Author The Preacher

What about the Thief on the cross. #3

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“And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)

This Objection sounds like this; “What about The Thief on the cross? He wasn’t baptized.”

You’re right, he wasn’t. He didn’t become a Christian either! You see, the Thief was a Jew (context bears that out) who lived and died under the Law of Moses, the Old Testament system. The New Testament command to be baptized came only after the death of Jesus. (Heb 9:15-17; Luke 23:32-43).

First, The TESTATOR was still alive. A will is not in force while the Testator lives. Jesus is the Testator of the New Covenant. Jesus had power to forgive sins while He was on earth (Mark 2:10). Now that He has died and rose from the dead, we are subject to His Will & Testament. “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth” (Heb 9:16-17).

The Thief HOPED in the future resurrection of Jesus, whereas we HOPE in a risen Savior’s return. He HOPED that Jesus would finish His prophetic work. We know that it is finished. “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:30).

He lived before the completed work of Jesus; we live on this side of the cross. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1Cor 15:1-4).

Folks that ask about the Thief IGNORE the other times Jesus offered salvation with conditions. I often ask, “why pick the thief, why not be saved in the same way as the rich young ruler?” He asked for eternal life and was told to sell all that he had and give to the poor (Mark 10:17-25). When’s your garage sale? (Matthew 19:16-22, go, sell all, and give away)?

How come nobody asks to be saved like the woman “caught in adultery” (John 8:1-11, GO AND SIN NO MORE)? How come nobody asks to be saved like the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16,)? GO TO WORK. And, in truth, no one could be “saved like the thief,” unless they were crucified with Jesus!

How come folks overlook the multiple EXAMPLES of conversions in the book of Acts? When I ask a denominational person about how to be saved, they appeal to the thief or a verse in Romans. Why not appeal to the EXAMPLES in Acts where preachers went to the lost and baptized them into Christ? We need to ask about everyone that made this same request in the New Testament AFTER the Death, Burial, & Resurrection of Christ, (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36; Acts 16:30). WHAT DID THEY DO? These were all baptized in water through faith for the remission of sins.

o The first of these conversions were 3,000 Jews on Pentecost to when the church was established. The text (Acts 2:14) shows that they had the Gospel preached to them; they heard (vv. 36-37); they repented of their sins (v. 38); and they were baptized into Christ (v. 38). The result was they had their sins washed away.
o In Acts 8:4-5, Phillip preached to the people of Samaria; they heard (v. 6); they believed (v.13); they were baptized (v. 12).
o Phillip also preached to Simon (Acts 8:4-5); he heard the Gospel (v. 6); he believed (v.13); and he was baptized (v. 13).
o Phillip preached to the Eunuch (Acts 8:35-39); he made the good confession (v. 37); he was baptized (v. 38) and rejoiced in the forgiveness of his sins (v. 39). If a denominational pastor preaches Jesus (as Phillip did) would their audience respond with the same question as the Eunuch? “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?”

o Ananias preached to Saul, later called Paul (Acts 9:17); he was baptized (Acts 22:16), and the rest of his life he taught others to do the same (1Cor. 12:13).
o Peter preached to Cornelius (Acts 10:34-35); he and his family heard (v. 44); they repented of their sins (Acts 11:18); they were baptized (v. 48). They were saved (Acts 11:14).
o Paul preached the saving message to Lydia (Acts 16:13); she heard (v. 14); she was baptized (v. 15).
o Paul preached to the Philippian Jailor (Acts 16:32); he repented and he was baptized (v. 33).
o Paul preached to and converted souls at Corinth (Acts 18:5); they heard and they were baptized (v. 8).
o Paul preached to Crispus (Acts 18:5); when we turn to the letter to the Corinthians, we find that Crispus and others were baptized (1Cor. 1:14).
o The Ephesians had the Gospel preached to them (Acts 19:8); they heard the message of salvation (Eph. 1:13). They were baptized (Acts 19:5) and it is in this way that they were saved by grace (Eph. 2:8-10).

Another response to the question, “what about the Thief on the cross” is found in a similar question asked of Jesus by Peter. Jesus indicates to Peter by what death he would glorify Christ (John 21:18-19). Then Peter, gesturing toward John, asks, “what shall this man do?” The Lord’s response to Peter is the same one I give to people who ask about the Thief; “what is that to thee? FOLLOW thou me” (v. 22b emphasis mine seb). The Thief found forgiveness while Jesus lived on earth, but he was not the first one, he is just the last one. There was the man Sick with a palsy (Mark 2:1-12), and the woman that anointed His feet with Oil. (Luke 7:36-50). Christ gave forgiveness during His earthly ministry as a proof that He is God. “Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only” (Mark 2:7)?

These received forgiveness before Jesus died (Matt 23:46), before He was buried (Luke 23:53), before He rose again (Luke 24:6), before the command to be baptized for the remission of sins was given (Matt 28:19), and before the church was built (Matt 16:18). Nobody today can be saved like the Thief on the Cross. We live AFTER all these things; therefore, we cannot be saved like the Thief on the cross. Therefore, what’s that to you? you FOLLOW Jesus.

Evidence for our Faith: The Mathematical Improbability of fulfilled Prophecy

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The Astonishing Mathematical Probability of Jesus Fulfilling the Full Scope of Old Testament Prophecies

The historical existence of Jesus Christ gains unparalleled logical support when we consider the sheer mathematical improbability of any individual fulfilling the entirety of Old Testament prophecies attributed to him. These predictions, numbering over 300 by some counts, spanning centuries and covering his lineage, birth, ministry, death, and legacy, converge on Jesus with a precision that defies random chance. Calculating the cumulative probability of this alignment offers a compelling case that Jesus was not a myth but a figure uniquely embedded in a prophetic framework, as recorded in the New Testament.

Scholars like J. Barton Payne (The Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy, 1973) identify approximately 333 messianic prophecies across the Old Testament, written between 1500 BC and 400 BC. These range from broad themes (e.g., a savior from David’s line, 2 Samuel 7:12-13) to precise details (e.g., born in Bethlehem, Micah 5:2; betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, Zechariah 11:12). Jesus’ life, as documented in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, fulfills these with remarkable consistency, his genealogy (Matthew 1:1-16), virgin birth (Matthew 1:22-23), crucifixion (John 19:18), and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:4). To assess this logically, we must estimate the odds of one person matching this vast array by chance.

Mathematician Peter Stoner (Science Speaks, 1958), peer-reviewed by the American Scientific Affiliation, analyzed just eight specific prophecies, e.g., Bethlehem birth (1 in 2,000), virgin birth (1 in 10,000), crucifixion details (1 in 10,000), and burial with the rich (1 in 1,000). He calculated a combined probability of 1 in 10^17 (1 followed by 17 zeros), akin to picking one marked coin from a pile covering Texas two feet deep. Scaling this to all 333 prophecies is daunting, but let’s conservatively assign an average probability of 1 in 1,000 per prophecy—far more generous than Stoner’s estimates for specific ones. The cumulative odds become 1 in 10^999 (1,000 raised to the 333rd power), a number so vast it exceeds the atoms in the observable universe (estimated at 10^80).

Consider key examples: Genesis 49:10 ties the Messiah to Judah’s tribe before its sovereignty ends, fulfilled as Jesus’ lineage traces to Judah (Luke 3:33) before Rome’s dominance. Daniel 9:25-26 predicts the Messiah’s death 483 years after a decree to rebuild Jerusalem (circa 445 BC), aligning with Jesus’ crucifixion around AD 30-33, a 1 in 100,000 earthly precision. Psalm 16:10’s promise of no decay (Acts 2:31) adds another layer, rare for executed figures. Each prophecy compounds the improbability exponentially.

Critics might argue some prophecies are vague or retrofitted, but the Dead Sea Scrolls (e.g., 4Q521, pre-100 BC) confirm their antiquity, and many, like Zechariah 9:9’s humble king on a donkey (Matthew 21:5), are too specific to stretch. Scholar John Lennox (God’s Undertaker, 2009) notes that this convergence surpasses statistical fluke, pointing to intentional fulfillment.

Agape,

Seeking God; His Kingdom & Righteousness

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Seeking the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness

As I grow in faith, I’m learning to make the kingdom of God and His righteousness my highest pursuit, though I often fall short of this priority. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and Luke 12:31 call me to focus on God’s rule and moral standard above all else. This aligns with the righteousness, faith, and godliness in 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, but I confess it’s a struggle to keep this first in my heart when life’s demands pull me in every direction.

This pursuit is the cornerstone of my faith because it reorients everything else. Jesus promises that when I seek God’s kingdom first, my needs will be met, freeing me from worry. But trusting this promise requires the faith of 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, believing God’s way is better than my own. Righteousness (living justly and obediently) isn’t just a rule to follow; it’s a reflection of God’s character, as is the godliness in 1 Timothy 6:11. I’m humbled by how often I prioritize my plans over God’s, yet His word directs me back to God’s seeking His way.

Seeking the kingdom means living differently, praying for God’s will, sharing the gospel, and standing for His truth, even when it’s unpopular. I stumble, chasing lesser things, but each time I refocus, through study, and service, I find purpose and peace. As a saint, I’m learning to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above all, trusting Him along the way.

agape,

spencer

Seeking God; Aspiring to Excel

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Aspiring to Excellence (Godliness and Holiness)

In my walk with Christ, I’m learning to aspire to excellence through godliness and holiness, though I often feel unworthy of such a high calling. 1 Timothy 6:11 urges me to pursue godliness, a life of devotion to God, while Hebrews 12:14 calls me to “pursue… holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.” These virtues connect to the righteousness and faith in 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, and they echo the call to seek “things above” in Colossians 3:1-2. I’m far from perfect, but I long to reflect God’s character more each day.

This pursuit is crucial because it draws me closer to God Himself. Godliness means living with reverence, seeking His will in every decision, but I often get distracted by worldly concerns. Holiness, too, challenges me to stand apart from sin and selfishness, as Hebrews 12:14 warns that without it, I won’t see God. This sobers me, reminding me that my efforts matter, not to earn salvation but to honor the One who saved me. These virtues shape my heart, teaching me to love what God loves and hate what He hates, aligning with the righteousness of both Timothy passages.

Aspiring to godliness and holiness is a humbling journey. I need the support of other saint, as 2 Timothy 2:22 suggests, pursuing these virtues “with those who call on the Lord.” Through prayer, Scripture, and accountability, I’m slowly growing, learning to forgive quickly, speak truthfully, and serve humbly. Each step feels like a battle, but it’s worth it to become more like Christ. As a saint, I seek this treasure of excellence, trusting God to refine me into His image, one faltering step at a time.

Seeking God; Eternal Life

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Longing for Eternal Life

As I seek to grow in faith, the hope of eternal life has become a treasure I hold dear, though I’m still learning to pursue it with the patience it demands. Romans 2:7 speaks of “eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality,” and I see this echoed in the patience and righteousness Paul calls for in 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22. I’m not there yet, my faith wavers, and my endurance falters, but this promise keeps me pressing forward, trusting God’s grace to sustain me.

This pursuit is vital because it anchors my life in something beyond the fleeting moments of this world. Eternal life isn’t just a future hope; it shapes how I live now. The call to “patient continuance” in Romans 2:7 reminds me of the patience in 1 Timothy 6:11, urging me to persevere through trials without giving up. I often grow weary, tempted to chase temporary comforts instead of God’s eternal reward. But when I fix my eyes on eternity, I find strength to choose righteousness, even when it’s costly, like forgiving an offense or staying faithful in difficult times.

Longing for eternal life humbles me. It is God’s gift through Christ to those who obey the gospel. Yet, I’m told to seek it by living uprightly, as 2 Timothy 2:22 encourages in pursuing righteousness. Each step, resisting temptation, serving others, or trusting God in hardship, feels like a deposit toward that eternal hope. It’s a slow, steady journey, and I rely on God’s mercy and His word to keep me faithful. As a saint, this treasure reorients my priorities, reminding me that my true home is with Him, forever.

agape

spencer

Seeking God; Selfless Love

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Striving for Selfless Love

As I walk this journey of faith, I’m learning that selfless love is the heartbeat of what it means to follow Christ. The New Testament tells me to pursue love (agape, the kind of love that puts others first) as Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Pursue love,” and 1 Corinthians 10:24, “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” I see this love woven into the virtues of 1 Timothy 6:11 and 2 Timothy 2:22, where love stands alongside righteousness, faith, and peace. Yet, I confess, loving selflessly doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s a daily choice to set aside my own desires and seek the good of those around me.

This pursuit matters deeply because love is the foundation of God’s kingdom. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that love is greater than faith or hope, and I’m beginning to understand why. When I choose to love others (whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or an act of hospitality like Romans 12:13 encourages) I reflect Christ’s heart. Every effort to encourage others flows from this love. But I stumble often. My selfishness creeps in, and I need God’s grace to soften my heart, to help me embody the gentleness of 1 Timothy 6:11 or the peace of 2 Timothy 2:22 in my relationships.

Striving for selfless love is transforming me. It pushes me to forgive when I’d rather hold a grudge, to serve when I’m tired, and to prioritize others’ needs over my own comfort. It’s humbling to realize how far I fall short, yet I find joy in small steps, like a kind word to a neighbor or praying for a struggling friend. This pursuit brightens the light of Christ in my heart, showing the world a glimpse of Jesus’ love through my imperfect efforts. As a saint, I am to keep chasing this treasure, trusting God to make my love more like His.

agape,

spencer

Evidence for our Faith: The Unique Sacrifice of Christ

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People from all over the world, in different cultures and religions, have practiced some form of sacrifice. Whether it was to please a god, seek forgiveness, or keep some kind of cosmic balance, it’s something humanity has been doing for thousands of years. But when we look at Jesus’ death on the cross, we see something that really stands out from the rest.

What makes it so different? Well, there are three big reasons: it was intentional, it was for everyone, and it was once and for all.

One of the most powerful things about Jesus’ death is that He wasn’t forced into it. In John 10:17-18, He says, “I lay down my life… No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” That’s huge. He didn’t get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time or die just for the sake of being a hero. He chose to die for a purpose.

Now, other traditions talk about noble deaths too. Think of Socrates, the Greek philosopher who drank poison rather than run away from what he believed in (Plato, Apology). That’s admirable, but it was more about personal honor. Similarly, in Hinduism, animal sacrifices in Vedic rituals (Rigveda, 10.91) aim to sustain cosmic order, not to personally bridge a gap between humanity and the divine. Jesus’ death, on the other hand, was meant to bring people back to God. He wasn’t just a martyr, He was both the priest and the sacrifice.

Another thing that makes Jesus’ sacrifice unique is that it wasn’t limited to just one group of people. Hebrews 10:10 says, “We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” That means it wasn’t just for the Jews, or for a certain tribe, or people from a certain time, it was for all of us.

Other religions had sacrifices too, but they were often done just for a specific community or to honor a local god. For example, the ancient Israelites had the Day of Atonement once a year, and only the high priest could do it, for Israel. And in some cultures like the Aztecs, sacrifices were made to specific gods in hopes of things like rain or victory in battle (Florentine Codex, Book 2). But Jesus’ sacrifice reached across time, culture, and race. It was global.

Most ancient sacrifices had to be repeated year after year, or even more often. It was never-ending. But Jesus’ death was different. Hebrews 9:26 says He “appeared once for all… to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” That means it was complete. Done. No do-overs needed.

This stands in stark contrast to the cyclical sacrifices of ancient pagan religions, such as Rome’s suovetaurilia (Livy, History of Rome, 1.7), or even Buddhism’s karmic atonements, which rely on ongoing personal effort rather than a singular, completed act.

When you step back and look at the big picture, Jesus’ sacrifice isn’t just a church teaching, it’s something totally unique in all of history. Religious scholar Mircea Eliade, who studied sacrifice across many cultures, found sacrifice everywhere, but nothing quite like what Jesus did.

He wasn’t just another teacher or martyr. He was God in the flesh, choosing to give His life, for everyone, forever. And that’s what makes His sacrifice so different, and so deeply personal for each of us.

Agape,

Faith, Hope, and Love: The Keys to Overcoming Troubles and Troublers

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Life can throw some heavy punches, can’t it? For the believers in Thessalonica, those punches came in the form of persecutions, false teachings, and even some within their own community slacking off and stirring up trouble. Yet, in his second letter to them, Paul points to three timeless virtues (faith, hope, and love) as the keys to standing firm, no matter what others say or do. Rooted in knowing God’s word, these qualities enabled the Thessalonians to rise above their troubles and the “lowness” of their troublers.

Chapter 1: Enduring Through Faith, Hope, and Love

The Thessalonian church was under fire, literally and figuratively. They faced “persecutions and tribulations” (2 Thessalonians 1:4, KJV), likely from hostile neighbors or authorities who opposed their faith. Yet Paul couldn’t stop bragging about them: “We ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” (1:4). Their faith wasn’t just a Sunday morning nod to God; it was a steadfast trust in His promises, even when the world seemed against them. That faith, Paul says, was “growing exceedingly” (1:3), and their love for one another was increasing right alongside it.

But what kept them going? HOPE. Paul paints a vivid picture of hope tied to God’s justice and Christ’s return: “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” (1:6-7). The promise that God would deal with their troublers and grant them relief gave them a reason to hold on. This hope wasn’t wishful thinking, it was grounded in God’s word, which assured them that their suffering was “a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God” (1:5). Knowing God’s word fueled their faith to endure, their hope to look forward, and their love to care for one another, even under pressure. Paul prayed for this to continue, asking God to “fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power” (1:11).

So, what’s the lesson? When trouble comes (whether it’s people attacking your faith or life’s hardships piling up) lean into faith, hope, and love. Trust God’s word, hold fast to the promise of Christ’s return, and keep loving those around you. That’s how you stay faithful, no matter what others do.

Chapter 2: Standing Firm Against Deception

The troubles didn’t stop with persecution. Someone was spreading lies, maybe even claiming Paul’s authority, saying the day of the Lord had already come. This shook the Thessalonians, leaving them “troubled” and “shaken in mind” (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Imagine the confusion, thinking you missed the biggest event in history! But Paul steps in with clarity, urging them not to be “soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us” (2:2). He reminds them of God’s word, which he’d already taught: the day of the Lord won’t come until the “man of lawlessness” is revealed (2:3-4) and destroyed by Christ’s return (2:8).

Here’s where faith, hope, and love shine again. Their faith in the truth (God’s word) kept them from falling for deception. Paul calls them “brethren beloved of the Lord” (2:13), chosen for salvation “through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2:13; see John 17:17). That belief anchored them. Hope came from knowing Christ would return to set things right: “The Lord Jesus Christ… shall destroy with the brightness of his coming” (2:8). This hope steadied them against false alarms. And love? Paul prays for their hearts to be comforted and established “in every good word and work” (2:16-17), a call to keep loving and serving each other despite the chaos.

The troublers spreading lies were low, trying to unsettle God’s people. But Paul’s answer is clear: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2:15). Stay rooted in God’s word. Let faith keep you grounded, hope keep you looking up, and love keep you moving forward. That’s how you abound, no matter what others say.

Chapter 3: Overcoming Internal Troubles

If external persecution and false teachings weren’t enough, the Thessalonians had trouble within their own ranks. Some believers were “walking disorderly,” refusing to work and meddling as busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11). This idleness wasn’t just laziness, it disrupted the work of the church. Paul doesn’t mince words: “If any would not work, neither should he eat” (3:10). Yet even this discipline is rooted in love, as he urges the church to correct the idle “as a brother” (3:15), not an enemy.

Faith shows up in Paul’s confidence that the Thessalonians would stay faithful: “We have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you” (3:4). Their hope was tied to God’s word, which provided clear instructions for living, and to the promise of God’s peace: “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means” (3:16). Love guided their response to the troublers within, balancing discipline with care, and Paul prayed that “the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ” (3:5).

The idle were acting low, causing trouble by neglecting their responsibilities. But Paul calls the church to a higher standard: “Be not weary in well doing” (3:13). By staying faithful to God’s word (working diligently, loving one another, and holding fast to His commands) they could overcome even internal challenges.

Tying It All Together

What do we learn from the Thessalonians? Troubles and troublers come in many forms: persecutors who mock your faith, deceivers who twist the truth, or even fellow believers who let you down. But faith, hope, and love, rooted in knowing God’s word, are your strength. Faith keeps you trusting God’s truth, like the Thessalonians’ belief in the gospel (2:13) and obedience to Paul’s teaching (3:4). Hope lifts your eyes to God’s vengeance (1:6-9, 2:8) and Christ’s return (1:7, 2:8), assuring you that troubles won’t have the last word. Love binds you to your brothers and sisters, growing even in tough times (1:3) and guiding how you correct the wayward (3:15).

Knowing God’s word is the thread that ties it all together. It’s the foundation for faith, the source of hope, and the guide for love. The Thessalonians’ troubles didn’t define them, their faithfulness did. They stayed abounding, growing in faith and love (1:3), standing firm against lies (2:15), and doing good despite setbacks (3:13). So, when others try to drag you down with their words or actions, don’t stoop to their level. Hold fast to God’s word. Let faith, hope, and love keep you faithful and abounding, just as they did for the Thessalonians.

Evidence for our Faith: External Evidence for Jesus

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Whether you’re a believer or just curious, the question of whether Jesus of Nazareth really lived is something that gets people talking. While the Bible gives the main story of His life, it’s not the only place we hear about Him. In fact, several ancient Roman and Jewish writers, people who weren’t Christians, also mentioned Jesus. And what they said actually backs up the Bible in some powerful ways.

One of the best-known Roman historians, Tacitus, wrote about Christians in his work Annals around the year 116 AD. In Book 15, Chapter 44, he talks about how Emperor Nero blamed Christians for a fire in Rome and punished them. He even mentions their founder, “Christus” (Christ), who was executed by Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. That lines up perfectly with what we read in Matthew 27:2. What’s especially interesting is that Tacitus wasn’t a fan of Christians at all. He was just reporting what he knew, likely from official Roman records. That makes his words a strong, unbiased confirmation that Jesus really was crucified.

Another Roman writer, Pliny the Younger, gives us a peek into what early Christians were up to. Around the year 112 AD, he wrote a letter to the Emperor Trajan asking how to deal with this growing group of Jesus-followers. He said they worshiped Christ “as a god” and were spreading quickly. This matches what we see in Acts 2:41, where thousands started following Jesus shortly after His resurrection. Pliny wasn’t trying to preach, he was just doing his job as a governor, which makes his report even more valuable.

Then there’s Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian who lived in the first century. In his book Antiquities of the Jews, he refers to Jesus as a wise man who did amazing things, was crucified by Pilate, and had followers who didn’t give up on Him. This section, called the “Testimonium Flavianum,” has sparked debate because it may have been edited by Christian scribes later on. But most scholars believe the basic facts, like Jesus’ crucifixion, are authentic. It’s a fascinating link to what we see in Mark 15:15.

Even the Babylonian Talmud, a collection of Jewish writings compiled later on, has something to say. In Sanhedrin 43a, it talks about a man named Yeshu who was executed on the eve of Passover for leading people astray. It’s a negative take on Jesus, but oddly enough, it lines up with John 19:14 and Matthew 26:65-66. Even though the tone is critical, it still confirms key parts of the story—Jesus’ existence, His influence, and His death.

So, what do all these sources have in common? They come from people who weren’t trying to promote Christianity. In some cases, they were even hostile to it. And yet, they confirm important details from the Gospels, like Jesus being crucified under Pilate and the rapid rise of His followers.

When you put it all together, these outside voices create a strong picture: Jesus wasn’t just a religious figure made up later. He was a real person who made a real impact—so much so that even His critics couldn’t ignore Him.

Agape,

4 Things I Cannot Hide

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4 Things I Cannot Hide: A Personal Reflection

As I navigate life’s winding paths, I often try to present my best self to the world, hoping to mask my flaws. Yet, there are four things I cannot hide: my speech, my assumptions about others, how I let trouble affect me, and my perseverance despite obstacles. These aspects of my character slip through the cracks of my carefully curated facade, revealing my true heart. Through the lens of Scripture, I see both my shortcomings and the path to transformation, as God’s Word guides me to align these areas with His truth.

1. My Speech: The Way I Talk to Others
My words betray my heart. Whether I speak with kindness, impatience, or cutting sarcasm, my tone and intent are laid bare for others to see. I cannot hide the impact of my speech, it lingers, shaping how others perceive me. A harsh word can wound, while a gentle one can heal. Proverbs 15:1 offers wisdom: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” When I choose words that uplift and encourage, I reflect God’s will for my life on how to interact with others. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Eph 4:29; see Col 4:6) O God, forgive me.

2. My Assumptions: Judging Without Knowing
I often catch myself forming quick judgments about others based on their appearance or actions. Someone comically said, “I can tell a judgmental person just by looking at them.” These assumptions (especially in impugning motives) creep out through my body language, a fleeting glance, a hesitant tone, or an unconscious step back. My biases betray me, revealing a heart prone to prejudging. James 2:1-4 (KJV) challenges me: “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons… Have ye not then been partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” By seeking to understand others, I strive to embody humility, countering my tendency to assume. (see Matt 7:1-6 Judge not…) O God, forgive me.

3. The Way I Let Trouble Bother Me
When trials come, my response reveals the depth of my faith. Too often, I grumble or slip into pessimism, broadcasting a lack of trust in God. My complaints expose a heart struggling to hold onto hope. Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) offers a better way: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” By turning to prayer and gratitude, I can display hope, letting God’s peace shine through my troubles. “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (Phil 2:14-15) O God, Forgive me.

4. The Way I Keep On Despite Obstacles
My perseverance (or lack thereof) reveals my resilience (or lack thereof). Do I press forward when others criticize, when obstacles loom, or when doubts creep in? My response is visible to all. Galatians 6:9 (KJV) encourages me: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This verse urges me to keep going, trusting God, no matter what stands in my way. My steadfastness displays my Hope in God. “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Heb 10:36) O God, Forgive me.

The Problem Exemplified
When I fail to guard these areas, my flaws are exposed. Proverbs 21:23 (KJV) warns, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” My unguarded words can spark conflict, reflecting a broader truth: when my speech, assumptions, complaints, or lack of perseverance go unchecked, I invite calamity. This verse humbles me, reminding me of the consequences of letting my heart run unrestrained.

Transforming My Life
Though I cannot hide these four aspects of myself, I can, by God’s grace, refine them to reflect His character. Proverbs 15:1 teaches me to speak with gentleness. James 2:1-4 calls me to love without prejudice. Philippians 4:6-7 guides me to replace complaints with hope. Galatians 6:9 strengthens me to persevere. Together, these scriptures shape me to live in a better way, letting my words, actions, and attitudes shine as a testimony to the transformative power of God’s word. In a world that sees what I cannot hide, I pray my life reflects Christ.

Agape,

Spencer