Category: Newsletter

Introduction

In this Newsletter, the testimony of the prophets concerning Christ Jesus as detailed in the Old Testament is further discussed.

The Power and Authority of Christ Jesus

It is an undeniable fact that all power belongs to the Messiah. As was revealed to Daniel the Prophet, and in his testimony, he writes:

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the son of man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (Dan 7:13-14).

The above scripture speaks of Jesus Christ because He testifies and affirms that all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Mat 28:18). His authority and power are to save and protect those who reverently run to Him for their salvation. This is the authority and power that He gives to His disciples (Luk 10:19). There is no person, an angel or a beast with such a great power and authority as the one possessed by Christ Jesus. It is read that the Son of man would come in the clouds with great power and glory (Mar 13:26). All knees shall bow to Him and all tongues shall confess Him as Lord (Php 2:9-11).

Jesus’ government is forever established by God. Isaiah intimates that there is no end to the increase of his government and peace. It was also prophesied that Christ would sit upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice forever. This would not be performed by any man but the zeal of the LORD of hosts will do it (Isa 9:7).

The Son of David: The Historical Jesus

The name and the person of Christ Jesus are not fictitious but a historical one. As the Son of David, His genealogy could be traced back from Abraham as it is written:

“So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations” (Mat 1:17).

The blind man knows it well when he addresses Him, “saying, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me” (Luk 18:38). Thus, Jesus, being the son of David (Mat 1:20, Mat 12:23, Mar 12:35, Rom 1:3), fulfill scriptures as prophesied by the Prophets. A careful study of the Old Testament reveals that Jesus is the person that God has accredited as the Savior of the world (Acts Acts 2:22).

Conclusion

Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who is also the Son of David, has been given all power, authority, glory, and honor to completely redeem those who are in bondage to sin and death. His authority and government are without measure. The Christ is the only one who has the power to restore peace to humanity.

Prayer: Our Lord God, may you enlighten us to understand and accept the person of Christ Jesus as our Savior and the Lord of our souls. AMEN!

Introduction

In this piece of writing, the testimony of Prophets Malachi and Isaiah about the incarnation of the Messiah and the Savior of the world is discussed.

Elijah, the Forerunner

 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Mal 4:5-6).

According to Prophet Malachi, the Savior would not come except Elijah has first come. Many have taken this to mean that Elijah would have to reincarnate to announce the coming of the Messiah. This was the thought of the Apostles, too. They asked Jesus, why has it been written that Elias must first come?  In answering, Jesus said Elias must first come and restore all things, but the truth is that Elias has come already, but they did not recognize him (Mat 17:10-12). The disciples then understood that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come before the Messiah (Mat 17:13).

It has been written that John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus Christ (Luk 1:36 ) confirming that the Baptist was to come ahead of Christ to prepare His way. It is very probable that some are still expecting the incarnation of Christ Jesus because Elijah has not yet come. It may be too late for them if they have not read the words of Jesus Christ to His Apostles.

The Role and Message of the Forerunner

John the Baptist, the forerunner, referred to himself as “the voice of him that cries in the wilderness” and his message was “prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isa 40:3). This is evidenced in the Holy Scriptures where it is written:

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mat 1:1-3).

It was testified by the Prophets that Elijah would precede Christ Jesus and it happened as prophesied. This is one of the areas where the prophets testified about Christ before His birth. The forerunner, being a Prophet,  introduced Christ as the righteous Savior to the world.

Conclusion

The birth and the Ministry of John the Baptist as prophesied by the Prophets are confirmation that the Prophets did testify about the Christ. The church should no longer be looking for another coming of Elijah to precede the coming of Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Thank you, God, for your enlightenment. We pray that you continue to illuminate your children to know you more through the Scriptures. In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN!