Today our pastor gave the tradition greeting for Resurrection Day -- "He is risen!", to which the congregation responded "He is risen indeed!" Why give such a declaration? Because it is true. This event, the resurrection of Jesus, is the pivotal event, not only of Christianity, but for all of history. On the previous Friday, … Continue reading He is Risen Indeed!
Responses to Counter-Arguments Against the Resurrection
The following are some of the arguments against His resurrection, along with the responses to show that these counter-arguments are unfounded: The Swoon Theory: Jesus only swooned at the crucifixion. However, the evidence as presented in yesterday's post demonstrates He actually died. In addition, if He had survived such torture, He would hardly have appeared … Continue reading Responses to Counter-Arguments Against the Resurrection
Jesus rose physically from the grave
Have you ever heard anyone say, "Well, I think Jesus rose from the dead spiritually, but his body didn't really come back to life. The Bible is just using figurative language to describe his spirit going to God after his death." But if you read the various accounts, the testimony is very clear -- … Continue reading Jesus rose physically from the grave
Jesus Actually Died on the Cross
Did you ever watch Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ? I only watched it once. It was just too painful. What is plainly evident is that Jesus really did die on the cross. Here are a few facts to consider: There is no evidence he was drugged. Mark 15:23, 36. Jesus had … Continue reading Jesus Actually Died on the Cross
Arguments for the Resurrection — Jesus Predicted His Own Resurrection
Sometimes I wonder just how dense the disciples must have been not to understand what was going to happen. The Jewish leaders and the crowds did not have insider information, but the disciples certainly did. Jesus made it clear enough to them in advance: “Destroy this temple (of My body) and in three days I … Continue reading Arguments for the Resurrection — Jesus Predicted His Own Resurrection
Arguments for the Resurrection — Old Testament Predictions
The Hebrew Scriptures, or Old Testament, predicted that the promised Holy One would not remain dead, but would rise again. King David wrote this about a thousand before Jesus: “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and … Continue reading Arguments for the Resurrection — Old Testament Predictions
What Evidence Did Jesus Offer to Prove His Claims?
Jesus pointed to the evidence of His life to testify that He was who He claimed to be: The Messiah, the Son of God. Previous posts touched on this point somewhat. When word comes from John the Baptist asking, “Who are you?”, Jesus directs the messengers to go and tell John what He is saying … Continue reading What Evidence Did Jesus Offer to Prove His Claims?
Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? Part V
Jesus claimed to have equal authority with God, which is clearly stated in Matthew 28:18 -- “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Jesus even requested prayer in His own name, which is a shocking thing to ask unless you really are God -- And I will do whatever you … Continue reading Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? Part V
Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? Part IV
Another part of Jesus' claim was to accept worship, which was normally given to royalty or deities. Jesus was a homeless, penniless Jewish Carpenter, an itinerant preacher/teacher. So why would someone from such a humble station in life accept the worship offered to Him on many occasions? Here are some examples - 1. When … Continue reading Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? Part IV
Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? Part III
In Hebrew, Messiah means the "Anointed One," which is also the meaning of Christ in Greek, which is the language of the New Testament. Jesus claimed to be this Messiah-God. 1. Jesus verifies Peter’s identification of Him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" … Continue reading Who Did Jesus Claim to Be? Part III
Lines from Lynn 