Introduction:
Are the “founders” of all world religions basically the same–– Jesus, Mohammed, Confucius, Buddha, and others? The answer is, No.
Actually, New Testament Christianity makes claims for and about Jesus Christ that are completely different from any other world religion: Christianity affirms that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, God in the flesh when He walked among men! No other religion asserts that about its founder.
In Matthew 22:42 Jesus asked, “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?” Well, what do you say?
Christianity says Jesus is God’s Son.
What is the evidence?
Consider the New Testament, which is, among other things, a historical record.
1. THE CLAIMS OF JESUS. Jesus plainly claimed to be the Son of God (Matthew 16:15–17; Mark 14:61–62; John 3:16; 9:35–37). In making such a claim, Jesus would have to be liar, lunatic, or truly Lord indeed!
The Bible records God the Father affirming the same thing (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Hebrews 1:5). Jesus claimed equality with God (John 5:17–18, 23–24; 8:19, 23–24, 58; 10:30–33; 14:1, 7–11). If Jesus is not the Son of God, then who is He? If He was only a man, what motivated Him to assert otherwise? His claims brought Him hatred, misunderstanding, persecution, torture, and death. With no political aspirations and neither fame nor fortune, He forsook all, denying Himself in order to do God’s will, and it cost Him His life. Jesus’ suffering is inexplicable apart from His claims.
2. THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. Jesus’ followers claimed He was the Son of God (see John 1:49; Matthew 14:33; John 20:28; Acts 8:37; Acts 3:13, 26; 9:20; Romans 1:3–4; 8:3, 29, 32; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 15:28; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Galatians 1:16; 2:20; 4:4–7; Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 4:14; 1 John 1:3, 7; 2:22–24; Revelation 2:18). The term “Son of God” applied to Jesus appears all throughout the New Testament.
What motivated His followers? For several centuries, Jesus’ followers met hatred, oppression, and martyrdom for their profession. Why would His followers concoct a lie, suffer for the lie, go to prison for the lie, and die for the lie, if they knew their claims were untrue?
3. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS. No one in Jesus’ day denied He did miracles (John 3:2; 9:16, 31–33; Matthew 9:32–34; 12:24), as He demonstrated power of defilement, disease, demons, the deep, death, and nature itself.
Eyewitnesses saw His miracles, and history has recorded their testimony. And Jesus’ miracles verify His identity (John 20:30–31; Acts 2:22–24, 36; Acts 10:38).
4. THE PROPHECIES OF JESUS. Jesus fulfilled prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Son of God, in exact detail in His birth, life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection (see John 5:39; Luke 24:25–27, 44; Isaiah 53:7–8, with Acts 8:30–35).
No other religious leader can lay claim to the fulfillment of prophecy: false Christs, messiahs, and charlatans have arisen making many claims––but none can substantiate their claims as can Jesus!
5. THE LIFE OF JESUS. Jesus’ life was characterized by unusual compassion, wisdom, benevolence, purity, and devotion. Unlike any other, of His life no fault could be found (see John 18:38; 19:4, 6; Luke 23:13–16). His friends knew this (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22), as did His adversaries (Mark 14:55–56). His life was characterized by complete devotion to the will of God (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; Matthew 26:39).
Of Jesus only is the claim made of complete sinlessness (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).
6. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. Jesus taught with a wisdom, insight, and understanding unsurpassed in His day, and ours too (Matthew 7:28–29; Luke 4:15, 32; John 7:45–46). His teachings, though old, are just as relevant today as when they were spoken.
How do we explain His amazing wisdom if He was “only a man”?
7. THE DEATH OF JESUS. Jesus’ death can be understood and explained only by His mission: to take away sins! Jesus predicted His death (Matthew 16:21; John 6:70–71; 13:21–22, 26) and amazing miracles that accompanied it: darkness, the veil of the temple splitting, the dead arising.
The death of Jesus is a historical event, but its accomplishment and meaning can only be understood in view of His identity.
8. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS. Jesus died, but some time after His death His tomb became empty, and remains empty to this day. Why? How? The answer of the New Testament is that Jesus rose actually, literally, bodily from the dead!
Jesus had predicted His resurrection (Matthew 12:38–40; 16:21; and many other places) and the Bible records the testimony of numerous eye witnesses, more than five hundred of them, who saw Jesus alive after His death.
If Jesus really, actually, bodily, literally rose from the dead, then He is the Son of God!
9. THE INFLUENCE OF JESUS. Has anyone influenced our world like Jesus of Nazareth? He never wrote a book, composed a song, built a sanctuary or a hospital, or raised an army, yet entire continents for centuries have been influenced by His life and work. No politician, teacher, or religious leader has affected as many lives as Jesus. His name stands above every name, and His teachings have transformed individuals, towns, cities, and nations! His amazing influence is testimony of an amazing identity.
10. THE CONSEQUENCE. If Jesus is not the Son of God, then the entire Old Testament is impugned, the New Testament is false, the whole system of Christianity is a mere human philosophy built upon fabrication, founded by an impostor, and perpetuated by fraudulent liars––there is no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of resurrection or life beyond.
But if Jesus is the Son of God, then He is Lord of all and must be obeyed. He only can make atonement for sin, save our souls, and provide life, hope, peace, joy, and fulfillment.
Now, what do you think of Christ––Who is He? Weigh your answer carefully.
By John Brown
I have a friend who, like me, loves Thanksgiving. However, he doesn’t really care for Christmas. You may be wondering why. Is it because it reminds him of a bad memory? Because he has no family to share it with? His reason is actually very simple––and sadly, a reality. He says that Thanksgiving is a time when people focus on what they do have. But then those feelings of thanksgiving have barely taken root before our attention is turned to what we don’t have. Yes, he loves Christmas––he spends it with his large family and celebrates Jesus’ life, which we should celebrate every day. But he is saddened that people can so quickly forget, just days after Thanksgiving, all the things they are blessed with.
As a young man, George Bailey dreams of traveling and making an impact. His goals are so honorable. But because of the man he is, these dreams are never able to unfold. The sacrifices he makes for others interfere with and delay his plans for travel and influence, until, years later, he realizes they will never happen. Like many of us, he doesn’t realize that the “wasted” years actually meant something. He didn’t get to travel the world and make an impact on the entire earth, but he made a large impact on the people in his own community.
How many of you have a doctor who has suggested taking a multivitamin? I do. Do you know what these vitamins and minerals do for you? Have you ever taken the time to ask yourself why they’re so special that they’re in every pharmacy? Many of these vitamins and minerals are needed by the body in trace amounts for general good health. Vitamin B6, for example, works with the proteins in your body, helps make hemoglobin, and is needed for the immune system to function properly.
While this food may not be the most exciting food in the world, it is very healthy for you to eat. Zucchini is part of the squash family. Zucchini squashes are very low in calories. There are only 13 calories in a half-cup of raw zucchini. Nutritionally, zucchinis are rich in valuable antioxidants. They also contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. Zucchini squash is also a good source of fiber (4 grams per cup). An adult should get about 30 grams of fiber per day in their diet. Also, one cup of zucchini has nearly as much potassium as a banana (remember them from 
Being polite is something that seems to be going out of style. I will never forget the first time I went to California and was talking to a lady; she asked me a question and I answered with “yes, ma’am.” I literally thought she was going to drop to the floor. She grabbed my arm and told me it had been a long time since she had heard someone who was as young as I, be polite.
One of the hardest times to be polite is when others are being so rude. Our instinct seems to be to immediately snap back. I have done it…we all have. It is very hard to hold our tongue. But, there is this old saying “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”. That means that if we are sweet and kind, we can win people over much easier than if we are sour and rude. So, the next time someone says something mean, say something nice. It may make their mood better too!
When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
We can also approach thankfulness in a different way than usual. Instead of trying to think of everything that God has blessed you with, ask Him to show you everything that He has blessed you with. Notice the people who have less than you, and ask yourself how you can help them. Donating time, money, food, blood, etc. are ways to share our blessings with those in need. You can bless others without having to spend hours of your time and hundreds of your dollars. And remember, our most important blessings are not the ones we can own and touch
There is no rule that says you have to be thin to be pretty. I see so many beautiful girls who hide themselves under layer after layer of baggy clothing. You don’t have to be thin to wear makeup and you don’t have to be thin to be fashionable. Spend a little money to buy jeans that fit your figure and aren’t three sizes too big! God made you beautiful just the way you are. If you have low self-esteem, learn to be thankful for yourself! God made all of us different, and we can all learn how to embrace those differences. If you desire to be thin, keep in mind that thinness is relative. Even thin girls can find someone thinner to compare themselves with, but we can all love our bodies just the way God made them. Here are some tips on how to show the world that girls with curves are beautiful.
Making the choice to serve God takes great commitment and determination but is more than worth it! If we really desire to live this way then we will choose to repent and be baptized 
Based on the Bible’s description of love, when you say you love someone you are saying so much more than just three words. You are expressing your desire to make them happy and that they sincerely make you happy. First Corinthians 13:4–8 gives us the best idea of what saying “I love you” means: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” This passage explains the essence of love and the meaning of the three words, I love you.
The second fruit listed is joy. Joy is very necessary in a relationship. If you never have fun with the person you are dating or don’t enjoy their company then there’s a good chance they are not right for you. Having joy doesn’t just mean being giddy and laughing; it means you have a calming and comforting feeling deep within your heart. This joy is trusting and relying on someone without having to worry about whether or not they will let you down.
If peace is something that is not in your relationship or future relationship then you truly need to consider what must be done to have it. If you or your partner has not repented and been baptized then you truly need to analyze your life and make the necessary decisions to have God in your life. If you have both been saved but one or both has strayed from God’s will then talk to each other and choose to work together to be once again committed to God so that you can both enjoy the blessings that God has provided for those who obey Him.
We’ve made it to November, ladies! We get to fall off the wagon and eat lots of delicious delicacies. There
Surprise your parents by washing and drying your uniform for work (if you have a job and a uniform). You could also Windex the glass things in your house (TVs, computer screens, and mirrors), or dust all the surfaces. You could pick up around the house and/or even pick up (or even completely clean) your room. If you feel that all the things you’re doing around the house will only benefit your mother, then find some things to do to help your dad (if weather permits), like cutting the grass one more time before the cold weather sets in, or raking the leaves in your yard so that your dad doesn’t have to.
We have all heard stories of someone who has overcome great obstacles. Someone who has beat the odds and survived hard situations. My father is one of those people. I know that without God, my dad would not be alive now. He hurt his back at work when I was twelve. Since then, he has had over forty procedures on his back. He also developed many other health issues that have limited his day to day life. As I write this, he is facing the possibility of yet another surgery. He survived meningitis, and at that time was told that if we had gotten him to the hospital any later than we did, he would not have survived. My dad has lived through all of that. We all know that there is a reason he is alive today. God has a plan for him.
I know there are probably some of you who have a parent or a loved one who has some sort of disability or health problem. I know it is hard to watch a loved one go through that. It is also hard as a teenager to deal with that along with all the other stresses that you face. However, no matter what you face, be thankful. Things could always be much worse. As long as God is by your side, know that no matter the outcome, you will be okay. You may not have a lot of money or fancy things, but one day, you will have riches beyond any that are here on earth.
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