4/14/21

Robotic Hummingbird Defies Evolution by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3832

Robotic Hummingbird Defies Evolution

by  Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Imagine looking out your window one morning as the birds come to the feeder and seeing a hummingbird. As you look closer, however, you realize this is no ordinary hummingbird. It hovers, moves forward and backward, and is about the same size as other hummingbirds that you have seen, but this one has some striking differences. It is made out of lightweight, synthetic material and has a camera in its stomach, which is pointing right at you, filming everything you are doing! Anyone staring at a camera-laden hummingbird droid would immediately wonder who designed the machine and why it was sent. No one would entertain the idea that the perfectly functioning robot somehow evolved from natural processes that were at work in a junkyard down the street.

While this hummingbird robot sounds more like science fiction than science, it happens to be the latest gismo produced by the California-based company AeroVironment (Watson, 2011). Watson reported that the “Pentagon has poured millions of dollars into the development of tiny drones inspired by biology” (2011, emp. added). The product of this research is a robotic hummingbird “with a 6.5-inch wing span” that weighs “less than a AA battery and can fly at speeds up to 11 mph” (2011). The device has taken AeroVironment five years to produce and cost about four million dollars.

 

 

 

When compared to a “real,” living hummingbird, this contraption looks clumsy. Real hummingbirds can fly 25 miles per hour, and reach diving speeds of 60 miles per hour. They normally flap their wings about 50 times per second, but can flap them up to 200 times per second. If the amazing mechanical hummingbird took millions of dollars, several years, and a host of brilliant engineers to design, what are we forced to conclude about the real thing? Whoever designed it must have been more intelligent than the combined intelligence of the entire human engineering populace, since this latest hummingbird robot represents the very best humans can do. The supposed naturalistic process of evolution could never account for a creature like the hummingbird, nor for a mechanical imitation of it. When God asked the patriarch Job, “Does the hawk fly by your wisdom?” (Job 39:26), He was stressing the fact that flying creatures like hawks and hummingbirds provide outstanding evidence that God exists, and He knows infinitely more about everything than man does.

REFERENCE

Watson, Julie (2011), “Tiny Spy Planes Could Mimic Birds, Insects,” http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110301/ap_on_re_us/us_hummingbird_drone/print.

Robotic Hand Points to God by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2828

Robotic Hand Points to God

by  Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Science has done it again. What humans in past generations would never have thought possible is becoming a reality. Associated Press writer Ariel David recently reported on one of the most advanced scientific experiments ever done in the world of prosthetics. Twenty-six-year-old Paierpaolo Petruzziello was involved in a month-long research project in which scientists used special electrodes to attach a robotic hand to the nerves in Petruzziello’s left forearm. The research team performed the study in order to see if Petruzziello could control the hand by triggering the correct nerves simply by thinking about it.

Amazingly, Petruzziello successfully manipulated the robotic hand using his mind. In fact, he stated: “It’s a matter of concentration. When you think of it as your hand and forearm, it all becomes easier” (as quoted in David, 2009). The doctors left the electrodes in the young Italian’s arm for a month. So successful was Petruzziello at controlling the hand, by the end of the month he could “wiggle the robotic fingers independently, make a fist, grab objects, and make other movements” (2009).

While it is true that science fiction movies and books like Star Wars feature such amazing technology, who would have ever thought that such astounding advancement would become a reality? Petruzziello stated: “It felt almost the same as a real hand” (2009). As remarkable as the study is, however, the new technology leaves many things to be desired compared to an “average” human hand. For one thing, no one knows how long the electrodes can be attached to the human nerves. Those in need of such prosthetic apparatuses need the technology to remain connected for years, not a few days. Second, the hand “obeyed the commands it received from the man’s brain in 95 percent of cases” (2009). Of course, the human hand is far more efficient at responding to the brain’s commands. In addition, as would be expected, the robotic hand is extremely expensive. The one-month long project cost approximately three million dollars. And, as the researchers concluded: “More must be done to miniaturize the technology on the arm and the bulky machines that translate neural and digital signals between the robot and the patient” (2009). In truth, there is still an extremely long way to go before such technology begins to approach the capabilities of
an average human hand.

Research like this underscores the astonishing intelligence necessary to produce a “working” hand. The project cost three million dollars, “took five years to complete and produced several scientific papers that have been submitted to top journals including Science Translational Medicine and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,” according to Dr. Paolo Maria Rossini, the neurologist leading the research (as quoted in David, 2009). Brilliant men and women spent thousands of hours and millions of dollars, combining their immense intelligence and experience, to enable the month-long trial to be successful. Yet “more must be done” to equip the robotic hand to function on a practical level.

As amazing as this research is, how many of us would voluntarily swap our “ordinary” human hand for the latest robotic facsimile? The rhetorical answer is: “None of us.” And yet we are being told by the majority of modern scientists and the media that the human hand arose by purely naturalistic, evolutionary processes over millions of years, while the inferior prosthetic hand was intelligently designed. The false evolutionary inference is simply untenable. If the inferior robotic hand necessitates intelligent design, by implication, the superior human hand must necessitate greater intelligence. How long will the greater-scientific world refuse to admit the truth that biological organs and systems can only be explained by an intelligent Designer? Indeed, as with all such research, this latest robotic hand points a steady index finger straight to the God of the Bible.

REFERENCE

David, Ariel (2009), “Experts: Man Controlled Robotic Hand With Thoughts,” [On-line], URL: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091202/ap_on_sc/eu_italy_robotic_hand.

Robot Tries to Mimic Human Navigation by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=2756

Robot Tries to Mimic Human Navigation

by  Kyle Butt, M.Div.

Modern, atheistic evolutionists insist that humans were not designed by an intelligent Designer. They claim that millions of years of random, chance processes pieced the human body together from basic building blocks that emerged from inorganic chemicals. Even though millions of people have accepted these evolutionary beliefs, neither accurate scientific findings, nor rational thinking leave any room for such ideas. One of the most basic truths that militates against the idea of human evolution is the fact that functional complexity always requires an intelligent designer.

Take, for instance, some of the latest, cutting-edge robotics technology. Several researchers in Europe have joined together to design a robot that attempts to navigate like a human. In a recent article, Anne-Marie Corley noted that the new robot “is controlled by algorithms designed to mimic different parts of the human visual system” (2009). Mark Greenlee, the lead researcher of the project, stated that the robot mimics “several different functions of the brain—object recognition, motion estimation, and decision making—to navigate around a room” (as quoted in Corley, 2009).

How much “intelligence” would it take to tackle a robotics project of this magnitude? Corley commented, “Ten different European research groups, each with expertise in fields including neuroscience, computer science, and robotics, designed and built the robot” (2009). The amount of time, money, and mental energy wrapped up in this project is enormous. Some of Europe’s brightest minds, equipped with expertise in various key areas, teamed to make a robot that attempts to mimic human navigation skills. And yet for all that, Tomaso Poggio, the head of MIT’s Center for Biological Computational Learning, candidly admitted that there are “definitely areas of intelligence like vision, or speech understanding, or sensory-motor control, where our algorithms are vastly inferior to what the brain can do” (as quoted in Corley, emp. added).

If our brains function in ways that are superior to anything that the world’s most intelligent scientists can devise, what does that say about our origins? That fact directly implies that Whoever designed humans possesses an intelligence far superior to that of the world’s most brilliant thinkers. The psalmist accurately and beautifully portrayed this truth when he stated that humans are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, emp. added).

REFERENCES

Corley, Anne-Marie (2009), “A Robot that Navigates Like a Human,” Technology Review, [On-line], URL: http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/22946/?nlid=2140.

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK" David’s Son And David’s Lord (12:35-37) by Mark Copeland

"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

David’s Son And David’s Lord (12:35-37) 
 
 INTRODUCTION

1. Teaching in the temple on Tuesday of the Last Week, Jesus easily silenced His critics...
   a. Those who questioned His authority - Mk 11:27-33
   b. The Pharisees and Herodians, regarding taxes - Mk 12:13-17
   c. The Sadducees, regarding the resurrection - Mk 12:18-27
   d. A scribe, regarding the foremost commandment - Mk 12:28-34

2. Jesus then asked the Pharisees a question...
   a. Concerning the Christ (Messiah) as the son of David - Mk 12:35
   b. How could that be if David by inspiration called the Christ "Lord"? - Mk 12:36-37
   c. Seemingly a conundrum they could not answer

3. The passage Jesus referenced was Psalms 110...
   a. The most frequently quoted OT text in the NT
   b. Quoted or alluded to 33 times in the NT - D. M. Hay

[While the Pharisees could not answer, we have the benefit of completed
revelation to understand how the Christ could be both David’s son and
David’s lord, and how Jesus proved to be both...]

I. THE CHRIST IS DAVID’S SON

   A. ACCORDING TO PROPHECY...
      1. As prophesied to David, with Solomon as a prefigure of Christ - 2Sa 7:12
      2. As promised by the prophets - Isa 11:1-5; Jer 23:5-6; Ezek 34:23-24; 37:24-25
      -- At the time of the NT, the common Jewish expectation was that
         the Christ would be a descendant of David

   B. JESUS IS THE DESCENDANT OF DAVID...
      1. Jesus was David’s son through the royal ancestry of Joseph - Mt 1:1-17
         a. Matthew’s gospel shows that Jesus was the royal descendant of David
         b. Following the lineage of David through his son Solomon - Mt 1:6
      2. Jesus was David’s son through the fleshly ancestry of Mary - Lk 3:23-38
         a. Luke’s gospel shows that Jesus was the fleshly descendant of David
         b. Following the lineage of David through his son Nathan - Lk 3:31 
      -- Jesus was a descendant of David on both sides of His family
         (mother and step-father)!

[Jesus’ question was not to cast doubt on Christ as David’s son.  It
served to stump His critics for they did not comprehend how David’s son
could also be David’s lord. Today, we understand how...]

II. THE CHRIST IS DAVID’S LORD

   A. ACCORDING TO PROPHECY...
      1. As prophesied by David in the text Jesus quoted - Ps 110:1-7
         a. The Christ would be David’s lord
         b. Ruling at God’s right hand as both king and priest forever
      2. As prophesied by Isaiah - Isa 9:6-7
         a. The Christ would be a Son, Mighty God, Everlasting Father
         b. Over a government with no end
      3. As prophesied by Micah - Mic 5:2
         a. The Christ born in Bethlehem would be a ruler
         b. Who would be from everlasting!
      -- OT prophecy declared the kingship and deity of the Christ!

   B. JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD...
      1. As accepted and claimed by Jesus
         a. Jesus accepted the title "Son of God" in worship - Mt 14:33
         b. Jesus referred to Himself as the "Son of God" - Jn 5:25;10:36; 11:4
      2. As proclaimed by others
         a. God called Jesus His Son - Mt 3:17; 17:5
         b. Peter confessed Jesus as the Son of God - Mt 16:16
         c. Mark began his gospel declaring Jesus as the Son of God - Mk 1:1
         d. The angel Gabriel spoke of Jesus as the Son of God - Lk 1:35
         e. John the Baptist testified that Jesus is the Son of God - Jn 1:34
         f. Nathaniel, Martha, and John confessed Him as the Son of God
            - Jn 1:49; 11:27; 20:31
      3. Being called the Son of God alludes to His pre-existence
         a. As expressed in John’s prologue to his gospel - Jn 1:1-2
         b. As claimed by Jesus Himself - Jn 8:56-58
         c. As taught by the apostle Paul - Php 2:5-7
      -- NT scriptures clearly declare the deity of the Christ!

   C. JESUS IS THE KING OF KINGS...
      1. Jesus now has all authority in heaven and on earth - Mt 28:18
      2. All things (including David in heaven!) have been subjected to
         Him - Ep 1:20-23; 1Pe 3:22
      3. He is the ruler of the kings of the earth - Re 1:5
      4. The King of kings and Lord of lords - 1Ti 6:14-15; Re 17:14
      5. Who will reign until all enemies are placed under His feet,
         death being the last - Ps 110:1; 1Co 15:24-26
      -- NT scriptures clearly declare the kingly reign of the Christ!

CONCLUSION

1. This is the answer to the conundrum posed by Jesus...
   a. The Christ is David’s son by virtue of His incarnation in the lineage of David
   b. The Christ is David’s lord by virtue of His eternal deity and present reign!

2. The apostle Paul would later write that Jesus is...
   a. The Son of David according to the flesh - Ro 1:3
   b. The Son of God as evidenced by His resurrection - Ro 1:4
   c. "Our Lord" - Ro 1:3

Not only did David rightly call his Son "lord", but so should we.  Have
we accepted David’s Son (Jesus) as Lord, serving Him as "volunteers in
the day of Your power"...? - cf. Ps 110:3; Lk 6:46         
 
Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2016

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Bearing Burdens And God’s Grace by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman


 https://thepreachersword.com/2020/10/15/bearing-burdens-and-gods-grace/#more-17521

 Bearing Burdens And God’s Grace

A construction crew had been on the job site for about a week when one of their men was hurt and a new guy, named Jason, was hired. He was a broad-shouldered, powerful young man and a really good worker. But he was also very annoying.

Jason was always bragging that he was stronger than anyone else at the worksite and he especially made fun of Ralph, one of the older workmen. Finally, the old fella had enough.

“Sonny,” said Ralph, “why don’t you put your money where your mouth is. I will bet a week’s wages that I can haul something in a wheelbarrow over to that outbuilding that you won’t be able to wheel back.”

Jason smiled and said: “You’re on, old man. Let’s see what you got.”

Then Ralph reached out and grabbed the wheelbarrow by the handles. Then, nodding to Jason, he said, “All right, young man get in.”

There are a lot of applications to this story, but it reminds us that there are all kinds of burdens. Some are physical, and others are emotional or mental. And there are some things we can’t handle ourselves. We need someone else.

The apostle Paul speaks to that issue in 2 Corinthians 12 when he wrote about his “thorn in the flesh.”

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2Cor. 12:7-10)

Paul’s Problem

The context deals with Paul’s thorn in the flesh. He doesn’t identify it, so, we don’t know what the thorn was. But it was a problem for Paul. It hurt. It was pricking him. It slowed him down. It caused him pain.

Paul’s Response

The text tells us what Paul did about it. First, he recognized the source of the problem–the devil. He didn’t blame God, but understood that the thorn was a “messenger of Satan.” Secondly, he realized that the thorn was a means to keep him humble, to remind him not to be conceited or proud. Thirdly, Paul responded with prayer. Three times, he asked God to remove the thorn.

God’s Answer

God answered Paul’s prayer, but He didn’t remove the thorn. He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’s answer to our requests is not always, “Yes.” Sometimes, it is “no.” Other times it is “wait a while.”  Or it may be, “I will give you help, hope, and strength through MY grace.”

Paul’s Attitude

Instead of turning bitter at God’s answer, Paul allowed the thorn to make him stronger. To demonstrate God’s power. To actually be glad that he could use the devil’s infirmity to make him a better Christian.

The Grace Factor

This text also reminds us of some great lessons about God’s amazing grace.

(1) We are Saved by Grace.

The reason Paul could access God’s grace was because he had been saved by it. To the Ephesians, he affirmed, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

(2) We are Sustained by Grace.

Since we enjoy God’s saving grace, we can be sustained through difficulties, trials, various thorns in the flesh. Grace nourishes us. Nurtures us. Supports us.

(3) We are Strengthened by Grace

Like Paul, we find the power to overcome problems. God’s grace gives us the strength to go on. To accept life’s hurts. To grow. To even be empowered to accomplish great things for God.

Are you dealing with a thorn in the flesh? Hold on. Have faith. Pray. Help is on the way. God’s grace will give you the strength to overcome your “thorn in the flesh.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

IS BAPTISM AN OUTWARD SIGN? YES! BY STEVE FINNELL

 http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/11/is-baptism-outward-sign-yes-by-steve.html

 IS BAPTISM AN OUTWARD SIGN? YES! BY STEVE FINNELL


Is water baptism an outward sign of an inward grace? Yes, in order to accept God's free gift of salvation men must be immersed in water.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The outward sign is the immersion in water. The inward grace is the forgiveness of sins we receive by following the command of Jesus to be baptized in water. There is no inward grace granted until men are immersed in water. Baptism is not a sign that we have already been saved. Baptism is a sign that believers in Christ are being saved.

1 Peter 3:20-21 ....safely through the water. 21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

The outward sign is water baptism. The inward grace is that baptism saves through an appeal to God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If men do not confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, believe that He is the Son of God and believe that God raised Him from the dead, and make the commitment to turn from sin and turn to God, then, of course your baptism will not save you. Baptism is the final step before receiving forgiveness of sins. Water baptism is the point that the blood of Jesus washes away your sins.

Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your transgression and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

The outward sign is being buried with Jesus in the watery grave of baptism. The inward grace is being made spiritually alive with Christ, having our transgressions forgiven. We are dead in our transgression before we are buried with Christ in water baptism. We are made alive and have our transgressions forgiven after baptism, not before.

Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

The outward sign is water baptism. The inward grace is being clothed with Christ. You are not baptized into Christ because you have already been clothed with Christ. The clothing does not precede, being baptized into Christ.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

The outward sign is water baptism. The inward grace of salvation follows believing and being baptized in water.

THERE ARE TWO OUTWARD SIGNS

1. CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

The outward sign is confession. The inward grace is salvation.

2. WATER IMMERSION: Mark 16:16....has been baptized shall be saved...

The outward sign is baptism. The inward grace is salvation.

IS WATER BAPTISM AN OUTWARD SIGN OF AN INWARD GRACE? YES, BUT WITHOUT THE OUTWARD SIGN OF BAPTISM NO INWARD GRACE OCCURS.


What must I do to be saved? FAITH John 3:16 REPENTANCE Acts 2:38 CONFESSION Romans 10:9-10 BAPTISM Mark 16:16

(All Scripture quotes from: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)  

 

Only a Vegetable? by Sandra F. Cobble

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Cobble/Sandra/Fontaine/1933/veg.html

Only a Vegetable?

"Poor thing," whispered one of the visitors as they left the hospital room, "she is only a vegetable." The words dug deep. Why had God let me survive an almost unsurvivable accident only to become a burden to others? There was no family to miss me. Someone would have to care for me the remainder of my life. There was insufficient insurance. I would be a burden to the taxpayers. Already a faithful Christian, I was ready to go to meet our Lord, or, if it was His will, to remain. But why? How could my helplessness glorify God? It was not a question asked in despair, anger, or rebellion. It was a question from a sincere heart. A heart that was hurting.

We believe that, "We have this assurance in approaching God, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him (I John 5:14,15; NIV). The Greek word for "ask" used in this passage is "aiteo", which generally means to ask for something. In numerous other passages "erotao", meaning "to question," is translated "ask." When the disciples asked (erotao) Jesus concerning the parables he answered their questions. He even answered the questions they were afraid to ask! We pray for many things -- usually things of this world. Yet somehow we think it wrong to ask, "Why?" And if we were to ask as would a spoiled, belligerent child we might just receive the same treatment as would he. But if we ask to know the truth about something that we might be comforted, would not we be asking according to His will? And though we cannot comprehend ALL truth, will not He give to us that portion which we ARE able to comprehend?

Usually when we think of "vegetable" an image comes to our minds of that vegetable we most detested as a child. Maybe we tried to avoid eating it by trying to hide it. Then would come with that tone of authority, "eat your vegetables." Later, we began to realize that vegetables were good for us. And though we then ate them willingly, we did not necessarily like them. Then came a time when we found we actually enjoyed vegetables. That detested one may have even become our favorite!

But what about human "vegetables"? Funk and Wagnalls Encyclopedic College Dictionary defines "vegetable" as the edible part of any herbaceous plant; any member of the vegetable kingdom, a plant. Used as an adjective it may refer to "resembling or like a vegetable in activity, etc.: dull, passive." This is the idea that usually comes to mind when used of a person.

Let us take a closer look. The word "vegetable" originates from Latin "vegere" - to be lively! This does not seem to make sense. A plant cannot "be lively." Some do grow rapidly, yet others do not. Yet, stop and think just a moment. Do not plants supply the needed nutrition for animals to be lively? Though the young may live on their mother's milk, does not she manufacture milk through the ingestion of plants?

How does all this apply to human "vegetables"? Are we not created in the image and likeness of God (Gensis 1:27)? Should any human be referred to as a "vegetable"? Certainly not in a derogatory sense. Yet did not Jesus call HIMSELF "the true vine" (John 15:1) and "the bread of life" (John 6:48)? Is not a vine of the vegetable kingdom? Is not bread made of grain, a plant? When we partake of the Lord's Supper, we do so only in remembrance (1 Corinthians 11:24). But when we were baptized into Him (Romans 6:3,4) were we not made partakers of His nature (2 Peter 1:4)? And did not bread and the fruit of the vine supply an essential part of man's diet in His day?

Our elders try to provide many opportunities for us to serve others as did our Lord so that we may have the proper spiritual nutrition and exercise that we may grow properly. But perhaps there is one avenue that is sometimes overlooked. It is not easy to be a "vegetable" and let others express their love through their service. We want to feel "independent". But John Milton, the English poet, wrote, "They also serve who only stand and wait." Milton was blind.

We have been begotten from above (John 3:3-6), which was culminated in baptism for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38). We grow through proper nutrition and exercise. When I see the glow on the face of a small child as he eagerly runs to open a door for me, I realize he is partaking of our Lord's nature. He is getting needed nutrition. When members of the congregation perform needed tasks for me, I realize that they are getting needed nutrition -- they are partaking of that which will make them "lively."

And if it be our Lord's will for me to remain and to serve through being a "vegetable," then willingly and faithfully I will do so. For in that way I, also, will get MY proper nutrition. And perhaps one day I will reach the level of maturity of one of our elders. As he toiled in the hot sun to make a bridge safe for my wheelchair, there was a song on his lips. When I asked him why he was singing when many would have been cursing. he replied, "I get joy out of helping those who are not able to repay me." There are many ways to bring joy into the lives of others. Being a vegetable may be one of those ways. And as I mature, I,too, will find joy in serving others. Yes, even helplessness may be used to glorify God!

Sandra F. Cobble

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

One by Gary Rose

 

I was working on my checkbook when my wife said to me: “Gary, you need to hear this”. Then, I stopped what I was doing and listened and as I heard the words, I realized that I had never heard a description of Jesus’ crucifixion like this. My wife, Linda, posted this on Facebook for me to use today and I am very glad she did, for what was said is significant for us all to hear.


I especially like the Apostle John’s account of the crucifixion…


John 19 ( World English Bible )

10 Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?”

11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”

12 At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!”

13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement,” but in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.”

14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!”

15 They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

16 So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away.

17 He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull,” which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha,”

18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, I am King of the Jews.’”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

24 Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

25 But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!”

27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home.

28 After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.”

29 Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.

31 Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

32 Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him;

33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs.

34 However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

35 He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe.


God hates sin and was determined to do something about it. That desire turned to action when Jesus was born. As a child he did the things a child would do, but when he began his ministry, it was obvious to all that here was a person of significance. He taught about the things of God and man in a way that showed a heavenly inspired insight. He healed the sick and raised the dead. Ultimately, it was revealed that he was a man with a mission. He was hated by many and those who did so, conspired to put him to death. So, eventually, he went before Pilate and was condemned to be crucified.


Three men on a cross, being executed; only one didn’t deserve to be there. That one (Jesus) was there willingly, for being the son of God, he could have prevented his own death. His sacrifice was nothing less that the will of God almighty that God alone should pay the price of sin.


The crucifixion is in a way, the representation of the situation between God and all of mankind. God, on the cross, supplies a way out of sin; some will accept that way, others will not. Blessed will be the person who listens, believes and submits to the will of God. That one will be given complete fellowship with God and life eternal.


Question: Will you be one of them who accept God’s will for your life or not?