Old Testament Prophecy

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, [Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. [Matthew 4:23 NIV]

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. [Matthew 9:35 NIV]

The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. [Matthew 11:5 NIV]

After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. [Mark 1:14 NIV]

After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, [Luke 8:1 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Why I Believe the Bible #19 (New Testament Archaeology)

Wayne — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Over the last couple of weeks, we have discussed numerous archaeological finds related to people, places and things described in the Old Testament and concluded that archaeology proves the historicity of the Old Testament? So, what about the New Testament? Is there similar archaeological evidence to support the New Testament accounts? The simple answer is yes! There have been an astounding number of finds supporting the New Testament.

Many have sought to use archaeology to disprove the New Testaments account. Indeed, Sir Walter Ramsey (one of the greatest archaeologists of all times) set out to disprove the account of Luke. After 30 years of study, he concluded without equivocation:

“Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of truth trustworthy…this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”

The historicity of Luke’s account is spotless including specific names of 32 countries, 44 cities and nine islands.

Numerous actual people and places mentioned in the New Testament have been discovered. These include:

John’s description of ancient Samaria has been confirmed including worship on Mt. Gerazim (John 4:20) and the location of Jacob’s well (John 4:6).
The Pontius Pilate inscription was found in 1961.
The Tomb of Caiphas was found in 1990.
The existence of Sergius Paulus (Act 13:6-12) was confirmed by excavations in the Paphos island of Cyprus. There was found an inscription of the names Sergius Paulus and Sergia Paula children of a “commissioner.”
Caesera Phillipi has been under excavation since 1990.
The ten cities of the Decapolis have been discovered.
The Areopagus at Athens has been excavated.
Ephesus, including the temple of Artemis, has been discovered.
The seven churches of Revelation have been confirmed.
An inscription in pavement near a stage of a 14,000 sear theater in Corinth was found which indicates “Erastus” laid pavement “at his own expense.” This is likely the Erastus mentioned in Romans 16:23.
Solomon’s Colonnade as mentioned in John 10:22-23 has been unearthed.
The Pool of Siloam mentioned in John 9:7 has been located.
The city of Bethsaida had been under excavation since 1987.
The city of Cana has likewise been found.
The pool of Bethesda as mentioned in John 5:2 was discovered in 1888.

As with the Old Testament, archaeology provides ample proof for this historicity of the New Testament.

Keith N. Schovillem explains:

“It is important to realize that archaeological excavations have produced ample evidence to prove unequivocally that the Bible is not a pious forgery. Thus far, no historical statement in the Bible has proven false on the basis of the evidence retrieved through archaeological research.”

Return to the Why I Believe The Bible index page.

Monday Morning Prophecy #56 – The Messiah Would Pray for his Enemies

Wayne — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:00:16 +0000

Introduction

One of Jesus’ famous proclamation from the cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Indeed, the Old Testament prophesied thousands of years earlier that the Messiah would pray for his enemies.

Old Testament Prophecy

In return for my friendship they accuse me,
but I am a man of prayer. [Psalm 109:4 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Matthew 5:44 NIV]

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. [Luke 23:34 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

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Why I Believe the Bible #18B (Old Testament Archaeology)

Wayne — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Last week, we looked at numerous examples of Old Testament stories previously discounted by scholars which were later proved true through archaeology. William F. Albright, of John Hopkins University, once said:

“There can be no doubt that archaeology has confirmed the substantial historicity of Old Testament tradition.”

In this post, we will look at numerous addition Old Testament stories, people and facts supported by archaeology. They include:

The existence of the Philistines
The city of Jericho was discovered in the 1930’s. That discovery showed that the walls fell outward and there were large quantities of grain undisturbed (consistent with God’s command that the Israelites not plunder).
The City of Ur was found in present day Iraq. Excavations have continued since the 1800’s.
The site of Sarah’s grave (the wife of Abraham) was located. It is now the home of a Muslim Mosque.
As regards the Tower of Babel, archaeologists have uncovered information supporting the idea that at one point the entire world shared one language. Furthermore, baked bricks like those described in Genesis have been found in Mesopotamia.
Illustrations have been found showing Hebrews making bricks for the cities of Pitham and Ramses. This supports the Exodus account.
The ruins of the city of Beth Shamesh were found and provided evidence of the destruction described in 2 Chronicles 12.
The Pool of Gibeon mentioned in 2 Samuel 2:3 and Jeremiah 41:12 has been located.
In 1986, archaeologists found the seal of Baruch, son of Neriah who recorded the prophecies of Jeremiah.
King Saul established his capital at Gibeah. Both the city and Saul’s fortress-palace have been located.
Various building projects of Nebuchadnezzar have been uncovered.
A stone tablet from the 7^th year of Nebuchadnezzar was found which recounts the fall of Jerusalem and the capture of Jehoiachin.
Beersheba was excavated from 1969 to 1976. The excavation confirmed the description provided in the Bible.
The worship of Dagon, God of the Philistines (as mentioned in the Bible) has been confirmed by excavations.
King Ahab was mentioned in the archaeological records of the Assyrians.
Sennacherib’s Prison was found in Ninevah which talks about the invasion of Judah and how they has trapped Hezekiah in Jerusalem “like a bird cage.”
The decree of Cyrus to allow the Israelites to return home has been confirmed by archaeological finds.
The existence of Sargon, King of Assyria (whom the Bible mentions only once) has been confirmed.
Every reference to an Assyrian King in the Bible has been confirmed.

And, the list could go on and on. The fact of the matter is that archaeology leaves little doubt about the historical reliability of the Bible. Next week, we will look at archaeological finds related to the New Testament.

Return to the Why I Believe The Bible index page.

Monday Morning Prophecy #55 – The Messiah Would Bring a New Covenant

Wayne — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 16:30:29 +0000

Introduction

The Old Testament prophesies that the coming Messiah would usher in a new covenant between God and his people.

Old Testament Prophecy

“I, the LORD , have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles, [Isaiah 42:6 NIV]

“The time is coming,” declares the LORD ,
“when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah. [Jeremiah 31:31 NIV]

“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. [Malachi 3:1 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. [Matthew 26:28 NIV]

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. [Mark 14:24 NIV]

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. [Luke 22:20 NIV]

But God found fault with the people and said: The time is coming, declares the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” By calling this covenant new, he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. [Hebrews 8:8-13 NIV]

…to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. [Hebrews 12:24 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

Image courtesy of Abby Reed

Why I Believe the Bible #18A (Old Testament Archaeology)

Wayne — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Another area which provides ample evidence for the reliability of the Bible is archaeology. As archeology has grown as a science over the last 100 to 150 years, the number of finds of ancient artifacts has grown exponentially. While not everything referred to in the Old Testament, has been supported by an archaeological find, there has never been a discovery that has contradicted anything found in the Old Testament. Nelson Gluek, who is considered one of the three greatest archaeologists of all time is quoted as having said:

“I’ve been accused of teaching the verbal, plenary inspiration of the scripture. I want it to be understood that I have never taught this. All I have ever said is that in all of my archaeological investigation, I have never found one artifact of antiquity that contradicts any statement of the Word of God.”

And,

“As a matter of fact, however, it may be clearly stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a single biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible.”

Over the next couple of weeks, we will look at several of the archaeological finds supporting the Old Testament. We will begin this week with examples of several Biblical tales previously scoffed at as obviously untrue which archaeology has since proven to be true. Next week we will look at other people groups and stories revealed in the Old Testament which have since been proven true by archaeological finds.

The Hittites

The Hittites are mentioned over 250 times in the Old Testament. Scholars used to doubt their existence until 1906 when the Hittite capital of Boghazkoy was located 90 miles east of Ankara. Enough Hittite artifacts have since been uncovered to fill a museum.

Sodom & Gomorrah

Many of the stories of Genesis are often scoffed at by skeptics of the Bible, and the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is no exception. Scholars claims that the cities never even existed until the remnants of all five cities mentioned in Genesis 14 were uncovered.

The Account of Noah and the Flood

This is another widely scoffed story from the Old Testament. Even many Bible believers find themselves “stretching” the meaning of the text to discount this story. Archaeology however provides some support for the Biblical account. Over 200 different accounts of a major flood have been found in ancient literature. A Sumerian lists of kings includes the phrase, “After the flood had swept over the earth.” The Gilgamesh Epic tells the saga of a Babylonian Ling which includes a flood story. The best known copy of this epic was found at Nineveh. The popularity of the flood story argues for historicity of the Old Testament account. Furthermore, “fossil graveyards” have been found throughout world indicating mass burials consistent with the flood narrative.

Canaan

Critics of the Bible claimed the name of “Canaan” was never even used in Biblical times and therefore reference to it in the Bible proved that the Bible as inaccurate. That was, until, the Ebla tablets were discovered in the 1970s in Nothern Syria. These tablets dating from 2,300 B.C. name Canaan along with the 5 cities of Genesis 14 mentioned above.

The Israelites in Egypt

The end of Genesis recounts how Israel and his sons travelled to Egypt and Exodus recounts to story of how the Israelites left Egypt. However, many scholars doubted that Israelites were ever in Egypt. Again, that belief was shattered when archaeologists found the Merneptah Stela tablet in each which mentioned Israel.

The Date of Moses Law

In the book of Exodus, Moses presents God’s laws to the people of Israel. Critics previously argued that no culture was advanced enough to have laws like that, and that it was therefore impossible for Moses to have written the Law. Since that time, several law codes predating the dates of Moses amongst ancient societies.

King David

Many skeptics have doubted the very existence of Israel’s most well-known King. A monument discovered near Tal Dan in 1993 mentions the victory over King David recounted in 1 Kings 15:20. This monument confirms the existence of King David.

King of the Babylonians

Daniel 5 indicates that Balthazar was the last King of the Babylonians. Everything else previously uncovered by archaeologists indicated that Nabonidus was the last King giving critics another reason to question the reliability of the Bible. Archaeologists then found a Babylonian Chronicle indicating that Nabonidus had removed himself for a 10 year period and left Balthazar in charge of the Empire. Prior to this discovery, the only place Balthazar was ever mentioned was in the Bible.

The archaeological evidence clearly supports the Old Testament. Nothing has ever been found to contradict one Old Testament reference. Furthermore, this post details numerous examples where critics were sure they had proven the unreliability of the Old Testament only to have archaeology prove that the Bible was 100% accurate. Next week we will look at additional archaeological finds supporting the Old Testament account.

Return to the Why I Believe The Bible index page.

Monday Morning Prophecy #54 – The Messiah Would Bring Light to the Gentiles

Wayne — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:00:28 +0000

Introduction

As surprising as it was to the Jews that their Messiah would come for both the Jews and Gentiles, it is clearly prophesied in the Old Testament that the Messiah would be a light to the Gentiles.

Old Testament Prophecy

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. [Isaiah 9:1-2 NIV]

“I, the LORD , have called you in righteousness;
I will take hold of your hand.
I will keep you and will make you
to be a covenant for the people
and a light for the Gentiles, [Isaiah 42:6 NIV]

He says:
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant
to restore the tribes of Jacob
and bring back those of Israel I have kept.
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” [Isaiah 49:6 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” [Luke 2:28-32 NIV]

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” [John 8:12 NIV]

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [John 12:46 NIV]

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed [Acts 13:47-48 NIV]

that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” [Acts 26:23 NIV]

“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” [Acts 28:28 NIV]

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. [Ephesians 3:4-6 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

Image courtesy of Abby Reed

Why I Believe the Bible #17 (The Bible’s Impact on Individual Lives)

Wayne — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

The Bible has impacted great civilizations throughout history. We covered that last week. The Bible, and the Lord that it reveals, has impacted millions upon millions upon millions of individual lives throughout history. J. Carter Swaim once said:

“The real influence of the Bible cannot be measured: It is reckoned only in terms of hearts that have been lifted up, decisions that have been changed, the men and women who, in response to its impervious demands, have done justice and loved kindness and walked humbly with God.”

The Bible has given hope for the despondent, deliverance for the enslaved, and a light for the lost. If the only the lives of few people has been changed, the evidence would not be as compelling. However, the Bible has impacted the lives of people of all ages, races and nationalities have been changed. There are numerous lives and biographies you can look to of Christians throughout history whose lives have been changed. I can only offer my own. This is my testimony about how the Bible and Jesus Christ have changed my life.

Return to the Why I Believe The Bible index page.

On the Importance of Kids Actually Reading the Bible

Wayne — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

I was reading an interesting article from Mike Johnson on the Future of Kidmin yesterday as part of the wonderful Kidmin360.com series in which a variety of leaders in the field are answering the question, “What is the future of kidmin?” In the article, Mike explores the idea that, more and more, kids will use video as their means of accessing and understanding the stories of the Bible. I don’t disagree, and I think those of us who are parents and/or in children’s ministry should find ways to leverage this technology, and kids’ affinity for it, for the Kingdom of God. That said, the article also got me thinking. It got me thinking about the importance of kids actually reading the Bible for themselves rather than just viewing prepackaged videos of Bible stories. Before I start though, I should say that I don’t believe Mike was advocating in his article that video should replace reading, just that we should capitalize on the power of video. I agree with that contention. That said, his article was just the jumping off point for my own thinking on the subject which I will explore further in this article.

So, why is it important that kids actually read their Bibles? Don’t videos accomplish the same thing in terms of transfer of information? Are videos bad? How, in an age when more and more kids are leaning on electronic transmission of information, do we encourage them to crack open the pages of the Bible? These are all important questions that we need to address.

So, why is it important that kids actually read their Bibles?

God is very intentional in all that he does, and he chose to transmit the Bible to us through the written word and not through video transmission. Some might argue that that was just as matter of timing as video is a relatively new phenomena in the history of the world. To those people, I would remind them that God spoke the entire world into existence and had he wanted the ancient Egyptians to watch the construction of the their pyramids on flat screen televisions, I’ve no doubt that he could have made that happen.

So, why then did God choose to transmit his Word in written form? I believe it is because God created us in his image, as intelligent beings, and reading (or hearing) and comprehending his Word requires more brain power than simply viewing it. In a video, much of the work of interpretation is already done by the screen writers, directors, animators, producers and everyone else involved in the process. A video robs a child of the chance to use their imagination to picture the battle of David vs. Goliath, to ponder what it must have been like to watch the walls of water form in the Red Sea, to picture a tiny baby in a lonely manger in Bethlehem. Video inherently superimposes the interpretation of others on the original text. Written words allow the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations. The written word also affords its reader the chance to move along at their own pace – stopping to ponder, reflect and meditate on those parts of the word that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention. This is generally not an option in a video which moves swiftly from one scene to the next.

You also can’t “mark up” a video, though maybe this technology will be available at some point. When something strikes me in God’s Word, I make a note in my Bible whether it makes sense to me right then or not. Many times, upon further reading, or at a later date, that note means something to me. A good Bible is almost like a spiritual diary which should reflect, in notes and other notations, what we were learning at any particular point in time. It is for this reason that I often date the notes in my Bible. We should teach kids how to “mark up” their Bibles, and that is something that they can not do with video.

The Bible is not a series of unrelated stories. It is one story of God’s creation and work in human history. A series of videos can capture any of the wonderful stories of the Bible, but it is hard, if not impossible, for those videos to capture the totality of the story presented by the Bible. That is only accomplished by reading through the whole story, noting how things relate and following cross references that show the consistency of scripture.

Finally, the written word requires a level of commitment and concentration that video does not. By reading, rather than viewing, God’s story we are forced to pay closer attention and see things that would surely be missed in a video presentation.

Don’t videos accomplish the same thing in terms of transfer of information?

The simple answer is, No! Videos are fun, and engaging, and a great way to convey the basics of a story, but only the written word allows us to go deeper and go further in our understanding. Don’t get me wrong. I love a great story. I love the video medium as well. But, when I come away from a movie I remember the basic plot and some “zinger” lines that stick out during the movie. I do not walk away with a full understanding of the nuance of the story and how it related to every other movie I have ever seen. In the end, video is fine for transferring basic high level plot points, but it can not reach the depth and breadth of knowledge that the written word can.

So, are videos bad?

The simple answer, yet again, is No! Videos are fine. Using videos to teach kids about the Bible is fine. Using videos to tell biblical stories is great. I am a proponent of using all means available to teach kids about God and the Bible. But, like a good John Grisham novel where the book is always better than the movie, kids need to understand how much better the Bible is than any video presentation of what it is in it.

How, in an age when more and more kids are leaning on electronic transmission of information, do we encourage them to crack open the pages of the Bible?

This is a critical question that those of who work with kids must continually ask ourselves. So often, we fail kids by giving the impression that the Bible is some dry and stale bit of ancient literature which we have to “improve upon” to present it to kids. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Bible is active and alive and chocked full of stuff to keep the attention of any elementary age kid. Our job is to convey that excitement to kids. So, how do we do that? Here are some suggestions:

Let them see your excitement.
Hold your Bible.
Teach them how to use it.
Explain where it comes from and what it is.
Give them a place to start
Show them how it can be useful to them.
Encourage them to memorize it.
Find out what excites them and show it to them in the Bible.
Use it in your class regularly.
Pray.

This list is from an article I wrote previously called “10 Ways To Get Kids Excited About the Bible.”

Monday Morning Prophecy #53 – The Messiah Would Justify Many

Wayne — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:26 +0000

Introduction

The Old Testament prophesies of the Messiah that he would come to justify many people.

Old Testament Prophecy

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. [Isaiah 53:11 NIV]

New Testament Fulfillment

Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. [Acts 13:39 NIV]

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! [Romans 5:8-9 NIV]

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. [Romans 5:18 NIV]

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. [1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV]

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, [1 Peter 3:18 NIV]

Return to the Monday Morning Prophecy index page.

Image courtesy of Abby Reed

Why I Believe the Bible #16 (The Bible’s Influence on Civilization)

Wayne — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Geisler & Nix wrote:

“The Bible presents the highest ideals known to man, ideals that have molded civilization.”

No other book in the history of humankind has had such a vast, widespread and profound influence on civilization. No other book even comes close. This provides further proof of the supernatural inspiration of the Bible.

Consider the following:

The United Stated system of government system set out in our constitution is based on the principles found in the Bible.
The Declaration of Independence cites rights endowed by our creator.
Numerous judicial systems are based on Biblical principles of justice.
Standards of morality throughout history have been based on God’s model revealed in the Bible.
Even in ancient cultures like the Chinese, ancient characters have been found with references to the Genesis story of Adam and Eve, the garden and the flood.

These are just a few of the many examples of the pervasive influence the Bible has had on cultures throughout time. Calvin Coolidge (30^th President of the United States) once said:

“The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”

Ronald Regan concurred:

“Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible.”

At the risk of drawing generalities, wherever the Bible has formed the basis of a society, those societies have generally exhibited a higher level of:

Morality
Social change
Living conditions

Biblical principals have been essential in:

The abolition of slavery
The advancement of women’s rights
Music
Art
Literature
Architecture

Samuel Taylor Coleridge once said:

“For more than a thousand years the Bible, collectively taken, has gone hand in hand with civilization, science, law — in short, with the moral and intellectual cultivation of the species, always supporting and often leading the way.”

The Bible’s impact on societies throughout history is unquestionable and provides further evidence of its supernatural origin.

Return to the Why I Believe The Bible index page.