tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.comments2024-03-18T07:15:27.206+00:00HARRY JHarry Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08299538663895557942noreply@blogger.comBlogger1843125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-72448412040958194482024-02-18T03:30:25.520+00:002024-02-18T03:30:25.520+00:00Fraudulent Faith (Part 2)
By Pastor Ray Stedman
“...Fraudulent Faith (Part 2)<br />By Pastor Ray Stedman<br /><br />“They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”<br />1 Timothy 4:3<br /><br />One of the strange marks of religious error is that it is so often accompanied by ascetic practices, that is, denial of certain normal, natural human enjoyments. One of them is marriage. A number of groups have historically forbidden marriage to their adherents with the idea that sex is unclean, and those who indulge in it are certainly less dedicated than those who refrain.<br /><br />Foods come under this heading too. I do not mean to imply at all that there is anything wrong with diets. It is obvious that some people need dieting. There is nothing wrong with studies on nutrition and proper eating. Nevertheless, through the course of human history there has been a strange affinity between food restrictions and fads and religious error.<br /><br />The reason is that at the heart of asceticism is a conviction that self-denial somehow pleases God. It can be very earnest, very sincere. Often Christians fall into this error in their early Christian days, thinking that if they deny themselves in some way God is going to be pleased, and their status in His sight will be advanced. That is why some Christians love to get up early in the morning for Scripture reading or memorize hundreds of verses of Scripture or pray on their knees for long periods of time. These practices, which in themselves are not wrong, nevertheless become wrong because their motive (that of gaining God's favor by self-denial) is wrong.<br /><br />This is a good example of the subtlety by which error begins. When a deviation enters a stream of truth, at the first point of deviation, error looks like truth; it is very hard to see it as error. This is what has misled so many people. They never recognize error until they become engrossed in it. Down the line they begin to suspect that it is error, but by that time they are already hooked.<br /><br />There is a difference between self-denial and denying self. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). That is denying self. But that is easily confused with self-denial, which says, “I will give up this thing or that thing. I want to gain a special mark of favor before God, and I want to influence God to do something for me in return.” When our motivation ultimately is to achieve something for ourselves by our actions, we are no longer denying self but practicing self-denial.<br /><br />How subtle the differences are! Self-denial is an attempt to earn favor apart from faith in the gift of righteousness which makes us wholly acceptable before God right at the very beginning of our Christian life; denying self is a refusal to heed those silken arguments of the inner ego that appeal to us to show how good we are by giving up something.<br /><br />Prayer<br />Lord, thank You that I can enjoy the things You have created. Teach me the difference between self-denial and denying self.<br /><br />Life Application<br />What is the difference between self-denial and denying self? Are we careful not to let subtle religious error lead us into a fraudulent faith apart from Christ's righteousness?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-4953349265925479672023-12-19T07:10:47.776+00:002023-12-19T07:10:47.776+00:00Interesting perspective! The article delves into t...Interesting perspective! The article delves into the impacts of mass immigration, drawing parallels with the Tower of Babel. A thought-provoking read! <a href="https://westwaveimmigration.com/" rel="nofollow">visit visa canada</a>Jessica Bolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12162255539594180960noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-13528986128184977742023-12-19T05:50:48.641+00:002023-12-19T05:50:48.641+00:00Thank you for sharringThank you for sharringMason Sotohttps://masonsotos.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-54951044503218821952023-12-12T01:43:37.477+00:002023-12-12T01:43:37.477+00:00Ask yourself, "What part does the blood of Je...Ask yourself, "What part does the blood of Jesus play in this teaching? What is said about his Person?"<br /><br />The central deviation of all religious error is a negative testimony to the centrality of Christ in the universe. Even the unseen forces of life know that Jesus is central. Jesus is truly Lord, so the thrust of error is to attack him.<br /><br />This is why in a university like Stanford it is possible to teach Buddhism, or some other teaching, and find it widely approved and supported by the faculty and the administration. Someone told me this morning that he took a course at Stanford University on Druids and Druidism and the religion of King Arthur. It became evident through the course that the teacher believed these things and was actively propagating a belief in Druidism -- and nobody objected. But when Jesus, when true Christianity, is presented, there immediately is sharp and subtle opposition against it. This is what the apostle Paul is pointing out.<br /><br />Paul reveals the ultimate origin of these cults as coming from "deceitful spirits." <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-47975340591259427912023-12-12T01:43:20.654+00:002023-12-12T01:43:20.654+00:00In the last part of the 19th century, there was a ...In the last part of the 19th century, there was a pronounced season of deceit, when new cults that have occupied the scene ever since emerged here in America. Mormonism was born then; Jehovah's Witnesses came into being during that latter part of the 19th century; Christian Science emerged. All of these claimed to be Christian, yet they distorted biblical Christianity. That period in the 19th century was followed by a period of quiet, when no new cults emerged. Error was being taught but no new organizations were formed.<br /><br />Suddenly, in the mid-60's, it all broke loose again. A torrent of error began to flood our churches and the media. The Moonies came into existence under the Korean leader, Sun Myung Moon; the Hare Krishna, those young people in saffron robes with shaved heads, started appearing in airports, passing out literature and pinning flowers to lapels; Scientology, with its strange and cruel doctrines, was born; Transcendental Meditation came into popularity then.<br /><br />Here the apostle is explaining that strange phenomenon to us. He says these things will occur in successive seasons of time. During those times, Paul says, many will depart from the truth, depart from the faith as it is presented in the apostolic Scriptures.<br /><br />These groups make their appeal in various ways: some appeal to the emotions, some to the intellect, some to the will, to the pride of mankind. But they all have one common characteristic. This characteristic is indicated in this passage by the way the apostle moves from the central truth of Christianity, "the mystery of wholeness" (the person of our Lord and his work) expressed in Chapter 3, Verse 16, to the sharp and stark contrast of this "departure from the faith." Thus Paul seems strongly to suggest that the central focus of all error is to present a different Jesus; that is the key mark of deceit.<br /><br />If you want to know whether a group you are listening to, or are in touch with, is preaching and teaching true Christianity, ask yourself: "What do they say about Jesus? Who is he? Is he God appearing as man? Did he come in the flesh? Is he the Savior who has in himself accomplished all that God requires for the redemption of humanity?" <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-66672129884135111432023-12-12T01:42:58.592+00:002023-12-12T01:42:58.592+00:00Fraudulent Faith
“Now the Spirit expressly says...Fraudulent Faith <br /><br /><br />“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1 RSV)<br /><br />As we draw near to the end, before the return of the Lord, there may come an increasing departure from the faith, but I do not think this passage is talking about any one great departure. In fact, other Scriptures suggest that the departure from the faith will occur at the time of the appearance of the man whom Paul, in Second Thessalonians, calls "the man of sin" (2 Thessalonians 2:3 KJV), the so-called "antichrist" (1 John 2:18), who will lead this great departure from the faith.<br /><br />This verse in First Timothy, however, is more properly understood when it is translated, "in succeeding seasons there will be many departing from the faith" -- i.e., this is something that is going to go on, the apostle is suggesting, throughout the whole course of Christian history, in succeeding seasons of time. Just as there are several seasons in a calendar year, so in the calendar of history God has seasons for human events -- seasons of war, seasons of peace, seasons of unrest in society, when everything seems to be torn apart (we are going through such a season now); seasons of discovery, when the human mind breaks through into new vistas of truth, geographical discoveries, scientific discoveries; seasons of retrenchment, when everything seems to quiet down; and, as the apostle clearly says here, "seasons of deceit," when error breaks forth afresh; like a fountain, it seems to gush out a whole new spectrum of untruth. I have lived long enough to have seen several such seasons.<br /><br />These seasons of deceit were predicted by the Holy Spirit, we do not know how. Perhaps Paul learned this in some of those direct visions and visits from Jesus himself. Perhaps it came through the prophetic ministry of some of the New Testament prophets. At any rate, the Spirit had precisely stated that there would be succeeding seasons of deceit.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-14680730685226985352023-10-07T13:05:27.143+01:002023-10-07T13:05:27.143+01:00Hello matte nice blogHello matte nice blogArtzymelonshttps://artzymelons.tumblr.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-34762633907285940232023-09-27T20:12:03.016+01:002023-09-27T20:12:03.016+01:00Second, these 66 books were written by 40 differen...Second, these 66 books were written by 40 different authors. These authors came from a variety of backgrounds: shepherds, fishermen, doctors, kings, prophets, and others. And most of these authors never knew one another personally.<br /><br />Third, these 66 books were written over a period of 1500 years. Yet again, this is another reminder that many of these authors never knew or collaborated with one another in writing these books.<br /><br />Fourth, the 66 books of the Bible were written in 3 different languages. In the Bible we have books that were written in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic; a reflection of the historical and cultural circumstances in which each of these books were written.<br /><br />And finally, these 66 books were written on 3 different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe . Once again, this is a testament to the varied historical and cultural circumstances of God's people.<br /><br />Think about the above realities: 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents. What's more, this collection of books shares a common storyline - the creation, fall, and redemption of God's people; a common theme - God's universal love for all of humanity; and a common message - salvation is available to all who repent of their sins and<br />commit to following God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. In addition to sharing these commonalities, these 66 books contain no historical errors or contradictions. God's word truly is an amazing collection of writings!<br /><br /><br />The entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, bears the mark of Divine inspiration. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Bible Itself Argues Against the Possibility of Its Corruption<br /><br /><br />The charge that the Bible has been corrupted, contradicts what the Bible itself teaches. After all, in Isaiah 40:8 we read, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands for ever.” In the New Testament Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away”<br /> (Matthew 24:35).<br /><br /><br />The Almighty God who had the power and sovereign control to inspire the Scriptures in the first place is surely going to continue to exercise His power and sovereign control in the preservation of Scripture.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-12236860995274839892023-09-27T20:11:35.497+01:002023-09-27T20:11:35.497+01:00Ralph Muncaster, (former atheist) in his book: Ex...Ralph Muncaster, (former atheist) in his book: Examine the Evidence, presents extensive evidence to validate the truth-claims of Christianity. He provides compelling arguments from science, biblical prophecy, history, and archaeology. This former skeptic points out that of all religions and philosophies on earth, only one, Christianity is verifiable and testable. He was challenged to honestly investigate the Bible and the facts of modern science. He was stunned. Fact after fact, from biology, history, archaeology, physics, lined up with the Bible’s account!<br /> <br /><br />Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853) Greenleaf, (former Atheist), one of the principle founders of the Harvard Law School, and a world-renowned expert on evidence, originally set out to disprove the biblical testimony concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was certain that a careful examination of the internal witness of the Gospels would dispel all the myths at the heart of Christianity. But this legal scholar came to the conclusion that the witnesses were reliable, and that the resurrection did in fact happen. Being a man of conviction and reason, and in accordance with his conclusions, Greenleaf converted from Agnosticism to Christianity. <br /><br /><br />Manuscript Documentation<br /><br />The position of Jewish scribe was one of the most demanding and esteemed jobs in biblical times. After training for years, scribes were allowed to practice the profession only after age 30. Often referred to as doctors of the Law, they joined the priests in the teaching of the Law.<br /><br />Scripture Copy Rules<br /><br />Recording of Holy Scripture was a serious responsibility. So important was exact reproduction that Old Testament scribes were forced to adhere to demanding rules anytime a manuscript was copied:<br /><br />1. Scrolls – special paper, ink, and surface preparation required.<br />2. Tight specifications – specified column number, 37 letters per column.<br />3. Master used – no duplicates of duplicates.<br />4. Each letter visually confirmed – no writing of phrases.<br />5. Distance between letters checked with thread.<br />6. Alphabet – each letter counted and compared to the original.<br />7. Letters per page counted and compared to master.<br />8. Middle letter of scroll verified to be the same as the master.<br />9. One mistake – scroll was destroyed (i.e., master scrolls)<br /><br />Consider the following facts about the Bible:<br /><br />First, the Bible is not just one single book. This is a more common misconception than many people realize, especially with people who do not come from a Judeo-Christian background. Rather than being a single book, the Bible is actually a collection of 66 books, which is called the canon of scriptures. These 66 books contain a variety of genres: history, poetry, prophecy, wisdom literature, letters, and apocalyptic just to name a few.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-29073519445939130392023-09-27T20:11:07.411+01:002023-09-27T20:11:07.411+01:00None of the canonical New Testament is lost or mis...None of the canonical New Testament is lost or missing. By comparison, 107 of Livy’s 142 books of history have been lost and about one half of Tacitus’ 30 books of Annals and Histories is missing.<br />2. Good arguments can be given that each of the Gospels was either written by an eyewitness, or significantly influenced by firsthand testimony, as recognized by many contemporary scholars.<br />3. Even without proving eyewitness authorship, the Gospels measure up well by normal historical standards used in ancient historiography.<br />4. The Gospel are trustworthy sources, as explained by A.M. Hunter<br /> a. These Christian authors, like their Jewish counterparts, were careful to preserve traditional material.<br /> b. The Gospels are close to eyewitness sources.<br /> c. The Gospel authors were honest reporters.<br /> d. The picture of Jesus presented in the four Gospels is virtually the same (see Archibald M. Hunter, Bible and Gospel, pp. 32-37).<br />5. The Gospels and Acts exhibit a specific interest in reporting historical facts, not mythology. This is especially the case when the life of Jesus is reported.<br />6. Contemporary historians frequently opposed the application of radical criticism to New Testament studies. According to A.N. Sherwin-White and Michael Grant, such attacks fail at a number of crucial points (see A.N. Sherman-White, Roman Society, pp. 186-193; Grant, Jesus: An Historian Review, pp. 179-184, 199-201).<br /> a. Numerous ancient works exhibit intentions and methodologies similar to that of the New Testament authors, and yet these ancient works are well accredited as historical works.<br /> b. There are no ancient writings in the category that radical critics place the Gospels.<br /> c. New Testament books such as Acts have been largely confirmed by external test of historicity.<br />7. The Gospel and Acts were recognized as inspired books almost immediately after being written (see J.B. Lightfoot, The Apostolic Fathers).<br /> a. 1 Timothy 5:18 quotes Luke 10:7 and refers to it as “Scripture.”<br /> b. Clement of Rome (about AD 95) speaks of the “Gospel” and quotes portions found in all three synoptic Gospels, referring to them as the words of Jesus (Corinthians 13,46).<br /> c. Ignatius (Smyrnaeans 3) and Polycarp (Philippians 2, 7), both writing about AD 115, refer to verses in the synoptic Gospels as the words of Christ. <br />8. Paul’s epistles were also recognized as inspired Scripture almost immediately after being written.<br /> a. 2 Peter 3:15-16 calls Paul’s epistles “Scripture.”<br /> b. Clement of Roman (Corinthians 47), Ignatius (Ephesians 10; to Polycarp 5), and Polycarp (Philippians 1,3-4, 6) all refer to Paul’s writings as inspired.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-16846151958823686792023-09-27T20:10:40.877+01:002023-09-27T20:10:40.877+01:00Archaeological Evidence
Archaeologists have disc...Archaeological Evidence<br /><br /><br />Archaeologists have discovered substantial support about many <br />details of Jesus’ life. Some examples include:<br /><br />Indirect Resurrection Evidence<br /><br />Evidence that the people in Jesus’ time believed in the resurrection is found on caskets of bones (ossuaries) discovered in a sealed tomb outside Jerusalem in 1945. Coins minted in about A.D. 50 were found inside the caskets, dating the burial within about 20 years of Jesus’ crucifixion. Markings are clearly legible, including several statements reflecting knowledge of Jesus’ ability to overcome death. Examples of writings (in Greek) of hope for deceased loved ones include: “Jesus, Help” and “Jesus, Let Him Arise.” The caskets also contain several crosses, clearly marked in charcoal. This is powerful evidence that early Christians believed in Jesus’ ability to triumph over death. It also ties the idea of victory over death to the cross.<br /><br />Sir William Ramsay (1852-1916). Sir William Ramsay was, arguably the greatest archaeologist of his day. His archaeological journeys took him to 32 countries, 44 cities, and 9 islands. Throughout some 15 years of intensive study, he concluded that “Luke is a historian of the first rank, this author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians.”<br /><br /><br />The Dead Sea Scrolls<br /><br />Any doubt regarding the accurate transmission of manuscripts was erased in 1947<br />with the discovery of hundreds of scrolls buried in caves for nearly 2000 years. <br />Many were written before 100 B.C. Comparison of biblical books with recent <br />Jewish copies shows virtually no change in words or even letters.<br /><br /><br />The Trustworthiness of the New Testament<br /><br />The New Testament has better manuscript evidence than any other ancient book.<br /><br />There are over 5,000 New Testament manuscripts and portions of manuscripts. By comparison, the majority of classical works have less than 20 manuscripts.<br /><br />The dates of the New Testament manuscripts are close to the original writings. One Gospel fragment (Ryland’s) dates about 25 years after the Gospel of John and most of the New Testament (Chester Beatty and Bodmer Papyri) from 50-150 years after the originals. Most classical works date from 700 – 1400 years after the originals.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-74793399084013448432023-09-27T20:10:03.517+01:002023-09-27T20:10:03.517+01:00In the beginning you laid the foundations of the e...In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like garments (Psalm 102:25-26).<br /><br />Other similar references include Isaiah 51:6; Matthew 24:35; Romans 8:20-22; 1 John 2:17; and Hebrews 12:27. In 1850, Clausius discovered this second law of thermodynamics.<br /><br />Circumcision on the eighth day (the Bible: 1450 B.C.; science: 1947). No one really knows for sure why God specifically chose circumcision as the sign of his covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:11). Though it seems like an odd practice, research has indicated that it does have medical value. A study in the mid-1900s showed that Jewish women had a lower rate of cervical cancer. The smegma bacillus has been shown to be a major cause of cervical cancer. It can be easily carried in the foreskin of uncircumcised males and transferred to females through abrasions of the cervix (as those occurring in childbirth). <br /><br />Interestingly, God specified that newborns be circumcised on the eighth day after childbirth (Genesis 17:12). Research shows that infants are particularly susceptible to hemorrhaging from the second day after birth to the fifth. A small cut can be deadly. Vitamin K, necessary for the production of prothrombin (the body’s blood-clotting substance) is not present sufficiently until days five through seven. It skyrockets to 110 percent of normal on day eight, and then levels off. The Bible specifies the best possible day.<br /><br />Sterilization (the Bible: 1450 B.C.; science: 1800s). It is easy to take our understanding of germs and disease for granted. However, germs and sterilization were not understood until the time of Joseph Lister (1865), near the end of the Civil War. The Bible required sterilization for many things: infectious disease (Leviticus 13), childbirth (chapter 12), bodily discharges (chapter 15), and handling of the dead (Numbers 19). <br /><br /><br />Interesting to note that many of the world’s greatest scientists have been Christians working from within a Christian worldview, including men such as Nicolaus Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, and Sir Isaac Newton. These brilliant men found to be true what many others discovered: The Bible is a book that can be trusted. <br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-4790386862139842972023-09-27T20:09:36.892+01:002023-09-27T20:09:36.892+01:00Why we should believe the Bible
We should believe...Why we should believe the Bible<br /><br />We should believe the Bible because of the wealth of good evidence that has demonstrated the Bible is historically reliable and divinely inspired. It speaks about:<br /><br /><br />• Its hundreds of fulfilled prophecies<br />• The Bible's amazing internal harmony<br />• The Bible's incredible scientific accuracy and foresight<br />• Thousands of archaeological discoveries<br />• Numerous details in the Bible that have been corroborated by extrabiblical historical sources<br />• And so on<br /><br /><br />THE BIBLE IS SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE<br /><br />For the Bible to be regarded as the inspired word of God, it must be scientifically accurate…since God would certainly know the facts about his creation. A word of caution, however, as we seek to evaluate the claim of scientific accuracy. Over time, science has often discovered new facts that confirmed a revised understanding of the truth, previously unknown. These discoveries have always been consistent with the Bible, however, at times a careful consideration of the words and (importantly) the context of the words must be made.<br />The account of creation (the Bible: 1450 B.C.; science: 1900s). The account of creation as given in the Bible (Genesis 1) is accurate according to the steps understood by science. Written down originally by Moses, they were not fully recognized by science until the 1900s, using modern astronomy, physics, chemistry, paleontology, and geology.<br /><br /><br />Time, space and matter had a beginning (the Bible: 1450 B.C.; science: 1916). The Bible’s first words are “in the beginning.” And elsewhere, including the New Testament, there are references to the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Corinthians 2:7). In 1915, Albert Einstein’s equations of general relativity proposed a beginning of time, matter and space. Later these equations were confirmed by repeated experiments.<br /><br />The first law of thermodynamics (the Bible: 1450 B.C.; science: 1842). The law of conservation of energy indicates that matter and energy can neither be created nor destroyed (just converted). There are many biblical references to God’s completion (that is, there was no more creation), going as far back as Genesis (2:2-3), and also in several other books (Psalm 148:6; Isaiah 40:26; 2 Peter 3:3-7; Hebrews 4:3-4,10). Joule and Mayer both independently discovered this in the same year (1842), what is now known as the first law of thermodynamics.<br /><br />The second law of thermodynamics (the Bible: 1000 B.C.; Science: 1850). Commonly known as entropy, this law states that all things progress from a state of order to a state of disorder (within a closed system) without a purposeful input of energy. Common illustrations: things decay, springs unwind, stars burn out, heat dissipates, and materials become mixed over time. There are many references to the principle of entropy in the Bible, for example,<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-9174108246744974102023-08-24T11:19:16.665+01:002023-08-24T11:19:16.665+01:00This is a great post thannksThis is a great post thannkseljarasokhttps://eljarasok.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-50600498209772780112023-06-17T04:05:17.112+01:002023-06-17T04:05:17.112+01:00What makes you think Christianity is the only way ...What makes you think Christianity is the only way to God?<br /><br /><br />The truth of Christianity rests completely in the person of Jesus. The Gospels are the written accounts by eyewitnesses of Jesus' life and deeds. Jesus said that He alone was the way to the Father (John 14:6) and that He alone revealed the Father (Matt. 11:27, Luke 10:22). Jesus claimed to be God (John 8:58, Exodus 3:14), who forgave sins (Mark 2:5, Luke 5:20, 7:48) and who rose from the dead (Luke 24:24-29, John 2:19-21). Jesus said that He was the only way. Jesus is unique. He was either telling the truth, He was crazy, or He was a liar. But since everyone agrees that Jesus was a good man, how then could He be both good and crazy or good and a liar? He had to be telling the truth in order to be good. He is the only way.<br /><br />Furthermore, Christianity is not just a religion. It is a relationship with God. It is trusting in Jesus and what He did on the cross (1 Cor. 15:1-4) and not on what you can do for yourself (Eph. 2:8-9). It is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and dependence upon the One who died and rose from the dead (John 2:19-21).<br /><br />Buddha didn't rise from the dead nor did Confucius or Zoroaster. Muhammad didn't fulfill detailed prophecy or rise from the dead either, and though there is far less reliable information written, people believe in them.<br /><br />The Scripture is right when it says in 1 Peter 2:7-8, "This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve, 'The stone which the builders rejected, this became the very corner stone,' and, 'A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense'; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed."<br /><br />It is Jesus to whom we look for the validity of Christianity. If Jesus is false, then Christianity is false. If Jesus is who He claimed to be, then Christianity is the only correct religion.<br /><br />The Mathematical Odds of Jesus Fulfilling Prophecy<br /><br />"The following probabilities are taken from Peter Stoner {See Note 1} to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, ‘we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 10 exp 17." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 10 exp 17 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas (268,820 square miles) [(696,241 km (square)] . They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man."<br /><br />Stoner considers 48 prophecies and says, "we find the chance that any one man fulfilled all 48 prophecies to be 1 in 10 exp 157 or 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,<br />000,000,000,000,000,000,000." {See Note: 2}<br /><br /><br />The estimated number of electrons in the universe is around 10 exp 17. It should be quite evident that Jesus did not fulfill the prophecies by accident. He was who He said He was: the only way (John 14:6).<br /><br />1.Science Speaks, Moody Press, 1963.<br />2.McDowell, Josh, Evidence that Demands a Verdict.<br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-80387713731169928092023-06-04T15:51:48.132+01:002023-06-04T15:51:48.132+01:00After reading your article I was amazed. I know th...After reading your article I was amazed. I know that you explain it very well. And I hope that other readers will also experience how I feel after reading your article. Anyway, Are you looking for the perfect <a href="https://www.dreampurses.com/hermes-handbags-the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-a-hermes-replica-bag/" rel="nofollow"> Hermes Replica Bag</a>? Look no further than this ultimate guide to buying a Hermes replica bag.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-68016366188002738282023-05-17T22:14:40.707+01:002023-05-17T22:14:40.707+01:00Nice blog thanks foor postingNice blog thanks foor postingPeanut Butter Cookie Recipeshttps://www.cookiepins.com/peanut-butter-cookies/chocolate_dipped_peanut_butter_cookies_5576993294.shtmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-66731067739391981922023-03-25T16:44:07.845+00:002023-03-25T16:44:07.845+00:00Ninth, Pilate double-checked to make sure Jesus wa...Ninth, Pilate double-checked to make sure Jesus was dead before he gave the corpse to Joseph to be buried. “Summoning the centurion, he asked him if He had been dead for some time. And when he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph” (Mark 15:44-45).<br /><br />Tenth, Jesus was wrapped in about 75 pounds of cloth and spices and placed in a sealed tomb for three days (John 19:39-40; Matthew 27:60). If He were not dead by then, which He clearly was, He would have died from lack of food, water, and medical treatment.<br /><br />Eleventh, medical authorities who have examined the circumstances and nature of Christ’s death have concluded that He actually died on the cross. An article in the Journal of the American Medical Society (March 21, 1986) concluded:<br /><br /> Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spear, thrust between his right rib, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured his death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern knowledge (p. 1463).<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-19276644600269438692023-03-25T16:43:47.448+00:002023-03-25T16:43:47.448+00:00Fifth, the nature of the crucifixion assures death...Fifth, the nature of the crucifixion assures death. Jesus was on the cross from 9 o’clock in the morning until just before sunset. He bled from wounded hands and feet plus from the thorns that pierced His head. There would be a tremendous loss of blood from doing this for more than six hours. Plus, crucifixion demands that one constantly pull himself up in order to breathe, thus sending excruciating pain from the nails. Doing this all day would kill nearly anyone even if they were previously in good health.<br /><br />Sixth, the piercing of Jesus’ side with the spear, from which came “blood and water (John 19:34), is proof that He had physically died before the piercing. When this has happened, it is medical proof that the person has already died (see point eleven below).<br />When the soldier pierced the side of Jesus his blood, which had already separated into the plasma and the hemoglobin, came pouring out together. That only happens when the circulation has stopped and death has occurred.<br /><br /><br />Seventh, Jesus said He was in the act of dying on the cross when He declared “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit” (Luke 23:46). And “having said this, He breathed His last” (v.46).<br /><br />John renders this, “He gave up His spirit” (John 19:30). His death cry was heard by those who stood by (vv. 47-49).<br /><br />Eighth, the Roman soldiers, accustomed to crucifixion and death, pronounced Jesus dead. Although it was a common practice to break the legs of the victim to speed death (so that the person can no longer lift himself and breathe), they did not even break Jesus’ legs (John 19:33).<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-45147059527697086452023-03-25T16:43:17.343+00:002023-03-25T16:43:17.343+00:00Did Jesus die on the cross or just swoon?
Problem...Did Jesus die on the cross or just swoon?<br /><br />Problem: Many skeptics believe that Jesus did not die on the cross. Some say that He took a drug that put Him in a coma-like state and that He later revived in the tomb. Yet the Bible says repeatedly that Christ died on the cross (cf. Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:14).<br /><br />Solution: Jesus never fainted or swooned, nor was He drugged on the cross. In fact, He refused the drug customarily offered to the victim before crucifixion to help deaden pain (Matthew 27:34), and He accepted only “vinegar” later (v. 48) to quench His thirst. Jesus’<br />actual physical death on the cross is supported by overwhelming evidence.<br /><br />First of all, the Old Testament predicted that Christ would die (Isaiah 53:5-10; Psalms 22:16; Daniel 9:26; Zechariah 12:10). And Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (cf. Matt. 4:14-16; 5:17-18; 8:17; John 4:25-26; 5:39).<br /><br />Second, Jesus announced many times during His ministry that He was going to die (John 2:19-21; 10:10-11; Matthew 12:40; Mark 8:31). Typical is Matthew 17:22-23 that says, “The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men and they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up.”<br /><br />Third, all the predictions of His resurrection, both in the Old Testament (cf. Psalms 16:10; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2) and in the New Testament (cf. John 2:19-21; Matthew 12:40; 17:22-23), are based on the fact that He would die. Only a dead body can be resurrected.<br /><br />Fourth, the nature and extent of Jesus’ injuries indicate that He must have died. He had no sleep the night before He was crucified. He was beaten several times and whipped. And He collapsed on the way to His crucifixion carrying His cross. This in itself, to say nothing of the crucifixion to follow, was totally exhausting and life draining.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-54339583652551222182023-01-03T01:30:27.536+00:002023-01-03T01:30:27.536+00:00Reliable Eyewitnesses
The Bible, like many books...Reliable Eyewitnesses<br /> <br />The Bible, like many books, was written by eyewitnesses (Luke 1:2; 2 Peter 2:16) to the events and circumstances that they recorded. That they were trustworthy witnesses is only to be expected, since God inspired them to co-author their respective portions of the Bible. But some ask: how can we know if the Bible’s human co-authors were really reliable eyewitnesses?<br /> <br />The following eyewitness traits are the ones emphasized in common law, in law school, and in the Rules of Evidence.<br /> <br />A reliable witness will evidence honesty by his/her sincerity of speech, and be clearly motivated by a drive to speak the truth. The quality of a witness’s observations can be observed by accurate memory, evidenced often by access to accurate records. The competency of his/her communication will be demonstrated by an ability to recall and describe observations, with accurate information and relevant details. Testimonial consistency is also a key factor in reliability.<br /> <br />Though each witness will provide idiosyncratic differences (due to different perspectives and interests), all Scripture has perfect evidentiary consistency. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Moses, Daniel, Jude, and all of the other Bible’s co-authors qualify as impeccably reliable eyewitnesses. Many of the Bible’s writers suffered cruel treatment, even death, for their stand on their witness. To the obvious credibility of their writings is added the unshakeable belief that their testimony was so true that it was worth suffering and dying for.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-25420244925882315762023-01-03T01:30:08.493+00:002023-01-03T01:30:08.493+00:00Scientific Accuracy
Many would suggest that the ...Scientific Accuracy<br /> <br />Many would suggest that the Bible is an antiquated religious book, filled with scientific fallacies and mistakes. Others believe that the Bible is a book of true religion, but dealing solely with spiritual subjects, with any matters of science and history to be interpreted spiritually or allegorically.<br /> <br />Either the Bible is wholly reliable on every subject with which it deals, or it is not the Word of God.<br /> <br />Although the Bible is obviously not a science textbook (otherwise it would be continuously out of date), the Bible does contain all the basic principles upon which true science is built. The Bible abounds with references to nature and natural processes, and thus frequently touches on the various sciences. For instance, there are many passages that deal with principles of hydrology, geology, astronomy, meteorology, biology, physics, cosmology, and the grand principles of the space-mass/energy-time continuum.<br /> <br />Again, if the God revealed in the Bible truly exists, then everything that He reveals would of necessity be true.<br /> <br />One often hears of mistakes or errors in the Bible. Seldom, when confronted, is there an example provided. When such “errors” are cited, they fall into three kinds of alleged mistakes: 1) mathematical rounding, 2) relative motion, or 3) miracles. Obviously, mathematical rounding is both scientific and in constant use today, as is the use of relative motion for all sorts of navigation and distance calculations. To deny the miraculous is to assume that one is omniscient.<br /> <br />Just as the Bible has become a source book for history and archaeology, so it is also a source book for the foundational principles of science. Those who ignore the information of Scripture will be “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7).<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-53581426512996435592023-01-03T01:29:44.470+00:002023-01-03T01:29:44.470+00:00The Bible demands a unique salvation.
Perfect ho...The Bible demands a unique salvation.<br /> <br />Perfect holiness is required (Romans 3:10-18, 23; 6:23).<br />Substitutionary atonement is the only means of reconciliation (Hebrews 10:4-14; Romans 3:24-26).<br />Grace is the only measurement (Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 11:5-6).<br /> <br />Other religions require some form of works or participation.<br /> <br />Accurate Data<br /> <br />The Bible is unique among all books. Not only is it different in its form, structure, and history, but it takes the position of supernatural superiority to all other communication. It insists on total accuracy for its content and absolute obedience to its commands. No other book is so demanding.<br /> <br />Historical Accuracy<br /> <br />The Bible has proven to be more historically and archaeologically accurate than any other ancient book. It has been subjected to the minutest scientific textual analysis possible to humanity and has been proven to be authentic in every way.<br /> <br />Genesis Is Historically True<br />The most controversial book of the Bible is Genesis, especially the first eleven chapters. Those chapters speak of the creation of the universe, the fall of man into sin, the world-wide flood of Noah, and the language-altering event at Babel. There is much evidence that these events are historically accurate. <br /> <br />Biblical Data Is Historically Testable<br /> <br />Historical evidence routinely includes ancient literature, business records, and government documents, analyzed in conjunction with linguistics, geography, and archaeological analysis of physical objects (pottery, coins, remains of buildings, etc.), using forensic science techniques.<br />After many millions of man-hours of research and evidence analysis, archaeology has repeatedly confirmed the reliability of the Bible. The Bible has been proven geographically and re-proven historically accurate, in the most exacting detail, by external evidences.<br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-31632483673065556152023-01-03T01:29:24.091+00:002023-01-03T01:29:24.091+00:00Samaritan Pentateuch: 400 B.C.
Septuagint Greek: 2...Samaritan Pentateuch: 400 B.C.<br />Septuagint Greek: 280 B.C.<br />Dead Sea Scrolls: 0 A.D.<br />Latin Vulgate: 400 A.D.<br /> <br />The quotations from pre-Christian writing confirm the text. The New Testament accepts the Old Testament as authentic, confirming the traditional authors, quoting from at least 320 different passages, and confirming the supernatural events cited in the Old Testament.<br /> <br />The Message<br /> <br />There are over 3,000 different religions in the world, all of which claim to teach the way to eternal happiness. It has often been said that each of them provides a different path to the same end, and that men are free to choose the path that best suits their own disposition and culture. The Word of God is insistent that this is not so!<br /> <br />The Bible insists that the God of the Bible is the only true God (Isaiah 44:6; 45:5-6) and that Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6). All other religions, while stressing their “paths,” would allow for some other contingency.<br /> <br />The Bible insists that it is the only true revelation, that its words are not to be changed (Proverbs 30:5-6;Revelation 22:18-19), and that its words are the basis of all judgment (John 12:47-50).<br /> <br />The Bible has a unique account of origins (Genesis 1-11). All others are either evolutionary or pantheistic, with eternity of matter as the “beginning.” The biblical account of origins is unique in both quality and quantity of information.<br /> <br />The Bible has a unique historical basis. Other religions are based on the subjective teachings of their founders. Biblical teachings are based on objective and demonstrable facts: creation, the fall, the flood, the life and work of redemption of Christ.<br /> <br />The Bible teaches a unique plan of redemption. It reveals a unique Savior.<br /> <br />He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25).<br />He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:14-16).<br />He taught as no other man taught (John 7:46; Matthew 7:28-29).<br />He died a unique, volitional death (John 10:17-18; Luke 23:46).<br />He had unique victory over death (Acts 17:31; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6987072511725902446.post-79161801265444777782023-01-03T01:26:59.997+00:002023-01-03T01:26:59.997+00:00Evidence from Scripture
Authentic Text
Many po...Evidence from Scripture<br /> <br />Authentic Text<br /> <br />Many powerful men over the centuries have tried to discredit or destroy the Bible. All have failed. There is more evidence for the authenticity and accuracy of the Scriptures than for any other ancient book. No one who has studied these issues doubts the genuineness of the Bible. Many, however, reject its message.<br /> <br />The Manuscripts<br /> <br />There is more evidence for the Bible’s authenticity than for any literature of antiquity. Textual analysis begins with historical investigation, beginning with the latest documents and working backward. As evidence develops, the data is evaluated against other sources. The record is then checked for consistency of information, and the claims are analyzed as if it were a legal case, looking for credible testimony with cross-examination. There is an enormous amount of evidence for authenticity of the biblical manuscripts.<br /> <br />The New Testament was written in first century A.D. There are some 20,000 manuscripts in existence. The earliest textual evidence we have was copied 100 years after the original. In contrast:<br /> <br />Caesar’s Gallic Wars was written in the first century B.C. There are only 10 manuscripts in existence. The earliest textual evidence we have was copied 1,000 years after the original.<br />Aristotle’s Poetics was written in the fourth century B.C. There are only 5 manuscripts in existence. The earliest textual evidence we have was copied 1,400 years after the original.<br /> <br />There are many more writings of the Church Fathers quoting sections of Scripture; we could reconstruct the entire New Testament from their writings alone. There were millions of man-hours spent in cross-checking the manuscripts. There remains only 1 percent of all New Testament words about which questions still exist; no questionable passage contradicts any Bible teaching.<br /> <br />The Old Testament has been more accurately transmitted to us than any other ancient writing of comparable age. The textual evidence is greater for both the Old and New Testaments than any other historically reliable ancient document. The ancient scribes were very meticulous. There were only 1,200 variant readings in A.D. 500.<br /> <br />The Masorites produced an official text in A.D. 500. There are other versions that confirm the accuracy of the Masoritic Text.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com