In Touch 08-21-04
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- 2004 Aug 21
In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Saturday August 21, 2004
InTouch Early Light Devotional
Jesus: To Believe or Not to Believe
John5:19-23
Last weekend we answered the question, Why do we believe Jesus is God? by looking at the Savior's relationship to His Father, His past, and the Trinity. Now let's answer the question by looking at His attributes and works. If Jesus is God, He will have these divine characteristics.
Eternal. Scripture tells us that eternal life is given to us in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23b) Therefore, Jesus Himself is eternal. John confirms this when he declares that Jesus, the Word, was in the beginning. (John 1:1-2)
All-Powerful. Jesus said to His disciples, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Jesus was declaring He was omnipotent God.
All-Knowing. Jesus promised his followers, ". . . I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Everything that exists is in His presence; He is omniscient.
Life-Giving. Jesus taught, "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes" (John 5:21). Only God can raise the dead, and only He can give life.
Forgiving of Sin. Jesus declared that the paralytic's sins were forgiven. The religious authorities angrily responded, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" To prove His authority to forgive sins, Jesus healed the man's infirmity, and in so doing, demonstrated He was God. (Mark 2: 5-12)
When we look at Jesus' relationships, attributes, and works, we can conclude that He is indeed God. He said it, He lived it, and He proved it!
Are you looking for an outreach that will inspire your children to grow in their faith? Visit Teen Connection (www.teen-connection.info), the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. Be sure to check out the latest interviews with Atlanta Braves' pitcher Russ Ortiz and Dove award-winning band, downhere.
For free one-on-one mentoring online from Dr. Charles Stanley, visit
www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.
