This document contains several articles discussing arguments against the historical existence and resurrection of Jesus Christ. One article summarizes that while some myths from antiquity share superficial similarities with elements of Christianity, there is no credible evidence that Jesus's life was based on any myth. Another article examines supposed medical reasons why Jesus may not have actually died on the cross, but finds based on the documented torture and injuries that death was certain. The document encourages intellectually engaging with skeptics in a thoughtful manner to defend Christianity.
This 7-day reading plan explores Jesus’ claims, his deity, and offers thoughts demonstrating that he is the Messiah by Lee Strobel, a former atheist. Devotional thoughts
are drawn from Lee’s own experiences and feature a journalistic style from his days as an investigative reporter with the Chicago Tribune. The plan is perfect for those engaged in a thorough search for the truth to decide if Jesus was who he claimed to be.
All devotions are drawn from The Case for Christ
Study Bible.
Look at the spiritual discipline of Bible intake.
Feel free to check out my Youtube channel ("Bible A to Z"):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksmizy3de-HTruLFkHDCMA
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BibleAtoZ1
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Bible-A-to-Z-104071948506766
(Also on Instagram, BitChute, and Rumble)
This 7-day reading plan explores Jesus’ claims, his deity, and offers thoughts demonstrating that he is the Messiah by Lee Strobel, a former atheist. Devotional thoughts
are drawn from Lee’s own experiences and feature a journalistic style from his days as an investigative reporter with the Chicago Tribune. The plan is perfect for those engaged in a thorough search for the truth to decide if Jesus was who he claimed to be.
All devotions are drawn from The Case for Christ
Study Bible.
Look at the spiritual discipline of Bible intake.
Feel free to check out my Youtube channel ("Bible A to Z"):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCksmizy3de-HTruLFkHDCMA
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BibleAtoZ1
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Bible-A-to-Z-104071948506766
(Also on Instagram, BitChute, and Rumble)
Achieve a greater understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus during this glorious season of the year with 7 daily readings from NIV Scripture passages that examine the Passion narratives in the Gospels.
19 The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Rick Peterson
The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Adapted from a David Owens sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?SermonID=126633
For answers, go to https://www.homeworksimple.com/downloads/theo-104-quizzes/
These are all the answers for THEO 104 Quizzes. Quiz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
This is a study of Jesus being rough on Peter's curiosity about John. Jesus made it clear that some things are none of our business. Our job is to follow Him.
This is a study of Jesus demanding-you must follow me. Peter was concerned about John and Jesus said that is my business. Your business is to follow me and not worry about others.
Does Absolute Truth Exist? Class # 1 introkandcrog
"Pilate said to Jesus, "Are You a King then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?"
What is truth? In our world today many seem to have decided "truth" is whatever they want it to be. Even when individuals are presented with strong and undisputed evidence, if it is not to their liking, they will not accept it as true for them. But for Christians this is not an option. However, there is powerful and convincing proof that Christianity is the one true religion, that the triune God who reveals himself in the Bible is the one and only God of the universe, and Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we may live. Yet many choose to ignore the evidence and instead hold to other beliefs.
We will use the book "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist" by Norman L Geisler and Frank Truek to explore the topic of Christian Apologetics. We will study together and discuss the reasons for our faith as believers in Jesus Christ and we will equip ourselves to help skeptics who are open to the truth to see the real truth.
Achieve a greater understanding of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus during this glorious season of the year with 7 daily readings from NIV Scripture passages that examine the Passion narratives in the Gospels.
19 The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Rick Peterson
The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Adapted from a David Owens sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?SermonID=126633
For answers, go to https://www.homeworksimple.com/downloads/theo-104-quizzes/
These are all the answers for THEO 104 Quizzes. Quiz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
This is a study of Jesus being rough on Peter's curiosity about John. Jesus made it clear that some things are none of our business. Our job is to follow Him.
This is a study of Jesus demanding-you must follow me. Peter was concerned about John and Jesus said that is my business. Your business is to follow me and not worry about others.
Does Absolute Truth Exist? Class # 1 introkandcrog
"Pilate said to Jesus, "Are You a King then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?"
What is truth? In our world today many seem to have decided "truth" is whatever they want it to be. Even when individuals are presented with strong and undisputed evidence, if it is not to their liking, they will not accept it as true for them. But for Christians this is not an option. However, there is powerful and convincing proof that Christianity is the one true religion, that the triune God who reveals himself in the Bible is the one and only God of the universe, and Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we may live. Yet many choose to ignore the evidence and instead hold to other beliefs.
We will use the book "I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist" by Norman L Geisler and Frank Truek to explore the topic of Christian Apologetics. We will study together and discuss the reasons for our faith as believers in Jesus Christ and we will equip ourselves to help skeptics who are open to the truth to see the real truth.
"I am the Bread of Life...I am the light of the world...I am the gate for the sheep...I am the good shepherd...I am the resurrection...I am the true vine...I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the father, but by Me." John 6:35; 8:12; 10:7,11; 11:25; 14:6; 15:1
The third study in our "Growing Deep in the Gospel" series. In this study we answer the question "What isn't the Gospel?" by looking at false gospels, the difference between religion and the gospel and three ways to live: be your own god, make yourself right with God and trust Jesus.
Sharing Your Faith 1 Peter 3:15-16 Adapted from K. Edward Skidmore, Charles Mallory & James Kirkland sermons http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=132675 http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=93711 http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?ContributorID=&SermonID=151157
3. What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? Notes (A4)William Anderson
This is the third of four sessions of our “Being and Making Disciples” workshop held in Săcele on September 1, 2012. In this session we answered the question “What is Foundational for Discipling Someone? by looking at what to do to help build a strong foundation in the life of those we disciple. The topics covered included looking the big picture, being vs doing, the gospel of Jesus, three main tools Jesus uses, it’s all about Jesus, our heart motivation and our new identity.
The third study in our "Growing Deep in the Gospel" series. In this study we answer the question "What isn't the Gospel?" by looking at false gospels, the difference between religion and the gospel and three ways to live: be your own god, make yourself right with God and trust Jesus.
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
2. Q: Isn’t Jesus’ death
and resurrection based on older myths?
A: This question is as old as the teachings of the Apostles themselves. Peter’s answer was
concise, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power
and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)
There are no longer any credible scholars who believe the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus is based on any myth. There are tele-scientists who enjoy the ratings boost of making
controversial statements, but they’re about as credible as televangelists. No science practitioner or cable TV host can provide any
type of evidence that links Jesus to any such myth. They all like to sound haughty and all-knowing, but they never produce facts.
Author C. S. Lewis was once persuaded of the myth-Christ link until he spent time researching each. What he concluded that not
one single mythological “god” had any written record that supported the life, death, resurrection and post-resurrection events that
both Biblical and historical writings record about Jesus. None of the mythological characters have any verifiable evidence to say they
ever existed, whereas there are volumes of writings about Jesus and those who his life touched. Much of the time, the places
referenced in myths, if any, have no archaeological evidence of having existed.
Let me ask you: Have you read any books about Horus, Attis, Krishna, Dionysis, Mithras, or any other mythological god? Have you
read the Bible? If you will, I believe you’ll agree with so many others, Jesus cannot be based on the myths.
Deliverance from Temptation
Repeatedly Jesus emphasized the
eternal importance that we live as
overcomers. I know so-called “Word
of Faith” preachers have distorted the
scope of the challenge, so let’s set one
thing straight now. The one and only
thing all believers are to overcome is
sin.
No temptation has overtaken you but
such as is common to man; and God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be
tempted beyond what you are able,
but with the temptation will provide
the way of escape also, so that you
will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians
10:13)
We are fond of making this verse a
statement on overcoming difficult
times, but the truth is Paul is talking
about the temptation to yield to sin,
to choose the path of worldliness over
the path of righteousness.
OVERCOMING SIN IN OUR LIVES
Paul told us via his letter to the church
at Rome, that sin can only be
overcome through humble dedication
to God and His Word. In Romans
12:1-2 Paul tells us, “Therefore I urge
you, brethren, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies a living and
holy sacrifice, acceptable to God,
which is your spiritual service of
worship.
2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you
may prove what the will of God is, that which is good
and acceptable and perfect.”
You can see Paul is talking about much more than not
talking like the world or getting wrapped up in worldly
pursuits. Those really are outgrowths or results of
overcoming sin. Let’s be clear though, you have no hope of
overcoming sin. God has, however, made a way of
escaping it. Yes, yes, through Jesus Christ, but what does
that mean for us? Paul also said, “It is God who is at work
in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure”
(Philippians 2:13). This too is much more than doing good
deeds. The whole Bible is about overcoming sin, and Paul
repeatedly explains that God
has provided a way whereby
we can live as overcomers.
Initially we must accept the
sacrificial atonement Jesus
made for us. As a part of that
we receive the baptism of the
Holy Spirit as our coach and
helper in achieving sinless lives
(It may help to consider the
Spirit as “the Spirit of
Holiness”.)
Still we are not ready to live
righteous lives. Our initial
acceptance of salvation is only
the start. Next we must learn
to be humble before God and
mankind. This indeed requires
some sacrifice on our part.
As we learn to walk humbly, we
must retrain our mind – change
our thinking. I’m always
amazed at new believers who
think they already know so
much about serving God. Paul
is telling us to forget what we
think we know and become
disciples, or learners. This
combination of actions is the
only “works” that will
transform us into overcomers.
3. The Death of JesusAmong other places, perhaps
the most notable denial of the
death and resurrection of Christ
is found in the Muslim’s
“Koran”, written some 600
years after the events they are
commenting on. In fact
Muslims have a shrine erected
in Kashmir where they claim
Jesus died.
In the early 1800’s, some
tried to explain away the
resurrection by suggesting that
Jesus merely fainted, or that he
had taken a drug to make him
appear to be dead. His
resurrection then would be a
simple resuscitation. Some say
this is why Pilate seemed
surprised at how quickly Jesus
had died.
In the mid-60’s came “The
Passover Plot” suggesting it was
only the unanticipated stabbing
of Jesus by the Roman soldier
that foiled Jesus’ complicated
scheme.
In the 80’s it was “Holy
Blood, Holy Grail” that
conjectured that Pilate had
been bribed to allow Jesus to
be taken down from the cross
before He died. The authors
confession here applies to the
others, “We could not – and
still cannot – prove the
accuracy of our conclusion”
Like an urban myth, the
swoon theory continues to
flourish. But what does the
evidence really establish?
Alexander Metherell, M.D.,
PH.D. is one of many scholars
who have examined this from a
medical and scientific
standpoint. He is board
certified in diagnosis by the
American Board of Radiology, is
a consultant to the National
Heart Lung, and Blood Institute
and the National Institutes of
Health of Bethesda, Maryland.
He’s a former research
scientist, professor and author
of five scientific books as well
as articles for everything from
Aerospace Medicine to
Scientific American.
Dr. Metherell concluded that
Jesus most certainly died for
these reasons:
1. The torture before the
crucifixion
2. The brutal beating (leaving Him
unrecognizable)
3. Six hours hanging by spikes
driven through His wrists and
feet.
4. Slow suffocation
5. The spear through the side
We know Jesus was so brutally beaten
and tortured they had to get someone to
carry His cross to Golgotha. Appealing to
history and medicine, to archaeology and
even Roman military rules, Metherell
had closed every loophole: Jesus could
not have come down from the cross
alive.
So badly was Jesus injured, the
amazing thing is that anyone could
possibly question His death.
ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION
This newsletter is an expression of my heart for evangelism. I have developed a good many thoughts that are outside the traditional
religious box, but are 100% in the Bible. These range from old wives’-tales that are still quoted as Bible, to the tough questions skeptics ask
that most Christians won’t answer.
Each month I share information I’ve found to be useful in my own labors for the Kingdom in the hope that someone else may find a
beneficial nugget.
I’ve been serving God for more than 50 years doing everything in His Church from janitorial work, to nursery coordinator, youth pastor to
assistant pastor to pastor.
I have studied Biblical Greek for the last 35 years, but I promise, I will refrain from using it as much as possible since most people have not
studied Greek. Rather than using an unknown word I’ll try to remember to simply put a notation to its location in a Strong’s Concordance.
If you don’t own one, you can find good online versions, like the Lexiconic Search at blueletterbible.org/search
If you have a question, email it to me at pastor@churchonthenet.com
Also, more information can be found at churchonthenet.com or my own studies at dlwyer.com
4. “Tactics” is a book written by
Greg Koukl. Greg demonstrates
how to get in the driver’s seat,
keeping any conversation moving
with thoughtful, artful diplomacy.
You’ll learn how to maneuver
comfortably and graciously
through the minefields, stop
challengers in their tracks, turn
the tables and—most
importantly—get people thinking
about Jesus. Soon, your
conversations will look more like
diplomacy than D-Day.
Drawing on extensive experience
defending Christianity in the
public square, Koukl shows you
how to:
- Initiate conversations
effortlessly
- Present the truth clearly,
cleverly, and persuasively
- Graciously and effectively
expose faulty thinking
- Skillfully manage the details of
dialogue
- Maintain an engaging, disarming
style even under attack
Tactics provides the game plan
for communicating the
compelling truth about
Christianity with confidence and
grace.
http://cotn.in/tacticsbook
Being prepared to make a defense of the
hope you have within you.
(1st
Peter 3:15)
For some this may be a controversial statement,
so let’s think about it for a moment. To
understand the truth of the Bible accurately, our
mental faculties must be intact and we must use
them as God intended. We demonstrate this fact
every time we disagree on an interpretation of a
biblical passage and then give reasons why our
view is better than another’s. Simply put, we
argue for our point of view, and if we argue well,
we separate wheat from chaff, truth from error.
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with
all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all
your mind, and with all your strength” (Mark
12:30). Loving God with the mind is not a passive
process. It is not enough to have sentimental
religious thoughts. Rather, it involves coming to
conclusions about God and his world based on
revelation, observation, and careful reflection.
Some believers take any opposition as hostility.
With some, it’s virtually impossible to take
exception to a cherished view or a respected
teacher without being labeled malicious. This is a
dangerous attitude for the church because the
minute one is labeled mean-spirited simply for
raising an opposing view, debate is silenced. If
we disqualify legitimate discussion we
compromise our ability to know the truth.
Of course these disagreements should never be
malicious or permitted to fall into a rut. I’ve always
maintained that you can make your point once, then
twice for clarification, but three times makes vain
argument and the conversation is in danger of
becoming sinful and useless.
Beware when rhetoric becomes a substitute for
substance. You always know that a person has a
weak position when he tries to accomplish with the
clever use of words what argument alone cannot do.
Thee should never be confrontation, defensiveness
or discomfort. If the discussion does not flow easily
and naturally, it’s time to move on.
These three skills — knowledge, an accurately
informed mind; wisdom, an artful method; and
character, an attractive manner — play a part in
every effective involvement with a nonbeliever.
One more thing I’d like to note. One of the Greek
words translated “word” in the Bible is logos. John
said, “In the beginning was the Word.. and the Word
was God.. All things came into being through Him
(John 1:1-3). That word logos is the root for logic.
In today’s words, all things came into being through
logic!
“THE MIND, NOT THE BIBLE, IS THE VERY
FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE GOD HAS GIVEN
US AGAINST ERROR”
Church on the Net Today
APRIL 2017 Vol.1 Issue 02
Edited by: D.L. Wyer
Published by: ChurchOnTheNet.com Ministries and D.L. Wyer Evangelism (dlwyer.com)
Church on the Net Today is published monthly by Church on the Net Ministries, 11 Erman Drive, Sod, WV 25564.
Digital subscriptions are available free of charge by subscribing at cotn.in/subscribe.
-Gregory Kohkl