Follow the Master

This amazing image is a painting highlighting in part the life of Jesus by someone within my own Kings Church. Seeing the image brought to mind the many prophecies in the Old Testament. Predictions about the coming Messiah (Christ) amazingly all fulfilled during His life. The copied image of this painting is by courtesy and permission, given by Colin McQueen of Artbycolin, the Artist of this piece that can be found following this link. http://www.mcqueens.net/artbycolin/

The painting is a composition of several images wherein light is shone onto and through the life of Jesus. First as God the creator represented via the Helix nebula, often labelled the eye of God. Seemingly looking down on the scene from the darkness of space. In that respect seeing the need for His intervention into the lives of mankind, as in Christ's life seen depicted in the painting.

"And He saw that there was no man,

And was astonished that there was no one to intercede;

Then His own arm brought salvation to Him,

And His righteousness upheld Him. Isaiah 59:16

The first shining a light on that intervention was the Star of Bethlehem above the place he was born. A Star announcing the entry of Emmanuel (God with us) born into the world as the Saviour to the world. Next we see the empty Cross pointing to the opened window, to the "Eye of God" making a way for us through to God. An opening made possible for all because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice in dying on the cross for all mankind.

The next scene we see however is the scene the women in the bible accounts were faced with that Sunday morning, the empty tomb. They as with many since thought/think He had been moved. Only to realise like many down the generations since have come to know that he was raised from the dead to fulfil that promise of redemption for all of mankind. Also fulfilling the many prophecies just as in this one of the Psalms written1000 +- years before Jesus birth.

"But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself." Psalm 49:15

The final scene of Christ's ascension is not depicted in this amazing painting, but clearly was visualized by the Old Testament Prophets as he ascended into Heaven. According to the Bible, over 500 people witnessed the resurrected body of Jesus. The Ascension of Jesus took place in the presence of the remaining eleven apostles. Where it was said;

“You Galileans!—why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly—and mysteriously—as he left.” Acts 1:9-11.

" When Jesus departed this world on the shekinah cloud, He was going back to the realm of glory. He was going to receive the glory that He enjoyed with the Father from all eternity. So, the ascension was a glorious thing. That is why, after He ascended, the disciples went back into Jerusalem and praised God in the temple. They understood that their Master was getting His glory back. His humiliation was over, and His exaltation had begun."

"Did the Old Testament Prophets also predict the Ascension? Most clearly it was foretold, the ascension of Christ to heaven is in Psalm 68:18, which is quoted by the apostle Paul and applied to the ascension of Christ (Ephesians 4:8-10), and all the parts of it agree with him." Christianity.

As good as this painting is, what is most amazing is this Christ's life story was told by many of the past Old Testament prophets. Visualized in prophesy even more clearly than portrayed by the painting. Predictions of the Messiah's life to come made hundreds to even thousands of years before he came into the world for us. Each prophet revealing a little of the Saviour's life still to come painted in words. A Tapestry of his life built up, pieced together and told from beginning to end. Being born into our world in a stable, to his death on the Cross, and subsequently the amazing event of the resurrection from the tomb. Then His ascension into Heaven.

"The Old Testament discusses the Messiah (Christ) across various books, but it goes far beyond describing the potential saviour sent by God, but to being filled with many predictions about the Messiah. What makes it so captivating is the accuracy of these many prophecies that we now know to be true. The evidence of these fulfilled predictions can be found in several New Testament books transcribed from the Old Testament allowing us to cross reference. Here are just some of those fulfilled prophecies." Stars Insider.

If the truth cannot be seen in these uncannily accurate prophecies what will convince? Jesus Himself said to those who do see; "But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." Matt 13:16-17.

Hence here are those prophecies and their fulfilment recorded in the New Testament that not only paint the complete picture but also complete the full story, the truth. In the biblical accounts, it can be seen and attested to that Jesus Christ truly has fulfilled the role of the Messiah and as such is who He is said to be.

1) He would be born of a woman.

The prediction that the Saviour would be born as a human can be found in Genesis 3:15. Matthew 1:20 and Galatians 4:4 affirm this, with the latter stating "God sent his Son, born of a woman."

2) He would be born in Bethlehem

According to the Old Testament, specifically Micah 5:2, Bethlehem Ephrathah was foretold to be the birthplace of Jesus. The verse states, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans[a] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." The location of Jesus' birthplace is then confirmed in Matthew 2:1 and Luke 2:4-6.

3) He would be born of a virgin.

The Old Testament describes Mary as both a virgin and the mother of Jesus, referencing Isaiah 7:14, which states "[...] The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son [...]." The prophecy is then fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23 and Luke 1:26-31.

4) He would come from the line of Abraham.

The passage in Genesis 12:3 and Genesis 22:18 both reference this statement. In the latter verse, it states "and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.” This is affirmed in Matthew 1:1, which provides the lineage of Jesus the Messiah. Romans 9:5 also supports this concept.

5) He would be a descendant of Isaac.

According to Genesis 17:19, God establishes an eternal covenant with the offspring of Isaac. This idea is reinforced in Genesis 21:12. Luke 3:34 then states the ancestry of Jesus as "the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor."

6) He would be a descendant of Jacob

The prophecy in Numbers 24:17 states "A star will come out of Jacob.", which is fulfilled in Matthew 1:2.

7) He would come from the tribe of Judah

According to Genesis 49:10, "The sceptre will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his." Luke 3:33 confirms Jesus "as the son of Judah," which is further validated by Hebrews 7:14.

The prediction of Jesus' reign on David's throne and over his kingdom was foretold in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and Isaiah 9:7. The latter reads "[...] He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom [...]." Luke 1:32-33 says that "The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David," and Romans 1:3 affirms Jesus' lineage to King David.

9) He would spend a season in Egypt

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son," reads Hosea 11:1. Matthew 2:14-15 in the New Testament confirms it: "So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'

10) A massacre of children would happen at Messiah's birthplace

In Jeremiah 31:15, it is predicted that the innocent will be mercilessly killed. This prophecy is later confirmed in Matthew 2:16-18, where it is stated: "A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."

11) A messenger would prepare the way for Messiah

According to Isaiah 40:3-5, it is mentioned that "the glory of the Lord will be revealed." And this indeed happened, as described in Luke 3:3-6: "He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book the Messiah would be rejected by his own people

He would be rejected by his own people

Psalm 69:8 and Isaiah 53:3 predicted that Jesus would be "despised and rejected by mankind" (quoting the latter). Then, in the New Testament, John 7:5 states: "For even his own brothers did not believe in him." The words of Isaiah the prophet."

13) He would be a prophet

"The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him," reads Deuteronomy 18:15. A prophecy that was confirmed in Acts 3:20-22.

14) He would be declared the Son of God

Psalm 2:7 reads: "I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father.'" Then in Matthew 3:16-17, following Jesus' baptism, God says: "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

15) He would bring light to Galilee

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned," reads Isaiah 9:1-2; a prophecy confirmed in Matthew 4:13-16.

16) He would speak in parables

Both Isaiah 6:9-10 and Psalm 78:2-4 ("I will open my mouth with a parable") mention this prophecy. The prophecy is confirmed in Matthew 13:34-35, and Jesus explains why he speaks in parables in Matthew 13:10-15.

17) He would be sent to heal the broken-hearted

"He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted," can be read in Isaiah 61:1-2. The fulfilment of this prophecy is described in Luke 4:18-19.

18) Messiah would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek

While "Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest," (Hebrews 5:5-6) God's message was there in Psalm 110:4: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

19) He would be betrayed

Psalm 41:9 reads: "Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned[a] against me." This topic is also covered in Zechariah 11:12-13. Both Luke 22:47-48 and Matthew 26:14-16 described the betrayal of Judas.

20) He would be falsely accused

"Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about," reads Psalm 35:11. And then we find "some stood up and gave this false testimony against him" in Mark 14:57-58.

21) He would be spat upon and struck

Isaiah 50:6 reads: "I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting." Then Matthew 26:67 confirms it: "They spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him."

22) He would be hated without any justifiable reason

Both Psalm 35:19 and Psalm 69:4 confirm this. The latter reads: "Those who hate me without reason outnumber the hairs of my head." John 15:24-25 details the fulfilment of the prophecy.

23) He would be crucified with criminals

Isaiah 53:12 alludes to the same scenario, which is also mentioned in Matthew 27:38 ("Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left"). This is reiterated in Mark 15:27-28.

He Messiah would be given vinegar to drink

Psalm 69:21 reads, "They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst." Matthew 27:34 and John 19:28-30 confirm it: "A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips."

25) His hands and feet would be pierced

"Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet (Psalm 22:16). Zechariah 12:10 also mentions this prophecy. John 20:25-27 then confirms its fulfillment.

26) He would be buried with the rich

Isaiah 53:9 mentions that Jesus was "assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death." Matthew 27:57-60 confirms it.

27) Christ resurrection from the dead

The resurrection of Jesus is confirmed in Psalm 16:10 and Psalm 49:15, and further supported by passages in the New Testament: Matthew 28:2-7 and Acts 2:22-32.

28) Messiah would ascend to Heaven

Him rising was foretold in Psalm 24:7-10, and later verified in the New Testament in Mark 16:19 and Luke 24:51, the latter stating: "While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into Heaven."

And finally the Messiah(The Lord) our Saviour Jesus Christ would be made a sacrifice for us, our sin, turning our backs on a God created all.

The prophecy originates from Isaiah 53:5-12 and includes the line "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities." Romans 5:6-8 confirms the fulfilment of this prophecy. "Christ died for the ungodly. God demonstrates his own love for us in this While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Hebrews 12:2 is a verse from the Bible that encourages Christians to focus on Jesus, who is the source and goal of their faith, and who suffered and triumphed over the cross for their sake.

About His return still to come also predicted Jesus said; "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:7-8, NIV).

Jesus left no doubt that He will return again to complete His mission of salvation for mankind: "Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly."

In fact having read" The Modern Middle East " by Jeremy Bowden. He was the BBC's Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem between 1995 and 2000[2] and the BBC Middle East editor from 2005 to 2022.

In his book I was reminded that this all started back in 1890 when Herzl an Austro Hungarian Jew was talking with a fellow scholar and former Mayor of Jerusalem during the Ottoman period. Talks with Yusaf Diya al-Din al-Khilidi about the prospect of introducing Jews from Europe back into the then Palestine. (renamed Syria-Palestinia by the Romans when the Jews were sent into exile.

In 1948 the reality of that conversation and the Balfour agreement, all changed as Israel became a state. But if peace were ever to come, Israel would first have to survive the military campaign to eliminate it — five Arab armies attacked on May, 15, 1948, Israel’s first full day of independence. Hence that conflict has never been quelled but continued to fester as with these latest threats from Iran, Lebanon and Syria with threats from Hezbollah, and Hamas to annihilate Israel.

In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, there’s an intriguing incident where Jesus encounters a fig tree that is full of leaves, despite it being too early in the season for fig trees to be so lush. Upon closer inspection, Jesus finds that the tree bears no fruit. In response, He curses the fig tree, saying, “May you never bear fruit again!” Later, the disciples discover that the tree has withered.

This seemingly puzzling event holds deeper symbolism:

1. Israel: The fig tree represents the nation of Israel. Just as the tree bore leaves but lacked fruit, Israel would experience periods of fruitlessness despite its advantages 2. Jesus’ action serves as a parable, 3. foreshadowing the judgment that would befall Jerusalem.

A prophecy that He goes on to explain in it's fulfilment of when Israel's return to their land: The phrase “this generation shall not pass” appears in the Gospel of Matthew. It’s part of Jesus’ teaching on the Mount of Olives, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. Let’s delve into its meaning: The specific passage containing this phrase is Matthew 24:34. Jesus responds to His disciples’ questions about the signs of His coming and the end of the age.

"Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches become tender and it produces leaves, you know that summer is near.

Context

The Lesson of the Fig tree.

Jesus declares, “Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34). The phrase “this generation” refers to those living during that time. A generation is generally regarded as three score and ten, seventy years. Is that generation not ours Israel became a state in 1948 I was born in 1949 my generation, surely that makes one think when will this happen who will start the war on Israel.?

"Iran gives USA a chilling warning to 'stay away so you won't get hurt' as it vows revenge on Israel. 'Stay away so you won't get hurt,' Iran warned the US after vowing to get revenge for a strike widely attributed to Israel which killed Iranian military staff at the country's consulate in Syria." By Benjamin Lynch News Reporter & Charlie Jones News Reporter 16:57, 6 Apr 2024 UPDATED 00:21, 7 APR 2024. The Mirror.

Tensions mount between Iran, Israel amid Vienna nuke talks, Analysis; TEHRAN, Dec. 25 2021 (Xinhua) — Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) completed on Friday the final stage of the five-day “Great Prophet 17” military drills, sending through the words of its commanders a warning message to Israeli threats.

The threat of war seems so much closer now as one mad man is threatening the world with his finger poised on the Nuclear button to our Annihilation. Wars and rumours of wars, climate change, warnings of financial collapse, famines and floods. All of these are happening now so what happens next?

"And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matthew 24:6-8.

"Ezekiel ch. 38,39 prophecy is looking to be fulfilled in our lifetime. The Middle Eastern invasion led by Iran, Russia, and Turkey is on the horizon. Jesus is returning for His Church (the Rapture) sooner than we realize. Be watchful and ready." Val Waldeck,

Many of today’s Bible prophecy teachers and students are devoting a lot of their attention to the prophecies written over 2500 years ago in Ezekiel 38 and 39. This increased interest is driven in large part by a general consensus among them that the details of the prophecy are drawing near to fulfilment. This article will take a look at the final fulfilment of Ezekiel 38 and 39. The following time periods will be examined to see which one best fits the descriptions provided by the Hebrew prophet. Most think that time has come and that prophecy about to be fulfilled in our time.

The Iranian regime has spent billions of dollars on weapons and fighters shipped to Syria since the start of the Syrian revolution in March 2011. It has also financed a large part of the economy in the regime-controlled parts of Syria through loans and credit lines worth billions of dollars. The Assad regime would have collapsed were it not for this Iranian support.

One result of this heavy Iranian involvement in the war in Syria has been a change in the nature of the relationship between the Syrian and the Iranian regimes. From historically being mutually beneficial allies, the Iranian regime is now effectively the dominant force in regime-held areas of Syria, and can thus be legally considered an “occupying force,” with the responsibilities that accompany such a role.

Another book that highlights the volitivity of the Middle East is in Jeremy Bowen's own story on the "Modern Middle East." I also to tended to question David Cameron's return as Foreign Secretary with his past failed handling of Middle Eastern states at war and in crisis during his premiership.

He made a total hash of Libya by deposing Gadhafi and not helping to bring about change to fill the political void left in his absence. The same in working with Baraka Obama with their failed bid to remove Bashur Al Assad from power in Syria. In the end unable to get the backing of his Parliament to enter the war to then actually being mocked by Bashur Al Assad who is still in power thanks to the Russian's backing him.

Will War in Ukraine Further Destabilize Syria? Where are Israel in this Conflict?'

Israel has increasingly gone public with its support for Ukraine while avoiding public condemnation of Russia, the primary backer of the Syrian regime, which is classified by Israel as an enemy state on its northern border.

Israel against Gaza where do they fit in? As one who studies the regional conflicts I have to ask has the world once again taken it's eye off what we are not seeing with this conflict. How will it end?

Are Russia and Israel on a collision course with Iran threat and Israel's conflict with Syria? To repeat "Iran warned the US after vowing to get revenge for a strike widely attributed to Israel which killed Iranian military staff at the country's consulate in Syria." By Benjamin Lynch News Reporter & Charlie Jones News Reporter 16:57, 6 Apr 2024 UPDATED 00:21, 7 APR 2024. The Mirror.

Recent Russian statements have prompted speculation about Moscow's response to Israeli strikes in Syria. If there's a shift, it could pose problems for the US, as the situation between Israel and Russia is also very fragile and complicated.

There is reason to believe that violence in Ukraine and global geopolitical wrangling could spiral into other parts of the world—including Syria that both Iran and Russia think they have a right to as well as Russia's claim to Ukraine.

NATO Boss' 'Compromise With Putin' Remark Shocks Zelensky As Russian Army Advances At Frontline.

Avery recent statement from NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said "Ukraine may have to agree to some kind of compromise with Russia to end the conflict. In an interview with the BBC published on April 6, Stoltenberg said "It was up to Ukraine to choose when and under what conditions to seek peace with Russia." He also added, "At the end of the day, it has to be Ukraine that decides what kind of compromises they’re willing to do." Watch INTERNATIONAL NEWS.

The fact that one man—one man—is responsible for this huge geopolitical shift is deeply significant. It wouldn’t have happened without him using his power and having the will to step out and shake the nations, But does this imply bible prophecy is actually the case here and he is that Prince of Rosh, or is it is simply more conspiracy speculation.“Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him’” Ezekiel 38:1-2

As one who studies the bible maybe the world needs to refocus on what next. For as we normalize relations with Iran due to our need of oil and as a result the United States' willingness to renegotiate the Iran Nuclear deal have we taken our eye off the eye of the storm to come.

Jesus said of this time "Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

I needed to revise and repost some of what I had previously written because I cannot leave it unsaid. As it is like in the "Parable of the Pearl" the story told by Jesus to illustrate the great value of the Kingdom of Heaven recorded in Matthew 13:45-46. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it—The one pearl of great price, instead of being found by accident, as in the former case, is found by one whose business it is to seek for such, and who finds it just in the way of searching for such treasures. The man is presupposed to have been seeking the “godly pearls” of wisdom, holiness, and truth, and has found them in at least some of their lower forms. Then he is led to the higher knowledge of communion with the life of Christ, and for that is content to resign all that he had before prized most highly.

"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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6.

Can we even begin to understand the event of Christmas, the meaning of God coming into our world as "God with us." An entry into time as "Emmanuel" that has allowed us to live with the knowledge we are able to share our lives with our God. In reading William Lane Craig's book on "Time and Eternity" again I have to say I find it difficult reading as there is so much to try to understand. But as an avid reader and follower of science, religion and philosophy I have learnt much about the concepts, the language, the thoughts and theories written. As he attempts to analyse time and eternity I try to make sense of our world, our universe, our lives, GOD and meaning to being both within and outside of time. To say I fully understand his book is like trying to fully understand much of what is written within the bible that doesn't explain the how within his word.

We live in a physical world with its four known space-time dimensions of length, width, height (or depth) and time. However, God dwells in a different realm—the spirit realm—beyond the perception of our physical senses. It’s not that God isn’t real; it’s a matter of understanding His not being limited by the physical laws and dimensions that govern our world (Isaiah 57:15). Knowing that “God is spirit” (John 4:24), what is His relationship to time?

So why then if the biblical data concerning God's relationship to time are indeterminative. Then why it may be asked not simply rest with the biblical affirmation of God's beginningless and endless existence, instead of entering into metaphysics in an attempt to articulate a doctrine of God and time. Well I personally do accept in faith that which is written, but also enjoy discovering confirmation of my faith in the evidence revealed in any number of scientific disciplines. As the world begins to understand the fine tuning of our universe, nature, DNA the Atom and much more, the more we learn the more we understand the truth within the bible.

The “theory of everything” is one of the most cherished dreams of science. If it is ever discovered, it will describe the workings of the universe at the most fundamental level and thus encompass our entire understanding of nature. It would also answer such enduring puzzles as what dark matter is, the reason time flows in only one direction and how gravity works. Small wonder that Stephen Hawking famously said that such a theory would be “the ultimate triumph of human reason – for then we should know the mind of God”.

But theologians needn’t lose too much sleep just yet. Despite decades of effort, progress has been slow. Many physicists have confined themselves to developing “quantum gravity” theories that attempt to reconcile quantum mechanics with general relativity – a prerequisite for a theory of everything. But rather than coming up with one or two rival theories whose merits can be judged against the evidence, there is a profusion of candidates that address different parts of the problem and precious few clues as to which (if any) might turn out to be correct.

So to come back to Christmas we understand Jesus entered into our time as the incarnate logos the babe in the Manger. William Lane Craig’s book “Time and Eternity: exploring God’s Relationship to Time” is a philosophical exploration of the nature of divine eternity and God’s relationship to time. The book is an analytical work that delves into the two views of divine eternity, divine timelessness, and divine temporality. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to understand more profoundly the nature of divine eternity and God’s relationship to time. However in the bible also reveals much if we just look, like in the Apostle John's gospel how he explains Christ as being not only with but also as God in the beginning;

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1. This verse establishes the Word as being both divine and eternal in nature. John continues to expand on this concept for the next eighteen verses in which we learn this Word was with God from the beginning and all that was created was created through Him.

"God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him." John 1:3.

in the New Testament there are a number of very interesting passages that speak of God's existence before time. For example, in the doxology at the conclusion of the book of Jude, verse 25, we read, "To the only God, our saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever." In this passage, in an almost inevitable manner of speaking, the author speaks of God as existing before all time; in some sense, God exists beyond time. If time is finite and had a commencement, then God, being eternal, must in some way exist beyond time.

One of the most important verses in the Bible reads: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Word did not just appear to be human; the Word became flesh. This assertion stunned the Greek mind for whom the separation of the divine spirit and the mundane world (flesh, sarx) was an axiom of belief. But the second phrase is equally stunning for the Jew. This Word dwelt (skenoo) among us and revealed his glory (doxa). This verb for dwelling is employed in the Greek Old Testament for the tabernacle of God.

Hence it is important to note that the question of God’s existence and presence with us has always been as confirmed in Christ's entry into our world to fulfil his mission to reconcile with God. He confirmed this as in his crying out "Tetelestai" -meaning "It is Finished" from the cross In confirmation and with his mission to the world accomplished on leaving said; "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever." So God has never left us on our own He is with us now in the form of the comforter the Holy Spirit.

In Hebrews 13:5, it is written “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. This promise is a message of God’s faithfulness and assurance of His presence and support for His people. It signifies His unwavering commitment to being present in our lives and assures us that regardless of our circumstances or shortcomings, His love, guidance, and support will endure forever within both time and eternity.

"I think, it makes good sense of the relationship of God and time. God is timeless without creation and temporal subsequent to creation. Having entered into time, He is not dependent upon finite velocity light signals or clock synchronization procedures for knowing what time it is. Rather, existing in absolute time, God is, as Newton proclaimed, the Lord God of dominion of His universe. In the words of St. Jude: "To the only God our saviour through Jesus Christ, our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever." William Lane Craig.

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

So for us we do not need to concentrate on the external arguments in as much as we fail to hear the inner voice of God speaking to our hearts. For those who listen, God becomes a personal reality in their lives because he is a personal God as seen.

Whoever has ears, let them hear.” When Jesus said this the disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;

though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused;

they hardly hear with their ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

hear with their ears,

understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them. Isaiah 6:9-11.

I find this astounding surely that the passage quoted in Isaiah was written 700 years before He was born that tells us both the scriptures to be true and that Jesus came from God as our mediator and for Jesus once more confirming what had been written.

"But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." Matthew 13:16-17

To finish I again close with what he said to both us and God;

"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:18-23

Hence now we are able to say;

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16