A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

A. The miraculous signs and wonders which authenticated his Messiahship

1. Jesus demonstrated his authority over all the effects of the curse (e.g., the raising of Jairus’ daughter from death), Luke 8.40-56.

2. Jesus manifested the blessing and abundance of the Kingdom of God present in his person, (e.g., the feeding of the five thousand), Luke 9.10-17.

B. The prevailing warfare and victory over the devil and his minions

1. Jesus conceived his mission as one which was binding the devil in order to make the pillage of his house pos sible, Matt. 12.28-29 – “But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. [29] Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.” 2. Jesus’ person and work represented God reasserting his right to rule over his creation and in human affairs in the exact territory the devil had claimed for his own!, Luke 10.17-20 – The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” [18] And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. [19] Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. [20] Never theless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”