Jesus is God?

Have you ever been confused when you hear or read, "Jesus is God." What exactly does that mean? More importantly, what does the Bible mean when it says, "Jesus is God?"

The claim can be understood in at least two ways: 

• Jesus is by nature divine. 
• Jesus is also himself God. 

Let's examine each definition separately.

Jesus is by nature divine. 

We're saying Jesus is more than human. He was unlike human beings in that he came from another origin. Dogs and cats we say are animals. That's their nature. Trees and flowers are plants. That's their nature. Mark and Kathy are humans. That's their nature. Jesus is God. That's his nature, and we call that nature divine.

The Bible helps us understand this claim when it says, "Jesus, the son of God." Just as an earthly father and mother give birth to an earthly child, God gives birth to a divine Son. That doesn't make him the same person but does give the offspring the same nature.

Jesus is also himself God. 

This claim is that Jesus is the same as God. They are both divine by nature, but this definition goes a step farther by saying the two are the same person. God is Jesus. Jesus is God. There isn't an offspring to speak of.

The Bible helps us understand this claim when Jesus says, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father." And again, "I and the Father are one."

What does the Bible teach?

Are you open enough to accept both claims may be true? The Bible seems to teach that Jesus is indeed divine, having the same nature as God AND the Bible teaches that Jesus is actually God.

Can both claims be true? Yes! Jesus in his earthly life seemed to be directly connected to the divine world when he performed countless miracles, signs, and wonders. He defied natural laws by walking on water, moving through walls, and bringing people back from the dead. He claimed He was from another world. He said His father was God. He spoke to the devil and demons and they obeyed. Whatever a divine being could do, Jesus did.

Jesus also claimed to be God in the flesh. He made this claim one time in front of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day, and they took up stones to stone him (John 10:30-33). Why? Because in saying that He was God made him guilty of blasphemy. What is blasphemy? Simply claiming to be God!

Jesus also forgave sins (Mark 2:5-10) which is something only God can do.

Jesus also called himself "I am," a name God called Himself when Moses was told to confront Pharaoh in Egypt (John 8:58).

Apostle Peter writes, "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (2 Peter 1:3)

Apostle Paul writes, "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him." (Colossians 1:9)

There are so many more passages both in the Old Testament and the New Testament to verify Jesus' claims to divinity and also to be God in human flesh. Bottom line is Jesus was both God's son and God.

EPIC "End Time" Events

The KCC sermon series, Epic, is taking us through the book of Revelation. Talk about opening Pandora's box! We're looking at events taking place in the end times through the eyes of John the Revelator. Here are some "last days" observations that point me back to the Bible. Buckle up.

A microchip embedded into the hand for commerce

In 2015 thousands of residents of Sweeden implanted a tiny RFID microchip into their hands. These chips are the same ones you use to swipe wirelessly to make a purchase at the grocery store. 

In 2018 employees of a Wisconson company all were asked to get the implant in order to open doors, log into their computer, even buy from the vending machine in the breakroom - all with the wave of their hand. 

It's just a matter of time before more companies adopt this technology into their businesses and using it becomes commonplace as a means to buying and more. 

The Bible says:

It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.  - Revelation 13:16-18

So there are at least three clear indicators as to what this verse is speaking about. 

1. This "mark" will be on the right hand or forehead. The new RFID chip is clearing embedded into the right hand of many who have received it. And of course, it leaves a "mark" visible on the skin. 
2. The RFID chip is used to buy and sell. It's not currently the only way to do so, but it may be in the future.
3. This method of commerce is tied to a number. We've become familiar with buying and selling using numbers for quite a long time now with checking accounts, credit cards, debit cards, and now the RFID chip. They are all connected to our numbered accounts. 

The Rise of Atheism and Agnosticism

It seems there are more books, blogs, and posts doing away with God altogether (atheism) or being indifferent to his existence (agnosticism). 

The perception is that the more science discovers, the more human beings believe they understand the world and the universe leading to less faith in the supernatural (which they would deny even exists) and more trust in man and nature. For some reason, many equate their discovery of natural laws or planets or species or whatever as the equivalent of creating them. For example, I may discover that eating mayo and mustard on my grilled cheese sandwich is tasty, but I didn't create any of the ingredients that go into that sandwich. I simply found out that I like them together. 

Just because scientists learn more about the world we live in doesn't lead one to not needing God; just the opposite. Those discoveries actually point to an amazing creator God. When I hold the new iPhone in my hand, I am still amazed at the brilliance of its makers. The same is true each day as I look to the heavens - I am awestruck at the thought of a creator! 

The Bible says: 

"...when the Son of Man (Jesus) comes, will he find faith on the earth?" - Luke 18:8

The reason I think this verse is so relevant to today is that it alludes to the increase of doubt in God and the increase in self-reliance and understanding. If we can understand everything and how it works - the need for faith (believing in what we cannot see or understand) is gone. 

There are many more "signs" of the End Times found in the Bible that are occurring today. I don't want to be confused with those denominations that spend an inordinate amount of time pointing them out because Jesus himself said concerning that day or hour, "no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."

In addition to not knowing the day nor hour of Christ's return, the Bible also states that we have been living in the "last days" for the last 2000 years! In the first few verses of Hebrews, the writer says, "...in these last days he (God) has spoken to us by his Son...". If those who lived in the first century Bible times were living in the Last Days, how much more so are we today! 

Share the Gospel with a Friend

Share the Gospel with a friend

If you were asked by a friend how to be a Christian, what would you say? Do you know how to walk someone through what the Bible teaches to be saved? What does that even mean? Saved?

Sin problem 

Begin by explaining that the world God created is not the way it was meant to be. People are not acting the way God intended for them to act either. When men and women hate, war, fight and destroy themselves and each other - they are not acting as their creator intended. The Bible calls this "sin." It's basically disobeying God. Or going against His will. It's a problem because it separates us from God.

Sadly, everyone has to deal with this problem because everyone sins. Romans 3:23 says "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We're all lost so to speak and need someone to guide us back to the original plan God had for us.

God's Solution - Jesus

That's where Jesus comes in. He is the "middle man" between us and God. Jesus came to earth about 2000 years ago, was born a baby, grew up in modern day Israel as a Jew, claimed to be God, and lived a sinless life! Having never sinned put Jesus in a unique place. He was arrested and accused of many wrongs that he didn't do. So when they sentenced him to death, he was dying an innocent man!

The Metamorphosis

There is an illusion performed by magicians today called the "Metamorphosis." In this illusion, the magician is tied up, placed into a burlap bag, which is also tied tightly. The bag is then locked up securely in a large wooden trunk. The magician's assistant then climbs up on top of the trunk and raises a bar with a curtain attached to it high hiding her from sight.  She lowers it each time as she counts "three, two, one". Upon saying, "one," the magician is suddenly holding the curtain and there is no sign of the assistant. He drops the curtain to reveal the trunk still tightly locked. It is unlocked, the bag untied and inside the assistant emerges hands tied just as the magician's had been.

In an even more amazing fashion, Jesus, God's son, changes places with you just like the Metamorphosis. The saint for the sinful. The righteous for the guilty. How exactly does occur? Let's take a look behind the curtain!

God's Love

We already mentioned that God created you. And by virtue of being your maker, he also loves you. In fact, the Bible says that God loved you so much that "he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." God actually knew ahead of time that evil men would put Jesus to death on a Roman cross. But that's not the end of the story! God also knew that after 3 days, he would raise his son from the dead! Jesus would be the first man to ever die and then resurrect to live again. This time, living a life that would never end. No ending! No death!

Our Part

God's part is done. He sent Jesus. Raised him from the dead. And offered the invitation to all of us. The invitation is to simply believe this incredible story of sin and salvation! Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."  

God also tells us to stop sinning. Again and again, in the New Testament, Jesus would say to people he met, "Go and sin no more." The Bible calls this "repentance." "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30 I love the youtube video of the Honest Preacher who just gets real and says, "Guys! Stop it! You're making me look bad in front of God!"

Finally, being baptized is the signature act of God's saving us. What happens when we're baptized? Many things. The Bible says, our sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16); we are clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27); we receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38); we are given a new life (Romans 6:1-4); and we're saved from our sins (1 Peter 3:21).

In Conclusion

So, your friend may not have enough time for you to explain every detail about salvation. That's okay. In fact, it may be more appropriate to share more of this amazing story over a period of time. Don't stress over it. Allow them to ask questions. Try not to use "Christianese" or words that people in the church know, but are not all that common to others like "redemption" or "sanctification." Keep it simple. Your knowledge is great, but remember, your best witness is your own story! Don't forget to share how you came to know the Lord. It may prove to be your best means of sharing the Gospel with your friend.

Room to Escape

Escape from Port-au-Prince Success!

What a fun week! Sara Blasko, our children's minister, and I constructed our very own KCC Escape Room. The idea came up as an evening activity for High School campers attending Wilderness Christian Assembly.  Three groups of campers came through it Monday evening and had a blast! This week the Escape room is open to anyone who wants to register at our church website and go through it. We're taking donations for a 2018 mission trip to Haiti. Ironically, the title of our escape room is "Escape from Port-au-Prince" which is the capital of Haiti!

What is an "escape room?" It's a very popular type of entertainment for groups of 4-8 people who are all "locked" in a room with 60 minutes. The goal is to solve a series of puzzles and locks using only clues and hints within the room and try to "escape" before time runs out. There are other variations from room to room, but that's the basic premise.

These escape rooms have popped up all over the U.S. Each room has a different theme and they vary in difficulty. Sadly, they aren't cheap. Participating in many escape rooms can run around $25 a person! But they have become very popular for birthday parties, bachelor parties, and the like.

As Christians, we face temptations that entrap us. Sin can be enticing, appealing, and attractive. While we try to resist, even the strongest follower can fall. And once we give in, it can be difficult to escape its grip. Paul described his struggle like this:

"For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing."

Romans 7:18b-19

We can take comfort in knowing not only do other Christians face the same sins we do but so did Jesus Christ. There's not any temptation that has come against us, or that ever will, that has not been experienced by other human beings. Or as King Solomon said, "there is nothing new under the sun."

That leaves us all in the same spot - facing temptations that everyone experiences. What hope do we have? Here it is! Paul writes such a cool phrase to his son in the faith, Timothy, that many have committed it to memory.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Timothy 10:13

That's the key! That's the answer! God will provide a way out of your temptation so that you will not fall into sin! Just like going through an escape room, you can find that way out and escape your situation! When Potiphar's wife made unwanted sexual advances towards Joseph, he made his escape by running away! Every time we are tempted to sin, there is a way out. We just have to find it.

There is great satisfaction when a team escapes the room. It comes with a feeling of victory and accomplishment. Escaping from the wages of sin is no less rewarding. Pray that God will help you every time you face a temptation to find a way out!

 

How long is a day in Genesis 1?

What is the meaning of "day" in Genesis 1?

There is much debate about the meaning of "day" in the Bible when it refers to the days of creation. This is happening in order to synchronize the theory that the earth is billions of years old and then it took millions of years for evolution. And while it may be convenient to attempt to twist the scripture, I find it unnecessary.

First, let's look at the "long day" argument. The idea that the "days" in Genesis were not really 24-hour periods.

a. Since the sun isn't created until day four, there is no way to delineate the first three days of creation. They could be millions of years.
b. Jesus says in 2 Peter 3:8 that with the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day. God is not confined by time and could have taken as long as he wanted.
c. A day can mean an indefinite period of time like the "day of the Lord." or a day can also refer to a period of history like "back in my day..." Perhaps one of these is used in the Genesis account.

My response to each of these points is below:

a. It is true that the sun, moon, and stars aren't created until the fourth day, however, at the conclusion of each day God states that there was "evening" and there was "morning" delineating a 24-hour day with traditional Jewish markings of beginning in the evening and going until the next morning to define the day.
b. Yes, the Lord is not confined by time, nor space, nor matter. But the context of this verse refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ. There is no correlation between the definition of a "day" nor connection to the Genesis account.
c. Yes, the English word "day" can be taken to mean longer than a 24-hour period. However, as we're about to see the Hebrew word "yom" translated "day" in our English Bibles is not that liberal in usage.

The days of creation were 24 hour periods of time. And here's why.

1. Each of the days is delineated by the terms "evening" and "morning." The Jewish day began in the evening and lasted 24 hours until the morning had passed and evening came again. If each of the days of creation were not 24 hours, God would not have stated this with each one of them.
2. God refers back to the days of creation while giving the ten commandments in Exodus 20:11 when He says, "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day." There is no reason to think Moses is not referring to a literal day. 
3. Finally, the Hebrew word "yom" which means "day" in English is used 359 times in Scripture and always refers to an ordinary day. 

It seems reasonable that in the Genesis creation account each day refers to a 24-hour period of time. If we chose to believe otherwise, we would also need to deal with the issue of death and decay before the fall in Genesis 3 when sin and death entered the world according to the Bible. This opens up a whole other topic of discussion.

The LORD is my Rock

My daughter takes in the Grand Canyon from North Rim

Our family recently took a vacation to several National Parks out West. It was a lengthy, ambitious trip as we drove about 5000 miles and spent well over 60 hours in the car. We drove across the arid, desert plains of Iowa and Nebraska, then through the majestic Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Finally arriving in Arizona, we settled in preparation to visit the Parks. I had heard the names of the parks we would visit but I had no idea what I was about to experience. One Scripture that came to mind was what David wrote in Psalms:

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." - Psalm 18:2

Each day I took pictures of the places we visited. I posted the images along with a scripture from my daily Bible app reading plan on my Facebook page. I was struck by God's amazing creation. The sheer size of these mountains and canyons is mind-boggling. Some towered overhead; Others dropped to precipitous depths.

Zion National Park

Our first visit took us to Bryce Canyon National Park in Bryce, Arizona. This park featured towering spires, known as "hoodoos" in a natural amphitheater. I ventured down the Navajo Loop trail, which was classified as an "easy" 1-mile hike and it wasn't long before I felt the walls of the canyon surrounding me. I had no difficulty walking down into the canyon, however, as people came back up I noticed their heads down and their breathing labored. I successfully finished the hike, but given my lack of conditioning, I left the other more difficult hikes to those more younger and fit than me.

"In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him."  - Psalm 95:4

The next day took us to Zion National Park in Utah. Zion is known for its incredible hikes and mountain climbing options. One hiking trail, called Angels Landing, ends up with a series of 21 steep switch-backs and then out onto a narrow pathway where a chain railing has been installed for hikers to hold on to. Only a couple weeks prior to our trip a 14-year-old old girl had lost her footing and fallen to her death while on this trail. Needless to say, we didn't feel up to that hike!

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:2

My view descending the Navajo Loop Trail at Bryce Canyon

Finally, to wrap up our National Park visits, we drove to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.  This spectacular mile-deep canyon immediately took my breath away. The reason pictures don't do it justice is simply because of its vastness. I calculated the Grand Canyon was roughly 32 miles long! So, when you do take a picture, you are only capturing a fraction of the entire canyon.

Our trip out West strengthened by Christian faith because I saw first-hand the amazing creation of my God. Scholars may debate how these canyons originally formed, but what remains is that they are there. Their beauty, vastness, and power point me to a God who is indeed omniscient and omnipotent.

Did God know Lucifer was going to rebel against Him before He created him?

Did God know Lucifer was going to rebel against Him before He created him?

The current sermon series is called "Tough Questions." I thought I would tackle one this week in the KCC E-news. It's a challenging one, but here are my thoughts.

The Bible teaches that God is omniscient, which means He knows everything (Psalm 139:2-4; Proverbs 5:21). He knows what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. In fact, He transcends time, so we can simply say, God knows. If God knows outside of time, then the question is not did he know before, but "why" did he create Lucifer if he would rebel?

Lucifer was originally an angel, a created heavenly being. He led a rebellion against God (Ezekiel 28:17). And just like man, God seems to have given angels free-will. Lucifer and a third of those in heaven chose to rebel against God (Revelation 12:4).

I think God created man, heavenly beings like angels, and even Lucifer himself in order to have a relationship with them. And in order to have a two-way consensual relationship, God gave them free-will. They were not forced to have a relationship with their creator, they were able to choose to have one (Acts 17:26,27).

My basis for this is being a parent. My wife and I chose to have children. We knew we would love them. However, unlike God, we are not all-knowing, so we don't know how our children will feel towards us when they are older. We hope and pray they chose to love us and maintain a healthy relationship with us. But we have no guarantee because they have free-will to choose. So for argument's sake, let's assume we did know that 1 out of every 3 children we have would rebel against us. Would we still have chosen to have children? I think the answer is "yes." For the love of those children who would choose to keep a good relationship with us, we would have still had children. The flip side are offspring who would be forced to love and obey us - kind of like an appliance or power tool - does what we need, but is not capable of filling our relationship void.

Even though God foreknew that 1/3 of the angels in heaven would rebel against Him and be removed from heaven, He still chose to create them. He didn't create robots to be programmed and do exactly as they are told. He chose to make free-willed beings - both angelic and human - so that we might love Him.

Another theory floating out there on the Internet is that God needed a "bad guy" in order to send Jesus to "save" us from sin and eternal hell. This too is a valid possibility to consider, but I think primarily God's ultimate decision to create was to make beings who would reach out to Him, love, Him, and ultimately make their homes with Him.