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For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of the apostles preaching.  His first advent, of which the apostles were witnesses, is the object of the Christian’s faith. Christ’s second advent is the object of the Christian’s hope. A foundation of such faith and hope are those who testified of the marvelous revelation of Jesus.

The Christian’s faith is not based on fables.  There were many strange stories circulating among both the Jews and the Gentiles.  (Matthew 13:22) But the story of Jesus is not a myth. It is history- real history.  The story of Jesus is an incredible one.  The apostles were witnesses of those things Jesus did and taught. 

The Christian’s faith is based on eyewitnesses.  The apostles were eyewitnesses of his Majesty.  The word “eyewitness” alludes to the careful scrutiny of those who testified.  There was no deception or imagination.  They truly witnessed his majesty!  Peter, James, and John saw in Jesus the glory of God on the holy Mountain. 

The Christian’s faith is based on the testimony of the Father.  On the mountain of transfiguration, the apostles not only saw the glory of God, but heard a voice from heaven.  The Father said: “this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5)  Only the Father could make such an announcement.   He was well pleased with his son!  Instead of Moses or Elijah, man must now listen to Him.  Regardless of what man may think of Jesus, he is still honored by the Father.   It would behoove us to heed the Father and listen to his son. 

Human nature is such that it would be easy to doubt the incredible story of Jesus. However, when one fully examines the evidence and accepts its reality with trust, love, and hope, he is constrained to make Jesus his Lord and is motivated by the promise of the Lord’s victorious return. (II Peter 3:10-14)

By George Slover

 

There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)

Much of Jesus’ ministry was near the sea of Galilee.  Luke tells us that Jesus was near the city of Bethsaida on the east side of the sea.  A great multitude followed Jesus because of the signs he performed.

Thus, Jesus tested Philip: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" (John 6:5)  Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little." (John 6:7) Then, Andrew adds, "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?" (John 6:9)  Does Andrew see some potential here or is he thinking the situation is hopeless?   

The Barley loaves were not large commercial loaves of bread.  They would be just enough to make a fish “sandwich”.  The fishes were salted and dried, and used for relish.   It was common food for a common little boy.  The food may have been for his lunch.  However, Jesus does something spectacular with this small amount.

How many times have we contemplated our own inadequacy?  Who are we among so many?  The world seems so intimidating, and we are so small.  What can we do? 

There are many tools God places at our disposal to contribute to our spiritual success.  The most useful one is a book that seems so common and ordinary. That book is the Bible. Its message has radically changed lives for more than 2000 years.   

This great faith building book is at your disposal right now.  The same message that influenced an Ethiopian, a Jewish zealot, and a jailer can also give you joy and hope.  Study it, practice, preach it,  and you will be blessed!

By George Slover

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

There are times when a church or an individual is in need of spiritual renewal. The Jews of this era busied themselves with rebuilding the Temple, restoring the law, and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.   There is a good comparison of the activities of the Jews with rebuilding spiritual lives in our time.

Chapter 9 records a public confession of Israel. This confession was accompanied by a covenant with God.  Israel's history of departure demonstrated their propensity to wickedness.   They had lost their right to the land because of their sin.  Hopefully, this covenant would safeguard against future departures.   Their resolve: we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

A temple has tremendous significance in Bible parlance.  Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’s temple, and Herod’s temple represented the presence of God among the people.  The New Testament takes the word to a deeper spiritual meaning.  Those redeemed by Christ are a “holy temple in the Lord”. (Ephesians 2:21)  Their body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit”. (I Corinthians 6:19)  Because they are God’s house, they enjoy the great blessing of His presence.  

Just like Israel, Christians are tempted with worldliness and unbelief.  Thus, they are in need of a revival.  Our times of renewal must include the resolve to give diligence to caring for our spiritual house.  We must separate ourselves from the world’s entanglements, and fill the house with activities of heaven.

How are the walls of your spiritual life?  Bring your offerings to the storeroom,  join in with the singers of Israel, and do not neglect the house of our God.  (Nehemiah 10:39)

By George Slover