Does your faith need strengthening? Are you confused and wondering if Jesus Christ is really "The Way, the Truth, and the Life?" "Fight for Your Faith" is a blog filled with interesting and thought provoking articles to help you find the answers you are seeking. Jesus said, "Seek and ye shall find." In Jeremiah we read, "Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall seek for Me with all your heart." These articles and videos will help you in your search for the Truth.
Just before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He spoke to Lazarus’ sister Martha and said: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”1
In raising people from death back to life, as in the cases of Lazarus, the dead man who was being carried out of the town for burial, and the ruler’s daughter, Jesus demonstrated that He had power over death itself.2 This power was further demonstrated when Jesus rose from the dead three days later, after being brutally scourged and hung on a cross until He died.
His resurrection from the dead proved that He was the Son of God. He “was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.”3
His sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead made a way for those who believe in Him to also be raised from the dead and to have life eternally. Jesus was the first to die, resurrect, and never die again; thus the apostle Paul called Him “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”4
As unsaved sinners, we were spiritually dead, but salvation spiritually resurrected us. While we will eventually die physically, our spirit will be fully conscious as it dwells in the presence of the Lord until the time when Jesus returns. When He does, our spirits will be united with our resurrected bodies, which will be transformed to be like Jesus’ body upon His resurrection.
When Jesus said “I am the resurrection,” He was declaring that He had the power to raise the dead. Earlier in the Gospel of John, He stated: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”5 Because He lives eternally, we will also live eternally.
Besides declaring that He was the resurrection, Jesus also said that He was life, meaning He had the power to grant life after death. Because He has life within Himself, He has the power to bestow resurrection on all those who believe in Him. Because He is life, death has no ultimate power over Him, and because He gives spiritual life to those that believe in Him, they too partake in His victory over death.
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”6When we die, we are called out of this earthly life, our outer person dies; but our spirit, our inner person, continues to live eternally. In addition, we will be reunited with our renewed physical body at the time of the resurrection.
Physical death, which brings physical life to an end and separates people from the ones they love, reflects the spiritual death which occurs when people are separated from God because of sin. However, since Jesus bore our sins as He suffered and died on the cross, and then overcame death by His resurrection, death has been defeated. Because we are united in Him, we too will be raised to live eternally with Him.
We will rise, because He has risen! This is what we celebrate at Easter. He is the resurrection and the life, and if we believe in Him, even if we die, we will live and we will never die.—Peter Amsterdam
Another layer of Easter
In Acts 2, we read about Peter’s very first sermon at Pentecost. Jesus had just ascended into heaven and had told His disciples the Holy Spirit would come to them. The believers anxiously huddled together in an upper room waiting to see what was next. Then the Holy Spirit swept through in the form of flames of fire, and they were all filled with a power and boldness that they had never known.
At that time, Jerusalem was filled with Jews from all over the world. Upon being filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples trickled out of their upper room and into the public, where they began declaring the gospel—in foreign languages none of them previously knew! All the Jewish visitors to Jerusalem were astounded that these people knew their languages. People were trying to figure out how it could be possible for them to speak in languages they had never learned. Some took to making fun, saying, “They must be drunk.”7
Then Peter, the same Peter who denied Jesus just a few weeks before, stood up and addressed this huge crowd: “We aren’t drunk; it’s only 9:00 in the morning. We’re filled with the Spirit just like the prophet Joel prophesied.”8
He goes on to explain that Jesus of Nazareth, the one who everyone knew had recently been crucified, was the Son of God, whom God had raised from the dead. He then referenced David’s prophecy about Jesus in Psalm 16:10, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
Peter says, “Brothers and sisters, I can speak confidently about the patriarch David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this very day. Because he was a prophet, he knew that God promised him with a solemn pledge to seat one of his descendants on his throne. Having seen this beforehand, David spoke about the resurrection of Christ, that he wasn’t abandoned to the grave, nor did his body experience decay. This Jesus, God raised up. We are all witnesses to that fact.”9
Then Peter pricked the crowd with the statement, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”10
Peter’s delivery was so powerful and anointed that the crowd was cut to the heart and cried, “Brothers, what do we do?” “Repent and be baptized” was the reply. That day 3,000 believers were added to the church. And that was just the beginning
Peter’s delivery wasn’t just bold, it was also educated. He accurately referenced Jewish prophets and prophecy and spoke with a clarity that he wasn’t previously known for. He was obviously anointed, and it was the work of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus had to leave His disciples in order for them to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.”11
The gift of the Comforter is directly related to Jesus’ death. I haven’t always thought of the Holy Spirit as something to celebrate at Easter, but I can see that the gift of the Holy Spirit is a great gift to celebrate at Easter.
The Holy Spirit is God living in us. It’s His presence in our lives, and is available to us because Jesus was willing to give His life for us to have it. The Holy Spirit goes beyond salvation (which is already the most amazing, awesome, love-filled gift we could possibly receive), and ensures us an eternity with God in that it connects us to God’s Spirit and presence each and every day.
Thinking about the gift of the Holy Spirit has added another layer to my appreciation of Easter and what Jesus has done for us. I’m grateful for this deeper understanding of what Jesus has done for me, and it’s something I never want to take for granted.—Mara Hodler
Published on Anchor April 2020. Read by Reuben Ruchevsky. Music by John Listen.
You’ve got a big job to do, and the only way you’re going to have the strength to continue to do it is by spending time with Me. You may not feel that what you do is so important‚ and you could be tempted to feel that it won’t hurt to skimp on your time with Me. But this time in My presence is of vital importance, and that’s how you’ll make it through this marathon of life.
It’s through these times in My presence that you find the strength you need to continue each day and to face the problems and seek Me for My solutions. It’s through the times you spend in My Word that your faith is renewed and your trust that I am in control is strengthened.
As you pause and open your heart, I will fill it with My love and peace that surpasses all understanding. Open your eyes and I will show you great and mighty things. Open your mind and I will fill it with My thoughts that are higher than yours. Open your ears and I will speak to you and guide you.
Let My Word be a lamp unto your feet and the light that shows you the path. Let My Word light your path today and illumine the dark places.
Take some time to give Me your full attention every day. Devote yourself to Me during that time with all your heart‚ soul, mind, and strength, shutting out all else. Don’t worry about the things that must be done and the deadlines you face. As you put Me first, all these other things will be added to you.
There’s always so much to do—so much work and so many responsibilities—but don’t neglect to take time with Me. Even when you don’t have much time to commune with Me, you can take advantage of the little moments throughout the day to come into My presence.
Seek Me early and you will find Me. I will be with you in the morning‚ in the noontime, in the evening, and through the night. I will anoint you, cleanse you, empower you, and give you wisdom.
Perseverance
Don’t give up if things seem difficult at first. Keep on working, loving, and trying, and let Me work. Think of yourself as a marathon runner. It’s a long haul and extremely tiring and taxing, but in the end you’re going to win a prize. So pace yourself, keep your eyes on the goal, and remember that it’s going to be worth it all.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and anything that’s worth something takes time, especially when you’re building something that will last for years to come.
If things aren’t going well or you’re having troubles, stop and ask yourself if you’ve spent enough time committing your concerns and cares to Me recently, if you’ve been asking Me for My guidance. If not, it’s never too late to stop and ask for My help and wisdom.
Where I guide, I provide. I am doing a new thing in your life, and I’m going to see every aspect of it through to completion. I’m anointing you each step of the way as you look to Me.
Don’t worry that something’s not going to work out. I might allow you to be tested a bit, things might happen along the journey that will get you desperate‚ but in the end it will all come together according to My plan. If you feel inadequate, unable to come up with the answers and plans, you can trust that My Spirit can fill every empty place and inspire you with ideas and solutions.
Don’t worry if you stumble or fall; I’ll be there waiting to catch you. I don’t mind your mistakes. In fact, each time you make one, it’s like a petal dropping from your rose. It looks bad to you, but when you bring it to Me, I have a chance to turn it into beautiful perfume. So rejoice!
I will give you the strength you need to continue. I’ve given you the job, and I will also give you what you need in order to perform it. You don’t have to do it all in your own strength or abilities. You may feel weak and spent now, but remember that My strength is made perfect in your weakness. Just continue to be faithful each day.
Give Me your hand and I will hold it. Give Me your heart and I will treasure it. Give Me your cares and I will help you carry them. Give Me your thoughts and I will help you organize them. Give Me your words and I will anoint them.
Take a deep breath and inhale some of the peace that I long to give you.
Cast your cares on Me
As the old song says, I am nearest when you need Me most. Every bit of pain and disappointment you endure draws you closer to My heart of love. I don’t like to see you suffer in body or spirit, but I love to see you take your afflictions so courageously. Keep Me in the center of your being and I will bring you through, My precious one. I will be yours and you will be Mine, and together we can do whatever I ask of you.
There is never a moment too overwhelming for Me. My vision is above and beyond yours, so anytime you feel muddled, or exhausted, or if things are looking complex, look to Me and seek Me for answers.
What questions do you have? What needs do you have? What tools do you need? I will honor your faith and fill the vacuum as you present your need to Me. Reach up and receive My anointing, and your cup will run over. When you’re weary, ask Me for strength and for My anointing.
If you have nothing to give, is it because I want you to receive? If you have nothing to say, is it because I want you to listen? If you have nothing to contribute, is it because I’m contributing through others? Be still then, and know that I am God.
When you feel overwhelmed, bring all your cares to Me in desperate prayer—trusting in full faith and partaking of the peace that trusting in Me brings. Desperate prayer can displace fear and worry, as you call out to Me with all your heart, knowing that I hear you and will help you in your time of need, and believing with all your heart that I will answer your prayer according to My perfect will.
Those who yearn for Me draw near to Me and I to them, and those who seek Me early will find Me. I desire to hold you close and fill you with My strength, goodness, kindness, generosity, compassion, and empathy. Let My enthusiasm overflow in your life today. For you have this treasure in your earthen vessel, that the excellency of the power may be of Me and not of you.
Remind yourself always that I love you and have made you for My good pleasure. I love you like the dawn loves the sun’s rise. I love you like the sky loves the wind. I love you like a bird loves to fly. I love you like the earth loves the rain.
Originally published June 2005. Adapted and republished April 2020. Read by Jon Marc. Music by Michael Dooley
[Dennis Edwards - Alguns de vocês me pediram para explicar a profecia bÃblica chamada Marca da Besta ou 666. O artigo a seguir, retirado do livro “O Futura Predito” publicado em 1999, cobre a seção sobre o Marca e o que ele poderia possivelmente significa. A tecnologia de hoje está rapidamente nos levando para as mãos de uma tecnocracia governada por um grupo oculto de elitistas que podem forçar a humanidade a receber um microchip implantado para garantir saúde e identificação. Esse sistema pode ser o cumprimento da advertência da profecia do apóstolo João sobre um mundo anticristo. Ele nos advertiu a não aceitar a "Marca da Besta". A marca será necessária para comprar ou vender, mas deve ser resistida pelos verdadeiros crentes em Cristo.
A Dinamarca já aprovou uma lei que permite ao Estado obrigar todos os cidadãos a receber vacinas sob pena de multa ou prisão. PoderÃamos estar no caminho de obter tal lei em toda a Europa e a imposição obrigatória de vacinas obrigatórias com implantes de microchips ou tecnologia que permita a verificação da identidade e do estado de saúde. O medo de vÃrus assassinos pode ser a ferramenta usada para nos encorajar a abandonar nossas liberdades e privacidade atuais para garantir a segurança e a saúde. PoderÃamos estar caindo em uma armadilha da escravidão total se o governo usar seus poderes de maneira draconiana. A BÃblia prediz um estado draconiano do mundo antes do retorno prometido de Cristo.]
Michael Roy
O Futuro Predito
Ao ingressarmos no novo milênio, a maioria de nós não pode deixar de se perguntar o que será o futuro reserva, tanto para nós como para o nosso planeta. Acaso estaremos no limiar de uma corajosa Nova Ordem Mundial, que providenciará paz e abundância para todos? ou estaremos à beira de uma catástrofe sem precedentes – ou ambos? Este leitor oferece respostas que prepararão para o que está por vir.
Uma solução barata e funcional seria pegar um chip semelhante aos que são usados nos cartões inteligentes e inseri-lo sob a sua pele. Depois que o chip fosse implantado, poderia ser lido por um escaneador normal, bem semelhante aos que reconhecem o código de barras num supermercado. Você então se tornaria o seu próprio cartão inteligente. E assim estaria resolvido o problema tão dispendioso de verificação de identidade.
Lembre-se que o lÃder mundial vai exigir que o mundo o adore não só por ser extremamente egocêntrico, mas por estar possesso pelo próprio Satanás. “O dragão [o diabo] deu-lhe [à besta] o seu poder, o seu trono e a sua autoridade” (Apocalipse 13:2).
Ele deixou claro que quando ocorrerem os últimos sinais do fim, estará bem próxima a hora dEle voltar para resgatar o Seu povo. "Quando estas coisas começarem a acontecer, olhai para cima e levantai as vossas cabeças, porque a vossa redenção está próxima! (Lucas 21:28) Talvez não gostemos do que estará acontecendo, e as coisas talvez fiquem bem ruins, mas pelo menos estaremos cientes do final feliz!
(Grande parte da informação contida em "O Futuro Predito" encontra-se agora em vÃdeo, numa gravação interessante Contagem Regressiva para o Armagedom.
Notas
Roy, Michael; "O Futuro Predito", Aurora Production, São Paulo, 1999, p.5,6,19,50-55,59-62
