Did Jesus Christ Create The Universe?

Does the Bible Teach That Jesus Created the Universe?

          Many would be surprised to learn that none other than Jesus Christ, the declared Son, of God the Father, is the very one who spoke all things into existence and today holds it together “by the word of His power.”  (Hebrews 1:1-3)

          This is an astonishing truth, and far too many Christians either minimize this Bible teaching or are in complete ignorance of it. 

          The one in whom we have placed our faith and trust to save our poor, lost souls, is the very member of the Godhead—Jesus Christ—who spoke the words recorded in the first chapter of the Bible, “Let there be light…Let the dry land appear…Let the earth bring forth grass…Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life”…and so on (Genesis 1).

          Why is it so important that we understand this amazing truth about Jesus Christ as the Creator, who brought forth matter out of nothing and gave life to lifeless creatures of his design?  It is because there is an all-out attack by the enemy, in opposition to the revealed truth from God, as to the origin of the human race.  The enemy doesn’t want us to know the history our real roots.  If we would come to realize the dynamic power of Jesus Christ, then we would have a lesser desire to place our trust in our own strength but, rather, in Christ Himself, as our all-sufficient Lord.  

          As hard as it may be to comprehend, the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is the Word who spoke on the six days of creation, and all things came into existence, “and it was good.”

          Where in the Bible can we turn to find evidence that Jesus Christ was the Creator of all things?

          In the New Testament book of John chapter eight, we read about a conversation between a group of Jews and Jesus, regarding his true identity.  Jesus made a statement that caused his hearers to become so enraged, that they took up stones in an attempt to stone him to death!  He told them that before their great patriarchal figure Abraham had even lived, that He Himself existed.  To the Jews of that day, His claim was considered a statement of blasphemy, worthy of death.  They all knew that Abraham had been dead for centuries by this time, yet Jesus wasn’t even fifty years of age.  How could such a thing be so?  The fact was, Jesus had existed long before Abraham, for Jesus was and is the great I AM, the self-existent God who created all things in heaven and in earth.  (John 8:47-59)

          In the first chapter of the gospel according to John, we read the following: 

“1   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  The same was in the beginning with God.  3  All things were made by him;  and without him was not anything made that was made.  10   He was in the world, and THE WORLD WAS MADE BY HIM, and the world knew him not.” 

          We must ask the question, Who is the Word in these verses?  If we can discover the identity of the Word, then we will know who made all things.

          If we scan down in chapter one, to verse number fourteen, we read:

“14  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

          Ah, now it is becoming clearer.  The Word who was with God, who was God Himself, and was the being who did the speaking during the creation week, having made all things that were made, is the one who “was MADE FLESH, and DWELT AMONG US.”  Of course we know this was none other than Jesus Christ, the one who existed EVEN PRIOR TO HIS PHYSICAL BIRTH.  It was the Christ, who was called the Word, because he was the spokesman for the Godhead.  The method God used to create, was SPEAKING.  He spoke, and it came to pass.

          This is not all of the proof that Jesus Christ was and is the Creator of all things.  There is more!

          In the very next verse, following the statement that Jesus was “made flesh, and dwelt among us,” a man by the name of John the Baptist is quoted as having said about Jesus, “This was he [Jesus] of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.”  What makes this so interesting is that John was the biological cousin of Jesus, born six months PRIOR to Jesus’ birth.  However, John identifies Jesus as having been BEFORE him.  How could this be, unless John knew the true identity of the Christ?  He understood that Jesus was the preexistent Son of God!

          The apostle Paul, when writing to the Christians in the city of Colossians about Christ as the IMAGE of God, wrote: 

“15  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:  16  For by him [Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: ALL THING WERE CREATED BY HIM AND FOR HIM:  17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”  (Colossians 1:15-17)

          That is a powerful statement that Paul made about the person and work of Jesus Christ.  If Jesus was an ordinary man of simple faith in God, then Paul’s statement would be one of great irreverence and slander against God Himself—even blasphemous.   There should be no such claims made of any man or woman born through the linage of Adam, unless this man was born via a virgin, was fathered by God the Father and then lived out His entire life without any sin whatsoever.  But we should have no fear about Jesus being unworthy of such statements of grandeur.  No statement, even close to the one written by Paul about Jesus, can be found in the Bible about any other man or woman:  not Moses, not Abraham, not Isaac, not Jacob, not Ruth, Esther or Mary…not any other person—Jesus only!

          In the book of Ephesians, again Paul mentions this grand truth about Jesus as the Creator of “all things”: 

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who CREATED ALL THINGS BY JESUS CHRIST.”  (Ephesians 3:9)

          When the followers of Jesus Christ come to clearly comprehend that the one in whom they’ve placed their faith and trust—as their Lord and Savior—is also the one who actually created this universe and all things in it, they can, with an even greater confidence, rest assured that their soul is safe in His almighty power and loving grace.

by David Cosma, baysidedave7@gmail.com,  October 13, 2013

         

Bible Prophecy Reveals Who Will Destroy Damascus, Syria!

More than seven centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures recorded a yet to be fulfilled prophesy, which declared that “Damascus [will be] taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.” (Isaiah 17:1)

Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, is the capital of Syria, with a current population of about two million souls. Syria is located in the Middle East, and borders with Turkey to the north, Israel and Jordan to the south, and Iraq to the east (whereislocated.net/Syria).

President Obama’s call to strike Syria for its alleged use of chemical weapons (WMD) against its own citizens, has prompted some students of the Bible to consider if this event could spell the beginning of the end for Damascus. Perhaps even more intriguing: Is it God’s plan to use the US to bring about utter desolation to the city of Damascus; thus fulfilling the ancient prophecy in the book of Isaiah?

Continue reading to find out what your Bible has to say about Damascus and which nation will bring it to its horrific end.

There is an oft overlooked psalm in the Bible, which sheds light on understanding the timeline of events which lead up to the utter desolation of the capital of Syria. In the eighty-third psalm of the Book of Psalms, we read about a time of great stress felt by the nation of Israel, where she senses her end may be near. The psalm begins with Israel’s cry to God, asking Him to no longer be silent, still and holding His peace. They tell God that enemy nations around them have crafted a plan against His chosen people, saying, “Come, and let us CUT THEM OFF from being a nation; that the name of Israel MAY BE NO MORE in remembrance.” (Psa. 83:4, Be sure to read the entire psalm.)

As the psalm progresses, it names specific Arab and gentile nations—longtime enemies of Israel (see Genesis 16-17)—whose sole purpose of uniting is to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. We can rest assured that these cries of Israel WILL BE HEARD!

According to your Bible, the little (but mighty) nation of Israel—not the US—will be the nation to accomplish God’s will in turning Damascus into “a ruinous heap,” never to be inhabited again (proof that this prophesy has yet to be fulfilled).

Could military action, proposed by President Barak Hussein Obama, initiated by the US, against Syria, be that domino which falls to cause a chain reaction of events leading to the ultimate fulfillment of Bible prophecy? Only days ago, a nationally syndicated radio talk-show host said that a strike on Syria may bring about World War III...and many believe he could be right!

The leadership and people of Israel have been very patient with their hostile neighbors; but don’t confuse patience with weakness. Israel is a strong military power, which explains why Israel has not been to war since 1973. Since returning to their homeland as a nation again in 1948, it has endured several wars—being always the victor—but no nation has dared challenge it again in forty years, knowing that Israel would come after them with deadly force. It would appear that the Arab nations, along with Iraq (which is not Arab), are waiting to acquire nuclear weapons to use against Israel, which they believe would be the ticket to getting rid of the nation forever.

Consider the fact that in the last several years, Israel has endured the attack of THOUSANDS of scud missiles, primarily from Hezbollah (believed to be backed by Iraq). For the most part, these missiles have only destroyed buildings, resulting in an amazingly low number of human casualties. It's as if a great Unseen Hand is somehow looking after the little nation of Israel.



Israel has a Plan B, should Plan A fail.

Israel’s plan B is known as “The Samson Option,” named after an ancient servant of God who destroyed Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, by literally bringing the house down. Unfortunately, according to the biblical account, Samson lost his own life in the victory (see Judges 16). The “Samson Option” would only be used if the nation of Israel believed that they were about to be defeated. Their plan would include a massive nuclear direct hit of Damascus, Syria, as well as nuclear weapons showered upon other enemy nations. History provides ample evidence that Israel isn’t afraid to use deadly force, if threatened with their very existence; regardless of what the UN or any other nation may threaten.

In the last few years, the prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has received a cold reception from President Obama when he has visited the US. Many believe, based on his previous actions, that President Obama favors the Muslim-led governments, over Israel, which could prove dangerous—if not downright deadly—for the US (see Genesis 12:3). Before the US becomes involved in “correcting” or “punishing” Syria, America had better get right with Almighty God, learn what God’s plan and program is for the immediate and not-too-distant future, and become aligned with God’s will regarding the nation of Israel, America’s longtime ally.  There will most certainly be consequences, should the US attack Syria! 

The United States of America will NOT destroy Damascus in this proposed attack, should it be carried out, or in any other future war. That responsibility is reserved for the nation of Israel. But when will this take place?  No one knows for certain. Nevertheless, we know that it cannot be long in coming. Clearly, world events are shaping up for these prophecies to be fulfilled...and rapidly!

Has Almighty God forever forsaken His chosen people, Israel, because of their failure to recognize and embrace their Messiah, Jesus Christ, when He came the first time? No! An emphatic NO! He hasn’t forsaken His chosen people. God has a future plan, which includes the physical descendants of Jacob (the Israelites)!

And God also has a plan for you!

If you have not yet prepared for eternity and where you will spend it, then you must do so now, without delay. Your mortal life is uncertain and short at best, so there is no better time than the present to consider the claims of Christ and believe on Him today for your soul’s salvation!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Jesus Christ shed His sinless blood for you. He died, was buried and after three days and three nights, Jesus rose from the dead that you might be justified before the Heavenly Father (see I Corinthians 15:1-6).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) If you will call upon this Jesus, Who is revealed in the Word of God, you can be spiritually reborn (“born again”, “saved”), becoming a member of the spiritual family of God! Trust Him today and be saved; then, and only then, will you be prepared for living in the present and future, regardless of what may come.

Written by David Cosma, Dothan, Alabama. September 5, 2013.   Email: baysidedave7@gmail.com

Ten (Yea, Eleven) Things Not To Buy in 2010

In an article titled Ten Things Not to Buy in 2010, a list of ten items is given that consumers should avoid purchasing this year.
1) DVD’s sales are expected to drop dramatically. Home movie fans have found it easier to shop online for their movie choices and download it directly into their computer or TV. The process only takes a minute or so, and the cost is less than the cost of a movie ticket.
2) Home telephone lines are expected to soon become as archaic as rotary phones. Most people are now using cell phones, with a personal number for each family member.
3) External hard drives have been popular to consumers who don’t want to lose their precious family pictures or important business documents stored on their home computer (PC); but now there is an alternative: online backup services. Two of the most popular are Carbonite.com and Mozy.com, each charging about $55 per year to save your pictures and documents online on a secure Web site. If your computer bites the dust, you simply download your saved materials into your new PC from the online service.
4) Smartphones like the Blackberry Storm and the iPhone are expected to have some stiff competition this year when Google unveils its new Android. It will offer features via the Google site that the other leading phones are not equipped to offer.
5) Compact digital cameras have ruled as king among nominal photographers, with most recently switching to picture taking with their cell phones. However, a new technology is available that takes pictures more closely resembling what is seen in the viewfinder. Canon, Sony and Nikon offer these cameras for less than $600.
6) Newspaper and magazine subscriptions are fast fading away, with several longtime newspapers filing bankruptcy in recent years. Online news sites and webazines (online magazine sites) are replacing the hard copy paper versions.
7) CDs containing recorded music have also come upon hard times. Many music fans are now downloading their favorite tunes into their iPods and cell phones from sites like itunes.com.
8) New college textbooks are not selling as well as in years past. The internet has provided less expensive means to sell used textbooks from sites like CheapestTextbooks.com and Booksprice.com, not to mention other free classifieds online. Coursesmart.com sells subscriptions to digital copies of more than 7,000 textbooks; while TextbookMedia.com allows students to download textbooks for free.
9) Gas-guzzling cars are not expected to make a comeback in 2010. In fact, they are going the way of the Model-T. With gasoline prices predicted to rise this year, new car sales will likely be driven by more energy efficient hybrid vehicles.
10) High energy consuming homes and appliances may have a difficult time selling this year too. Home energy like gas and electric are also expected to increase this year and continue rising in the coming years, making people search out the most energy efficient homes, refrigerators, washers/dryers and dishwashers on the market. (Source: SmartMoney.com)
11) To the above list of ten we add one more. Many people will learn to put aside their good works in their vain attempt to earn (purchase) salvation, and place faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, receiving the free gift of grace: eternal life!

Edited & written by David J. Cosma for this blog: baysidebc@yahoo.com

Could Christians Be the Happiest People on Earth During a Recession?

COULD CHRISTIANS BE THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE ON EARTH DURING A RECESSION?

According to an article, written by Deborah Kotz, printed in the U.S. News & World Report, it would appear that Christians would be happier during a recession, than non-Christians. Why? Because Christians, by nature of their faith, already follow most of the 10 things people can do to remain or become happier during a downturn in the economy.

Some of the suggestions are below:

(1) Spend your money on experiences rather than materials objects.
(2) Pursue meaningful life goals.
(3) Learn how to live in the present moment.
(4) Nurture meaningful relationships.
(5) Practice gratitude.
(6) Keep an optimism journal.
(7) Engage in acts of kindness to others.

Let’s match up the above with a Bible verse or principle of the Christian faith.

(1) Christians know from the teachings of Christ that our affections shouldn’t be set on things here below, but, rather on things above. (Col. 3:2) Believers understand that “a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15) Family, faith, fellowship are far more important than material possessions.

(2) The goals of a Christian are more far reaching than the present. The believer’s goals stretch out into eternity. The devoted follower of Christ seeks to be a witness to the lost, in obedience to the great commission given by Christ to His followers. (Matt. 28:18-20)

(3) Christians treasure every day of life that God grants, as they live out their purpose on this earth. Believers do look for a better world to come, yet they remain occupied with serving God with each new day He gives. (Luke 19:13)

(4) Christians understand the importance of “fellowship” with other believers. Believers often form deep, abiding friendships with those in their congregation. Their shared faith in God and His Holy Word unit them in a bond that has proven strong and abiding, as evidenced throughout Christian history. (Heb. 10:25; I John 1:7)

(5) Many are the Bible verses that encourage the saints to offer gratitude toward God for His multitude of blessings, as well as offering gratitude toward others. (2 Sam. 22:50; Psa. 92:1)

(6) In Psalm 103:2 the psalmist urges all to recall His benefits. That alone should keep the mind of the Christian in a positive frame. The apostle Paul actually reveals what thoughts the believer should think, in order to remain optimistic in a world filled with pessimism. (Phil. 4:8)

(7) Jesus set the example for all of His followers, when He “went about doing good.” (Acts 10:38) The Lord Jesus lived the most selfless life of anyone who ever walked this earth. Christians are to follow in His steps. (I Peter 2:21)

By David J. Cosma