The Bible, God's Word, shows that it is possible to really know Jesus and God the Father.

          Jesus praying to the Father said - "And this is life eternal, that they might know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." Jn. 17:3

          "And here is how we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says, I know him, and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. I Jn. 2:3,4

          "I write unto you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning." I Jn. 2:13

          "We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God doesn't hear us. Here is how we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. He that loves not does not know God; for God is love." I John 4:6-8

          "And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." I John 5:20

          "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3

          "But let him that glory glory in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." Jer 9:24

          The Bible also explains how to really get to know Jesus and God the Father. Jesus is the Word of God made in the flesh, and one essential way to know Jesus better is to read and study God's Word, the Holy Bible. Two other essential ways are through prayer and by getting lots of good Christian fellowship (covered in their respective sections).

          "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Jn. 1:1,14

          "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;" I John 1:1

          "And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a garment dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God." Rev 19:11- 13

           The Bible claims that Jesus Christ is the Word of God made in the flesh, and yet the Bible itself is called the Word of God.

           "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unpretended love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." I Pet 1:22 - 25

           "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb 4:12

           "Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mat 11:28 - 30

            The Bible gives us a number of reasons why God gave His Word....

           "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name." Jn. 20:31

          "For whatsoever things were written afore time were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Rom 15:4

           "And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full." I Jn. 1:4

           "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not." I Jn. 2:1

           "These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you." I Jn. 2:26 - a warning of false teachers and groups.

           "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." I John 5:13

           The Bible also expresses God's feelings about His Word and your reading of it.

           "I will worship toward your holy temple, and praise your name for your loving-kindness and for your truth: for you (God) have magnified (to promote, to make large in honor) your word above all your name." Ps. 138:2

           "Thus says the LORD... but to this man (person) will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word. Isa 66:1,2

           "Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Rev 1:3

           God also explained the result of not studying His Word.

           "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shalt be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children."  Hosea 4:6

           "Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell has enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoices, shall descend into it. Isa 5:13,14

            "Thus says the LORD God of Israel; Cursed be the man that obeys not the words of this covenant, Jer 11:3

            Many, many people have complained that they have tried to read and study God's Word but couldn't understand it.

            Jesus said " the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." Jn. 6:63

          "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 1 Cor 2:14

          Jesus talking to His disciples and other followers.... "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:" Mark 4:11 (also Mt.13:11, Lk. 8:10)

          Jesus said "He that is of God hears God's words: you therefore hear them not, because you are not of God." Jn. 8:47

          Jesus talking to His followers.... "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." Jn. 15:15

          Jesus said "If any man will do his (God's) will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." Jn. 7:17

          "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John. 8:31- 32

          "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deut 29:29

        "I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, You seek me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Isa 45:19

          Only God's people, those who are true Christians (those who are born again of the Holy Spirit), and are willing to do God's will can understand God's Word.

          What importance you give God's Word in your life will determine your understanding of it.

           "And he (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure (value) you mete (measure), it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that has, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. Mk. 4:24,25 - Lk. 8:18

          It takes time to learn what God wants to teach you - it doesn't all come at once!

          "I still have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." Jn.16:12

          "For precept (commandment or rule) must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Isa 28:10

          The Lord wants us to read Scripture and gives a special blessing for reading not only Revelation, but all of Scripture.

          "Blessed is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." Rev 1:3

          Paul writing to Timothy (his son in the faith who latter became one of the first Bishops ) "Till I come, give attendance to reading...." I Tim. 4:13

          In order to get to know Jesus and God the Father better you should read the Word of God daily. In this manner you would be less likely to get in trouble with cults. (If you are just starting to read the Bible for the first time, we would suggest that you start with the Gospel of John and then read through all of the New Testament.) Not only should we read the Bible daily, Paul told Timothy.... "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Tim. 2:15

          Please re-read Hos. 4:6 and Isa. 15:13,14 above.

          Many people ask whether we should still use the Old Testament. (Much of the New Testament is directly quoted from the Old Testament.

          "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." II Tim 3:16, 17

          Jesus speaking, "Therefore every scribe (one who copied the Old Testament Scriptures very painstakingly to make more copies and was given the responsibility of teaching the people from God's Word) which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which brings forth out of his treasure things new and old." Mat 13:52

          Jesus speaking, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law (part of the Old Testament), or the prophets (another part of the Old Testament): I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For truly I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot (smallest Hebrew letter) or one tittle (small Hebrew accent mark) shall in no way pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Mat. 5:17,18

          Paul speaking, "And knowing his (God's) will, and approving the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; Rom 2:18

          "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. II Pet 1:20, 21

          However, God the Father showed His priority of the New Testament over the Old in the 17^th chapter of Matthew (we are to read and study the Old in light of the New). Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a mountain and was transfigured before them. Then Moses (representing the Law) and Elijah (representing the prophets) appeared, talking to Jesus. Peter thought that this was fantastic and wanted to make three tabernacles (tents); one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to him. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, except Jesus only." Mat 17:5,8 - So, we are to read and study the Old Testament in light of the New Testament!

          The Word of God is our spiritual food.

          "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:" I Pet 2:2

          "...that he might make you know that man does not live by bread only, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD does man live." Deut. 8:3b

          "Your words were found, and I did eat them; and your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, O LORD God of hosts." Jer 15:16

          "Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that you find; eat this roll (of the book), and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this roll that I give you. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness." Ezek 3:1-3

          "And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which stands upon the sea and upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make your belly bitter, but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter." Rev 10:8-10

           In Exodus 16:14-31 we are given the story of God giving the children of Israel manna from heaven so they had food to eat in the desert between Egypt and the Promised Land. They had to gather each day's supply each morning before the sun came up or the manna melted. They couldn't get by with left-overs either, because it would spoil! They had to gather each day's supply fresh! So it is with God's Word in our lives. We need to get each day's supply - fresh - to feed our spirit to keep it growing strong.

          Paul speaking, "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (God's set-apart people - made holy)." - Acts 20:32

          If you read and study the Bible on your own, instead of just listening to another person's or group's teaching, you will be less likely to fall prey to cults or false teachers. You want to read and study the whole Bible to find out what God really says about different topics. Read it for what is there, don't try to read things into it that aren't there. (We would recommend a Bible concordance to find every usage of a particular word in the Bible and the Greek and Hebrew words which they are translated from. We would also recommend a topical Bible to find every reference of a particular topic in the Bible.)

          Some people tend to hold onto what they like in the Bible and neglect the rest. Others just sort of revise parts or add a little here or there in order to make it fit their way of thinking. " Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. "Don't you add unto his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar." Prov 30:5,6

          "You shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish anything from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." Deut. 4:2

          "For I testify unto every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Rev 22:18,19

          When the whole Bible isn't take as a whole when studying a particular topic there is an imbalance.

          "...a false balance is not good." Prov. 20:23b

          "A false balance is abomination to the LORD:" Prov. 11:1

          The Bible explains in Gal. 6:5 that "every man (every person) will bear his own burden." In other words, no one will be able to say to the Lord at judgement that it was someone else's fault that their "beliefs" were wrong, because of what they were taught. That is why when talking about the Bereans in Acts.... "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11

          We not only want to read and study God's Word, but we also want to put it into action in our lives. Jesus speaking, "And why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will show you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that hears, and does not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great." Luke 6:46-49; Mt. 7:24-27

          "But you be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." James 1:22-25

          The Bible is our Rock and Truth which will last forever. "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." Mark 13:31; Mk. 5:18; Lk.16:17

          "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times made known his word through preaching," Titus 1:2,3a

          "The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." Isa. 40:8

          "... all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. Ps. 111:7b,8

          "And also the Strength of Israel (God) will not lie nor repent (change His mind): for he is not a man, that he should repent." I Sam 15:29

          "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." Ps. 119:89

          Jesus speaking, "Truly, truly, I say unto you, He that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." John 5:24

          The Word of God gives us promises of what it can and will do in the lives of those who believe and apply it.

          "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." II Pet 1:2-4

          "My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you." Prov 3:1,2

          "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Ps. 107:20

          "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119:165

          "The entrance of your words gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple." Ps. 119:130 "You through your commandments have made me wiser than my enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for your testimonies are my meditation." Ps. 119:98,99

          Jesus speaking, "Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." John 15:3

          Jesus praying to God the Father for both His disciples and those who would believe on Him through the ages, "Sanctify them (make them holy) through your truth: your word is truth." John 17:17

          "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."  Ps. 12:6

          "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes." Ps. 19:7,8

          "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph 5:25-27

          "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa 55:8-11

          "Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:105

          Jesus speaking, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11

          "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom 10:17

          "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures." James 1:18

          "Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unpretended love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower thereof falls away: But the word of the Lord endures for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you." I Pet 1:22-25

          "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;..." Col 3:16a

          Is Jesus Christ God? Does it even matter whether He is? Does it matter what a person believes with regard to His deity?

          Historically, the church has held the belief that Jesus Christ is God, but in recent history many teachers, and groups have come to say that He isn't and, that it is really blasphemy to say that He is. However, it is not at all important what any teacher, church, or group says. What is important is what God has said in His Word.

          PRE-BIRTH EXISTENCE OF JESUS CHRIST.

          "Thus says the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." Isa 44:6

          Jesus speaking, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." Lk. 10:18 - There is NO mention of this being a vision!

          Jesus talking, "And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." Jn. 3:13 - Jesus, the 'Son of man,' was talking and saying that he is also in heaven.

          John talking about Jesus, "He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: he that comes from heaven is above all." Jn. 3:31

          "Then Jesus said unto them, Truly, truly, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world." John 6:32-33

          Jesus speaking, "For I came down from heaven...." John 6:38

          Jesus talking, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven:" John 6:51

          Jesus talking, "What and if you shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?" John 6:62

           Paul speaking of the Jews led by Moses from Egypt through the Promised Land. "And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." I Cor 10:4

           Jesus praying, "And now, O Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was." John 17:5

          "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Jn. 1:1,3,10

          "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

          "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest (made known) in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles (heathens, non-Jews), believed on in the world, received up into glory." I Tim 3:16

          "(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)" I John 1:2

          "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Col 1:15-18 Compare with Genesis 1:1 - God created!

          "God... Has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Heb 1:2

          Jesus speaking, " Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Truly, truly, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him.... " John 8:56-59 God, in Exodus 3:14, told Moses to refer to God as "I AM." The Jews understood that Jesus meant that He lived when Abraham was (approximately 2,000 years earlier), and that He is I AM (God)... that is why they were trying to stone Him!

          "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Heb 2:9-10

          "For truly he took not on himself the nature of angels; but he took on himself the seed of Abraham." Heb 2:16

          Speaking of Adam - then of Jesus, " The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." I Cor 15:47

           Jesus is name as the Word of God many times in the New Testament. A number of times in the Old Testament you can find where the prophets have said "The word of the Lord came unto me saying...."

NAMES OF GOD GIVEN TO JESUS CHRIST

          "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (in the Hebrew - means 'God with us')." Isa 7:14 - prophesy of Jesus' birth.

          "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." Jn. 1:1

          "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa 9:6

          ".... Jesus asked them, Saying, What do you think of Christ (Messiah)? Whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He said unto them, How then does David in the spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, You sit on my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son?" Mat 22:41- 45; Mk. 12:35-37

          "And Thomas answered and said unto him (Jesus), My Lord and my God. Jesus said unto him, Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." John 20:28,29 - If Jesus is the perfect and true prophet, sinless as described in the Bible He would have had to rebuke Thomas' confession of Him as God if Thomas was wrong, or He would have sinned by accepting God's title..... Unless, of course, He is God!

          "Truly my soul waits upon God: from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved." Ps 62:1,2

          "I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior." Isa 43:11 - God says in the Old Testament that He is the only Savior, and there is none beside Him. Also, He only is our only salvation. Yet.... talking about "Jesus Christ of Nazareth"....Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:10,12

          Mary speaking, " And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior." Luke 1:47

          "But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior;" Titus 3:4,6

          There are twenty-four such references to both Jesus Christ and God as the Savior.

          "But unto the Son he said, Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom.... And, You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands:" Heb 1:8,10 see Ps. 45 & Ps. 102

          "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.... ....Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." Rev 1:8,17,18 - Rev. 22:13,16 - please re-read Is. 44:6 above.

          In the King James Version and many other versions there are words that are printed in italics to show that that word or words were not in the original Greek or Hebrew. These words were added to the English version to make it easier to read or understand. Sometimes it is much better to read such verses without the words that are printed in italics.

          The story of the betrayal and arrest of Jesus..... "Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom do you seek ? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus said unto them, I am he (he is printed in italics). And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he (italics), they went backward, and fell to the ground." John 18:3-6 - Why did they all fall down to the ground when He said, "I AM," if He isn't God?

          THE EQUALITY OF JESUS AND GOD

           In the creation account the Hebrew word translated for God is Elohiym. Elohiym actually means more than one or a plurality of God.

          "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." 1 John 5:7 - The idea of three individual personalities comprising one total being is one which is argued by many, however, the Bible says that we have a spirit, soul, and a body which are separate yet together are one total being. - I Thess. 5:23. - also, many times Jesus spoke of us being in Him - He in us: The Father in Him - and He in the Father.

          "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:" Phil 2:5-7

          "For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col 2:9

          "But Jesus answered them, My Father works here, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God." John 5:17,18

          "The Jews answered him, saying, we don't stone you for a good work; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, make yourself God." John 10:33 - The Jews heard Jesus speak in their own language and knew exactly what He meant!

          God certainly doesn't have to repeat Himself to make a point, but when He does repeat a theme throughout His inspired Scriptures we should definitely take note!

          Now the big question is.... "Does it really matter whether we believe that Jesus Christ is God?

          Jesus speaking, "I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am he (he is in italics!), ye shall die in your sins." John 8:24

          Jesus speaking, "And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcome shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." Rev 21:6,7

          The question of the deity of Jesus Christ is one which helps to identify most cults. Almost all will teach that Jesus Christ is not God. Some teach that He may be a god, but not the God of Israel, the Creator, the One who took on our flesh in order to die for our sins!

         All true Christian churches believe, teach, and preach that Jesus is God!

           Some, attempting to discredit Jesus, claim Him as a phony who purposely fulfilled Scriptural prophecy to fool the populace. There are, however, too many prophecies that He fulfilled which a phony could have no control over.

          Psalm 22 - an acknowledged Messianic Psalm referring to the crucifixion:

Ps. 22:1 ".... My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?" - Ok, he could have simply quoted Scripture on this one, but lets read on!

Ps. 22:6 "But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people."

Ps. 22:7 "All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,"

Ps. 22:8 "He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." - How did He get His enemies to say this while He was on the cross?

Ps. 22:11 "Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help."

Ps. 22:12 "Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round."

Ps. 22:13 "They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion."

Ps. 22:14 "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels."

Ps. 22:15 "My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaved to my jaws; and you have brought me into the dust of death."

Ps. 22:16 "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet." - Not an easy thing to self-fulfill!

Ps. 22:17 "I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me."

Ps. 22:18 "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." - How did He get the guards to gamble for His clothes?

           Prophecy - To be born of a virgin:

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isa 7:14 It wouldn't be much of a sign from God if she wasn't a REAL virgin!

           Fulfillment:

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for you have found favor with God. And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, your cousin Elisabeth, she has also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible. And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:26-38; Matt. 1:18-25

           Prophecy - Messiah to be born in Bethlehem:

"But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, though you be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Micah 5:2

           Fulfillment:

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And you Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, are not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of you shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." Matt. 2:1-6; Luke 2:1-20

           Prophecy - Into Egypt:

"When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt." Hosea 11:1

           Fulfillment:

"And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and you be there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.... But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel." Matt. 2:13-15,19-21

           Prophecy - Slaying of the children by Herod:

"Thus says the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not." Jer. 31:15

           Fulfillment:

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding angry, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Matt. 2:16-18

           Prophecy - John the Baptist preparing the way:

"The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." Isa. 40:3

"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts.......Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:" Mal. 3:1; Mal. 4:5

           Fulfillment:

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Matt. 3:1-3

           Prophecy - Calming of the storm:

"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he brings them out of their distresses. He makes the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still." Ps. 107:28,29

           Fulfillment:

"And he said unto them, Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." Matt. 8:26

           Prophecy - Healing of blindness:

"Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles..... I the LORD have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and give you for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house." Isa 42:1,6,7

           Fulfillment:

"And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me. And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, You son of David, have mercy on me. And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calls you. And he, throwing away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. And Jesus answered and said unto him, What will you that I should do unto you? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. And Jesus said unto him, Go your way; your faith has made you whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." Mark 10:46-52

           Prophecy - Healing:

"Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an deer, and the tongue of the mute sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert." Isa. 35:5,6

"The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;" Isa. 61:1

           Fulfillment - all through the Gospels

           Prophecy - To be rejected by His own people:

"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." Ps. 118:22

"Who has believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." Isa. 53:1,3

           Fulfillment:

"But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, Lord, who has believed our report? and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." John 12:37-43; John 1:11,12; Matt. 26:3,4; ACTS 4:1-12

           Prophecy - Messiah to be betrayed by a friend:

"Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Ps. 41:9

           Fulfillment:

"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him....... And while he yet spoke, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore are you come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him." Matt. 26:14-16, 47-50; Lk.22:19-23; John 13:18,19

           Prophecy - Would be silent before Accusers

"He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth." Isa 53:7

           Fulfillment:

"And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Don't you hear how many things they witness against you? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marveled greatly." Matt. 27:12-14; Mk. 15:3,4; Lk. 23:8-10

           Prophecy - To be tried, condemned, and executed:

"He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." Isa 53:8

           Fulfillment:

"Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation do you bring against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto you. Then said Pilate unto them, You take him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying what death he should die. Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Are you saying this thing of yourself, or did others tell it to you of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you unto me: what have you done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from here. Pilate therefore said unto him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hears my voice. Pilate said unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all." John 18:28-38 "Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst." John 19:16-18; Matt. 27:1,2; Lk. 23:1-25

           Prophecy - To be beaten and spat upon:

"I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting." Isa. 50:6

"Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops: he has laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek." Micah 5:1

           Fulfillment:

"Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,........ And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head." Matt. 26:67;27:30 ; Mk.14:65; Mk.15:19; Lk. 22:63,64; Jn.19:1-3

           Prophecy - To be mocked:

"All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him." Ps. 22:7,8

           Fulfillment:

"And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, You who would destroy the temple, and rebuild it in three days, save yourself. If you be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God." Mat 27:39-43; Lk. 23:11,35

           Prophecy - To die as sacrifice for sin:

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all..... He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken...... Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he has put him to grief: when you shall make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isa 53:5,6,8,10-12

           Fulfillment:

"The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him, and said, Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29

"And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, You know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spoke he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad." John 11:49-52

"And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he said unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate said unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two others with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle." John 19:14-18; ACTS 10:43;13:38,39; I Cor.15:3; Eph. 1:7; I Pet.2:24,25; I Jn. 1:7,9

           Prophecy - Must be lifted as serpent in wilderness:

"And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." Num 21:9

           Fulfillment:

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14,15

           Prophecy -To be crucified:

"I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaves to my jaws; and you have brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me." Ps. 22:14-17

           Fulfillment:

"And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him........ And it was the third hour, and they crucified him." Mark 15:20,25; Matt.27:31; Jn. 19:15-18

           Prophecy -To suffer with lawbreakers:

"Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he has poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." Isa. 53:12

           Fulfillment:

"And with him they crucified two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which said, And he was numbered with the transgressors." Mark 15:27,28; Matt. 27:38; Lk. 23:32-34

           Prophecy -To be given vinegar and gall:

"They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." Ps. 69:21

           Fulfillment:

"They gave him vinegar to drink mixed with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink." Matt. 27:34; Jn. 19:28-30

           Prophecy -They would gamble for His clothes:

"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture." Ps. 22:18

           Fulfillment:

"And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots." Matt. 27:35; Mk. 15:24; Jn.19:23,24

           Prophecy - His bones were not to be broken:

"In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth any of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone thereof." Exodus 12:46 - talking about the Passover Lamb

"They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it." Num 9:12

           Fulfillment:

"The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knows that he says truth, that you might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken." John 19:31-36

           Prophecy - He would be raised from the dead:

"For you will not leave my soul in hell; neither will you allow your Holy One to see corruption." Ps. 16:10

           Fulfillment:

"In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Don't you fear: for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there shall you see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshiped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me." Matt. 28:1-10; Mk.16:1-8; Lk.24:1-9,44-48; Jn.20:1-31; ACTS 2:22-32; I Cor.15:4-8

           Prophecy - 3 days in the earth:

"Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah 1:17

           Fulfillment:

"But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Matt. 12:39,40

           Prophecy - Rode Colt Of An Ass To Praise:

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes unto you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." Zech. 9:9

"Blessed be he that comes in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD." Ps. 118:26

           Fulfillment:

"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway you shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say anything unto you, you shall say, The Lord has need of them; and straightway he will send them. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell the daughter of Sion, Behold, your King comes unto you, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and threw them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest." Matt. 21:1-9

           Prophecy - 30 Pieces Of Silver:

"And I said unto them, If you think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver." Zech. 11:12

           Fulfillment:

"Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him." Matt. 26:14-16

           Prophecy - Judas would eat bread with Jesus:

"Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who did eat of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me." Ps. 41:9

           Fulfillment:

"And he answered and said, He that dips his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. The Son of man goes as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, You have said." Matt. 26:23-25

           Prophecy -Disciples would split up at Arrest and Crucifixion:

"Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones." Zech .13:7

           Fulfillment:

"Then said Jesus unto them, All of you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad........ But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled." Matt. 26:31,56

           Prophecy -False Witnesses:

"False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not." Ps. 35:11