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Does God really love even those who are lost? Faith Built on Truth – In Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Some people whisper it in doubt, others shout it in anger: Surely God only loves the good—the churchgoers, the holy, the ones who look like they have it all together.  Yet look at the world around you. Rain falls on fields owned by the kind and the cruel alike. The sun kisses the faces of saints and skeptics without discrimination. Could it be that God’s love is larger, wider, more scandalous than we dared to imagine? God’s love does not sit behind velvet ropes waiting for the righteous to arrive; it spills out into alleyways, prisons, nightclubs, and battlefields. It chases after the addict and the atheist, the rebel and the religious hypocrite. This is a love that refuses to quit, a love that finds you not because you are worthy but because He is relentless. Here are ten reasons to believe. 1. God Loved Us While We Were Still Sinners Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is not a love that waits for us to get our act together. It moves first—when we were enemies, running from Him, His love ran toward us. The cross is proof: He does not love because we are lovable; He loves because He is love. It’s like a parent rushing into a burning house to save a child who caused the fire. God’s love meets us in the flames, covers our shame, and carries us out to life. “The cross is proof: God’s love finds us not when we are worthy but to make us whole.” 2. Jesus Ate With Sinners and Tax Collectors Jesus’ critics sneered: “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners” (Luke 7:34). They could not comprehend a holy man sharing meals with unholy people. But Jesus showed us a God who doesn’t recoil from sin but steps into broken lives with healing grace. It’s like a doctor choosing to work not in gleaming hospitals but in emergency tents after disasters. Jesus’ table was a parable of divine welcome—no one too messy, no one beyond redemption. “At Jesus’ table, grace is the main dish and sinners are the honored guests.” 3. God Is Like a Father Who Runs to His Prodigal The prodigal son insulted his father, wasted his inheritance, and returned home covered in shame (Luke 15:11–32). Yet before the son could explain himself, the father ran to him, embraced him, and celebrated. This is God’s heart for the lost—joyful, generous, overflowing. Picture a mother scanning every face at an airport, waiting for the child she thought was gone forever. When she sees him, she runs. That’s God’s love: sprinting toward the undeserving, rejoicing in their return. “God’s love runs faster than your shame and meets you before you finish your apology.” 4. God Loves Even His Enemies Jesus said, “Love your enemies … that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:44–45). God’s love is impartial; He blesses even those who resist Him. Think about how gravity doesn’t ask who you are before holding you to the ground. In the same way, God’s love holds every life, even those who curse Him. His love invites enemies to become family. “If the sun still rises on your life, then grace is already at your doorstep.” 5. God Does Not Delight in the Death of the Wicked God says in Ezekiel 18:23, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” He is not eager to punish but eager to save, longing for hearts to turn back to Him. It’s like a teacher who disciplines not to break a student’s spirit but to guide them into their true potential. God’s love moves through justice not for revenge but for restoration. “God’s justice is not vengeance without love but mercy yearning for transformation.” 6. The Good Shepherd Leaves the Ninety-Nine In Luke 15:4–7, the shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to seek one that is lost. This is risky, costly, relentless love. God’s focus is not only on those safe in the fold but especially on those far away. Think of a search-and-rescue team refusing to stop until the last missing person is home. That’s how God loves—He doesn’t write anyone off as too lost. “God’s love counts until every lost one is found.” 7. God’s Love Is Steadfast and Covenant-Bound “His love endures forever” (Psalm 136). God’s love is hesed —faithful, loyal, and unbreakable. Our failures do not erase His faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:13). He holds on even when we let go. Imagine the ocean’s waves: relentless, crashing against the shore no matter what the coastline looks like. God’s love is steady and unshakable, even for those who resist Him. “Even when your grip on God fails, His hold on you never does.” 8. Jesus Forgave His Executioners On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). God’s love absorbed humanity’s hatred and responded with forgiveness, not vengeance. It’s like someone forgiving a driver who hit them, choosing healing over bitterness. God’s love is costly—it absorbs pain so reconciliation can happen. “On the cross, God’s love wrote forgiveness in the ink of His own blood.” 9. God Desires Everyone to Be Saved 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” No one is outside His invitation. His love reaches across every boundary—racial, cultural, moral, social. It’s like an open invitation to a feast sent to every home, even those on the margins of society. God’s gospel invitation reads: Come, you too belong here. “God’s love writes ‘welcome’ on every human heart, waiting to be read.” 10. Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love Romans 8:38–39 declares that nothing—not death, demons, the future, or our failures—can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus. This love is not fragile or conditional; it is unstoppable. Think of a mountain rooted deep in the earth, unmoved by storms. God’s love is firmer still. No force can tear His love away from you—not even your worst day. “God’s love is the last word over every life—it does not let go.” Conclusion Look at these ten threads woven together: a God who runs to rebels, eats with outcasts, forgives enemies, and dies for sinners. His love doesn’t stop at the walls of churches or the moral elite. It floods prisons and hospitals, sweeps through alleys and palaces, whispers into lonely rooms and crowded streets. It is a love fierce enough to chase you, patient enough to wait for you, and strong enough to carry you home. So here is the question: If God loves like this, what will you do with His embrace? Will you run away, or will you let Him run to you? Prayer Father of mercy, thank You for loving us even when we were lost. Help us to rest in Your love and extend it to others, even those we find hard to love. Heal our hearts and draw us into Your welcoming arms. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Next Steps Continue with this series on Reasons to Believe : Previous lesson:   God Still Works Miracles Today: 10 Reasons to Believe - Is the age of miracles over, or are they still happening now? Next lesson:   Jesus Receives Us As We Are But Does Not Leave Us As We Are: 10 Reasons to Believe - Is grace just permission to stay broken, or an invitation to become whole?

Is the age of miracles over, or are they still happening now? Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction We live in a world of clocks and microscopes, algorithms and satellites—a world that explains so much and yet leaves our hearts asking more. For many, miracles are considered fossils of faith, stories that belonged to an age of shepherds and stone tablets but not to a world of smartphones and science. We analyze storms with weather models, predict earthquakes with sensors, and map the human genome with precision, yet still, there are moments—unexpected and unexplainable—when the veil of ordinary life seems to tear. Picture a mother who hears a doctor say, “There is nothing more we can do,”  yet watches her child recover. A father finds the last coin for bread, only to see unexpected provision at his door. A woman wracked by years of bitterness suddenly forgiven and free. These are not headlines; they are heartlines—moments when eternity leans close and whispers: “I am still here.” Miracles are not museum pieces; they are the living brushstrokes of a God still painting beauty on the canvas of our pain. These 10 reasons invite you to step beyond skepticism, to see what Scripture calls us to see: the God who worked wonders yesterday still moves mountains today. 1. The Unchanging Character of God God’s miracles flow from who He is, not from human worthiness or historical coincidence. Scripture affirms: “I the LORD do not change”  (Malachi 3:6), and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”  (Hebrews 13:8). The God who parted seas (Exodus 14:21–22), healed Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:5), and raised Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:54–55) is unchanged in power and compassion. His miracles then reveal His character now—unchanging, faithful, and loving beyond measure. Think of the sun: whether clouds obscure it or skies are clear, it shines the same. So does God’s nature—unchanging and reliable. His miraculous acts in Scripture and today arise from a heart that delights in rescuing the broken and lifting up the humble. The hands that shaped galaxies still touch our broken world with healing grace. 2. The Promise of the Holy Spirit’s Power Jesus’ promise of the Spirit’s power (Acts 1:8) was not a one-time event but an enduring reality. At Pentecost, supernatural signs confirmed God’s presence (Acts 2:4, 43), and Paul later emphasized spiritual gifts, including healing and miracles (1 Corinthians 12:7–10). The Spirit is still present, empowering believers to bring healing, deliverance, and supernatural hope. The Spirit works like electricity: invisible yet transformative, dormant until connected. Believers connected to the Spirit witness God’s miraculous current flowing—transforming despair into joy, opening impossible doors, and renewing what was broken beyond repair. The Spirit still whispers life into dust and turns ordinary prayers into extraordinary wonders. 3. Jesus’ Commission to Heal and Deliver Jesus sent His disciples with the clear command: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons”  (Matthew 10:7–8). After His resurrection, He promised signs would follow those who believe (Mark 16:17–18). The early church obeyed, and miracles became common: Peter healed a lame beggar (Acts 3:6–8), Philip freed people from unclean spirits (Acts 8:7), and Paul even raised the dead (Acts 20:9–10). This commission did not expire with the apostles. It continues wherever Christ’s followers extend His mission. God’s power flows not from personal ability but from obedience to Christ’s call and reliance on His Spirit. The mission of Jesus did not end with His departure; it multiplied through His people. 4. Historical Witness of Miracles Throughout the Centuries Miracles have never been confined to the biblical era. Augustine, once skeptical, recorded dozens of healings in his time. Medieval believers testified of supernatural provision, and revivals like the Moravian movement and Great Awakenings saw widespread healings and conversions. In modern times, missionaries report miraculous protection and healing in remote places, often where medical care is scarce. These accounts are like rings of an ancient tree—evidence of life and continuity through the ages. God’s wonder-working hand has not been withdrawn; His power remains active across cultures and centuries. The river of God’s wonders flows through every generation, never running dry. 5. Modern Testimonies Across the Globe Across the world, believers testify of miracles today: blind eyes see, deaf ears hear, terminal illnesses reverse, and impossible financial needs are met at just the right time. Revelation 12:11 highlights the power of testimony to strengthen faith and defeat fear. These stories are wildflowers in deserts—unexpected, vibrant, and undeniable. They remind us that God’s miraculous power is not limited to any era or geography but reaches wherever His name is called. In unexpected places, God still writes headlines of hope across ordinary lives. 6. Miracles as Signs of God’s Kingdom Breaking In Miracles are not random acts of power; they are signs that God’s Kingdom is breaking in. Jesus said, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you”  (Matthew 12:28). They point to a future where sorrow and death are defeated (Isaiah 35:5–6; Revelation 21:4). Picture spring shoots cracking through frozen ground—evidence that winter is ending. Miracles today are those green shoots, previews of the full renewal Christ will complete at His return. Each miracle is a window into the future, showing what God’s Kingdom will one day fully be. 7. Prayer That Changes Circumstances James promised that prayer offered in faith would heal the sick (James 5:14–15). Elijah’s prayers altered weather patterns (James 5:17–18), and Jesus said those who abide in Him could ask boldly (John 15:7). History and personal experience affirm that prayer still moves mountains. Prayer is a seed planted in unseen soil, watered by faith. God often answers in ways beyond logic or timing, surprising His people with healing, provision, and deliverance beyond expectation. Every prayer is a seed, and sometimes God grows forests from a single whispered word. 8. Deliverance from Spiritual Oppression Spiritual bondage is real, but Christ still sets captives free (Luke 4:18). He gave authority over darkness (Luke 10:19), and Acts records joy as cities experienced deliverance (Acts 8:7–8). Even today, testimonies describe people freed from fear, addiction, and oppression at the name of Jesus. Deliverance is like chains breaking from a prisoner’s wrists—a moment of sudden freedom that no human power could achieve. Christ’s authority remains absolute over spiritual darkness. The name of Jesus still breaks chains no human hand could loosen. 9. The Witness of Changed Lives One of the greatest miracles is the transformation of a human life. Scripture calls it becoming a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26–27). Hardened hearts soften, enemies reconcile, and sinners find forgiveness. These inner transformations often outlast physical healings. Think of a caterpillar becoming a butterfly—utterly transformed, not just improved. So too, God’s Spirit reshapes our very nature, making us living testimonies of His power. The greatest miracle may not be outside us but the new creation rising within us. 10. Anticipation of Greater Works to Come Jesus said His followers would do even greater works (John 14:12). These works—spread across generations and continents—include both the miracles we see today and the ultimate renewal at Christ’s return (Romans 8:21; Ephesians 3:20–21). Today’s miracles are dawn before sunrise, whispers of a future when every tear is wiped away and all is made new. They give hope, fuel mission, and call us to faithful expectation. Today’s miracles are shadows of a brighter morning when all will be made new. Conclusion Miracles are cracks of light in a dark room, whispers of eternity breaking into our time. They are signs that the story isn’t over and despair doesn’t win. God’s miraculous hand is not about spectacle but love—love that steps into pain, rewrites endings, and calls us to believe. The question is not only “Does God still work miracles?”  but “Will you trust Him to work in your life?”  Maybe the greatest miracle of all is not a storm stilled or a body healed, but a heart awakened to faith. Prayer Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see Your hand at work. Where I doubt, give me faith. Where I am broken, bring healing. Use me as Your vessel of hope and life. Amen. Invitation Follow the 10 Reasons to Believe  series for more life-changing truths. Share your testimonies of God’s miracles—we would love to hear from you. Previous Article:   God’s Justice and Peace Will Triumph Over Evil: 10 Reasons to Believe - In a world of wars and pain, can we truly have hope? Next Article:   God Still Works Miracles Today: 10 Reasons to Believe - Is the age of miracles over, or are they still happening now?

Or Is Death the End? Series Motto:   Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Death often looks like the full stop of life’s sentence. Cemeteries whisper that love ends, ambitions fade, and every song will one day go silent. Science, with all its brilliance, often leaves death unchallenged, the final ruler of every story. Yet deep in every human heart there’s a protest—a yearning that life cannot simply dissolve into nothingness. Why does every funeral feel unnatural if death is “normal”? Christians dare to proclaim: death is not the end. This audacious hope isn’t built on sentiment but on history, prophecy, and the living Christ. Here are ten reasons to believe resurrection and eternal life are true—and why it matters for how we live now. 1. God Created Humanity for Life, Not for Death In the beginning, God formed humanity from the dust of the earth and breathed His own life into us, making us living beings (Genesis 2:7). Death was never part of this design; it came as a result of sin and rebellion (Romans 5:12). From Eden onward, Scripture tells the story of a Creator who grieves over death as an enemy, not as a friend. Even Jesus, standing before the tomb of Lazarus, wept (John 11:35), underscoring that death is an intruder into God’s good creation. The promise of eternal life is not a later invention but an expression of God’s original purpose—to dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3–4). Think of a master sculptor who sees his masterpiece vandalized. He doesn’t discard it; he restores it painstakingly to its original beauty. Likewise, God refuses to abandon His creation to the power of death. In Christ, He promises not only to restore life but to elevate it into something imperishable and glorious (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). Death does not get the final word; God does. 2. The Prophets and Psalms Anticipated Resurrection Hope The Hebrew Scriptures echo with hope beyond the grave. Isaiah envisioned a banquet where God swallows death forever and wipes away every tear (Isaiah 25:6–8). Daniel saw those who sleep in the dust awakening to everlasting life and others to shame (Daniel 12:2), clearly anticipating a physical resurrection. Even Job, in his suffering, declared that he would one day see God in his flesh (Job 19:25–26). These glimpses formed a rich soil for Israel’s faith, preparing them to hear Jesus’ proclamation: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). This hope is like planting bulbs deep into cold, dark soil with confidence that spring will surely come. For centuries, Israel nurtured this expectation, trusting that the God who created life could also restore it. Their faith carried them through exile, oppression, and silence, all the while pointing toward the day when life itself would be renewed from the dust. 3. Jesus Rose from the Dead as the Firstfruits Jesus’ resurrection is the pivot on which all Christian faith turns (1 Corinthians 15:20). His return from death wasn’t merely a resuscitation but the inauguration of a new kind of life—imperishable and filled with the Spirit’s power (Romans 6:9). It fulfilled Scripture, confirmed His identity as Messiah, and demonstrated God’s ultimate authority over death itself (Acts 2:32–36). By calling Him “the firstfruits,” Paul showed that Jesus’ resurrection is the guarantee of ours to come, like the first ripe harvest signaling more on the way. It’s like the first break of dawn after a long night—the light that promises a full day ahead. When Jesus stepped out of the tomb, He did so as the pioneer of a new humanity, one not bound by decay or sin. His empty grave stands as the first note of a symphony that will one day raise all who belong to Him. 4. Eyewitnesses Staked Their Lives on the Resurrection The disciples did not expect a resurrection; they had fled in fear and despair after Jesus’ death (Mark 14:50). Yet something changed them from terrified deserters into bold witnesses who proclaimed Christ’s victory even under threat of death (Acts 4:19–20). They suffered imprisonment, beatings, and martyrdom—not for vague spirituality but for the concrete claim that Jesus physically rose from the dead. Such radical transformation and commitment testify to the truth of what they saw. Think of whistleblowers who risk careers and lives to reveal inconvenient truths because they know what they’ve witnessed cannot stay hidden. Likewise, the apostles bore witness to the risen Christ, and history records that their message spread like wildfire despite fierce opposition. People don’t willingly die for what they know to be a fabrication. 5. The Empty Tomb Defies Natural Explanation The Gospels describe women discovering the tomb empty, a surprising detail because women’s testimony in that culture held little weight (Mark 16:1–8). Yet this account persisted because it was true. Roman and Jewish authorities had every reason to produce a body to quash the Christian movement, yet none was found (Matthew 28:11–15). Alternative theories—like the body being stolen or the disciples hallucinating—fail under scrutiny given the diversity and persistence of resurrection appearances (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). It’s like a court case where every alternative alibi collapses, leaving only one plausible conclusion: the defendant is alive. The empty tomb stands in history as Exhibit A, proclaiming that death has lost its grip and life has triumphed. 6. The Spirit Gives a Foretaste of Resurrection Life Scripture calls the Holy Spirit a “deposit” guaranteeing what is to come (2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13–14). Through the Spirit, believers experience forgiveness, transformation, and courage in the face of death. These are not vague feelings but tangible evidence of God’s future life breaking into the present. The Spirit empowers believers to love radically, endure suffering, and live with hope that death cannot quench (Romans 8:11). It’s like tasting the first ripe fruit of the season—you know a full harvest is near. The Spirit’s presence within us is the down payment of resurrection life, a living sign that eternal life is not merely future hope but present reality. 7. Resurrection Completes God’s Justice If death is the end, then injustice often wins. Oppressors die comfortably, martyrs perish unheard, and victims remain unvindicated. Resurrection, however, declares that every act of faithfulness matters and every injustice will be addressed (John 5:28–29; Revelation 20:12). It means God’s justice doesn’t stop at the grave; it reaches beyond it, bringing restoration and judgment where it is due (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is like reopening long-cold legal cases when new evidence surfaces, finally delivering justice. Resurrection assures us that God is not indifferent to suffering or evil. One day, He will raise the righteous, judge the wicked, and set all things right. 8. Creation Itself Groans for Renewal Paul wrote that creation itself groans, longing to be set free from decay (Romans 8:19–23). God’s plan is not to abandon the world but to renew it—a new heaven and new earth where death, pain, and sorrow are no more (Revelation 21:1–4). Resurrection means our bodies and the world matter to God. Salvation is holistic, touching not only our souls but all creation. It’s like watching a polluted river restored, fish returning, and communities flourishing again. Resurrection is not an escape from the world but the healing of the world, proof that God’s redemption embraces every part of His creation. 9. Human Longing Points Beyond the Grave Why do humans instinctively long for eternity (Ecclesiastes 3:11)? Across cultures and centuries, we tell stories of life beyond death, from pyramids built for kings to myths of paradise. Christianity claims this longing is no accident but a homing instinct implanted by God and fulfilled in Christ (John 14:2–3). Our yearning for life beyond death hints at the truth we were made for more. It’s like migratory birds traveling thousands of miles to a home they have never seen but somehow know exists. Our longing for eternity is a spiritual compass pointing us toward the One who is our ultimate home. 10. Eternal Life Transforms Life Now Belief in resurrection reshapes how we live. If death has lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54–58), we can face risk, hardship, and even persecution without fear (Hebrews 2:14–15). Eternal life frees us from clinging to temporary treasures and liberates us to live generously, love sacrificially, and forgive radically. It’s like playing music knowing the concert will never end—you play boldly and beautifully without fear of mistakes. Hope in eternal life empowers us to pour ourselves out for others today because we know the story does not end at the grave. Conclusion These ten reasons weave a tapestry of hope: God’s design, prophetic vision, Christ’s own resurrection, eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, Spirit-empowered transformation, ultimate justice, creation’s renewal, humanity’s deep longing, and transformed lives today. The resurrection is not myth but the heartbeat of Christian faith, the music of God’s future echoing into our present. So what will you do with this hope? Will you see death as the end—or as the doorway into life everlasting? Jesus invites you not just to agree with resurrection but to step into it. A Simple Prayer “Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. I believe You defeated death and offer eternal life. Teach me to live in Your hope and trust You beyond the grave. Amen.” Invitation for Feedback We invite you to share your questions, reflections, or stories of hope below . Let’s journey deeper together. Previous Topic:   The Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Life Are True: 10 Reasons to Believe - Or Is Death the End? Next Topic: God’s Justice and Peace Will Triumph Over Evil: 10 Reasons to Believe - In a world of wars and pain, can we truly have hope?

Isn’t the church just a flawed human institution? Series Motto:   Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Many today see the church as little more than a broken institution—marked by scandals, divisions, and power struggles. How could this possibly be the Body of Christ?  Yet Scripture offers a radically different vision: a Spirit-filled community rooted in Jesus’ death and resurrection, animated by His Spirit, and destined for glory. This is no human invention but God’s masterpiece—a living organism woven into the new creation itself. Here are 10 compelling reasons—richly biblical and grounded in real-life experience—why the church is indeed the Body of Christ . 1. Jesus Proclaimed a New People in His Own Body When Jesus broke bread and said, “This is my body, given for you”  (Luke 22:19), He wasn’t simply introducing a ritual but inaugurating a new covenant people, much like God formed Israel at Sinai but now centered on Christ Himself. In His crucified and risen body, walls of hostility came down (Ephesians 2:14–16). Just as Israel was bound to God through covenant blood (Exodus 24:8), the church is bound to Christ through His blood, making it not just an organization but a living organism birthed from sacrificial love. Think of strangers in a disaster shelter who, though unrelated, become family by sharing meals and caring for one another. The church is such a shelter, except its unity is rooted not in crisis but in Christ’s cross, creating one new humanity reconciled to God and one another. 2. The Spirit Breathes Life into the Church At Pentecost, God’s Spirit descended like wind and fire (Acts 2:1–4), fulfilling prophetic visions of dry bones rising to life (Ezekiel 37:1–10). This Spirit united Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13), making the church the living temple of God’s presence promised in the prophets (Joel 2:28–29). Like a prosthetic limb disconnected from its nervous system, a church without the Spirit is lifeless. But when believers are Spirit-filled—rural pastors serving remote villages, youth workers mentoring troubled teens, refugee volunteers showing compassion—they embody God’s power in tangible ways no merely human institution could replicate. 3. Rooted in the Resurrection of Christ The church exists because death could not hold Jesus (Colossians 1:18). His resurrection was not a private miracle but the dawn of new creation, fulfilling Israel’s hope of liberation and restoration (Isaiah 11:10–12). This resurrection life launched a people who bear witness to God’s kingdom in the present age while anticipating its fullness. Imagine rebuilding after an earthquake because a new, unshakable foundation is already laid. Churches enduring persecution in China, Africa, and the Middle East gather despite risks because their faith rests on the immovable reality of an empty tomb, not on optimism or cultural power. 4. Unity in Diversity Mirrors the Triune God The church’s unity amid diversity reflects the relational harmony of Father, Son, and Spirit. Paul’s vision of one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12–27) fulfills ancient promises of all nations coming to worship the Lord (Isaiah 2:2–4; Zechariah 8:20–23). This is no accidental social outcome but a supernatural sign of God’s reconciling power. Like an orchestra playing in perfect harmony despite different instruments and skill levels, churches unite immigrants and locals, CEOs and janitors, children and elders, all sharing one baptism and one table—a living signpost of God’s kingdom where divisions are healed and dignity restored. 5. The Church Is Marked by Cruciform Love Jesus said, “By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another”  (John 13:35). This love reflects God’s own hesed (steadfast love) revealed to Israel (Exodus 34:6) and flows from Christ’s self-giving on the cross (Philippians 2:5–8). The church at its best demonstrates a love that sacrifices comfort and reputation for the sake of others. During the Covid crisis, Christians risked their lives to nurse the sick when others fled. Today, believers adopt orphans, forgive former enemies, and shelter refugees. This is not mere philanthropy; it is cross-shaped love—costly, inconvenient, and transformative—flowing through ordinary people made extraordinary by Christ’s Spirit. 6. Word and Sacrament Feed Its Life The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). Just as Israel was sustained by manna and water in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4; Numbers 20:8), so too the church is nourished by God’s Word and the sacraments, which continually remind us of Christ’s death and resurrection and keep us rooted in His life. Like travelers refueling at a roadside inn before continuing a long journey, millions gather weekly to hear Scripture and receive communion, finding strength and direction for their life’s journey. These practices are not empty rituals but lifelines for a people on mission. 7. It Extends Jesus’ Mission into the World Jesus sent His followers to make disciples, heal the sick, and proclaim the kingdom (Matthew 28:18–20; Luke 4:18–19). The church continues that mission, embodying God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s family (Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:29). Its calling is not to withdraw but to engage, bringing reconciliation and hope. When churches run addiction recovery programs, resettle refugees, build schools, combat human trafficking, or speak truth to power, they become rivers of living water flowing into the world’s deserts (Isaiah 35:1–7). These actions demonstrate that Christ’s mission did not end at His ascension; it continues through His body on earth. 8. Its Survival Defies Human Logic Empires rise and fall, yet the church persists (Matthew 16:18). Like Israel preserved through slavery, exile, and persecution because of God’s covenant faithfulness (Jeremiah 31:31–34), the church survives not by human strength but by divine promise. Underground churches in North Korea and Iran meet despite imprisonment or death. Like wildflowers breaking through cracks in concrete, the church thrives in hostile conditions, bearing witness to a life no human force can extinguish because Christ Himself sustains it. 9. It Is Being Transformed into Christ’s Image Though imperfect, the church is being molded by Christ toward holiness and beauty (Ephesians 5:25–27). Like clay in a potter’s hands (Jeremiah 18:1–6), it remains unfinished yet destined to reflect its Creator’s glory. From congregations confronting racism to those championing environmental care and restorative justice, these often messy but heartfelt efforts display the Spirit’s transforming power and offer glimpses of God’s coming future breaking into the present. 10. Its Future Is Cosmic Glory with Christ The Bible concludes with a wedding feast: the Lamb and His bride (Revelation 19:7–9). Isaiah foresaw death’s defeat and tears wiped away (Isaiah 25:8). This is the church’s destiny—not decline, but shared glory in Christ’s renewed creation. It’s like a seed buried under winter snow, overlooked and forgotten, yet destined to break through the soil and blossom into a mighty tree. One day, the church, now imperfect and struggling, will shine in unimaginable beauty, fully alive and forever united with Christ. Conclusion Yes, the church is flawed because it’s made of flawed people. Yet it is also Spirit-filled, resurrection-rooted, love-shaped, Scripture-fed, mission-driven, and glory-bound. To dismiss it is to misunderstand what God is doing in history: forming a people who are His Body, through whom He brings life to the world. A Personal Invitation Will you stand at a distance, only critiquing, or will you join the messy, beautiful, Spirit-filled body of Christ? He invites you to belong, to be healed, and to help heal others. Prayer Lord Jesus, forgive us for despising what You cherish. Give us eyes to see Your life in the church and hands to serve Your people with love and humility. Amen. Series Continuation Previous Lesson:   Prayer Works: 10 Reasons to Believe - Why Pray if God Already Knows Everything? Next Lesson:   The Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Life Are True: 10 Reasons to Believe - Or Is Death the End?

Why Pray if God Already Knows Everything? Faith Built on Truth – In Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction From Genesis to Revelation, prayer is portrayed not as people shouting into the void but as humanity standing in the sacred space where heaven and earth overlap. Like Adam walking with God in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8) or priests offering incense before the Holy of Holies (Exodus 30:7–8; Revelation 5:8), prayer has always been about relationship and participation. Still, we wonder: If God knows everything, why bother?  This question cuts to the heart of what it means to be human in God’s story. Here are ten reasons that reveal why prayer works—shaped by the biblical narrative, Israel’s worship, and Jesus’ own prayer life. 1. Prayer Is About Relationship, Not Just Requests Prayer restores what Eden lost: unbroken communion with God. In the temple, the smoke of incense symbolized prayers ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:4). That same image reminds us: prayer is primarily about presence, not performance. Jesus invites us to call God “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9). Like Israel singing Psalms of thanksgiving, we pray because love longs for conversation, not because God lacks knowledge. Prayer works because it keeps us at the family table where God shares His heart with His children. 2. God Invites Us to Partner with Him in His Mission From Abraham pleading for Sodom (Genesis 18) to Moses interceding for Israel (Exodus 32), prayer shapes history. God calls prophets and priests to stand “in the gap” (Ezekiel 22:30), weaving human petitions into His sovereign plans. Prayer is like a priest carrying incense into the holy place—God doesn’t need it, but He delights to involve His people. Our prayers join Jesus, the true High Priest, who “always lives to intercede for us” (Hebrews 7:25). Prayer works because it draws us into the work God is already doing to heal the world. 3. Prayer Changes Us, Even When Circumstances Stay the Same The psalms of lament (like Psalm 13 or 42) show how prayer transforms despair into hope. David often begins, “How long, Lord?” but ends, “I will trust in Your unfailing love.” Prayer reshapes our perspective even when life hasn’t changed yet. It’s like kneeling in the Holy Place: you walk in carrying fear but leave with peace, just as Paul promises (Philippians 4:6–7). Prayer works because it moves us from anxiety to alignment, bending our hearts toward God’s heart. 4. Jesus Himself Prayed—And Commanded Us to Pray Jesus prayed at His baptism (Luke 3:21), before major decisions (Luke 6:12–13), and in Gethsemane, sweating blood (Luke 22:44). If the Son of God made space for prayer, it’s not optional for us. The disciples saw His pattern and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Jesus modeled Israel’s psalms and priestly intercession, teaching that prayer is central to living as God’s kingdom people. Prayer works because it connects us to the same life of communion Jesus lived. 5. Prayer Releases God’s Power in the World When Solomon dedicated the temple, fire fell from heaven (2 Chronicles 7:1). In Acts 4, believers prayed and “the place where they were meeting was shaken” (Acts 4:31). Prayer doesn’t control God but opens us to His Spirit’s power. Like a priest lighting the menorah, prayer kindles light where darkness reigns. Without prayer, we live on human energy; with prayer, we ride the wind of the Spirit. Prayer works because it channels God’s life into ordinary places. 6. Prayer Opens Doors No Human Effort Can Israel’s exodus was birthed by prayer: “the Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out… and God heard” (Exodus 2:23–25). In Acts 12, Peter’s chains fell as the church prayed earnestly (Acts 12:5–7). Chains today may be addiction, injustice, or broken systems. Prayer is like the priest sounding the shofar before Jericho—it’s not the horn that breaks walls but God’s response to a faith-filled cry. Prayer works because it invites breakthroughs beyond human strategy. 7. Prayer Strengthens Communities and Relationships Israel gathered three times a year for festivals filled with prayer and praise (Deuteronomy 16:16). Early Christians “devoted themselves… to prayer” (Acts 2:42), building unity and generosity. Shared prayer is like the priests singing psalms together on the temple steps—it knits hearts together. Families that pray together forgive quicker; churches that pray together endure trials better. Prayer works because it is relational glue, binding people in humility and love. 8. Prayer Helps Us Discern God’s Will Before choosing the Twelve, Jesus prayed all night (Luke 6:12–13). Israel’s priests used the Urim and Thummim to seek God’s direction (Exodus 28:30). While we don’t cast lots today, prayer serves as the space where our hearts tune to God’s wisdom. Like adjusting a compass before entering the wilderness, prayer recalibrates our desires toward what is good and true (James 1:5). Prayer works because it aligns our choices with God’s unfolding story. 9. Prayer Invites Healing and Restoration Hezekiah prayed and his life was extended (2 Kings 20:2–5). James writes, “Is anyone sick? Let them call the elders… and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well” (James 5:14–15). Prayer is like the priest sprinkling water of cleansing (Numbers 19); it’s God’s channel for restoring life. Many testify to emotional healing, reconciled relationships, and physical health through prayer. Prayer works because God delights to mend what sin has broken. 10. Prayer Keeps Hope Alive in Dark Seasons The psalms often cry out from exile or despair: “Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord” (Psalm 130:1). Jesus Himself prayed in His darkest hour and was strengthened to face the cross (Luke 22:44). Prayer is like keeping the temple lamp burning through the night, signaling that morning will come (Exodus 27:20–21). In life’s storms, prayer sustains hope, whispering, “You are not alone, dawn is near.” Prayer works because it keeps hope alive until God’s redemption breaks through. Conclusion Prayer works not because it informs an uninformed God but because it draws us into His presence, shapes us for His mission, releases His power, and keeps hope alive. It’s incense rising, candles burning, psalms crying out, and heaven touching earth. The real question is not why pray if God knows everything?  but how could we live without it?  Prayer is our priestly privilege, our royal invitation, our lifeline to the heart of God. Final Prayer “Lord, make us a praying people—like incense rising before Your throne, like psalms sung in every valley and mountain. Tune our hearts to Your will, unleash Your power, and sustain our hope. Teach us to pray in dark nights and bright mornings. Amen.” Invitation to Respond What role has prayer played in your journey? Where have you seen God respond or reshape you? Share your story or questions—we’d love to hear them. Previous lesson:   The Holy Spirit Is at Work Today: 10 Reasons to Believe - Or is the Holy Spirit just an abstract idea? Next lesson:   The Church Is the Body of Christ: 10 Reasons to Believe - Isn’t the church just a flawed human institution?

Or is the Holy Spirit just an abstract idea? Series Motto:   Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Is the Holy Spirit real, or just a religious metaphor? Many today view “spirit” as a vague feeling, like goosebumps during a song or the warmth of community. But Jesus promised not an idea, but a Person —the Comforter, Guide, and Power of God dwelling among His people. If true, then God is not distant, watching history from afar; He is near, shaping lives, healing wounds, and directing the world toward its destiny in Christ.Here are ten reasons to believe the Spirit is still working today. 1. The Spirit Transforms Ordinary People into Extraordinary Witnesses The disciples were confused and fearful after Jesus’ death, hiding behind locked doors (John 20:19). Yet after Pentecost, they boldly proclaimed Christ even under persecution (Acts 2:1–4; 4:13). That’s the Spirit—turning fear into faith, weakness into witness. Today , we still see ordinary people—teachers, mechanics, refugees—becoming courageous voices of hope. It’s like dry wood catching fire; once touched by the Spirit, lives ignite, illuminating whole communities. The Spirit is still making timid people brave. 2. The Spirit Convicts of Sin and Leads to Repentance Human guilt often brings shame or denial, but Jesus promised a Spirit who convicts us not to destroy us but to lead us into freedom (John 16:8). Conviction is like a surgeon’s cut—painful but life-saving. The Spirit awakens us to see what is broken and whispers, “This is not who you were created to be.” Think of someone waking from a toxic lifestyle, feeling both sorrow and relief, and then finding forgiveness in Christ. That inner nudge to turn around, to make things right, is not mere conscience—it is the Spirit pulling us home. 3. The Spirit Inspired Scripture and Opens It to Our Hearts Scripture is called “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), written by human authors moved by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The same Spirit who inspired the Word now interprets it to our hearts (John 14:26). That’s why the Bible speaks freshly to every generation. Like sunlight hitting stained glass, Scripture refracts differently depending on where you stand, yet it’s the same light. Many testify, “That verse I’ve read for years suddenly came alive.” That’s not random—it’s the Spirit translating eternal truth into your present story. 4. The Spirit Gives Spiritual Gifts for Service Paul described a body with many parts, each with Spirit-given gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–11). These gifts—healing, wisdom, teaching, generosity—are more than talents; they’re empowered capacities for love and service. Think of a symphony: no instrument alone makes music, but together they create harmony. The Spirit is the conductor, enabling each believer to contribute to a flourishing church and world. Even acts as simple as visiting the sick or mentoring a child become sacred when the Spirit breathes through them. 5. The Spirit Brings Unity in a Divided World In a world fractured by politics, race, and class, the Spirit creates a new humanity (Ephesians 2:14–18). At Pentecost, people of different languages heard one message (Acts 2:8–11)—a preview of God’s global family. Picture rivers converging: distinct, yet flowing toward one sea. In Christ, enemies become friends, and strangers become family. Even today, churches across continents and cultures share one table of bread and wine. That’s not human sociology—it’s the Spirit stitching broken humanity together. 6. The Spirit Produces the Fruit of Christlike Character The Spirit doesn’t just do “big miracles”; He does the quiet miracle of changing hearts. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23)—are not human achievements but Spirit-grown traits. It ’s like watching a thorn bush become a rose garden. People once bitter and selfish now radiate peace and compassion. These changes can’t be legislated or manufactured; they’re cultivated by the Spirit who reshapes our very desires. 7. The Spirit Empowers Mission and Bold Witness Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, ordinary believers crossed cultural barriers, risking everything to share Christ. Today , the Spirit still propels quiet conversations over coffee, late-night prayers with a neighbor, and global missions to forgotten places. Like a spark spreading through dry grass, Spirit-empowered witness multiplies far beyond what we could imagine on our own. 8. The Spirit Guides and Comforts in Times of Uncertainty Paul writes that “those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God” (Romans 8:14). The Spirit gives guidance—sometimes through Scripture, sometimes through community, sometimes through deep inner conviction. He also comforts, bringing peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Imagine being in dense fog, unsure of which way to turn, when suddenly a faint but trustworthy light appears. Many testify of moments when, against all logic, they sensed a holy whisper: “This is the way—walk in it.”  That’s no mere instinct; it’s the Spirit leading. 9. The Spirit Heals and Brings Restoration The Spirit has always been associated with life-giving power (Genesis 1:2; Ezekiel 37:14). Jesus healed by the Spirit (Matthew 12:28), and the early church experienced miracles of healing (Acts 3:6–8). While not every illness ends instantly, countless testimonies reveal Spirit-empowered healing of bodies, emotions, and relationships. Think of a fractured bone knitting back together. That’s what the Spirit does with broken marriages, shattered identities, and wounded hearts. Sometimes healing is gradual, like spring thawing winter’s grip; other times it’s instantaneous, like a storm suddenly clearing. 10. The Spirit Keeps the Church Alive Across Generations Empires have fallen, philosophies have shifted, but the church endures because the Spirit breathes life into it (Matthew 16:18). The Spirit has carried faith through Roman persecution, medieval corruption, Enlightenment skepticism, and modern secularism. It ’s like a flame that refuses to go out, flickering through every storm. Even in secret house churches or tech-driven worship gatherings, the Spirit animates the people of God. The church’s survival is not human achievement—it’s the Spirit’s unceasing breath. Conclusion The Spirit is no abstract idea; He is God’s personal presence, working in hidden corners and global movements alike. He transforms, convicts, teaches, unifies, gifts, guides, heals, and keeps God’s people alive.The question is not if  the Spirit is real, but whether we will respond. Will we open ourselves to His power and presence? A Simple Prayer Holy Spirit, I open my heart to You. Guide me in truth, shape me in love, and empower me to serve. May I see Your work and join You in what You are doing today. Amen. Invitation to Engage Have you seen the Spirit’s work in your life? Do you have questions or doubts? Share your story, ask your questions, and join this conversation of faith. Last Topic:   Jesus Will Return Again: 10 Reasons to Believe - Is this a real hope or just a religious dream? Next Topic: Prayer Works: 10 Reasons to Believe - Why Pray if God Already Knows Everything?

Is this a real hope or just a religious dream? Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Humanity aches for justice. We see wars and brokenness, and deep inside we cry out, “This is not the way it’s supposed to be!”  For centuries, prophets, poets, and everyday people have longed for the day when God will set everything right. The Christian claim is staggering: Jesus, who died and rose again, will return to make all things new. Is that naïve optimism? A religious daydream to soothe fearful hearts? Or is it a hope rooted in history, Scripture, and the living Christ? Here are ten reasons to believe  that Jesus will indeed return—reasons that invite not just debate, but transformation of how we live today. 1. Jesus Himself Promised His Return On the night of betrayal, knowing the cross was hours away, Jesus said: “I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also”  (John 14:3). This wasn’t a vague statement about “spiritual comfort.” It was a concrete promise within Israel’s story of covenant faithfulness, where God always comes back for His people (Exodus 6:7; Hosea 2:19-20). Jesus claimed to be the climactic fulfillment of that pattern—the God who rescues. He had no earthly reason to make such a bold promise—He was heading into death itself. Yet He spoke with confidence because His life, death, and resurrection were all part of God’s unstoppable new creation project. His return is not an optional add-on to Christian faith; it is central to the gospel story itself (Matthew 24:30-31). Think of someone whose word you trust because you’ve seen them keep every promise. That’s Jesus. His life of sacrificial love, His miracles of compassion, and ultimately His resurrection are the track record that makes His promise credible. If He was faithful in dying for us, we can trust Him to return for us. 2. The Resurrection Guarantees His Return Paul writes, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep”  (1 Corinthians 15:20). In the agricultural world of Paul’s day, firstfruits were the initial crop that guaranteed the rest of the harvest was coming. The resurrection is not an isolated miracle; it is the beginning of God’s restoration of the entire cosmos (Romans 8:19-23). Jesus’ resurrection was bodily, physical, and witnessed by hundreds (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). If death couldn’t stop Him, then His promise to return and complete what He started is ironclad. This isn’t wishful thinking—it’s like seeing the sun rise and knowing the day has already begun. Think of early spring: one flower pushes through the snow, signaling the thaw is here. You don’t doubt the rest of spring is coming—you’ve seen the evidence. Jesus’ resurrection is that first flower. His return is the full bloom of God’s garden. 3. The Kingdom Vision Remains Incomplete When Jesus walked the earth, He announced, “The kingdom of God has come near”  (Mark 1:15). He healed the sick, forgave sinners, confronted injustice, and welcomed outcasts. Yet clearly, the world is not yet what God intended. Poverty, violence, and death still ravage creation. Jesus’ first coming launched the kingdom; His second coming will bring it to full completion (Revelation 11:15). It’s like a builder who lays a firm foundation, framing a beautiful house, then steps away to gather final resources. Would you assume the project is abandoned? No—you’d expect completion. Jesus’ death and resurrection laid the foundation for God’s new world; His return finishes the job. 4. The Early Church Lived in Expectation From the moment Jesus ascended, His followers lived with eager anticipation: “This same Jesus… will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven”  (Acts 1:11). This expectation didn’t make them disengage from life; it propelled them into radical love, justice, and mission. Like sailors navigating by the North Star, they oriented everything toward that future. They sacrificed comfort, faced persecution, and crossed cultural barriers because they believed history was headed toward a day when Jesus would rule in perfect justice. Their lives show that this hope is not a dream for escapists—it is a compass for courageous living now. 5. The Prophets Spoke of a Final Day Long before Jesus, the Hebrew prophets spoke of “the Day of the Lord”  when God would judge evil and renew creation (Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:9). Jesus rooted His teaching in this prophetic hope, but centered it on Himself as the Son of Man who would come on the clouds of heaven (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 24:30). Think of reading an unfinished symphony score, its final notes missing, only to hear the composer say, “I will return and play the rest.” The prophets gave us the theme; Jesus promises the crescendo. His return isn’t a new idea—it is the final movement of a song already begun. 6. The World Cries Out for Justice Even those who reject faith still cry, “Things are not how they should be.” Wars devastate nations, ecosystems collapse, and communities fracture. Scripture tells us even creation itself “groans”  for redemption (Romans 8:22). The return of Jesus is God’s ultimate answer to that universal ache for justice and peace. It’s like children crying out when a absent parent is away and the house descends into chaos. Eventually, the parent steps back in, restoring order and healing wounds. Jesus’ return is not about punishing the world but about putting it right—about wiping away tears and ending oppression. 7. The Holy Spirit Is a Down Payment Paul calls the Holy Spirit “a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession”  (Ephesians 1:13-14). Believers already experience a foretaste of God’s coming world—the Spirit who comforts, empowers, and transforms us now is proof of what’s ahead. It’s like an engagement ring—it doesn’t just symbolize love; it promises a wedding. The Spirit’s presence is God’s engagement ring to His people, signaling that the final celebration—the return of Christ and the marriage of heaven and earth—is on the way. 8. History Shows God’s Faithfulness The God of Scripture has a flawless track record of keeping His promises. He told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved but then delivered (Genesis 15:13-14)—and centuries later, Israel did indeed descend into Egypt and was dramatically rescued through the Exodus (Exodus 12:31-42). He promised to gather His scattered people from exile, and Israel returned from Babylon just as foretold (Ezra 1:1-4). The prophets envisioned a renewed covenant with hearts transformed and the gift of God’s own Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27; Joel 2:28-29), and this promise was fulfilled at Pentecost when the Spirit came not only to Israel but also to people from all nations (Acts 2:1-11). If God has consistently delivered on promises through centuries of world history—rescue from slavery, regathering of exiles, renewal of the covenant, and the gift of the Spirit—why should we doubt His promise about Christ’s return? It’s like trusting a guide who has already led you safely through every dangerous path. If He has never failed, why question His next promise? 9. The Return of Jesus Brings Ultimate Healing The end goal of Jesus’ return is not to whisk souls to a disembodied heaven but to heal the whole creation: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’”  (Revelation 21:5). This means bodies healed, relationships restored, and creation renewed. It’s like watching a master artist restoring a vandalized masterpiece. Each stroke removes damage, revealing the intended beauty. Jesus’ return is the final stroke that will unveil God’s masterpiece—the union of heaven and earth. 10. Hope Shapes How We Live Now This hope is not about passive waiting but active transformation. Paul writes that we “say ‘No’ to ungodliness… while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of… Jesus Christ”  (Titus 2:12-13). Hope trains us for love, service, and courage because we know where the story is going. Think of an athlete who trains differently when a championship is ahead. The hope of Jesus’ return inspires integrity in business, patience in suffering, and generosity toward others. Our lives now become a preview of His kingdom. Conclusion These ten reasons are not religious wishful thinking. They are rooted in Scripture, anchored in the historical resurrection, and confirmed by the Spirit’s presence among us. Jesus’ return is not an optional doctrine—it is the climax of the gospel itself. The question is no longer only theological; it is deeply personal: Will you live as though history is random, or will you trust the One who holds it and promises to finish it? Prayer Lord Jesus, You promised to return and make all things new. Teach us to live with hope and love, to wait not passively but faithfully. Fill us with Your Spirit to reflect Your kingdom now and to long for Your appearing. Amen. Next Steps Follow this series on Reasons to Believe  and share your reflections, questions, or testimonies. What do you think about Jesus’ return? Write to us—we’d love to hear from you. Previous topic:   Jesus Rose from the Dead: 10 Reasons to Believe - Or Just Ancient Myths Gone Too Far? Next topic: The Holy Spirit Is at Work Today: 10 Reasons to Believe - Or is the Holy Spirit just an abstract idea?

Or Just Ancient Myths Gone Too Far? Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Did Jesus really rise from the dead, or is this just a legend meant to comfort broken hearts? Skeptics call it an ancient tale without proof, while believers call it the cornerstone of hope. If Jesus truly rose, then death is not the end, evil does not win, and life has meaning beyond the grave. If He didn’t, Christianity is nothing more than a sentimental illusion.So let us look at the evidence—not only with reason but with open hearts—and consider why billions across centuries stake their lives on this one truth. 1. The Empty Tomb That Could Not Be Denied The women arrived early Sunday morning, only to find the stone rolled away and the body gone (Mark 16:1–6). The authorities scrambled for explanations, even paying guards to spread the rumor of body theft (Matthew 28:11–15). Yet no body was ever produced. An empty tomb doesn’t automatically prove resurrection, but it demands an answer. It’s like waking to find a sealed bank vault open and its contents missing—someone has intervened. The empty tomb stands as history’s stubborn fact, echoing through time: something happened that morning. 2. Eyewitnesses Who Saw and Touched Jesus The disciples’ testimony is consistent: they saw Him alive . He walked with them, taught them, even shared food (Luke 24:36–43). Thomas, overwhelmed by doubt, touched His scars and confessed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).Hallucinations don’t eat fish or walk miles on dusty roads. Dreams don’t turn despairing cowards into bold heralds willing to die. These were not fleeting visions but encounters that burned resurrection into history like sunlight etching patterns on stone. 3. Women as the First Witnesses In that culture, women’s testimony was dismissed in court. Yet the Gospels boldly state that women first proclaimed, “He is risen!” (Luke 24:10).If this was fiction, writers would have picked prestigious male witnesses. But truth tells the story as it is, not as it is convenient. The resurrection story, like a wildflower breaking through concrete, disregards human expectations—it honors the humble and overturns social norms, announcing God’s upside-down kingdom. 4. Enemies Who Became Followers Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor, became Paul the apostle after meeting the risen Jesus on the Damascus road (Acts 9:1–6). James, who doubted his own brother (John 7:5), became a leader in the Jerusalem church (1 Corinthians 15:7).Enemies don’t switch sides over a comforting myth. But when confronted by undeniable reality—like being hit by a wave that drags you into new waters—they surrender. The resurrection didn’t just change minds; it remade identities and redirected destinies. 5. The Message That Spread Against All Odds From fearful fishermen to bold proclaimers, the disciples filled Jerusalem with their teaching: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32).Movements built on lies fade; movements rooted in resurrection grow even under persecution. It’s like fire in dry grass—stomp on it, and sparks fly farther. The resurrection ignited a message that could not be silenced and continues today to leap across cultures and continents. 6. The Fulfillment of Ancient Prophecy Long before Jesus, prophets had spoken of God’s anointed one suffering and yet seeing life again: “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead” (Psalm 16:10); “After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11).The resurrection wasn’t an afterthought; it was the crescendo of a divine symphony planned from the beginning. Like a seed’s hidden blueprint pushing up a tree, God’s purposes came to life exactly as promised. 7. Transformed Fearful Disciples into a New Community of Hope Before the resurrection, they scattered like sheep when the Shepherd was struck (Mark 14:50). Afterward, they gathered in courage, worshiping, teaching, and caring for each other (Acts 4:32–35).This radical shift is like winter trees bursting into spring blossoms overnight. Fearful followers became fearless family—because they had met Life Himself. Resurrection didn’t just prove something; it created something: a new humanity living in the power of Christ’s victory over death. 8. Disciples Willingly Died for Their Testimony Peter crucified upside down, Thomas speared in India, others stoned, burned, or exiled—none recanted. People die for what they think  is true, not for what they know  is false.A conspiracy collapses under torture. But these men and women embraced suffering with joy, like seeds willingly falling into the ground, believing new life awaited beyond. The resurrection gave them a courage that outlived fear itself. 9. No Plausible Alternative Explanation Theories abound: stolen body, wrong tomb, swoon theory. Yet each crumbles under logic and history. Roman guards don’t sleep on duty; crucifixion victims don’t casually stroll out of sealed tombs; frightened fishermen don’t overthrow imperial security.The simplest, strongest explanation remains the one the first Christians boldly declared: “The Lord has truly risen” (Luke 24:34). The resurrection is not an add-on to Christianity; it is the foundation stone. 10. Changed Lives Today—Including Ours For two thousand years, lives have been transformed. Addicts set free, broken relationships healed, despair turned into joy, even in our own time. The risen Jesus is still meeting people, not physically on a dusty road, but in the deep roads of our souls.It ’s like dawn after the longest night. Resurrection hope breaks through grief, guilt, and fear, bringing life where death once ruled. The story isn’t only about what happened then; it’s about what can happen now—in you. Conclusion The empty tomb whispers still; the witnesses speak still; the lives change still. Jesus is risen—and if He is, then everything changes: death loses its grip, and hope becomes certain. And so, you must choose: Will you shrug like Pilate, “What is truth?” Or will you, like Thomas, fall to your knees and say, “My Lord and my God”? A Prayer “Lord Jesus, if you are risen, you are Lord of all. Open my heart to your life and hope. Free me from doubt and fear, and lead me into your resurrection power. Amen.” Invitation Continue following this series, “Reasons to Believe” , and share your questions, reflections, or testimonies. Let’s journey together into the deep hope of Christ’s resurrection. Previous study: God’s Justice and Peace Will Triumph Over Evil: 10 Reasons to Believe - In a world of wars and pain, can we truly have hope? Next study: Jesus Will Return Again: 10 Reasons to Believe - Is this a real hope or just a religious dream?

In a world of wars and pain, can we truly have hope? Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction We live in a world that bleeds. From the cries of children in war zones to the silent suffering of the oppressed, evil seems loud, unrelenting, and overwhelming. Many ask: If God is good, why does evil still prevail?  Is justice just an illusion and peace a dream too fragile to hold? Yet, deep within us, there is a longing—a yearning for a world made right, for wounds to be healed, and for evil to finally end. The story of Scripture and the testimony of Jesus Christ speak directly to this longing. They whisper a promise louder than bombs and stronger than hate: God’s justice and peace will triumph over evil.  Here are 10 reasons to believe  this is more than a dream—it is destiny. 1. The Cross Shows God’s Victory Over Evil At the cross, Jesus stepped into the heart of human evil and absorbed its venom. He bore not just individual sins but the weight of every oppressive power, every system of injustice, every personal betrayal and wound (Colossians 2:15). Evil threw its greatest weapon—death itself—against Him, but Jesus transformed even death into the pathway of eternal life. The cross is not just forgiveness for individuals but also the dethroning of cosmic evil, exposing its futility and declaring God’s love as stronger than hate. Think of a surgeon using a scalpel to cut out cancer, not to destroy the patient but to save them. The cross was that precise, painful cut into history’s corruption, healing the world from the inside out. What looked like weakness became God’s greatest act of power; what looked like tragedy became the birthplace of lasting victory. 2. The Resurrection Confirms Evil’s Defeat Is Certain The resurrection was not just a miracle for one man but a cosmic declaration that death and evil do not get the last word (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Jesus’ risen body—the firstfruits of a new creation—shows us a future where suffering, sickness, and oppression will no longer exist. His victory guarantees that every act of injustice, no matter how hidden, will be reversed in God’s timing. Imagine a bitter winter giving way to spring: frozen rivers break loose, flowers push through hardened soil, and life bursts forth unstoppable. Christ’s resurrection is that springtime for all creation, the promise that the cold grip of evil is temporary and new life has already begun. 3. God Promises to Judge with Justice and Mercy Scripture consistently declares that every hidden thing will be brought into the light and set right (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 20:11–12). God’s judgment is not cruel vengeance but a healing justice that restores order, repairs what has been broken, and lifts the oppressed from the dust. Wrongdoers will face accountability, but grace will also flow to those who turn back to Him. Picture a wise judge who does not merely punish but also restores communities and rehabilitates offenders. God’s justice heals rather than simply destroys. It is the justice of a Creator determined to make His world whole again, where mercy and truth embrace and righteousness and peace kiss (Psalm 85:10). 4. The Prophets Foresaw a Kingdom of Peace Long before Jesus, prophets like Isaiah and Micah envisioned swords being beaten into plowshares, a time when nations would train for war no more (Isaiah 2:4). Amos proclaimed that justice would roll on like a river, never drying up (Amos 5:24). These were not idealistic dreams but promises anchored in the very character of God—a God who loves righteousness and hates oppression. It is like looking at a city blueprint before construction begins. The buildings are not there yet, but the plan is real, binding, and already shaping reality. These prophetic visions invite us to live now in anticipation, shaping our lives according to a peace-filled future that is already breaking into the present through Christ. 5. Jesus Announced the Kingdom of God Now and Coming Jesus’ message was revolutionary: “The kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15). Through healing, forgiving, raising the dead, and driving out demons, Jesus demonstrated a world where evil’s grip was loosening. Yet He also pointed to the future when this kingdom would come fully, wiping away every tear and erasing every sorrow (Revelation 21:4). It is like an artist beginning a mural: you see patches of color, shapes, and strokes that hint at the final masterpiece. Even though unfinished, the beauty is unmistakable and unstoppable. In the same way, Jesus gave us glimpses of a world restored—a kingdom where love reigns and peace is permanent. 6. The Holy Spirit Empowers Peacemaking Today When Jesus ascended, He did not leave His followers powerless. The Holy Spirit transforms human hearts, enabling us to love our enemies, forgive those who harm us, and work for reconciliation where hostility once reigned (Romans 12:21). Throughout history, Spirit-filled people have stood against oppression, from William Wilberforce confronting slavery to countless unnamed peacemakers healing communities. Think of how wind carries seeds across barren land, eventually covering deserts with life. In the same way, the Spirit breathes life and peace into our brokenness, planting seeds of reconciliation that will bloom fully in God’s future. Even small acts of Spirit-led kindness today are evidence that God’s victory over evil is already at work. 7. History Bends Toward Justice While evil often dominates headlines, history reveals waves of liberation and transformation: slavery abolished, empires toppled, civil rights advanced. These movements are imperfect but echo Jesus’ words that “the meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). It is proof that human history, though turbulent, moves toward God’s intended harmony. Think of rivers carving through solid rock—not in a day but over centuries—forming deep, beautiful canyons. God’s justice moves like that river: slow, sometimes unseen, but unstoppable. It bends the world, sometimes painfully, toward His good and just future. 8. God Identifies with Suffering People Unlike distant deities of myth, the God of Scripture draws near to pain. Jesus wept at His friend’s tomb (John 11:35) and bore humanity’s suffering on the cross (Isaiah 53:4–5). He doesn’t stand apart from our anguish but steps into it, promising healing and ultimate redemption. This means evil cannot have the last word because the God who reigns also suffers with us and for us. Picture a doctor who climbs onto the hospital bed, taking the illness upon himself to save his patient. That is what Jesus did: He entered our brokenness to destroy its power from within. Because He suffers with us, we can trust Him to end suffering once and for all. 9. Evil Has an Expiration Date Revelation promises a day when evil, death, and the devil himself will be thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10–14). Evil is temporary; only God’s goodness is eternal. Injustice will be like a nightmare forgotten at sunrise, and sorrow will vanish like morning mist. Think of a long, fearful night finally giving way to dawn’s light, scattering shadows and warming the cold earth. That is how God’s final victory will feel: sudden, permanent, and beyond our imagination. The darkness will never return. 10. New Creation Is God’s Final Word The biblical story ends not with humanity escaping earth but with heaven coming down—a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1–5). Here every scar is healed, every injustice undone, and peace reigns unchallenged. God’s justice and love are woven into every corner of creation, making all things new. Picture a forest ravaged by wildfire, blackened and bare, slowly covered by green shoots and blossoms after rain. That is the vision of new creation: life and beauty overwhelming devastation, hope rising stronger than despair. Conclusion The Christian hope is not naïve optimism; it is confidence rooted in the cross, confirmed by the resurrection, powered by the Spirit, and aimed toward the new creation. Yes, we live in a world of pain and war, but the story does not end in despair. God’s justice and peace will triumph because He has already begun the work in Jesus and will one day complete it for all creation. The real question is not whether God’s victory will come—it will—but whether we will live as people shaped by it now. Will you trust this story and join the work of justice and peace as signs of God’s coming kingdom? Final Prayer “Lord Jesus, in a world of pain and war, we cling to Your promise. Heal our hearts, empower our hands to work for justice, and fill us with hope that Your peace will reign. Let us be signs of Your kingdom until the day evil is no more. Amen.” Invitation Continue following the “10 Reasons to Believe” series and share your thoughts, questions, or testimonies. Your story matters in this great hope. Previous Topic:   Jesus Died for Us: 10 Reasons to Believe - Why did He accept the cross? Next Topic:  Jesus Rose from the Dead: 10 Reasons to Believe Or Just Ancient Myths Gone Too Far?

Don't all religions lead to one God? Faith Built on Truth – In Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Jesus Is the Way That Leads to God Introduction In today’s increasingly multi-religious world, there are those who claim that all spiritual paths lead to the same mountain, and at the top we find the same God. But is that true? Can we say that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” without spiritual arrogance? Or is it a manifestation of God’s love that he has come to us in a special way so that we can find him without confusion? If God has truly revealed his face in such a clear way through Jesus of Nazareth, then that is no small matter. We need to think deeply and honestly. These are ten reasons why we believe that Jesus’ way is the true way, not just one—but the true way to know the living God. This is not a proclamation of discrimination, but an invitation to grace. Jesus is not a religious door but a bridge of God's love for humanity. Will you reject Him because His path is narrow, or will you embrace Him because His love is wider than the ocean? 1. Jesus is the perfect revelation of God's own character. Jesus didn’t just come to teach about God; he came to show us what God is like. He is “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15), “the radiance of his glory and the exact representation of his person” (Hebrews 1:3). In Jesus, we see not just God’s words but his true heart. If you want to know God, look to Jesus—his love for the despised, his compassion for the brokenhearted, his wrath against religious hypocrisy, and his justice for the oppressed. In an age of religions that portray God as an incomprehensible force or a rigid, unyielding law, Jesus stands as the face of God’s compassion and truth. He didn’t just speak about heaven; he brought heaven down to earth. He touched a leper (Mark 1:41), wept over a dead friend (John 11:35), and received the repentance of a prostitute (Luke 7:36–50). Just as the sun reflects its natural light and warmth without distorting the eyes, so Jesus shone the face of God before men. Reference: John 1:18, John 14:9, Hebrews 1:1–3 2. Jesus claimed to be the only way to the Father. In his clear and straightforward words, Jesus declared: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). He did not set himself up as another prophet or a better teacher—he declared himself to be the very way to connect with God. In a world filled with many spiritual teachings, Jesus did not offer a list of steps to follow but offered himself as a bridge. According to John 10:7–9, Jesus compares himself to the door of the sheepfold—only through it can the sheep enter and find pasture. This is the language of redemption, not domination. As the only door that leads from darkness to light, Jesus identifies himself not as an option but as the true and only way. Indeed, knowing that God’s love is available in a clear and direct way, is it arrogance or compassion to give everyone the opportunity to see God in Christ? Reference: John 10:7–9, John 14:6 3. Jesus fulfilled ancient Hebrew Scripture prophecies Jesus did not appear as a strange figure in history without context. He came as the fulfillment of Israel’s story, fulfilled the hopes of ancient prophecy, and answered the cry of humanity that had been heard since Eden. He was born in Bethlehem as prophesied (Micah 5:2), suffered as Isaiah’s suffering servant (Isaiah 53), and was resurrected as the prophets had foretold (Psalm 16:10). Jesus himself opened the Scriptures to his disciples, saying, “Therefore I said to you, that everything must be fulfilled that was written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms” (Luke 24:44). Like a special key that opens a specially engraved lock, the prophecies of the Old Testament fit perfectly into the life of Jesus. This is not a fictional story; it is a revelation woven into real history. Reference: Luke 24:27, 44–47; Isaiah 53; Micah 5:2 4. Jesus was vindicated by unique miracles with a divine purpose Jesus’ miracles were not a spectacle of wonder or a mockery to the human mind. Every sign he performed was a sign of the Kingdom of God penetrating human history. He healed the blind (Mark 10:46–52), he lifted the lame (John 5:1–9), he calmed the storm (Mark 4:39)—not for fame but to show that the God of Israel was now among his people. The miracles were like royal seals to prove that his message was true. Just as thunder precedes rain, Jesus’ miracles were a voice from heaven announcing that new life was at hand. In Acts 2:22, Peter confirms to the Jews that Jesus was “manifested by God among you with mighty works, wonders, and signs.” This is not a sentimental fabrication but evidence of God’s love that intervenes in history. Reference: Matthew 11:4–6; John 11:25–45; Luke 7:20–22 5. Jesus forgave sins like God himself In Jewish society, where forgiveness of sins depended on sacrifices at the temple, Jesus pronounced forgiveness on the spot for the sinner, without any religious formalities. “Your sins are forgiven,” he said to the paralyzed man (Mark 2:5). This statement angered the scribes, because they understood what he was saying—Jesus was making himself God. In Jesus, we find not only a teacher who teaches good morals but we meet the Healer of souls, the Shepherd of the lost. Just as a man without legal authority is unable to grant true forgiveness, so no one can forgive sins except God—and Jesus did. Therefore, either he was a false guardian, or he is the true Redeemer. Here we encounter the essence of the Gospel: God himself forgives us in Christ. Reference: Mark 2:5–12; Luke 7:48–50 6. Jesus died on the cross for the whole world. Jesus’ death was the culmination of God’s love for sinful humanity. He died not because of failure, but of His own free will, to bridge the gap between God’s holiness and human wickedness. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). In the cross we find justice and mercy kissing. Jesus died not for just a group of people, but for the whole world. He bore our sins, our shame, our condemnation. Romans 5:8 says: “God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Like a watchman who sacrifices himself to save others, Jesus stood in our place—and that carries eternal weight. Reference: John 3:16; Romans 5:6–8; 1 John 2:2 7. Jesus rose again—and his resurrection is the ultimate proof The resurrection of Jesus was not a spiritual fantasy or the hope of disheartened followers; it was a historical event witnessed. The tomb was empty. The enemies could not show the body. Friends saw him, they spoke to him, they touched him. He appeared to more than five hundred people (1 Corinthians 15:6). If death had the final say, then hope would be nothing more than a dream. But Jesus conquered death, broke the chains of the grave, and opened a new way to everlasting life. His resurrection is proof that his way is not a myth—it is the reality of new life available now and in the future. Jesus is the firstborn of the new creation (Colossians 1:18). Reference: Luke 24:36–49; 1 Corinthians 15:1–8; Acts 2:24–32 8. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to connect us directly with God Jesus not only taught us about God, but He promised to be with us every day through the Holy Spirit. He promised: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, that he may abide with you forever” (John 14:16). The Spirit is not just a mystical force, but the very presence of God living within us, teaching us, comforting us, and testifying to us that we are children of God. In many religions, people reach divine understanding through worship or wisdom teachings. But in Christ, God comes into us, breaking down the wall of separation. Romans 8:15–16 says, “For you received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” Just as the sun gives off light that reaches us directly, even though we are far away, so the Holy Spirit brings the presence of God in heaven into our hearts. Reference: John 14:16–17; Acts 2:1–4; Romans 8:15–16 9. Jesus brings real inner change to everyone who believes. Jesus does not come to be a part of our lives—he comes to change our lives from the ground up. He promised: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Therefore, becoming a Christian is not just a change of religion, but a new life, a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This change begins in the heart and extends to behavior, thinking, and even relationships. In a world that tries to solve internal problems through external means—education, law, or worship—Jesus brings profound healing by breaking the power of sin and reviving true love for God and others. Just as clean water washes away visible and invisible dirt, the grace of Jesus cleanses from the inside out. Many can testify: “I was blind, but now I see.” Reference: John 3:3–8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:3–7 10. Jesus will return to judge the world and bring about the renewal of all things. Jesus’ final promise is not to leave us with just a good history, but to come again in triumph. “He will come again… to obtain salvation for those who eagerly await him” (Hebrews 9:28). He is not just the Savior of old but the coming King, who will make all things new—to remove evil, to heal the cries of the nations, and to establish a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1–5). In many religions, the ultimate destiny is the loss of the soul or union with an eternal mystery. But Jesus proclaims the hope of resurrection, true life in a glorified body, and a new world in which righteousness dwells. As the sun rises after a long night, Jesus will return as the light of righteousness, and every eye will see him. This is why we can have hope even in the midst of present pain. Reference: Acts 17:30–31; Revelation 21:1–5; Philippians 2:10–11 The Truth and Your Decision: If Jesus Is the True Way Indeed, Jesus Christ revealed himself as the revelation of the face of God, claimed to be the only way to the Father, and fulfilled every ancient prophecy about the Messiah. He confirmed his identity with unique miracles, offered forgiveness of sins as God himself, and died for the whole world on the cross. Then he rose in great victory over death, sent the Holy Spirit to live in us, and continues to bring real life changes to all who believe in him. Finally, he will return to judge the world and bring about the renewal of all things. This truth demands a response from you—not just in thought, but in your entire life. Will you accept Jesus as your true way to know God, or will you ignore this invitation of grace? If you are touched by this truth, don't stay silent. Trust Jesus, walk with Him, and seek out a community of believers who will help you know Him better. Final Request O true God, who revealed yourself to us through Jesus Christ, your only Son—open my eyes to see your true way. Forgive me for seeking alternative paths that do not lead to the Father. Guide me by your Holy Spirit, filling me with the life of Christ. Today I choose to trust Jesus as my way, my truth, and my life. Amen. Invitation and Comments Also, continue to follow our “Reasons to Believe” series for more lessons on the Christian Faith. Feel free to share your comments , questions , or testimonies —leave a comment below. Previous Lesson: Jesus Is The Son Of God: 10 Reasons To Beleve - If it's true, then it's Good News! 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Why did He accept the cross? “Faith Built on Truth – For Christ, Through Scripture, For Life” Introduction Is it really true to claim that a man who lived more than two thousand years ago died for you? Why would Jesus, who taught love and forgiveness, accept a cross that was a tool of suffering and shame? Some think it was a political accident, others say it was just a symbol of self-sacrifice. But the Bible says it was intentional – God’s love bearing our pain to give us new hope. Today we explore ten reasons showing that Jesus did not die by accident – He died for us. 1. Jesus Died to Forgive Our Sins “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Sin is not just a small mistake but a barrier that separates us from God and harms our relationships with others. Jesus took the weight of our sins on Himself, paying the debt we could never repay. This forgiveness did not come cheap; it required the shedding of spotless blood for our faults. This is grace saying, "You owe nothing now." Imagine someone carrying a crushing loan, and suddenly the bank clears it without condition. That is the cross. It is a chance for a brand-new start without the weight of past mistakes holding us back. Jesus says, "You are free, now walk in the light." 2. Jesus Bore the Punishment to Reconcile Us with God “He has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death” (Colossians 1:22). Before the cross, there was a wall of hostility between humanity and God – built by sin and rebellion. Through His death, Jesus tore down that wall, opening the way for true peace. His death was not just forgiveness of wrongs but the restoration of eternal friendship with our Creator. It is like a family divided for years because of conflict, then one person sacrifices greatly to make reconciliation possible. The cross of Jesus brings us close to the Father, giving us the honor of being called children of God. 3. Jesus Died to Show God’s Unfailing Love “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus did not wait for us to be spiritually impressive or fix ourselves first. He died for us while we were still rejecting Him. This is unique, boundless love that silences every argument of “unworthy." The cross is God’s big declaration: "I love you this much." Like a doctor entering an Ebola outbreak zone to save lives, Jesus stepped into our broken reality – carrying it, conquering it, and rescuing us. 4. Jesus Died to Defeat the Powers of Evil “By His death He broke the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14). Jesus’ death was not a defeat but a victory. He faced the powers of darkness, fear, and death – and overcame them once and for all. Forgiveness and love become new weapons that break the chains of evil. It is like a small light breaking into a dark room – darkness cannot resist it. Jesus opened the way for spiritual victory already visible today in the lives of those once bound by fear and evil. 5. Jesus Died to Give an Example of Self-Giving “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). The cross is not just a gift but also an invitation to live self-giving lives for others. Jesus chose love instead of revenge, breaking the cycle of hatred and retaliation through self-sacrifice. This remains a challenge today. Sometimes following Jesus means forgiving when you have every reason to retaliate, or offering help when the world says, "Protect yourself."  Jesus shows that the true path to glory goes through humility. 6. Jesus Died to Give Assurance of Salvation “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Many live under the fear of failing before God. But the cross gives us assurance of salvation – not because of our performance, but because of Jesus’ finished work. When we hold onto the cross, we can live with joy and peace, knowing the judgment has been lifted. It is like having a confirmed airline ticket, knowing your journey is secure. The cross is our assured ticket to eternal life. 7. Jesus Died to Redeem All Under the Law of Sin “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). The law revealed our weaknesses and failures but could not give us the power to live holy lives. Jesus, by taking on the curse of sin, freed us from judgment and fear. Now we can live not striving to meet impossible standards, but by grace that gives new strength. It is like a prisoner seeing the gates of the jail open and hearing, "You are free, go!"  That is the freedom we receive through the cross. 8. Jesus Died to Open the Way to Eternal Life “My Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40). Jesus’ death was not the end of His story, but the door to unending life. Through the cross, death lost its final word. Instead of temporary hope, we receive the assurance of never-ending life. It is like a bridge spanning a deep valley of death, safely carrying us to the land of eternal life. The cross turns the fear of death into the doorway of life. 9. Jesus Died to Fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures “Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44). Jesus’ death was no political accident, but God’s ancient plan foretold by the prophets. Psalms, Isaiah, and the Passover imagery all pointed to the cross. Jesus fulfilled the history of redemption, showing that God keeps His promises. It is like a film scripted long ago and then brought to life in stunning reality. At the cross, we see the entire story of salvation converging into one moment of love and justice. 10. Jesus Died to Establish a New Covenant “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:20). The cross marked a new beginning – a new relationship with God based on grace, not our efforts to save ourselves. We are welcomed into God’s family not because of our merit but because of Jesus’ love. It is like a new contract replacing an old one, bringing new terms of peace and love. This is how the cross gives us confidence of belonging to God’s people now and forever. Conclusion The cross of Jesus was not a sign of defeat but of victory. In His death we find forgiveness, reconciliation, victory over evil, and eternal life. The question now is not whether Jesus died for you – but will you accept that love? Will you confess Him as the Lord of your life or continue to live as though the cross does not matter? Prayer “Lord Jesus, thank You for Your death on the cross. Forgive my sins and receive me into Your life. Lead me to live in love and faithfulness to You. Amen.” Final Invitation Join the continuing Reasons to Believe  series and share your thoughts, questions, or testimony. Previous lesson: Jesus Is The True Way To Know God : 10 Reasons To Believe - Don't all religions lead to one God? Next lesson: God’s Justice and Peace Will Triumph Over Evil: 10 Reasons to Believe

If it's true, then it's Good News! Faith Built on Truth – In Christ, Through Scripture, For Life Introduction Is Mary’s child truly the Son of God, or is it a totalitarian narrative fabricated for religious purposes? How can we trust a man who claimed to have existed before Abraham, to have the authority to forgive sins, and to judge the world? If it is true that God took on human flesh, then this event is unique in all of human history—and deserves careful consideration. 1. Jesus is the Son of God because he was born in a miraculous and unusual way In the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, we hear these wonderful words: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). This is not just poetic language, but a wonderful declaration of divine truth. Jesus was not born by human will but by the direct work of the Holy Spirit, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In John 1:13 we learn that those who are born of God are not born of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, but of the will of God. This indicates that Jesus also, as the only begotten of God, came by the miracle of a new creation, not by natural birth. As the new Beginning for mankind, he establishes a new covenant of creation and salvation. 2. Jesus is the Son of God because the heavens announced his birth with extraordinary signs Shortly after Jesus’ birth, angels of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and were heard singing with a loud voice: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). This act connects heaven and earth, showing that Jesus was brought not only as a gift to the earth, but as a proclamation from heaven. In the Old Testament, we read how God used the heavens to proclaim his will (Psalm 19:1-4). But nowhere is it more remarkable than the angelic announcement made to ordinary people—shepherds. This is a sign of the revolution of the Gospel: that the glory of God descends to the lowest, as a sign that the Son of God has come to all, not just to the nobles (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). 3. Jesus is the Son of God because the stars and nations recognized and worshiped him The wise men from the east saw his star and knew it was a sign of the birth of a King. They traveled far, guided by the star, until they found Jesus and worshiped him, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The star was mentioned in Balaam’s prophecy: “A star will come out of Jacob, and a scepter will rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17). The Magi were representatives of the nations—a sign that Jesus came for the whole world. John’s Revelation sees the Lamb worthy to receive worship from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Rev. 5:9-13). The whole world is invited to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. 4. Jesus is the Son of God because the apostles saw, heard, and testified to his physical and spiritual reality John testifies: “That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life…” This is not a story to be told. It is the testimony of eyes, ears, and touch. The Word became flesh (John 1:14), and dwelt among them, and they saw his glory. Peter also boldly declares: “We were present on the holy mountain when this voice came from heaven…” (2 Peter 1:16-18). The testimony of the apostles is like the cornerstone of our faith (Ephesians 2:20). They saw, touched, and bore witness to the Son of God in glory and humility. 5. Jesus is the Son of God because his life was written before he was born Prophecies about his birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), his life of suffering (Isaiah 53), his ministry to the poor (Isaiah 61:1-3), even his entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9) all show that Jesus’ life was not a mere coincidence. He was the center of the story of salvation, predestined before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20). Jesus himself told his disciples: “All things must be fulfilled which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). He is the center of sacred history. 6. Jesus is the Son of God because he identified himself as one with the Father In John 8:58 Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” He directly compared Himself to the JEHOVAH of Exodus 3:14, who said to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM.” These words had such great theological weight that the Jews wanted to stone Him. In John 17:5, Jesus says: “Father, glorify me with yourself with the glory I had with you before the world was.” He affirms his eternal relationship with the Father. This is not just a moral or functional relationship, but a natural one—a divine participation in eternal glory. 7. Jesus is the Son of God because He forgave sins When Jesus said to the paralytic: “Son, your sins are forgiven,” the religious leaders were outraged: “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21). But Jesus demonstrated his authority by healing him on the spot, saying: “That you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…” In human life, forgiveness of sin is a fundamental need. Jesus did not just give moral teachings; he touched the heart of the human problem: sin and guilt. In Jesus, we have the assurance of forgiveness (Acts 10:43; Hebrews 10:10-14). 8. Jesus is the Son of God because his miracles demonstrated God's authority When Jesus said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” the wind and the waves obeyed (Mark 4:39). In the language of Psalm 107:29, we see that only the Lord calms the storms. Therefore, Jesus’ miracles are not just signs of grace, but are proof of the Creator’s authority at work in the world. In John 11, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days in the grave. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” These miracles were not performed to impress people, but as signs that showed Jesus as the Son of God. 9. Jesus is the Son of God because his disciples recognized him as the living God and worshipped him When Thomas saw the resurrected Jesus, he exclaimed: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Jesus did not rebuke him, but rather commended him for his faith. To a first-century Jew, worshiping a person was blasphemy—unless that person was truly God. This is similar to other events where the disciples worshiped Him after He calmed the storm (Matthew 14:33), and women worshiped Him after the resurrection (Matthew 28:9). Jesus accepted worship, unlike the angels who refused to be worshiped (Revelation 19:10). This proves His deity. 10. Jesus is the Son of God because He was resurrected with power and historical evidence The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Paul says: “He was shown to be the Son of God with power by his resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). This event was confirmed by many witnesses: Peter, the apostles, the women who followed him, more than 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). This resurrection is not just a spiritual story, but a historical event that explains why the apostles accepted torture and death rather than deny it. Jesus conquered death, and now says: “I am alive, and I was dead; and behold, I am alive forevermore” (Revelation 1:18). ✅ Conclusion: Will you confess Jesus as the Son of God? Jesus fulfilled prophecy, identified himself as God, acted with divine authority, and was resurrected with the evidence of history. It is not just a religious narrative—it is a call to truth for every human being. Will you confess Jesus as the Son of God? As Philip said to Nathanael: “Come and see” (John 1:46). 🙏 Final Request O Eternal Father, help us to believe, to see, and to confess that Jesus is your only Son. Reveal your face to us, and grant us eternal hope. We trust him, we love him, we glorify him. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 💬 Invitation for Comments Was there one reason that particularly interested you or touched you? Do you have any questions, doubts, or comments about these teachings about Jesus being the Son of God? “Iron sharpens iron”—Let us build each other up in love, let us continue to learn together. Previous Lesson: The Bible is the Word of God: 10 Reasons to Believe - Are They Just Human Words or God's Revelation? Next Lesson: Jesus Is The True Way To Know God: 10 Reasons To Believe