The document discusses reasons for Christian hope based on facts about Jesus that cannot be denied, even by skeptics. It notes that Jesus lived based on historical Roman records, and that the New Testament is a reliable historical document written by eyewitnesses within the lifetimes of other eyewitnesses. If the New Testament accounts are not true, it would have to be a carefully constructed lie, which the passionate eyewitness testimony of the authors makes unlikely.
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Fulfilled Eschatology ; Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The Dead Sea Scrolls and Fulfilled Eschatology" - To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Ed Stevens - "Todd Dennis' presentation on the implications of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Preterism was superb! It was material I have not seen any preterist ever deal with. That one lesson is worth the price of the whole set! "
This presentation follows the theological path of Robert Townley - History's first known full preterist. Townley's career is shown to develop from Futurism to Preterism to Universalism to Idealism. Sections of this presentation can be heard in "The (New) History of Full Preterism" Part Two.
An analysis of the Graeco-Roman historical and cultural background of the Christian Gospel. The restructuring of the Roman Empire by Augustus and the reign of Herod the Great are examined as the context of the coming of Christ.
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part Two) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART TWO
Audio Here
http://ad70.tv/video/107/the-new-history-of-full-preterism
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Session 03 New Testament Overview - Introduction to the GospelsJohn Brooks
Session 03 New Testament Survey Class
Introduction to the Gospels
Based on material from:
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
525 A Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
The Dead Sea Scrolls and Fulfilled Eschatology ; Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The Dead Sea Scrolls and Fulfilled Eschatology" - To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Ed Stevens - "Todd Dennis' presentation on the implications of the Dead Sea Scrolls for Preterism was superb! It was material I have not seen any preterist ever deal with. That one lesson is worth the price of the whole set! "
This presentation follows the theological path of Robert Townley - History's first known full preterist. Townley's career is shown to develop from Futurism to Preterism to Universalism to Idealism. Sections of this presentation can be heard in "The (New) History of Full Preterism" Part Two.
An analysis of the Graeco-Roman historical and cultural background of the Christian Gospel. The restructuring of the Roman Empire by Augustus and the reign of Herod the Great are examined as the context of the coming of Christ.
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part Two) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART TWO
Audio Here
http://ad70.tv/video/107/the-new-history-of-full-preterism
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Session 03 New Testament Overview - Introduction to the GospelsJohn Brooks
Session 03 New Testament Survey Class
Introduction to the Gospels
Based on material from:
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
525 A Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part One) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART ONE
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Session 04 New Testament Overview - Gospel of MatthewJohn Brooks
Session 04 New Testament Survey Class
Overview of the Gospel of Matthew
Based on material from:
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
525 A Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
A verse by verse commentary on Matthew chapter 27 dealing with Judas hanging himself, and Jesus before Pilate. Barabbas was released and Jesus was sentenced to be crucified. The soldiers mock Jesus. Jesus is taken to Golgotha and crucified. The chapter ends with the burial of Jesus and the guard at the tomb.
This is a study of the perfect life of Jesus which was free of all sin. This makes Him one of a kind, for no other person has ever lived a sinless life. Yet He became sin for us and was sacrificed for us. He was tempted as we are, but without sin.
THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST
His Superior Purpose (1:1-3)
His Superior Personality (1:4)
His Superior Position (1:5-6)
His Superior Power (1:7-8)
His Superior Purity (1:9)
His Superior Perfection (1:10-14)
Session 06 New Testment Overview - Gospel of JohnJohn Brooks
Session 06 New Testament Survey Class
Overview of the Gospel of John
Based on material from:
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
525 A Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
"The (New) History of Full Preterism" (Part One) - Powerpoint PresentationTodd Dennis
2007 Carlsbad Conference presentation of "The New History of Full Preterism" - PART ONE
To be used in conjunction with Audio Tapes available from http://www.preterist.org/preteristbookstore.asp#Audio_MP3s
Session 04 New Testament Overview - Gospel of MatthewJohn Brooks
Session 04 New Testament Survey Class
Overview of the Gospel of Matthew
Based on material from:
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
525 A Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
A verse by verse commentary on Matthew chapter 27 dealing with Judas hanging himself, and Jesus before Pilate. Barabbas was released and Jesus was sentenced to be crucified. The soldiers mock Jesus. Jesus is taken to Golgotha and crucified. The chapter ends with the burial of Jesus and the guard at the tomb.
This is a study of the perfect life of Jesus which was free of all sin. This makes Him one of a kind, for no other person has ever lived a sinless life. Yet He became sin for us and was sacrificed for us. He was tempted as we are, but without sin.
THE SUPERIORITY OF CHRIST
His Superior Purpose (1:1-3)
His Superior Personality (1:4)
His Superior Position (1:5-6)
His Superior Power (1:7-8)
His Superior Purity (1:9)
His Superior Perfection (1:10-14)
Session 06 New Testment Overview - Gospel of JohnJohn Brooks
Session 06 New Testament Survey Class
Overview of the Gospel of John
Based on material from:
Capitol Hill Baptist Church
525 A Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
After a sharp rebuke of those who would teach false ideas in the church Jude goes on to show how believers can protect themselves against such men and their dangerous ideas.
The Revelation of Jesus Christ Chapters 6-11:14Rod West
The continued study of the Book of Revelation chapters 6 - 11. Within this section, many areas are covered from the 7 seals to the two Witnesses and more.
“The book is concerned with the practical aspects of Christian conduct; it tells how faith works in everyday life. Jame’s purpose was to provide concrete ethical instruction. Compared to Paul, James shows much less interest in formal theology, though the letter is not without theological statements (1:22; 2:1, 10-12,19; 3:9; 5:7-9,12,14). Many subjects are discussed in this book, making it like a series of brief sayings arranged in the form of a letter. While there is little formal structure to the book, its many instructions explain how to be doers of the Word (1:22). In the 108 verses of the epistle there are references or allusions from twenty-two books of the Old Testament and at least fifteen allusions to the teachings of Christ as embodied in the Sermon on the Mount. Among the key subjects discussed are faith and works (2:14-16), the use of the tongue (3:1-12), and prayer for the sick (5:13-16).”
Is it possible that Jesus didn't exist? Of course, but that's not reasonable to believe considering the numerous early, independent, Christian and non-Christian sources which all make reference to Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, that's right —there are early, non-Christian sources that mention Jesus. In this presentation, I distinguish between possible and reasonable beliefs, and then introduce five early, non-Christian sources that reference facts about Jesus.
This slide deck study on the New Testament book of The Acts of the Apostles focuses on the so-called Second Journey of St. Paul and is one of a series to help leaders of a Bible study or Sunday School class who are too busy to research and prepare as well as they would like for their task. The entire series is engaging, colorful and challenging and is ready to go even at the last moment. More are in the works. Search using the keyword "lessonstogo".
56 Unlimited Power In A Limited Space revisitedRick Peterson
This sermon is a slightly modified version of the one preached 12/23/18.
Adapted from a Scott Chambers sermon https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/2-jesus-unlimited-power-in-a-limited-space-scott-chambers-sermon-on-jesus-christ-135274?ref=SermonSeriesDetails
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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
2. In Peter’s first epistle we find this command: 1 Peter 3:15 NET But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.
3. We must always be ready to explain the basis of our hope... What reasons are there for the hope we have in Christ ? Let’s begin by suggesting some facts which no one can deny, not even an atheist or an agnostic...
4. FACTS WHICH CAN'T BE DENIED! 1) JESUS LIVED... Only the most ignorant or prejudiced skeptic would question the historical record of Jesus . The reason? The evidence from unbiased
5. sources: Roman historians attest to this fact. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote concerning the Great Fire of Rome, in book 15 , chapter 44 of his Annals (c. 116 ): Consequently, to get rid
6. of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus , from
7. whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition,
8. thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their
9. centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime
10. of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or
11. were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired. Pliny the Younger was governor of Pontus/Bithynia from 111-113 AD. We have a
12. whole set of exchanges of his letters with the emperor Trajan on a variety of administrative political matters. Two letters are the most famous, in which Pliny encounters Christianity
13. for the first time. PLINY, LETTERS 10.96-97 They asserted, however, that the sum and substance of their fault or error had been that they were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and
14. sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by oath, not to some crime, but not to commit fraud, theft, or adultery, not falsify their trust, nor to refuse to return a trust
15. when called upon to do so. When this was over, it was their custom to depart and to assemble again to partake of food but ordinary and innocent food. Even this, they affirmed, they had ceased
16. to do after my edict by which, in accordance with your instructions, I had forbidden political associations. Accordingly, I judged it all the more necessary to find out what the truth was by torturing
17. two female slaves who were called deaconesses. But I discovered nothing else but depraved, excessive superstition. Seutonius was a court official and annalist under Hadrian around 120 A.D., who wrote in,
18. Life of Claudius , 25.4 : “As the Jews were making constant disturbance at the instigation of Chrestus , he expelled them from Rome.” Luke makes reference to this same expulsion. Acts 18:1 After this Paul departed
19. from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to
20. depart from Rome. Seutonius mentions Christianity in Lives of the Caesars , 26.2 : "Punishment by Nero was inflicted on the Christians , a class of men given to a new and mischievous superstition."
21. Josephus was a Jewish general turned Roman historian, born in 37 A.D. Much knowledge about the culture and background of New Testament times can be gleaned from his writings.
22. One important point to make is that Josephus was not likely to be sympathetic to Christianity , and risk Roman anger. However, he makes several references to Jesus in
23. History Of The Jews , such as Antiquities XVIII , 3:3 : "At that time lived Jesus , a wise man, if he may be called a man; for he performed many wonderful works. He was a teacher of such men as
24. received the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him many Jews and Gentiles. This was the Christ . And when Pilate, at the instigation of the chief men among us, had condemned him to the
25. cross, they who before had conceived an affection for him did not cease to adhere to him . For on the third day he appeared to them alive again, the divine prophets having foretold these and
26. many other wonderful things concerning him . And the sect of Christians , so called from him , subsists to this time." In Antiquities XX, 9:1 , we find a reference to James, the brother of Jesus :
27. “ ...and brought before it the brother of Jesus , the so-called Christ , whose name was James. ” The Talmud, Books of Jewish law, speak frequently of Jesus . Denying not that Jesus lived, only that He
28. was not what He or others claimed. A Samaritan historian, Thallus (52 A.D.), tried to explain away the darkness at the crucifixion So overwhelming is the evidence, even atheistic historians admit Jesus lived.
29. ( H. G. Wells, Outline Of History ) The gospels and the Acts of the Apostles present a patched and uneven record, but there can be little question that on the whole it is a quite honest record of those early days. …regard Jesus of
30. Nazareth as being much more than a human teacher, and his appearance in the world not as a natural event in history, but as something of a supernatural sort interrupting and changing
31. that steady development of life towards a common consciousness and a common will, Will Durant spent two chapters on Jesus in his book, “The Story Of Our Civilization”
32. 2) EVIDENCE FOR THE NEW TESTAMENT AS A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT IS REMARKABLE ...
33. Its authors claim to write as historians or even eyewitnesses to real events. a) Luke, the physician, his gospel (Luke) and history of the early church (Acts) compose over a third of
34. the New Testament. He wrote as one describing historical events. Luke 2:1 NET Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. 2 This was the
35. first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 Everyone went to his own town to be registered. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to
36. Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. Acts 1:1 NET I wrote the former account, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the
37. day he was taken up to heaven, after he had given orders by the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 To the same apostles also, after his suffering, he presented himself alive with many
38. convincing proofs. He was seen by them over a forty-day period and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God. b) John, the beloved disciple, his gospel (John) was written as an eyewitness account.
39. John 20:30 NET Now Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the
40. Christ , the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 21:24 NET This is the disciple who testifies about these things and has written these things, and we know that his
41. testimony is true. 25 There are many other things that Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
42. John calls himself an eyewitness. 1 John 1:1 NET This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our
43. hands have touched (concerning the word of life 2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was
44. revealed to us). 3 What we have seen and heard we announce to you too, so that you may have fellowship with us (and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ ). 4
45. Thus we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. c) Paul, the Jewish rabbi, half of the books of the New Testament are his personal letters. He claimed to have been an eyewitness, along
46. with others. 1 Corinthians 15:3 NET For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received — that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4 and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third
47. day according to the scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom
48. are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though to one born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. As a historical document, it's evidence is
49. remarkable! It was written soon after the events it records. As stated by Nelson Glueck , former president of the Jewish Theological Seminary in the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, and
50. renowned Jewish archaeologist: “In my opinion, every book of the New Testament was written between the forties and eighties of the First Century A.D.’ ‘It may be stated categorically that
51. no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a Biblical reference.” It is noted for its historical accuracy in areas that can be tested. “We can already say emphatically that there is
52. no longer any solid basis for dating any book of the New Testament after 80 A.D.” ( W. F. Albright, Biblical archaeologist) "Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy, he is possessed of the true
53. historic sense...in short, this author should be placed along with the greatest of historians.“ Sir William Ramsay The manuscript attestation for the New Testament is unsurpassed in the number
54. of copies for the purpose of comparison. There are over 4,000 Greek manuscripts, 13,000 copies of portions of the New Testament. Contrast that with other historical documents.
55. Caesar's "Gallic Wars", only 10 Greek manuscripts; "Annals" of Tacitus, 2; Livy, 20; Plato, 7; Sophocles, 100 In the time between the originals and earliest copies, fragments exist that are
56. within 50-100 years; complete copies that are within 300-400 years after the originals were written. Compare this with manuscripts of other classical histories: "Histories of Thucydides"
57. earliest copy is 1300 years removed from the original "Histories of Herodotus" earliest copy is 1350 years removed from original. Caesar's "Gallic War" 950 years, Roman History of Livy - 350 years (and the earliest copy is only a fragment)
58. "Histories" of Tacitus - 750 years "Annals" of Tacitus - 950 years (and there are only two manuscripts) Variances that exist between the ancient copies are minuscule. Only 1/2 of one percent is in question (compared to 5 percent for the Illiad)
59. Even then, it can be stated: "No fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith rests on a disputed reading... It cannot be too strongly asserted that in substance the text of the Bible is certain: especially
60. is this the case with the New Testament." Sir Frederick Kenyon (authority in the field of New Testament textual criticism) Such evidence led to the following statement: " The evidence for our New Testament writings are ever so much greater
61. than the evidence for many writings of classical authors, the authenticity of which no one dreams of questioning. And if the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity
62. would generally be as beyond all doubt.” (F. F. Bruce) 3) IF NOT TRUE, THE NEW TESTAMENT IS A CAREFULLY CONTRIVED LIE ... The writers of the New
63. Testament leave us no alternative They are either "eyewitnesses" or "false witnesses" 1 Corinthians 15:14 NET And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith
64. is empty. 15 Also, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified against God that he raised Christ from the dead, when in reality he did not raise him , if indeed the dead are not raised.
65. Either the events occurred as described, or they are " cleverly concocted fables " 2 Peter 1:16 NET For we did not follow cleverly concocted fables when we made known to you the power and return
66. of our Lord Jesus Christ ; no, we were eyewitnesses of his grandeur. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father, when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory: "This is
67. my dear Son , in whom I am delighted." 18 When this voice was conveyed from heaven, we ourselves heard it, for we were with him on the holy mountain. We cannot say they might have been sincerely
68. deceived. Especially in reference to the resurrection of Jesus They claim they ate and drank with Him afterwards. Acts 10:39 NET We are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea
69. and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40 but God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen, 41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had
70. already chosen, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. They claim they saw and touched Him . I refer you to 1 John which we read earlier: … what we have heard, what we have seen
71. with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched … They leave us no room saying they were MISTAKEN or D ECEIVED ! Some sympathetic skeptics have tried to offer this as an
72. Alternative. That perhaps in their grief and loss over the crucifixion of Jesus they "hallucinated" or had grief-inspired "visions" of Jesus . But hallucinations or visions are highly individualistic.
73. One person might see the hallucination or vision. But several or many people don't see the same vision at the same time! As outlined in the gospels and also the resurrection appearances of Jesus were
74. often witnessed by many at the same time (over 500 on one occasion!) You will recall Paul’s letter we read earlier: 1 Corinthians 15:4 … buried,…was raised on the third day according to
75. scriptures, 5 … appeared to Cephas, ... the twelve. 6 … to more than five hundred … 7 … to James, …all the apostles 8 … he appeared to me also. So they leave us no choice; either the New Testament is a “ Book Of Truth ,”
76. or it is a “ Book of Lies ” I believe I can fairly say that no one can deny these three facts: 1) Jesus lived 2) The evidence for The New Testament as a historical document is overwhelming
77. 3) If not true, it is a carefully contrived lie! Given that these facts are undeniable, then consider with me... THESE ARE THE FACTS, WE ARE FORCED TO MAKE A DECISION...
78. Concerning Jesus : We can't deny that He lived. Therefore we must decide who He is. Is He what His followers claimed, the Son of God? Matthew 16:13 NET When Jesus came to the area of
79. Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But
80. who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, " You are the Christ , the Son of the living God." 17 And Jesus answered him, "You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and
81. blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven! Or is the New Testament's representation of Him false? We can't deny the overwhelming evidence for the New Testament.
82. We must decide concerning its historical reliability. Will we accept it on the same basis we accept other historical documents? If so, then will we either accept it at face value, or reject it
83. and along with all other historical documents whose evidence are much less? We cannot say that it was simply a sincere but mistaken effort to explain who Jesus was. We must decide whether it is true,
84. or a carefully contrived lie! It is this last issue upon which all else truly depends! THE IMPLICATIONS OF OUR DECISION... If the New Testament is a carefully contrived lie...
85. We must concede that a book with the world's highest standard of morality was composed by a group of liars, frauds, and deceivers! For what book contains a higher standard of love and
86. morality than the New Testament? We must also concede that a book with overwhelming evidence as a historical document was carefully put together to deceive. Known historical names, places and events
87. were carefully intertwined with bold-faced lies. Solemn affirmations concerning its truthfulness are made, intended to deceive those to whom such affirmations were made. We must also
88. concede that we know nothing about Jesus . For outside the New Testament, there is no reliable historical record of Jesus ’ life and teachings. And how can we trust the record of
89. liars, frauds, and deceivers? But is that a reasonable or logical conclusion? If we decide that the New Testament is true...We have a reason for our hope of salvation! It tells us of the life and death of Jesus Christ .
90. And how we can receive remission of sins through His blood! We have a reason for our hope concerning this life! For it tells us of the teachings and promises of Jesus Christ . And how we can
91. have the peace and joy only He can provide! We have a reason for our hope concerning the future! For it tells us of His resurrection, ascension, and coming again. And how we have the hope of
92. our own resurrection along with eternal life! CONCLUSION One reason for hope is based upon three facts which can't be denied... 1) Jesus lived.
93. 2) Evidence for the New Testament as a historical document is overwhelming 3) If not true, then it is a carefully contrived lie. To conclude that it is a carefully contrived lie
94. makes no logical sense. Instead, we are persuaded it contains a sincere, truthful account of who Jesus is and what He did. Then the New Testament, is a strong reason for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ .