What are you Missing (Part 1)

I’m going to see a victory - That is God’s promise to you!

With the crazy things going on in our society right now, our faith often turns to fear.

We worry: What if this happens, or that happens? What will we do then?

There is a better way to live life.....

What does it take to please God? Ritual, sacraments, going to church, reading the Bible, following the rules, etc...?

God is not interested in religion or in rules. He is interested in relationship. To have a relationship with God, we must first have faith in God.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

Faith is believing even when we don’t see it.

We have to believe in God, they He exists, that He can protect us, & that He wants to have a relationship with you!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭

God loves us and has a plan for our lives!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8‬ ‭

This is a firm foundation that you can build your life on!

Faith is believing even when I don’t understand it.

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:7‬ ‭

There is a direct correlation between faith and obedience! If we have faith, it will be evidenced by our obedience. We obey, we follow His direction, even when we don’t understand!

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:8-9‬ ‭

Could you do that? Launch out on a trip to a place where you have never been before?

Faith always involves risk. Will you follow God or will you play it safe?

Lots of times God’s ways don’t make sense.

For example: the Bible says when someone hurts us, we should forgive them. We are called to obey Him even when it does not make sense.

Faith is persevering even when you don’t feel like it! Don’t trust your feelings! Feelings follow your actions. So ACT the right way! Act is faith.

Successful people are ordinary people who do what average people don’t feel like doing!

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:23-27‬ ‭

Faith is trusting even when I don’t get what I want (or think I need)!

God is not a genie. He won’t give you stuff just because you think you need it! This is not prosperity Gospel. Your faith does not force God to do something.

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:39-40‬ ‭

All these great men and women of faith never saw what had been promised to them. Yet the still obeyed and acted and lived in faith!

God never promises us a rose garden. Living by faith does not exempt us from trial and tribulations (including viruses!). God’s desire for us is not happiness. It is joy, peace, and TRANSFORMATION! He wants us to become more Christ-like. This means He often leaves the trial in our life.

But if we live by faith, we can walk through this life singing’ “I’m going to see a victory!”

Who Do You See in the Mirror?

Mirrors are everywhere!  Why are they such a big part of our lives? The help us see what everyone else sees.  God created us to be mirrors - to reflect his image to others.

Worship - we all worship something(s).  Proper worship is to reflect the image of God to others.  Most people wonder what this life is all about. They ask themselves, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?” I think it is all about mirrors. And they can’t see their purpose, because the mirror is fogged and unclear.

Let’s go back to creation. Why did Adam and Eve not wonder why they they were here? Because it was clear to them. They were her to reflect God’s image.

“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:12‬ ‭

Because of our sin, we broke the mirror! We could no longer reflect God’s image as originally intended.

“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:8‬

While our mirror was still broken, God sent Jesus into our life to repair the mirror so that we could once again perfectly reflect God’s image. What does your mirror reflect: sin, greed, worry, materialism, lust?  Does your life reflect you or does it reflect God?

“The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship." Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:19-24‬ ‭

True worshippers will recognize how to worship their God - in Spirit and in truth.
Spirit - my feelings, emotion, God moves me, I experienced God in church today. These churches (who does this only) end up becoming granola churches - fruit, flakes, and nuts. They place their personal experience over God’s Word.
Truth - these focus on Scripture, preaching, and often become legalistic. These (Truth only) churches, throw out emotion and become like funeral homes. No emotion, just dead people!
Our feelings should always be tethered to the truth of God’s Word.

“Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'”
‭‭John‬ ‭3:5-7‬ ‭

On my own, I do not have the capacity to worship God. But the Spirit gives birth to our spirit! This puts the responsibility of worship on God’s Holy Spirit. He will open my eyes and teach me and quicken my spirit and inspire me to RESPOND to God with worship.

Our feelings must be in submission to God’s Spirit of Truth!  We must NOT live life doing what feels good. Feelings should follow actions. The act of studying God’s truth, growing in knowledge and obedience, will lead us to feel the right way.

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭

All things were created by Him and for Him! We were created by God and for God - to worship Him.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:23-24‬ ‭

The Father seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth. He seeks you. He seeks you to worship Him properly.

What does your mirror look like? What do you see? Who do you see? Is it all about you? Or is it all about God?!?

For more truth about life, see https://truthatlife.com/

Part 6: Who Is He?

The entire Bible is one story and it all points to Jesus.  Jesus is the BIG story of the Bible.

Prophesy is the foretelling of prediction of what is to come.  It is shared by a prophet.  A prophet is God's authorized spokesperson.  He had to share exactly God's message with the exact people for whom that message was intended.

Many prophesies, declared hundreds of years earlier in the Old Testament, are fulfilled in the New Testament!

The first prophecy of Christ:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:15‬ ‭

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭

The virgin birth:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7:14‬ ‭

“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:20-22‬ ‭

Handel's Messaiah:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭

Prophesy regarding His ministry:

“Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:2-5‬ ‭

“Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:2-5‬ ‭

Prophesy if His purpose:

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord 's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1-2‬ ‭

“And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:17-21‬

Takeaway: God is 100% trustworthy!

For more truth about life, see...   www.truthatlife.com

Part 5: Who Is He?

Have you ever fired a perfect shot and hit the bullseye, only to discover that you had aimed at the wrong target?  In our lives, a perfect effort, applied to the wrong things, is a totally wasted life.

1. Jesus had a mission.  His name means "God saves!"

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:10‬ ‭

2. Jesus had a strategy for accomplishing His mission.  It involved men who were with him for 3 years.  His ministry was with them and to them.  Jesus equipped his disciples to carry out the mission.  They were being taught 24X7. Jesus equipped the disciples to do ministry.  He taught them how to fish and then he took them fishing.

“And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭3:14‬ ‭

“The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭10:17-20‬ ‭

Jesus invested in a few men, so that through them, the masses could be saved!  And he always made the main thing the main thing.  It was not about miracles and power, it was about relationship and eternal life.

3. Jesus completed his mission.  He died for you on a cross.  In his final moments he was thinking of you.

“Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:34-35‬

“I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:4‬ ‭

“When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
‭‭John‬ ‭19:30‬ ‭

4. Jesus continued his mission through his disciples.

Be a disciple of Jesus who makes disciples of Jesus who will someday make their own disciples of Jesus!

For more truth about life, see...  www.truthatlife.com

The Power of Less?

All too often, we are filled with ourselves.  We rely too much on ourselves and not enough on Him.  When we trust in our own job, strength, health, abilities, looks, bank account, etc., (at worst) we think we have no need of Him.  Or at best we don't feel a total dependence on Him.

“He must become greater; I must become less.””
‭‭John‬ ‭3:30‬ ‭

The power of less self in our lives.  In order for Him to be greater in my life, I must become less.

Jesus was the ultimate selfless example:
Jesus left heaven to come to earth.
He stepped off the throne of the universe and into a weak, human body - susceptible to emotions, sickness, and physical constraints.
He died on a cross, so that we could live forever.

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:1-7‬ ‭

“God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:8-14‬

“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:15-18‬ ‭

Paul preached out of obedience.  Others are preaching out of selfish ambition.  Paul was thrown in prison - the others unfairly grow in popularity without hindrance.  Why isn't Paul angry?  Instead he rejoices!  Why?  Because he is focused on the goal: the spread of the Gospel.  "What does it matter?" he says.

“...I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:19-26‬ ‭

Paul is at peace - he knows that what he is enduring is for the furthering of the Gospel.  He would rather be with God (Jesus), but he is seeking God's, not his own

Selfless people can find joy in ALL circumstances.  Don't lose sight of the fact that Paul is writing this chapter from prison!  And he is there, accused unjustly.  And while he is there, people who claimed to be his friends are seeking power and position in the early Christian church by slandering him.  And God is not stopping them - they seem to be "getting away" with this.  They aren't being thrown in prison like him.  Paul has every right to be FURIOUS.  Why isn't he?  Because he is focused on God and His plan.

When we are focused on ourselves, we can only be happy when good things are happening to me.  When we are focused on others, we are joyful when good things are happening to others. And there are way more "others" than there is "me."
It might not be going well all the time for me, but it is always going well for someone else.

We can find exponentially more joy in the lives of others and the will of God!

He must become greater, I must become less.  He must become first, I must become 3rd.

For more truth about life, see...   www.truthatlife.com

Part 4: Who Is He?

Consider the story of the wedding in Cana during Biblical times.  Why was Jesus even at the wedding?  Jesus was there because they were neighbors - and neighbors honored and supported one another.

“On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.””

““Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.””
‭‭John‬ ‭2:1-10‬

The greatest miracle here is NOT water turning into wine.  The biggest miracle is that Jesus cares about us - just like he cared about this young couple - his neighbors - and felt sorry for them when tragedy struck their wedding party.  And He cares about what happens to us in our lives, even though some might see the events as insignificant.  He care about every little detail of our lives.

Jesus, the Sovereign Lord of the Universe, loves you!

For more truth about life, see...   www.truthatlife.com

Part 3: Who Is He?

When we come to faith in Jesus and are baptized, three things happen:
1. We are forgiven & gained access to God & we gained eternal life with Him
2. The Spirit of God began to live in us & we began a process of God-empowered transformation
3. We have value and are loved by God.  God loves me and is pleased with me.
Every temptation that faces us is an attack on one of these 3 main points.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭

The old person is dead - he is gone - I am a new person.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭

The thing that gets me out of bed everyday is that neither I, nor God, will allow my past mistakes to define my future.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2:20‬ ‭

“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3:17‬

We are adopted into the family of God.  We can rest in the security of knowing that we are loved by God!  God is on your side.

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30:19‬ ‭

What do you choose - life or death?  If you don't choose life (freedom from sin), then you choose death by default (enslavement and separation).  Do you choose to listen to the voice of truth or the voice of lies...

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand
But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out my name
And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"
But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:1-2‬ ‭

If God allowed Jesus, His own son, to be tempted - He will also allow you to be tempted.  Why does God let this happen?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭

Is this fair?  What if we can't handle it?

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10:13‬ ‭

What voice will you listen to?  The voice of truth or the voice of lies?

For more truth about life, see...   www.truthatlife.com

Part 2: Who Is He?

It is "politically incorrect these days to be exclusive.  People think that being exclusive is bad because it is not inclusive.  But consider this:  If there were only one medicine that would heal you from a deadly disease - it would be an exclusive medicine, but we would highly value it!  We would want that medicine right away.  So why do we have a problem with Jesus being the ONLY spiritual medicine that can save us from eternal death?

““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.””
‭‭John‬ ‭14:1-7‬ ‭

Jesus died for you and I when we were completely powerless - we were at our worst - we were completely ungodly!  When you were ungodly, you needed God.  When you were powerless, you needed the power of the Sovereign God of the universe.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭5:6-8‬ ‭

A loving father would give up his life for his child, because he has a relationship with him and loves him.  But God loved us even though He had no relationship with us.  God is holy and He can have no relationship with sin.

What does He ask of us in return?  Surrender.  Let go and let God.  Allow Him to rule your life, instead of yourself.  It is the easiest thing to do and the hardest thing to do - because He has given us the free will to choose.

The work that Jesus came to do was simple:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:10‬ ‭

You cannot avoid choosing - life or death - freedom or slavery to sin.  What choice have you made?

For more truth about life, see...   www.truthatlife.com

Part 1: Who Is He?

Sometimes words completely fail us.  There are things in life that are so big and powerful that words fail us.  Like when a parent or spouse or your child dies.  We can only groan.

Words fail us when we try to describe Jesus, especially in relationship to the Trinity.  This is an important message because most of us don't know Jesus very well.  Three important questions:

1. Who is Jesus?

2. Where was Jesus before Bethlehem?

3. What was He doing?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭

When was the beginning?  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭

Jesus is the Word and He was with God in the beginning.

“He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:2-3‬ ‭

He was in charge of creating everything.

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:14‬ ‭

He put on skin and bones and flesh and blood.

John (the author) says he was there and saw Jesus and no one was like Him, nor will anyone ever be again!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:14, 18‬ ‭

1. Jesus is the Word and He is God.
2. He was with God for all eternity (from before the beginning).
3. He created ALL things.

How can this be.  He was with God and He IS  God?
When He prays, does He pray to Himself?

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:12‬ ‭

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:13-20‬ ‭
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭

Satan has blinded us from seeing who God is...

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:4-6‬ ‭

God the Father is like a floodlight, the source of all light and truth and power.  We can't see Him.  We see the light when it shines on something - that is Jesus - He is the light.  We can't see the connection between the floodlight and the light, but we can feel it - that is the Holy Spirit.  We feel His warmth and comfort and working in us.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭

If you want to know God and His will for your life, stare at (study) Jesus.

For more truth about life, see...   www.truthatlife.com