Submitted by: Dr Frank Harber

Author: Stephen Kingery

As we look closely at the life and ministry of Jesus we can learn much about what attributes He had that demonstrate that He is God’s Son. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” (John 1:1,2) John clearly states at the start of his gospel that Jesus was with God the Father in the beginning. When God was in the process of creating the heavens and earth, all the plants and animals, and man, Jesus was with Him. One of the attributes of God is that He is eternally existent. In other words, having no beginning and no ending. In this passage we see that Jesus also has this attribute of being eternally existent. It is further demonstrated in this passage: “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17:5) Jesus said of Himself that He was with the Father before the creation.

We also know that God the Father is without sin. So in order for Jesus to be truly God’s Son, He too must be without sin. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 5:14) Jesus, during His earthly life and ministry, was tempted with the same temptations which we are. Yet He did not give in to the temptations. He did not allow Himself to sin. I have heard people speak on this subject and marvel that He was able to do this. I personally don’t feel that the fact that Jesus was able to resist the temptations is something to marvel about. After all, He is God. To Him, the option to sin was simply not an option at all. There are many things about Jesus in which we should stand in awe. But if we believe that He is the Son of God, then we should not be surprised when He acts like the Son of God!

For Jesus to be the Son of God, we would indeed expect Him to be without sin. We would also expect Him to have authority. Jesus tells us of His authority: “Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’” (Matthew 28:18) God has given His Son the authority to redeem the world for the sin which is so prevalent. By His freely giving Himself to die on the cross, He exercised that authority. By His resurrection we know that He also has the power to enforce that authority over the devil.

We see examples of His authority in other ways also. “‘But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins’ - He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go your way to your house.’” (Mark 2:10,11) The NIV renders the word “power” as authority. So we see that Jesus demonstrated His authority by forgiving the paralytic of his sins. The authority to forgive sin is reserved for God, and He gave His Son this authority as well.

Jesus demonstrated His authority by calming the seas, casting out demons, turning water into wine, and raising the dead. He is still demonstrating His authority even today. Have you ever seen a person give himself or herself to Christ and truly marvel at the change that happened to them? I have. I have seen men, who could not complete a sentence without using the Lord’s name as a curse or interject other profane words, become a Christian and completely change their vocabulary. I have seen others, who were just right down mean, accept Christ and become a kind and gentle person. And I have seen still others, who appeared as though they thought the whole world was against them, become a Christian and turn into a happy vibrant individual. This is just another way that we can know that Jesus is the Son of God.

The Bible tells us of some of the work that Jesus does, and we see that He is the Son of God through this work. “God, who at various times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;” (Hebrews 1:1,2) This passage tells us that it was through Jesus that God “made the worlds.” Jesus was there when creation was going on and He had an active part in it. He is the “heir of all things,” or that all things have been given to Him. This is further emphasized in Colossians, “For by Him all things were created that are in Heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16,17)

Another aspect which we shall consider is the fact that Jesus will participate in the punishing of those who do not follow His teachings. “…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from Heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Thessalonians 1:7,8) We mentioned earlier that Jesus has the authority of all things on earth and in Heaven. Jesus will truly be exercising that authority on the day of judgement. See also: (Revelation 3:16, 19:11-21).

In the above passages we see that Jesus has been given authority and power by our Heavenly Father, and that He has and will exercise that authority. The Bible also tells us that Jesus has a “position” of authority. In our society, when someone has authority, we expect them to occupy a certain position. For example, a judge sets on the judge’s bench, a CEO of a corporation has a big elaborate office, the President lives in the White House, and so forth. So, does Jesus also occupy a place or position of authority? “And Jesus said, ‘I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.’” (Mark 14:62) “But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55) Jesus is at the right hand of the Father today, a position of authority from which He makes intercession for you and I. Isn’t it great to know that our Savior is there and ready to make intercession for us when we stumble in our daily Christian walk.

Jesus did not beat around the bush when talking about who He was. He made it very clear that He was the Son of God. Time after time He refers to the fact that He is God’s Son or that He should be treated as such.

When Jesus performed His miracles in the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum the people rejected Him. They did not recognize Him as the Son of God. Jesus therefore reproached or condemned them for their disbelief. In the account of this in Matthew Jesus tells us specifically that all authority has been given to Him: “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father…” (Matthew 11:27a)

If indeed Jesus is the Son of God, and has the authority and power over all things, then we - the creation of God - should give honor and praise to Jesus. Jesus taught this to His disciples: “that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” (John 5:23) John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to this earth so that those who believed in Him could have eternal life. For God to do this for us, and for us to not give Jesus the honor due Him would be a terrible thing.
Jesus also told us many things about Himself that shows that He is the Son of God. He said that He was sent by His Father into the world (John 8:42). He said that He had been appointed judge over all mankind (Matthew 25:31-41). He said that the only way man can receive salvation, the only way to the Father was through Him (John 14:6). Jesus told us that His blood was shed for the remission of sins for many, or for all that accept Him as Lord and Savior (Matthew 26:28). And finally, Jesus said that He could submit Himself to die and raise from the dead under His own power (John 10:18).

In a court of law, if there are two witness who will confirm the same set of facts to be true, it is very difficult for the apposing attorneys to disprove their testimony. In the fifth chapter of John we have recorded for us not two, but four forms of witness concerning the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. In verses 31-35 we have the witness of John the Baptist, in verse 36 there is the witness of the works of Christ, in verses 37 and 38 we have the witness of the Father, and in verses 39 through 47 we have the witness of the Scriptures.

In like manner, the four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - also bear witness to the life, ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and deity of Jesus Christ.

“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:13-16) Even today people will say that Jesus was someone other than the Son of God. Some say He was a good man, but not the Son of God. Others will say He was a prophet, a great teacher, or a great religious leader but reject Him as the Son of God. Still others say that He was an impostor, or even from Satan. If Jesus is really the Son of God (and He is), then we should follow His teachings and obey His gospel. So the important question for you is not who do others say that He is, but who do you say that Jesus is? I say that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

One of the most beautiful parts of the Bible, in my opinion, are the places where Jesus is called by various names. All these names point to or show that He is God’s Son. Let me give you some examples of these beautiful names.

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16)

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16)

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” (John 2:29)

“This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.” (Acts 4:11)

“But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:5)

I am closing this article with a passage from the Old Testament. It does not speak about Jesus specifically, but I feel that the message is still applicable. “…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my housePsychology Articles, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

Submitted by: Dr Frank Harber

Author: Eddy Chavey

These days when it comes to Jesus appearing in breakfast food, you have to have more faith than ever. Specifically, you need faith that some clever eBay profiteer hasn’t purposefully anointed the Anointed One on a piece of toast or a pancake just to make a buck.

In early February 2006, Mike Thompson of Beachwood, Ohio claimed that the visage of Jesus appeared on a pancake he’d made while preparing breakfast for his family. Thompson was paraphrased by News Channel 5 of Cleveland, Ohio as saying the image the Lord’s face was a sign from above.

He posted the alleged Holy Pancake on eBay with an opening bid of $500. The bidding reached $14,999.

00 before the listing was removed for violating eBay’s listing rules.

There is no evidence to suggest that eBay removed the listing because it was fraudulent. Still, internet message boards ran rampant with accusations that it was Thompson, and not God, who created the image on the pancake.

“This is a scam and this guy is a fraud,” read one post.

“Looks more like Osama Bin Laden to me,” read another.

One poster joked, “Maybe he has a Jesus fry pan that has an image embedded in the metal so everything cooked will have Jesus on it.”

But that joke may be on us. The Jesus Pan is real.

“Jesus Pan is made from durable steel and topped with a non-stick coating.”

The marketing text on JesusPan.com advertises a pan with an uplifted impression of Jesus that “puts the image of Jesus right on food.”

Is it possible that Thompson’s Jesus pancake was a marketing ploy for the Jesus Pan? It’s obvious that the people at JesusPan.com are aware of the reach of eBay. The site says, “Holy images have been popping up all over… A grilled cheese sandwich with the image of the Virgin Mary sold for over 17-hundred dollars on eBay.”

The most impressive evidence that the Thompson pancake may have been created by the Jesus Pan comes from MrBreakfast.com. The site created a computer overlay of the Thompson pancake and compared it to the Jesus Pan impression. While not definitive proof, the dimensions of Jesus in the pancake are striking similar to the imprint on the pan. However, a cross emblazoned on the lower right of the pan beneath Jesus does not appear on the pancake.

When the Thompson’s listing resurfaced on eBay after the rules violation, the description sounded strangely commercial. “Sorry, the official “Jesus Pancake” was pulled for a listing infraction… I had 150,000 hits and the bidding was up to $15,000. Thank you VERY MUCH for your support! I have been encouraged to put the pancake back up so we’ll start at $15,000.”

Shortly after the Thompson Jesus pancake made headlines, imitators emerged. On February 14th, a 33 year old blogger from Newcastle, U.K. by the name of “ILuvNUFC” announced that he’d discovered the kisser of Jesus on a pancake that he’d made. Unlike Thompson, “ILuvNUFC” admitted that the face might not be that of Jesus. He noted that it also resembled the mug of porno actor Ron Jeremy. Be it Jesus or Ron Jeremy, he noted in his blog that he was ready to make money on eBay. The Thompson pancake itself may be a copycat of sorts. A week before the Holy Pancake appeared unto him, it was announced that Juan Patrano of Prairie Lea, Texas found the face of Jesus in a frying pan he was washing. Interestingly, Patrano was washing the pan with the intention of cooking his mother breakfast. Describing himself as a religious man, Patrano said he is also considering selling his discovery on eBay.

In December of 2005, cooks at the Stadium Club Restaurant in Jacksonville, FL found their Jesus on the bottom of a large pan used to heat water. They said that the pan had recently been used to warm nacho cheese containers and it’s presumed that scorched nacho cheese and mineral deposits from the restaurant’s water combined to form the face of the Messiah. Plans to sell the pan on eBay have yet to be announced.

Perhaps the most famous food-related sighting of religious symbolism in recent times is a likeness of the Virgin Mary that appeared on a grilled cheese sandwich. Florida resident Diana Duyser discovered the image after she’d taken a bite from the sandwich. For 10 years, Duyser kept the partially eaten Holy Sandwich in a clear plastic box on her night stand. In 2004, she sold the sandwich on eBay to GoldenPalace.com, an Internet casino, for $28,000. GoldenPalace.com is the same company that made another well-publicized purchase. They bought William Shatner’s Kidney Stone.

When Religious icons begin appearing in breakfast food, there are several ways to make money. Threadless.com offers t-shits designs with Jesus on toast and the Virgin Mary on pancakes. One clever eBay seller is selling a piece of toast adorned with an image of Jesus on a pancake.

Would you like to make your own Jesus breakfast item without having to buy a special pan? Just check out the article “Your Own Personal Jesus Toast” by Eric Gillin. Available on blacktable.com, Gillin offers step-by-step instructions to paint Jesus on toast by strategically placing butter on bread and grilling it. Unfortunately, Gillin’s Lord resembles Kenny from Comedy Central’s South Park more than the Lamb of God. But these days, even a short Jesus in a parka should garner some “bread” from a well-timed online auction.

Does God place images of His relatives and friends on toast and pancakes? We may never know until we have a chance to ask Him. If there is a God that has His hands in the workings of the universe, we know this: events have conspired to lead us to talk about religion and breakfast. Beyond all the profiteering and sacrilege, there may be a very important message: Pay attention to your breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day. UPDATE: THE THOMPSON JESUS PANCAKE IS FRAUDULENTOn March 2nd, 2006, this article was initially posted on MrBreakfast.com. The following day, MrBreakfast received a reply to an inquiry sent to JesusPan.com. The email readPsychology Articles, “Sorry for the delay in responding I HAVE BEEN SWAMPED! Yes this is the product that created the JesusPancake!” The note was signed by Mike Thompson.