Everything regarding your faith rises and falls on whether or not Jesus did indeed rise from the dead. So what would you say to the person that asks you why you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? He's not a skeptic. He wants to know, because his heart cannot receive what his head rejects.
Yesterday, former atheist, Lee Strobel, shared The 5 E's of evidences for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here they are:
Execution of Jesus- He was unmistakably dead. So he didn't swoon (faint) and feel better after a good night's rest.
Empty tomb- How do you realistically account for such other than the resurrection?
Eye witnesses- Over 500 saw the resurrected Christ and many ate with him. They weren't hallucinating.
Early records- Within just 3 years creeds may have been formed regarding the resurrected Messiah. (This one I would skip)
Emergence of the Christian church. How do you account for the birth and rapid growth of the early church in Jerusalem, where Jesus was crucified, apart from his resurrection?
Let's add one more E to Lee Strobel's list- the Evidence of miracles by the apostles. Did you notice such apostolic miracles in our reading yesterday in Acts 2? Acts 2:43 says- "many wonders and miraculous acts were done by the apostles." In Acts 3, when Peter and John healed the lame man, they said to the amazed crowd, "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power of godliness we had made this man walk?...You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." Acts 3:12,15,16. The religious leaders were "greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead." What happened next? Read Acts 4:1-22.
The skeptic has a very tough time explaining away the many miracles performed by the apostles. But notice how Peter explained such- "It is by the name of Jesus of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed." Acts 4:10. If Jesus wasn't raised from the dead, then the apostles would have no life giving message and no miracles to back up their message. By the way, the message and miracles of Christ along with his fulfillment of OT prophecies and his resurrection itself also validate His claims to be the promised Messiah, Son of God and Savior. With all that we have covered, I trust you are beginning to feel like you can give a reason for the faith you have in Christ. It's rooted in facts, not fairy tales.
The skeptic might assert that those supposed miracles were done in secret, so they couldn't be verified. But even the religious leaders admitted, "everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it." Acts 4:16.
Thus, many skeptics jump to attack the very trustworthiness of the Bible itself. Therefore, we will revisit this tomorrow.
1.-So based on what you've learned, what would you say to the seeker that asks you why you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
2.-Write down on your MP3 card a great verse within our reading today. It refutes those who think there are other ways to God apart from the risen Christ- "salvation is found in no one else..." Acts 4:12. If Christ never rose from the dead, then salvation is found in on one. Write "Did it" when you did it. Then may the Lord give you favor in sharing this grand truth with others today.
Don't forget to go to the scoreboard and then to the Contacts tab to give yourself well deserved points for your outreach and encouraging your team members. I am right proud of you for doing so.
As you've noticed, we've been looking at passages in the book of Acts. This is what the TV mini-series, "AD" will be covering in part. I'd love to have you over to watch it with me this Sunday. Please RSVP if you can join us. Thanks!
I'm at 9541 S. Oakley Ave. Chicago. (And if you ever need my contact info, it's on the Contacts tab as well :)
Thought for the Day- Mediocre men flit their lives away doing mediocre things. You are involved in G.R.E.A.T. things which will result in a great life that makes a great impact on others. I believe that you are going to make a great impact on many through M3. We will equip you to multiply your life. Just invite others and together we will mentor them. So first focus on enriching others with what you're learning, then seek to enlist them in M3, then keep encouraging them to grow with us on the team. Enrich, Enlist, Encourage. Just keep repeating this simple process and you will become the spiritual patriarch of many manly men.
3.- So write down the names of one or more believers that you know who might be interested in M3.
If you haven't already, begin enriching them with what you've been learning. Send them some of our videos you've enjoyed. Let 'em know how the group is enriching you.
1. I would point to the 5 E's:
ReplyDelete- Execution of Jesus
- Empty tomb
- Eye witnesses
- Early records
- Emergence of the Christian church
- Evidence of miracles by the apostles
I would explain each one and point to the Word of God as the true source of accurate facts of the life and resurrection on Jesus.
2. Did it
3. Ignacio Perez
Pointing them to Jesus. None better to do so because His name is the only name in which we can be saved. Right on Roger!
DeletePointing them to Jesus. None better to do so because His name is the only name in which we can be saved. Right on Roger!
DeleteBrother Roger, God has blessed you with a heart that desires to know Him. Great analysis! All we can do is point them to the Truth. Pastor James MacDonald says, just let the lion out of the cage and the lion will take care of itself.
DeleteExcellent Roger! You are thus pointing them to Jesus and the Bible as Eddie and Robert have said.
Delete1.Based on Lee Strobel 5 E's ,and so meny prophecies from the Old Testament that Christ Jesus for filled, would be enough evidence to strengthen our faith in the risen Christ.
ReplyDeleteDail 411 for information
Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Acts 4:11
2.Dit it "salvation is found in no one else..." Acts 4:12.
Christ alone, cornerstone...check this out George.https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QvLxZEU02uI
DeleteGood to see your smiling face yesterday : )
Brother George, way to remember the location of a passage. You reminded me of Jeremiah 33:2-3
DeleteClever George! How about a 20:20 vision test? Acts 20:20.
Delete1. I would tell them that God has done an outstanding miracle in my life and my family's and no one can deny it. I think people want to see the Gospel in real life. Since God's not dead and His Spirit lives in us, our stories, which no one can refute have power. I would mention further that the early church and those that were closest to Jesus, that truly experienced Him, were the ones that started the early church movement. It was because they experienced Him and wanted to share what He did for them with others. I would say that I just want to share with you what Jesus has done for me.
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3. Auggie Dyckman
Brother Eddie, you're absolutely right. There's something uniquely powerful of our own personal testimony! And it's evident in your life, keep shining for the Lord brother :-)
DeleteYessir! By me seeing you for the last couple years and watching you grow closer to Christ, it is evident that God is working in your life!
DeleteRight on Eddie- That's another E- the Evidence of your own transformation.
Delete1. I would tell them that the bible tells me so. I would also let them know that over 500 people saw the resurrected Christ and many ate with him. Then over 3000 people formed a church shortly after Jesus's resurrection. There is no theory that is relevant about Christ not resurrecting. The strong historical evidence is there.
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3. Michael Johnson
Rock solid responses Phil!
Delete1.-So based on what you've learned, what would you say to the seeker that asks you why you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? I would tell them I have read and heard all the theories that have been presented to disprove of Jesus existence and resurrection and let them know that all these theories have all been proven false and baseless, that even those that have venture in this endeavor have been transformed to be big advocates of Jesus Christ. Would ask that they take the challenge and commitment to read scripture so they can seek there answer to their questions, tell them all evidence of Jesus's resurrection is recorded in bible and proven true. That there are no lies in bible, and ask they start by reading the Gospel books. Would then let them know how Jesus has effected my personal journey, my life transformation since I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord Savior.
ReplyDeleteRev.7:10 "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
2. - Did it.
Excellent Armando! You are armed and dangerous!
Delete1. That I have tested and weighed the historical evidence and I was transformed from skeptic to believer.
ReplyDelete2. Did it :-)
3. Robert Vale, Sal Cano
Robert, I know you are always ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you.
DeleteI would say to them I was like you before I believed just by faith in God and that Jesus was
ReplyDeletethe Son of God. Now my believe is because I have been reading the bible and studying for myself what the bible has to say about Jesus and my faith is growing stronger, and tell
them they should do the same for their self.
2.did it.
Amen John, bible is a great source for enrichment in your spiritually, keep at it, you are growing
DeleteJohn thank you for sharing that part of your testimony. So glad that your faith continues to grow as you study His Word.
DeleteYes John and as you you share some of the points in the videos or the videos themselves and invite them to read the gospel of John, what a great impact you will be making. So glad you're with us.
Delete1) I'd definitely mention the 5 E's. Also give them biblical proof of it. I feel the best way to explain to someone that Jesus rose from the dead is by being the light in the world. Telling them what Jesus has done in my life. I strongly believe actions speak louder than words. By showing that my life has been changed by Jesus, they may believe.
ReplyDelete2) DID IT
Great combo Vince. Your life becomes added evidence illustrating the truth of God's word.
Delete1. I would give him a copy of the book that has been a best seller for years, the bible, and I would show him the great miracles that were performed.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
Amen to that! There's knowledge and understanding in the word.
DeleteGreat gift Rich! The gospel of John was written that people might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing that might have life in his name. John 20:30-31
Delete1. I would ask him how do you think churches and Christians were formed? Then I'd tell them its because jesus was crucified and resurrected for us. Therefore I am evidence that he was resurrected just like any other Christian.
ReplyDelete2.Did it!
That's good James! I know I've said it before, but I want to say it again, I'm so glad you are with us. Best of blessings!
Delete1. I tell people how I was just like them and how God presents himself to everyone and you choose to accept or reject the Son as your Savior. I tell them how the living Word is directly from God and tell them that if they open their hearts they will understand the truth as they read the Word. Now I will discuss the 5 E's and the miracles Jesus performed as well as his Disciples, but also about the miracles he performs today for me and so many other believers and how it changes lives as we change!
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Another proof is in Revelation 22:19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and holy city, which are described in this book. This shows God words are not to be altered.
DeleteYes indeed Jack! How God has changed you and is using you is a great thing to share that also illustrates the truth of the resurrection of Christ (the 5 E's).
Delete1- I would tell them to read the bible and see for themselves. I have instructed people to read John 3:16 first than read the rest of the bible.
ReplyDelete2- Did it.
I really like the simplicity of your answer Mike. That was sort of my start toward eventually becoming a Christian.
DeleteYes, Mike, I also like recommending the gospel of John. And after they finish reading that, I recommend they keep reading- the book of Acts, Romans, etc.
Delete1.-So based on what you've learned, what would you say to the seeker that asks you why you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
ReplyDeleteI would say for what reason would so many people follow Christianity? I t is the biggest religion in the world. Just the fact that so many people followed Christ within the first few years after the Resurrection is amazing. If it wasn't real then it wouldn't have grown so large. But since so many people witnessed him going to heaven, there was no way people couldn't deny.
2. "Did it"
Yes Chuy! The explosive growth of devoted followers of Christ in the very city that crucified him just a few weeks earlier is an amazing evidence for the resurrection of Christ.
DeleteWay to go Chuy. Keep up the daily blogging. Just a thought to think about Chuy . Christianity was not always the largest belief. In fact most of what is now considered Christianity isn't necessarily Christian. When the true church first started, there may have been only around 3200 believers in the world, making it the smallest belief at that time. Yet it was the only one that showed men how to be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ and how to have a vibrant relationship with Him.
Delete1.-So based on what you've learned, what would you say to the seeker that asks you why you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
ReplyDeleteI believe that Jesus rose from the dead because of the evidence provided by a very accurate, historical record, the Bible. From the testimony of eye witnesses, Jesus for certain, died on the cross and then his dead body was laid in a new tomb that was sealed and guarded. On the third day, the tomb was found empty. That fact was accepted not only by those that believed Jesus was resurrected, but also by those who disbelieved that Jesus was the Son of God, and made their own story to explain it away. That story was also documented in various writings from that period. The historical account claims that Jesus had appeared alive before more then 500 people. That was the prelude to the sudden, emergence of the Church which instantly exploded into existence shortly after the ascension of Jesus. I see the remarkable birth and the continuation of His Church as a direct result and a major proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But even more then that, I believe that Jesus rose from the dead because I have loving relationship with Him, who saved from by paying the penalty of my sins and has given me new life, new purpose and an eternal destiny to be with Him forever.
2) Did It
Excellent Dave! So many great points concisely written! A real model.
Delete1) I have read from gotquestions.org that "we find just four short periods in which miracles were widely performed (the period of the Exodus, the time of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, the ministry of Jesus, and the time of the apostles). While miracles occurred throughout the Bible, it was only during these four periods that miracles were "common."
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that the apostles were blessed with the power of performing miracles. They even brought their proof with them.
It explains the proof of the resurrection and the rapid expansion of the church.
Acts 4:9-10
9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
2) Did it
1. I would say the eye witnesses, the execution of Jesus, and the empty tomb are all reasons why I believe Jesus rose from the dead. In addition, I would also mention the transformed lives of Christians as well as biblical prophecies concerning Jesus.
ReplyDelete2. Did it.
1.-So based on what you've learned, what would you say to the seeker that asks you why you believe that Jesus rose from the dead?
ReplyDeleteI would explain the 5 E’s to them, encourage them to read the bible and invite them to service at New Life.
2.-Did it
Based on the very facts
ReplyDeleteExecution of CHrist
Empty Tomb where CHrist was buried
Eye witnesses to the resurection
Early records
Emergence of the church (Quickly)
--and more
Evidence of miracles by the apostles enacting in a manner that duplicated Jesus
Also proven in our testimony, in a person's changed life. The reflection based on what is obligation or what is truly defined in a loving relationship. Also that obedience is centered in trust.
Did it
"salvation is found in no one else..." Acts 4:12.
During the last days of march and entering April I was mentoring a young man at work(observing,asking questions, knowing the field,the service, knowing customer)... during the early days I did not bother to quickly jump and say "I am a believer of Jesus Christ"... no no learned from my past experiences from other men i was mentoring, but instead asked questions kindly about him and slowly he opened up. Somehow we got in topic of bible (I think he was mentioning parables on how he had to break them down in his English literature class) that's when I gently said "you know i am a folower of Jesus Christ", he with a loud voice said "I knew there was something different from you and the rest of co workers that I got to talk to, the way you carry yourself"!! I just leaned on a smirk, and after a moment of pause(now keep in mind were in a truck, just me and him) hr himself asked the priceless question... "what led you to your faith that you proclaim"? Man talking about on the spot he put me on, alot was rushing through my head (being the light,sowing a seed,sharing the Gospel, the truth, intimidation,fear, opportunity) well said a quick prayer and said " Father you have prep me for a day like this to be used for your glory,to share your message" like scripture says always be prepared to give an answer on account of what I believe in"... so I started with my testimony, he asked more questions about it and was moved by testimony, but he he digged deeper about why he doesn't believe as he pit it "I more of an agnostic"... I encouraged to read John, but I also digged deeper into his life and he opened up, there I'd definitely root to why he is not fully blown away from believing or following... After gave him card for miniclips to watch and invited him to churcj, he kindly said " I won't promise you that I'll watch or go but you got me thinking", in my head I'm saying " all you God"!! Let's always make the Living Word of God "attractive" and continue to point back to the cross.
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ReplyDelete1. first, I would confess to people that God has done a miracle in my life, as He has changed my heart, and has forgiven me my sins. That alone is an unquestionable miracle!! Then, I would tell them that I myself was a skeptic of God and His word, until I started to research many of the Old Testament Prophecies that were written hundreds of years before they were accomplished and fulfilled. God has turned this world upside down, as a result of Christ rising from the Dead, the exploding of the early church knowing full well, that followers of Jesus were to be tortured and crucified. Nature and all of Creation itself proves that there is an Almighty God.
ReplyDelete2. did it
3. John Pizano, Lloyd Jones, Mike Stanevicius