Good News for all who Believe in Jesus – He Prayed for you!

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in me through their word” – John 17:20

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament 

Proof that Jesus is the Son of God

John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God and had thousands of followers in Judea. He stated, “I [John the Baptist] have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” Two of John the Baptist’s disciples heard his testimony identifying Jesus as the Son of God and went to follow Jesus. One of those disciples was Andrew who became an apostle of Jesus. Andrew told his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah.”

So, John the Baptist who was followed by thousands of Israelites believed that Jesus was the Son of God. This means that either thousands of Israelites, John the Baptist, and his disciples were wrong or Jesus was the Son of God!

J. Clontz – Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

[Josephus Antiquities 18.5.2 116-119]

     Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and was a very just punishment for what he did against John called the Baptist [the dipper]. For Herod had him killed, although he was a good man and had urged the Jews to exert themselves to virtue, both as to justice toward one another and reverence towards God, and having done so join together in washing. For immersion in water, it was clear to him, could not be used for the forgiveness of sins, but as a sanctification of the body, and only if the soul was already thoroughly purified by right actions. And when others massed about him, for they were very greatly moved by his words, Herod, who feared that such strong influence over the people might carry to a revolt -- for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise -- believed it much better to move now than later have it raise a rebellion and engage him in actions he would regret.

    And so John, out of Herod's suspiciousness, was sent in chains to Machaerus, the fort previously mentioned, and there put to death; but it was the opinion of the Jews that out of retribution for John God willed the destruction of the army so as to afflict Herod.

[The Gospel According to John]

1:29 The next day he [John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he for whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him; but for this I came baptizing in water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness, “I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. 33 I did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” 35 Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 And he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 And the two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 But Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which is translated as “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying. And they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means the Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

Do You Ever Have Trouble Sleeping at Night?

Years ago, I memorized the 23rd Psalm. Whenever I have trouble sleeping at night, I remember the words to the Psalm. Often I drift back to sleep before I finish the Psalm. It is the most peaceful piece of literature I have ever read. It was written almost three thousand years ago by a shepherd who became a king. Many people have heard about King David. However, most people don't realize that King David is one of the most famous poets of all time. His poetic works are among the largest surviving collections of poems by a single author from the primeval age.  Presently, the 23rd Psalm written by King David is one of the top thirty poems requested in libraries in the United States and it is easily the oldest poem in that group.

Hoping all of your dreams are peaceful, J. Clontz - Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament

It doesn't matter where your road starts. It only matters where your road ends.

J. Clontz - Editor of The Comprehensive New Testament