B.A.S.I.C. Training

Today’s fascination with Jesus the manTrying to discover the “historical” Jesus

The reason? To try and prove that Jesus was just a simple man with a great message.

Some who call themselves Christian today really believe that.

They follow Jesus only because of his teaching.

Jesus was more than just a manJesus was more than just a man

Real Christians know that Jesus was God Real Christians know that Jesus was God made flesh.made flesh.

He has existed from eternity.He has existed from eternity.

His teaching was great because it came His teaching was great because it came directly from the mouth of God.directly from the mouth of God.

Today we will explore this essential Today we will explore this essential doctrine.doctrine.

John’s Affirmation of the Deity of Jesus

John records that Jesus was the WORD: John 1:1-2

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning.”

John the Baptizer came as a witness…

John 1:6-8 -- There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The Word is the same as the Light

The WORD was a HIM

“John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” John 1:15

The WORD was the ONLY BEGOTTEN

John 1:18 -- No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

The WORD was Jesus – WORD, GOD, SAVIOR

John 1:29-30 -- The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'

Who is This? Evidence for the deity of Jesus

Mark 4:35-41 – Sea of GalileeFurious squall came upBoat nearly swamped.Jesus asleep.Disciples wake him.Jesus rebukes: Quiet! Be still!Storm stops. Immediately.Who is this. Even wind and waves obey!

Luke 7:44-50Jesus invited to

Simon’s house.Woman wipes

his feet, perfumes them and kisses them.

Jesus forgives her sins.

Who is this?

John 11:37, 43-53

Jesus learns that Lazarus has died.Goes to the tomb, after Lazarus has been

dead four days.Some Jews say: “Could not he who opened

the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus resurrects Lazarus.The Jews are so upset because of his

power that they plot to kill him.

The Resurrection: Proof of the Deity of Jesus

Matthew 27:63-65 – The cautiousness of the Jews

Where’s the body?

The Evidence of the Empty Tomb

John 20:3-9If the disciples stole

the body, why are they surprised?

Who removed the clothing and folded the head cloth?

The Testimony of Thomas: John 20:24-28

Touches holes in side and hands.

Proclaims: “My Lord and My God!”

Some say they made it up? Would you die for a lie?

The witness of more than 500 people at one time:

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 – Paul believed Christ died for our sins and

was resurrected.He appeared to the TwelveHe appeared to more than 500 brethren,

most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote these words.

In the words of one brother:

Either Jesus was a liar, a lunatic or Lord.

Jesus is Lord.Jesus is God.Jesus is Eternal.