ANSWERING SKEPTICS’ QUESTIONS ABOUT JESUS’ DEITY
We have been talking about how to answer the questions of skeptics. One of the most used attacks is that Jesus was not divine. Many will admit Jesus was a great man, a fine teacher and a wonderful moral example, but not God. However, He Himself claimed to be God (John 8:58; 17:5; 10:30; 5;18; 4;25-26). He claimed to be equal with God the Father (Matthew 28:19; John 5:17-18; 12:45; 13:20; 14:1, 9) and one with God (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12; 8:39; John 10:30, 36-38; 17:11, 21-22; 20:28). He said He was sent by God (John 4:34; 5:37; 7:16, 28-29; 8:16; 9:4; 11:42; 14:24; 16:28; 17:18, 23) and was the Son of God (Matthew 16:17; 22:42-45; Mark 12:35-37; 14:61-62; Luke 20:41; John 9:35-37; 22:69-70).
Jesus was called God and Lord (John 1:1-18; 20:28; Romans 9:5; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1; Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:2; John 8:58; 18:5-6). He, like God the Father (Psalm 19:14, 28:1, 42:9, 61:2, 62:2, 71:3, 78:35), claimed to be the Rock (Matthew 7:24-26 and Luke 6:46-49). Both are called Shepherd (Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34; John 10). Bridegroom is another name used for both God the Father (Isaiah 49, 54; Jeremiah 2, Hosea) and Jesus (Mark 2:19, Matthew 9:15; Luke 5:34-35).
In addition, Jesus claimed the attributes of God (John 8:42; 16:15). He claimed to have all knowledge (omniscience, Matthew 11:21-22; Luke 10:13), all power (omnipotence, Mark 14:61-63; Luke 22:69-70; John 2:19, 10:18; 11:25-27) and to be everywhere at once (omnipresence, Matthew 18:20; 28:20). Like God, He said He could forgive sin (Mark 2:5,9,10; Luke 5:20-21; 7:48-49). He claimed the same authority God has (Matthew 7:21-23; 28:18) and the same honor (John 5:22-23). He even said He existed before the world was created (John 8:58; 17:5).
When someone claims to be God, that must be taken seriously. He can no longer be just a good teacher or fine example. Claims of deity must be dealt with. When someone says that they are God, then they are either a liar, or they are a lunatic and think they are God, or else they really are the Lord God. Those are the only options. A good man or special teacher is not an option.
Jesus couldn’t have been a liar or lunatic because He lived the purest, most influential life ever. How could He have had the impact He has had if he was dishonest or out of His mind? Consider what Historian Phillip Schaff has to say: “How, in the name of logic, common sense, and experience, could an imposter that is a deceitful, selfish, depraved man have invented, and consistently maintained from the beginning to end, the purest and noblest character known in history with the most perfect air of truth and reality? How could He have conceived and successfully carried out a plan of unparalleled beneficence, moral magnitude, and sublimity, and sacrificed His own life for it, in the face of the strongest prejudices of His people and age?” How indeed.
What difference would it make in your life if Jesus were not God
What, to you, is the strongest argument that Jesus is God?
Pray now and ask God to bring someone into your life this week that you talk to about the deity of Jesus.
The next blog in this series is about proving Jesus is the only way to God. For more proof that Jesus is God email me at jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org or download it at https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/our-ministries/india/articles/ You can also access my book “Why We Believe” at https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/download/india/Books/english_translations/Why-We-Believe.pdf
INDIA UPDATE & PRAYER REQUEST: OUR TRAINING SCHOOL IN KENYA
Pastor Chebon and his team in Africa have established a training school registered with and recognized by the government of Kenya. They are using my books as the curriculum. This will enable pastors who attend to be legally registered as pastors. It is a great step forward for our ministry in Africa. Pastor Chebon writes: “Just wanted to inform you that because of your great passion and contribution towards the CTO/TET vision and the eventual birth of the TIGM School Of Ministry and Theological Studies, I wish to appreciate your great support by bestowing upon you the position of the PATRON and MENTOR of our School Of Ministry and Theological Studies. Kindly accept my humble request to you. Yes, you have and still are contributing quite a lot more to the spiritual growth and discipleship in the entire world and in particular now in our African continent. Many many Pastors and Church leaders have been impacted by your biblically founded teachings. And so, you earn a distinction for the great work already seen by us. Besides, your inspiration, unceasing encouragement and financial support you have put into our trust, qualifies you as our Patron and Mentor. Thank you and thank you again and again. Be blessed abundantly.”
Please pray for this ministry. Pray for protection for those who train pastors as they travel and speak. Pray for the finances to print my books in Swahili and to finance these conferences.
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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