1. See post “Historical Case for Christianity (part 1)” for the foundation.
2. With these established historical facts we can begin to mount an argument.
i. Other world religions have a THEOLOGICAL SYSTEM (doctrine/teachings about the supernatural)
ii. Christianity has BOTH the THEOLOGICAL SYTEM + the HISTORICAL EVENTS
iii. Other religions agree with the historical events, but become uncomfortable at various points with the theological significance that the eyewitnesses attribute to the historical events.
iv. We cannot accept the historical events without giving adequate voice to the theological system associated with the events.
v. The historical events of Jesus set apart from any other prophet, enlightened one, moral teacher of any other world religion.
vi. This makes Jesus the 1st be dealt with because of the extravagance of the claims made. Because of the types of claims made he sets the parameters to only be considered as a Liar, Lunatic, or Lord.
vii. Only if we dismiss Jesus as a Liar or Lunatic must we consider the other world religions. If we come to conclude Jesus is Lord, the examination ends. We then can positively rule out all other candidates.
3. Notice in my argument I am simply asking the skeptic to consider the Bible as a reliable historical document (as the referent historical document to the claims of Jesus), I am not asking the skeptic to accept that the Bible is the inspired word of God.
Historical Case for Christianity (part 2)
Filed under academic
Historical Case for Christianity (part 1)
The general consensus of modern scholarship accepts the following ten details as established historical facts:
1. Jesus died by crucifixion 2,000 years ago.
2. Jesus was then placed in a tomb.
3. A few days later, the tomb was found empty.
4. Soon after, the Apostles began testifying that Jesus had risen from the dead.
5. The Apostles really believed they had seen Jesus alive again.
6. Even opponents and skeptics of Christianity at the time claimed to have seen Jesus alive again, and their lives were transformed as a consequence.
7. Almost all of the Apostles eventually died for their testimony that they had seen the resurrected Jesus.
8. In the face of brutal persecution, the movement of Christianity grew beyond all reasonable expectation.
9. The belief that Jesus was physically raised from the dead was central and foundational to Christianity from the very beginning.
10. The corpse of Jesus has never been produced.
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Dangers Lurk Here
“I believe that pluralistic secularism, in the long run, is a more deadly poison than straightforward persecution.” – Francis Schaeffer
Dangers lurk in every culture. The more crafty the more sinister the more deadly that poison. Physical persecution is straightforward. The demons in this society are far better hidden. There are a lot of serpents where we live.
Filed under Honest Life
Christianity after Conversion (part 3)
SERMON RECAP:
I hope you found the sermon, “Christianity After Conversion,” beneficial. (see part 1 & 2)
The battle within every Christian is real (Romans 7:14-25). We need to have a core group of believers where we can talk honestly and openly about how we are dealing with the struggle between the sinful nature and the Spirit (Gal 5:17).
Christianity is unique from all other faiths because of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
We don’t have to pretend in front of others that we have it all together. The reason we come to Jesus in the first place shows we are struggling sinners in need of grace.
The gospel is not your best will power, self effort or determination. That will only put you in the vicious cycle of motivation –> condemnation –> rededication.
I do not preach self esteem. I preach Christ and him crucified. It’s not about having a high view of ourselves. (Job 42:5-6, Isaiah 6:1-7, Romans 7:24) It’s about having a high view of Jesus. We do not boast or rejoice in ourselves. Rather, we boast in and rejoice in Christ.
Christians grow in increasing awareness of their own unholiness in light of God’s holiness. As the awareness of the chasm between us and God increases, Jesus/the cross/the gospel increases, is magnified, is more treasured and cherished in our lives. This in turn brings God glory.
I’d love to hear how the sermon’s message impacts you.
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Filed under Christianity
