Looking for proof?
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Apologetics is a systematic argument in defense of a church doctrine or an attempt to defend the Divine origin and authority of Christianity. I will leave this endeavor to others more qualified and simply repeat Jesus’ words to anyone requiring proof that He was sent from God.
The Jews were at a loss to explain the source of Jesus’ teaching since He had never received a formal education. “Jesus answered them, and said, ‘My teaching is not My own. It comes from the One who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” John 7:16-17 Want proof? Choose to do God’s will as taught by Jesus.
Sadly, most are not about to submit to God’s will. When hearing the gospel they flee into the darkness of deceit that hides their sin. But those who would practice truth would soon be convinced that Jesus was sent by God. (John 3:19-21) Sent to teach us His Father’s will.
We have been convinced.
God has convinced us through the witness of those who were there. “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-
and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifest to us-
what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. (1 John 1:1-4)
The apostle John wrote down Jesus words for us to hear. And we did. God’s words are Spirit and they have convicted us of our sin in the light of Jesus’ righteousness. We believe that there is a day of judgement coming. The fact that we believe this is proof of our faith in God. And like the apostle Peter, we know there is no other voice but Jesus to follow. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.” (John 6;68)
We share a like faith with the apostles. Paul called it a “common faith.” (Titus 1;4) With this faith we share in a “common salvation.” (Jude 1:3) Salvation that grants us fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus forever more. Now if this be the case let us attentively hear the prayer Jesus prayed for us.
“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may be one; even as You, Father are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” (John 17:20-21)
Jesus, you prayed for us to become one just as You and the Father are one in each other. Father, there is no doubt that You heard Your Son’s prayer. In each generation You have had children sharing a common faith in Your salvation. They were witnesses to the world around them. Lord, we come before You asking to be matured through the Spirit. Change us to become living proof to the world that God sent You. It is and has always been about saving souls.
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness but is patient toward you, not wanting any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (1 Peter 3:9)
His Family Table 