Elders Necessary

Hi, I have become a faithful reader of GGO. I have a question for you. How important is it for a congregation to have elders?? If they are “getting along” just fine doing business by means of a men’s business meeting are elders necessary or just an option? Also if a man is qualified to be an elder with the exception of having one adult child who does not attend the assembly, is not a member at all, or is divorced does that totally disqualify the man? Thanks. Darletta Myers Sometimes a congregation cannot have an eldership at a certain juncture in its history because it does not have two or more men who are biblically qualified, willing to serve as elders and men that the congregation respects well enough to follow their guidance. The biblical qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 both include certain male Christians and exclude other male Christians for consideration as appointment to be elders. However, when two or more men satisfy the biblical qualifications for appointment as elders, God’s divine plan for the guidance of a congregation is for it to have elders. Notice Titus 1:5: “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (emphasis added). By inspiration, the apostle Paul referred to a congregation without elders as “wanting.” The same Greek word translated “wanting” in Titus 1:5 appears as “lacking” in …

Music of the First Century Church

Louis, one of your authors says that there were definitely no instruments of music used in the 1st century church.  I am only asking of proof of this assertation. I do not believe that he has that proof. David Fields, MSgt, USAF Consider: (1) The secular, historical record vouches for the first introduction of instrumental music into Christian worship hundreds of years after the establishment of the church in Acts 2; (2) New Testament directive respecting the use of music in Christian worship is specific as to the designation of singing as the type of music authorized for Christian worship; (3) Apostolic censure in the New Testament for deviation from divinely inspired directive does not appear in the New Testament regarding instrumental music being introduced into Christian worship, though other deviations from divine directive are censured in the New Testament. (4) The worship of the New Testament church was patterned after Jewish synagogue worship, which did not include instrumental music. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that there were no instruments of music used in the worship of the first century church. Furthermore, had any congregation of the Lord’s church used instrumental music in Christian worship in the first century, it would have done so without either divine precedent or celestial authorization, which is equally true today whenever anyone attempts to worship God with instrumental music. (1) Secular history simply does not as much as hint of the use of instrumental music in Christian worship in the first century. No history with which I am acquainted even suggests a first century use …

Come Meet Jesus as the Judge

Through a number of lessons, we have been urged to “Come Meet Jesus”: as Creator; as Pre-Incarnate God; as the Incarnate God; as Master Teacher; at the Cross; as Savior; as Messiah and King; as High Priest; as Mediator, Intercessor and Advocate; as Lawgiver and Prophet; as the Head of his church, body and house. One final lesson after this one will call upon us to “Come Meet Jesus the Preeminent One. This current lesson encourages us to “Come Meet Jesus as the Judge.” We will do this by proposing some questions for which we will look for biblical answers. What does the Bible teach about the certainty of a Final Judgment? The Bible teaches that Final Judgment is an appointment for which a soul can neither be late nor avoid (Hebrews 9:27). Final Judgment, and Jesus Christ being the Judge, is a matter of fundamental, Christian doctrine (Hebrews 6:1-2). Final Judgment will be so thorough that even “the secrets of men” and  “the counsels… [“purposes” Biblesoft’s] of hearts” will be examined (Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 4:5). As the Scriptures represent the final judgment “as certain [Eccl. 11:9], universal [2 Cor. 5:10], righteous [Rom. 2:5], decisive [1 Cor. 15:52], and eternal as to its consequences [Heb. 6:2], let us be concerned for the welfare of our immortal interests, flee to the refuge set before us, improve our precious time, depend on the merits of the Redeemer, and adhere to the dictates of the divine word, that we may be found of him …

The Bible Tells Me So!

Since we were small children we have sung the famous song, “Jesus Loves Me.” I wish that many more would listen to the simple words,  “because the Bible tells me so.” Many have wasted tremendous time and energy trying to explain, or more appropriately explain away portions of Scripture. Recently someone put out a naturalistic explanation of how Jesus walked on water. It, of course, is designed to deny the miraculous. Even in the church we can be influenced by this ailment. A professor I had in college had a commentary on the Pentateuch (Genesis-Deuteronomy). When he talked about Lot’s wife he said, (This is, to the best of my memory, what he said. I do remember because I had never actually heard “conflagration” used in a sentence before.) “As she hesitated Lot’s wife was overwhelmed by great salt deposits in the area that were stirred up by the great conflagration that occurred.” Excuse me! Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt. How do I know, “the Bible tells me so.” Why should we try to explain away the acts of God as if we are ashamed of them, or ashamed to admit them? Jesus walked on water, period, no natural explanations needed; Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt by the power of God, the great conflagration not withstanding; Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of a fish that God prepared–we don’t need any more explanation; Jesus died and was raised from the dead by the …

The Beautiful Bride of Christ

What is more beautiful than a wedding? The soft glow of candlelight, colorful flowers and romantic music are just the prelude to a lovely ceremony that joins a man and woman as husband and wife. What a fitting word picture God gives us when he describes Christ’s church as a beautiful bride. John gives us a glimpse of the vision that he saw in Revelation 21:2: “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” We learn from Hebrew 12:22-23 that this holy city of Jerusalem is the “the general assembly and church of the firstborn.” So, in what ways is the church like a beautiful bride? First, the bride has to prepare herself for her husband. John also wrote in Revelation 19:7-8, “Let us be glad and rejoice and give him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” At a wedding, all eyes are on the bride as she gracefully marches down the aisle in her beautiful and carefully selected wedding gown. Can you imagine going to a formal wedding where the bride comes down the aisle in torn blue jeans and a sweatshirt? That would be totally unacceptable! Equally unacceptable in God’s eyes is a member of his church …

Are Our Personal Prayers General or Specific?

When we think of the words “general” and “specific,” what are some of the definitions that come to mind? To think or speak in general terms is to be vague, broad, uncertain, universal and indistinct. To think or speak in specific terms is to be exact, precise, detailed, explicit and definite. In Matthew 6:9-13 and in Luke 11:1-4 we have what is commonly referred to as the model prayer. In Luke 11:1, one of the disciples of Jesus said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” The Lord’s teaching in both Matthew and Luke is general in nature and gives us the manner and pattern for prayer. Since we do not know what to pray for as we ought, the Holy Spirit makes intercession for us (Romans 8:26). As Jesus prayed in the entire chapter of John 17, he is most specific as he lets his requests be made known to God. He prayed for himself, his apostles and all believers. Our Lord is without question the perfect example of a life lived in complete awareness of God and demonstrated that in his prayer life. Jesus always prayed specifically! Luke 6:12 says, “Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Verses 13-19 tell us the next day Jesus chose the twelve apostles, and they are listed by name. One of the many lessons we can learn from …

The Meaning of the Word “Christian”

Since words are vehicles by which thoughts and ideas are conveyed from one mind to another, it is of vital importance that one understand the meaning of words. Written words do not mean what we want them to mean, rather they mean what the original writer intended for them to mean. One of the badly misunderstood words of our time, in the realm of religion, is the word Christian. Today we wish to examine the meaning of the word, and by doing so we can better understand what it means to be a Christian and to live the Christian life. The word “Christian” is found only three times in the Bible. All the instances of its occurrence are in the New Testament. The references at which one will find the words are: Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16. In Acts 11:26 we read, “And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” The first instance of the disciples of our Lord being called “Christians” was in the ancient city of Antioch of Syria. Their being called by this name was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 62:2 in which the prophet quoted God as saying the Gentiles would see righteousness, that is, they would become followers of Jesus after which the followers of Christ would receive a new name which …

My Son and the Donkey

In the ongoing discussion of the new hermeneutic, there is one aspect of the subject that I have not seen addressed. Some discussion is couched in such “scholarly” or abstruse language that my simple mind cannot comprehend the meaning of the author, or possibly the reasoning is so stupid that it really makes no sense. In either case, whether I try to understand by using the old or new hermeneutic, I gain no new insights. Part of the problem may be that no one has adequately defined how the new hermeneutic works. There apparently are two broad concepts: 1. That when Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He meant that we can understand or interpret properly what God means for us to do. 2. The contrary concept is that since we all have a different sociological background, preconceived notions and inherent prejudices, it is certain that we will arrive at different interpretations of God’s Word. So we should accept that fact and agree to differ, as there is no way to be certain that our interpretation is the right one. That, apparently, is the meaning of the new hermeneutic. It has been my observation over the past 60 years of listening to many false doctrines that there is usually enough truth in a false doctrine to make it interesting, and enough lie to cause us to be lost if we follow it. It has been so since Adam’s time. The …

Jesus Knows!

Christians and non-Christians alike need to be on their best behavior in godly living and faithful service to God, especially since Jesus Christ knows us intimately like no other knows us (John 2:23-25). Children and adults typically exhibit better behavior when they know that someone is watching them, when that someone commands their respect or can exact punitive measures. For instance, children sometimes look to see if mom or dad, a teacher, a shopkeeper or a policeman is watching them before they do something they are not supposed to do. Employees often work more efficiently or at least don’t pilfer company property when the supervisor or boss is watching. Police presence dissuades people from criminal activity and speeding down the highways. Aware that Jesus knows all (everything past, present, future and each of us, too), we ought to be on our best spiritual behavior. Jesus knows all, and Jesus is watching each of you–and me. Jesus knows the Father. “While on earth the supernatural knowledge of Jesus was manifested in His knowledge of the Father” (Nichols 25). Jesus Christ knew the Father because the Father had sent Jesus into the world (John 7:29). Knowing the Father intimately, Jesus was able to show the Father to mankind, who otherwise could not know the Father (Matthew 11:27; John 8:38). The knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ was noticeably superior to mere human knowledge and wisdom (Matthew 13:54). Jesus knows the past. The personal knowledge of Jesus Christ predates Abraham (John 8:58). Jesus had an …

Come Meet Jesus Christ as Head of his Church, Head of his Body and Head of his House

The concept of one being the “head” of something is a familiar one (e.g., heads of corporations, animals and people have heads that direct their bodies, heads of families, etc.). Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary lists 21 definitions for the noun “head,” four definitions for the “head” as an adjective and 10 definitions for the word “head” used as a verb, for a total of 35 primary definitions. Meanings for the word “head” include: the part of the animal or human body having the brain and the mouth, one side of a coin, an individual as in counting heads, the upper of something such as a stream or the opposite of the foot of something, director or leader, the leading element of something, the top of something, the toilet on a ship, place of honor, headlines pertaining to the printed page, something rising to the top, a machinery attachment, to behead or decapitate, a course set for travel, to originate and to go in a certain direction. Scripture represents Jesus Christ as being Head of his church, Head of his spiritual body and Head of his spiritual house or family. Several of the definitions for the word “head” apply to Jesus Christ in his relationship to the church, his spiritual body and his spiritual family. Let’s compare the appropriate definitions of the word “head” with biblically described roles of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of his church. The apostle Paul distinctly and repeatedly wrote by divine inspiration that Jesus Christ is the …

Hearing But Not Believing

One of the frustrations experienced by preachers is knowing that the Gospel has been taught, yet there have been no responses by the hearers to obedience. This may occur when sinners refuse to obey the Gospel of Christ and/or when members of the church fail to comply with the teaching of Christ to mature in the faith. There can also be puzzlement in the teacher’s heart when one family obeys and another family rejects the same teaching while being instructed privately in their homes. The same Gospel is being taught but is bringing different responses. It is easy to become discouraged, blaming oneself for the failure to convert all the people being taught the way of salvation. We must understand and come to realize that all who hear will not believe and obey the Gospel. The hearer has a responsibility in the process of conversion. This principle is clearly taught in the parable of the soils presented by the Lord and recorded in Matthew 13:1-23. In the usage of the words of Isaiah, Jesus mentioned that there were those who would hear but not understand. The apostle Paul referred to this prophecy of Isaiah on various occasions in his work when the Jews would not respond to the teaching of this inspired man (Acts 28:25-29; Romans 10:16-21). While it is true that faith is produced by the hearing of the Word of God (Romans 10:17), there are times when the Gospel is heard but obedience to Christ is not the …

Is It an Auditorium or a Sanctuary?

It is not uncommon to hear a brother mention in his prayer that “we are thankful to be able to come out to God’s house and worship.” Also, you will hear from time to time a member of the church referring to that part of the building where the assembly of worship is conducted as being the “sanctuary.” If you were to bring someone to visit our buildings, most likely the person would refer to the place of worship as being “a beautiful sanctuary.” To some degree, most of us have been affected by Judaism or Catholicism whether we realize it or not. The Lord God had Moses to erect the tabernacle. This portable tent of meeting was to be the center of worship until many years later when Solomon would build the temple in the city of Jerusalem. In Exodus 25:8, we read that the purpose of such a place was “that I may dwell among them.” In this verse, the whole of the tabernacle was referred to as the “sanctuary.” However, in Exodus 25:22, we learn that it was at the mercy-seat between the two cherubim, atop the Ark of the Covenant and located in the Most Holy Place that God said, “I will commune with thee.” In short, the sanctuary, whether speaking of the tabernacle as a whole or the Most Holy Place, was a dwelling place of the presence of the Almighty God. In contrast, the place of worship in the Christian age is of no …

Jesus and Circumcision

It was written “in Moses’ Law” that “If a woman conceive seed, and bear a man-child, then in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised” (Leviticus 12:2-3). After Jesus had nailed Moses’ Law to his cross (Colossians 2:14), now all people are under Christ’s Law (1 Corinthians 9:21). Under Christ’s Law, not male babies but all Christians, both men and women, are told: “You were circumcised by him without hands: Christ’s circumcision strips off the sins of the flesh. You were buried with him in immersion, in which also you were raised with him through faith in the working of God who raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11-12). Consequently, under Christ’s Law, “circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:29). Under Christ’s Law, Christians have been told to Beware of “…outward circumcision. We [Christians] are the circumcision, we who serve by the Spirit of God, and rejoice in Christ Jesus. We have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:2-3).

Salvation

Salvation is by faith (John 3:16; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 16:31), but “not by faith only” (James 2:24): “The demons believe and tremble” (James 2:19); “Many among the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue (John 12:42). Salvation is by repentance (Acts 11:18), but not by repentance alone, for “if you do not believe [in Jesus], you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Salvation is by confession (Matthew 10:32; Acts 2:21), but not by confession alone: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into heaven’s kingdom, but the one who does the will of my heavenly Father” (Matthew 7:21); “And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, ‘You are the Son of God’” (Mark 3:11). Salvation is by baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16), but not by baptism alone, for (1) if you do not believe [in Jesus], you will die in your sins” (John 8:24); and (2) “except you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3); and (3) “whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15). Should we follow “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) or only part of it?

Come Meet Jesus as the Predominate One

When studying about Jesus Christ, it is not difficult to emphasize the unique and incomparable role of our Lord. Nave’s Topical Bible lists about 250 names or designations for Jesus Christ. Over several lessons, we have only noted a few of those appellations: Creator, Pre-Incarnate God, the Incarnate God, Master Teacher, at the Cross, Savior, Messiah, King, High Priest, Mediator, Intercessor, Advocate, Lawgiver, Prophet, Head of his church, Head of his Body, Head of his house and Judge. All of the designations for Jesus Christ that we have noticed plus the over 200 others we have not reviewed recently point to Jesus Christ as the Preeminent One. Herein you are invited to “Come Meet Jesus as the Preeminent One.” What do we mean by “preeminence”? Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines “preeminence” as “having paramount rank, dignity, or importance.” A Hebrew dictionary defines the word for “preeminence” (mowthar, appearing only in Ecclesiastes 3:19; Proverbs 14:23; 21:5) as including the ideas of “literally, gain; figuratively, superiority” (Biblesoft’s). A Greek dictionary defines the word for “preeminence” as “to be in the first position, with the implication of high rank and prominence – ‘to be the first, to have superior status’” (Louw and Nida). Another Greek dictionary concurs and adds a facet to the definition of “preeminence” (proteuo, appearing only in Colossians 1:18): “to be first (in rank or influence)” (Biblesoft’s). No one enjoys preeminence that rightfully belongs exclusively to Jesus Christ. Satan desired preeminence over Jesus Christ. One temptation that Satan hurled at Jesus Christ was the offer …

Thought Upon his Name

In Malachi 3:16, we read, “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.” We have noticed how those that fear the Lord speak often with one another. And we noticed that those who obey God have their names written down as a remembrance by God. Now we notice that those that have their names and deeds written down as a remembrance are those that thought upon his name. The word “thought” comes from a Hebrew word that means to meditate on, to purpose, to think with great care and exactness. In verses 13-15, Malachi had written that the Israelites had considered it vain to worship and serve God. They were saying there was no profit in keeping his ordinances. Verse Sixteen tells us exactly the opposite. We should do everything we can to think and meditate upon his name. There is wonderful purpose involved in thinking on the name of the Lord. Whatever we do in life should glorify God. We should never approach any decision without considering what God would do and what he wants us to do. Great care should be taken in all actions and decisions. By keeping him and his Word in our thoughts, we will stay true to him, and we will please him. Keep reading your Bible. Study it. Meditate on the Lord. …

You Made Your Bed

In the United States there is a saying, “You made your bed, now lie in it.” This means that you put yourself into a situation purposely, now you must live with the consequences. You insisted on doing something, or on living a certain way, and now you must accept the results. Sometimes this is stated to individuals who are complaining about what they are undergoing in life. These individuals insisted on doing something even when others had warned them of the consequences. Now that the consequences have come, they want to complain, gripe and whine. In Isaiah 28, Isaiah tells of the coming punishment of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. In verse 20, we read, “For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.” This is Isaiah’s way of saying, “You made your bed, now lie in it.” Israel and Judah had been warned by God numerous times. God had spoken through Judges and Prophets. The people had been told by Moses long ago that they must live for God or reap the consequences. But, the people of God had refused to listen. They even attempted to make covenants with evil rulers to save themselves from destruction. God, through Isaiah, tells them that their discipline is coming. He will make both kingdoms go into slavery. Many will be killed. Many will die in a foreign land. Only …

Come Meet Jesus as Mediator, Intercessor and Advocate

Jesus Christ is the only mediator between humanity and God. Jesus Christ is intercessor between mankind and God. In addition, Jesus Christ is mankind’s advocate with God. Jesus Christ is mankind’s sole access to a Holy God (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is the only mediator between humanity and God. Just what is a “mediator”? One who goes between two groups or persons to help them work out their differences and come to agreement. A mediator usually is a neutral party, a go-between, intermediary, or arbitrator who brings about reconciliation in a hostile situation when divided persons are not able to work out their differences themselves. A mediator can also be the negotiator of an agreement. After the agreement is made, he can then witness to its content and serve as the administrator or guarantor to make sure its provisions are followed. A mediator needs legal authority and recognized power to function effectively. (Nelsons) No one else in heaven or on earth better knows both the divine and the human circumstances, therefore, making Jesus Christ the only qualified Mediator between man and God. Further, Jesus Christ has “all authority…in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18 ASV) necessary to mediate effectively. “Mediator, a person who intervenes between two parties at variance, in order to reconcile them” (McClintock and Strong). The ISBE notes that a mediator is a “middleman”  and further the English Word “mediator” appears in the Old Testament only in the Septuagint for Job 9:33 plus six times in the New Testament. The hostility …

Come Meet Jesus as Lawgiver and Prophet

Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver of the New Testament, whereas Moses was the lawgiver of the Old Testament (John 1:17; 7:19). Jesus Christ is the Great Prophet of the New Testament, whereas Moses was the great prophet of the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; John 1:45; Acts 3:22; 7:37). The various biblical names, titles and functions ascribed to Jesus Christ commingle into one grand, divine character, including Lawgiver and Prophet. “As in Judaism, messianic titles and functions merge into one another. Thus Jesus is the kingly as well as the prophetic Messiah in Jn. 6:14-15; Mt. 21:9ff. He is Christ as well as prophet in Acts 3: 18ff” (Kittel and Friedrich). “Moses was ruler, lawgiver, deliverer, and prophet; Christ was all this to the people, but they rejected him” (Boles). On this occasion, we want to invite you to “Come Meet Jesus as Lawgiver and Prophet.” Whereas Moses was the lawgiver of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ is the Lawgiver of the New Testament. What does the Bible mean by the use of the word “lawgiver”? The English word “lawgiver” appears only six times in both testaments combined: five in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament. However, the Hebrew word sometimes translated “lawgiver” appears 19 times. It pertains to making laws. Ultimately, Jehovah is the Lawgiver, the One from whom all divine law comes (Isaiah 33:22 and James 4:12). However, God appointed Moses as lawgiver of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ as Lawgiver of the New Testament. Moses occupied a …

Judging

In order to properly discuss any subject, a proper definition of terms must be understood. With that in mind, notice the following definitions: To judge ~ “to criticize or censure” (Anges 774). Judging ~ (1) “to decide…give a verdict” (ISBE) and (2) “discernment or separation between good and evil. God judges among people and their actions according to the standards of His LAW” (Nelson’s). Now that we understand what is meant by judging, the subject can be properly addressed. To begin, consider Matthew 7:1-6: Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. In this passage, “judged” means “to distinguish…to try, condemn, punish”; judgment is defined as “a decision” (Biblesoft’s). Further, it “denotes the result of the action signified by the verb krino, …

Come Meet Jesus Christ as Pre-Incarnate God

The pre-existence of Jesus Christ, as it is usually described, has to do with the one we know as Jesus Christ before his incarnation (i.e., when he took fleshly, bodily form through the Virgin Birth). Technically, though, the Second Person of the Godhead had not adopted the roles of Jesus Christ yet in his pre-incarnate state. There was no Jesus, no Messiah, no Christ, no Son of God, no Only Begotten, before the reign of Augustus Caesar. The relation that was before the Christian era, was not that of a son and a father, terms which always imply disparity; but it was that expressed by John in the sentence under consideration [John 1:1]. The relation was that of God and the “word of God.” This phraseology unfolds a relation quite different from that of a father and son-a relation perfectly intimate, equal, and glorious. (Alexander Campbell qtd. in Mosher 313) The pre-existence of Jesus Christ is axiomatic given his participation with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the creation of the universe and all that is in it (Genesis 1:26-27; Colossians 1:15-17). The pre-existence or the pre-incarnate nature of Jesus Christ is also definitively taught in Scripture. “Any proper study of Jesus Christ must include not only His earthly span of some 33 years, but His eternal existence as well. The Bible plainly teaches that the Savior had an eternal existence prior to His earthly incarnation” (Jackson 1). Herein, you are cordially invited to “Come Meet Jesus as Pre-Incarnate …