evidence – CadreMen Press

More Than Resurrection

More Than Resurrection by Kirk Hunt

But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

John 12:10-12 NKJV
Please also read John 12:1-11 NKJV

Lazarus was not just a witness, but hard evidence. The man was dead. Then buried. Then decayed. Then Jesus raised him from dead. The power to resurrect someone is difficult to deny.

Despite performing the ultimate in miracles, the Chief Priests refused to have faith in Jesus. They were even willing to murder Lazarus, to silence his testimony. Destroying the evidence remains a popular criminal strategy.

Lazarus is not a pathway to salvation. His death, then being raised from the dead, is notable, but does not touch or impact salvation. Lazarus was not a perfect, final sacrifice. He could not atone for anyone’s sins, even his own.

Jesus died. Jesus resurrected. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12 NKJV).

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus. I assume he possessed redeeming qualities. Lazarus has no part in your salvation. Silencing him could not stop the ministry of Jesus.

Perhaps you are a great Christian witness. You might be evidence of the power of Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is still the only path to salvation.

Jesus was the perfect, final sacrifice. He atoned for your sin, and especially mine. It is only by His Name men and women can be saved.

Think: Only Jesus gives salvation to men and women.

Pray: “Lord, thank You for the set and sure path to salvation through Jesus Christ.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Things Not Seen

Things Not Seen by Kirk Hunt

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV
Read also: Hebrews 11:1-40

Faith in God is absolutely simple, and mind-boggling complicated, at the same time. The biggest sticking point is that there is nothing physical to see, touch or hear. Yet God’s people should live our lives as if the hoped for, and unseen, are as sure and set as every physical thing in our lives. There should be no surprise that some are confused. On both sides.

Even the strongest of God’s people can be discombobulated at times. “Did God speak to me, or am I just determined to have my way?” “No rational mind would believe this. Why do I?” Real Faith ™️ is often the most demanding aspect of the Christian walk.

Men and women who live without faith in God too often see Christians as dull or swindled. “Those fairy tales give their simple minds comfort.” “Christians have simply been tricked or brainwashed.” Good folk, modern life is based on more abstract ideals and concepts than you consider.

My faith is in God. I cannot prove Him through rational thought or scientific evidence. I have felt His substance and seen proof of Him. Still, I cannot show God to you directly.

I might convince you, if I live out my life as His faithful ambassador. You can read His love letter to you through my Godly life. Whether you accept the evidence about God or grip His substance is a matter of your faith.

Think: God is not seen, but He is real.

Pray: “Lord, help me, and others, to have faith in You and Your Word.”

This devotional is a ministry of CadreMen Press.

Evidence Which Dorcas Had Made

“Evidence Which Dorcas Had Made” By Kirk Hunt

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Acts 9:39 NKJV

Dorcas’ life was on trial. There was no judge. No jury sat in a box. There were plenty of witnesses, giving evidence. Life and death hung in the balance.

Her life had impact. Her good works were tangible and presentable. The widows gave dramatic, emotional testimony of the life Sister Dorcas lived among them.

What will they say? Will anyone hold up examples of how you built God’s Kingdom, here and now? Will anyone speak, or cry, about how you impacted their life?

We know that God’s grace cannot be earned through works or purchased with gifts. We also know that an evidence of faith is works. So the tension is that God’s people should be engaged with good works knowing they are strictly the outward evidence of an inward condition.

As a saint of God, you are leaving behind a trail of evidence. Is your case file thick or thin? Does it point to a life of faith in God? Would anyone feel compelled to any action or conclusion after listening to the witnesses?

After hearing the case of Dorcas’ life, Peter prayed that she would be restored to life. God’s power raised her from the dead. The case of Dorcas’ life was compelling. Is yours?

Think: What is the evidence, and who are the witnesses, of my faith in God?

Pray: “Lord, help me to outwardly demonstrate my inner faith in You.”

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.