Is He Lord?

   I am going to quote all of what Josh wrote on this subject because he says it so well.
   "I cannot personally conclude that Jesus was a liar or a lunatic. The only other alternative is that He was (is) the Christ, the Son of God, as He claimed.
   When I discuss this with most Jewish people, it's interesting how they respond. They usually tell me that Jesus was a moral, upright, religious leader, a good man, or some kind of prophet. I then share with them the claims Jesus made about Himself and then the material in this chapter on the trilemma (liar, lunatic, or Lord). When I ask if they believe Jesus was a liar, there is a sharp 'No!' Then I ask, 'Do you believe He was a lunatic?' The reply is 'Of course not.' 'Do you believe He is God?' Before I can get a breath in edgewise, there is a resounding 'Absolutely not.' Yet one has only so many choices.
   The issue with these three alternatives is not which is possible, for it is obvious that all three are possible. But rather, the question is 'Which is more probable?' Who you decide Jesus Christ is must not be an idle intellectual exercise. You cannot put Him on the shelf as a great moral teacher. That is not a valid option. He is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord and God. You must make a choice. 'But', as the Apostle John wrote, 'these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and'--more important--'That believing you might have life in His name' (John 20:31).
   The evidence is clearly in favor of Jesus as Lord. Some people, however, reject this clear evidence because of (the) moral implications involved. They don't want to face up to the responsibility or implications of calling Him Lord."
   Josh isn't real clear on what he means by the last paragraph, but I believe it's clear that most folks don't want Jesus telling them they can't have "free sex" so called which is not free. A high price is paid for it in the many marital, murder, and fighting problems we see in our society. Think about it. If all were faithful to only 1 person and only had relations after marriage much destruction of lives would cease! In John 10:10 Jesus said, "The thief (Satan and his workers) comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." The abundant life is a life full of happiness and joy obeying the Word of God.

Sincerely,
Rick

Was Jesus a lunatic?!?!

   Josh, next, looked into the thought that Jesus couldn't have been a lunatic. I quote his first paragraph. "If it is inconceivable for Jesus to be a liar, then couldn't He actually have thought Himself to be God, but been mistaken? After all, it's possible to be both sincere and wrong. But we must remember that for someone to think himself God, especially in a fiercely monotheistic culture, and then to tell others that their eternal destiny depended on believing in Him, is no slight flight of fantasy but the thoughts of a lunatic in the fullest sense. Was Jesus Christ such a person?"
   Josh, then compared such a condition with one today who believes he's Napoleon. Such a person would be self-deceived and probably locked up for his and others sake. But in Jesus there wasn't any of the "abnormalities and imbalance that usually go along with being deranged." Jesus' actions would be "amazing if He were insane".
   Josh gave a synopsis of the description of a schizophrenic from a medical text by Noyes and Kolb in summary - He wants to escape from reality. Claiming deity would be that, but the life of Christ doesn't allow such a conclusion. His words cause freedom for many people to face reality!
   Josh quoted Clark H. Pinnock who stated, "Again, the skill and depth of His teachings support the case only for His total mental soundness. If only we were as sane as He!" Josh, then mentioned that a California University student had told him that his psychology professor had said in class that 'all he has to do is pick up the Bible and read portions of Christ's teachings to many of his patients. That's all the counseling they need."
   Josh, then quoted Psychiatrist J.T. Fisher as saying, in essence, Add up all the authoritative articles written by the best psychologists and psychiatrists, take out the verbage, and the unnecessary and ineffective, have the most capable of poets to write it down. It would be awkward and incomplete compared to the Sermon on the Mount!
   He went on to quote C.S. Lewis saying that the non-Christian groups haven't been able to explain Jesus' statements and that's why they keep changing their explanations. He, also, quoted Philip Schaff reasoning, "Is such an intellect--clear as the sky, bracing as the mountain air, sharp and penetrating as a sword, thoroughly healthy and vigorous, always ready and always self possessed--liable to a radical and most serious delusion concerning His own character and mission? Preposterous imagination!"
   I believe those who feel that Jesus was delusional are simply looking for a way to make His words of no effect in their own lives. To admit the truth would mean that they would--must bow before Him in humble admiration which they refuse to do even though they know His words are true!

Sincerely,
Rick

Lord, Liar, or Lunatic? (chapter 2)

   In this blog we will consider if Jesus was a liar. Josh wrote, "The distinct claims of Jesus to be God eliminate the popular ploy of skeptics who regard Jesus as just a good moral man or a prophet who said a lot of profound things. So often that conclusion is passed off as the only one acceptable to scholars or as the obvious result of the intellectual process. The trouble is, many people nod their heads in agreement and never see the fallacy of such reasoning." Josh continued, "To say what Jesus said and to claim what he claimed about Himself, one couldn't conclude He was just a good moral man or prophet. That alternative isn't open to an individual, and Jesus never intended it to be."
   C. S. Lewis, once an agnostic, didn't want people to be foolish and say that Jesus was a great moral teacher. They must realize that a good moral teacher could not claim to be God--if He wasn't! That would be a very bad (immoral) claim. Josh quoted Lewis saying, "You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

   F. J. A. Hort, who spent nearly 30 years studying New Testament text, said that the truth Jesus spoke couldn't be separated from His life. Josh quoted him, "Take away Himself as the primary (though not the ultimate) subject of every statement and they all fall to pieces."
   Kenneth Scott Latourette, historian of Christianity at Yale University, said, "It must be obvious to any thoughtful reader of the Gospel records that Jesus regarded Himself and His message as inseparable."
   Josh wrote, "If (Jesus' claim of deity) was false, then we have two and only two alternatives. He either knew it was false or He didn't know it was false." If He knew He wasn't God, He lied. Yet He taught others to tell the truth. That's hypocritical! Josh continued, "More than that, He was a demon, because He told others to trust Him for their eternal destiny." Certainly this wouldn't be the mark of a "great moral teacher". Why would He insist on a lie that would certainly lead to His crucifixion?
   William Lecky, a noted historian and opponent of organized Christianity, wrote, "....the simple record of these 3 short years of active life has done more to regenerate and soften mankind than all the (formal discussions) of philosophers and all the exhortations of moralists."
   Josh quoted historian Philip Schaff who said that Jesus couldn't have been a liar because of His character and calm demeaner while prophesying His death, resurrection, the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the beginning of His Church - and these predictions have been fulfilled literally. Schaff concluded, "A character so original, so complete, so uniformly consistent, so perfect, so human and yet so high above all human greatness, can be neither a fraud nor a fiction."
   Josh quoted Schaff again, "How in the name of logic, common sense, and experience,could an impostor--that is a deceitful, selfish, depraved man--have invented, and consistently maintained from the beginning to end, the purest and noblest character known in history with the most perfect air of truth and reality? How could He have conceived and successfully carried out a plan of unparalleled beneficence, moral magnitude, and sublimity, and sacrificed His own life for it, in the face of the strongest prejudices of His people and age?"
   Josh concluded the liar section with, "Someone who lived as Jesus lived, taught as Jesus taught, and died as Jesus died could not have been a liar. What other alternatives are there?
   Next time we will look at "Was He a Lunatic?"

Sincerely,
Rick

What makes Jesus so different? 4

   Continuing with our topic that Jesus claimed deity, let's look at Jesus' trial in Mark's Gospel. (Mk 14:60-64) Josh wrote that this trial was "one of the clearest references to Jesus' claims of deity. The passage reads, "And the high priest arose and came forward and questioned Jesus, saying, 'Do You make no answer to what these men are testifying against You?' But He kept silent, and made no answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, 'Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One.' And Jesus said, 'I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven!' And tearing his clothes, the high priest said, 'What further need do we have for witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?' And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death."
   According to Matt 26:63 the high priest "adjure(d)" Jesus to answer. It means "to charge as if under oath". Josh continued, "An analysis of Christ's testimony shows that He claimed to be (1) the Son of the Blessed One(God); (2) The One Who would sit at the right hand of Power, and (3) The Son of Man Who would come on the clouds of heaven. Each of the affirmations is distinctively Messianic. The cumulative effect of all three is significant." The leadership understood each point and considered it blasphemy which was worthy of the death penalty.
   Josh quoted Robert Anderson who wrote, "No confirmatory evidence is more convincing than that of hostile witnesses, and the fact that the Lord laid claim to Deity is incontestably established by the action of His enemies. We must remember that the Jews were not a tribe of ignorant savages, but a highly cultured and intensely religious people; and it was upon this very charge that, without a dissenting voice, His death was decreed by the Sanhedrin--their great national Council, composed of the most eminent of their religious leaders, including men of the type of Gamaliel and his great pupil, Saul of Tarsus."
   Josh continued, "It is clear, then, that this is the testimony Jesus wanted to bear about Himself. We also see that the Jews understood his reply as a claim to his being God." So, then, they had 2 choices: (1) Recognize that He was correct and worship Him! or (2) Call it blasphemy and condemn Him to death as an imposter. Of course, they did the second to their eternal detriment. Josh quotes a lawyer, Irwin Linton, as saying, in essence, Christ's trial was quite different because He was not condemned for an act, but for His identity!
   Josh concluded the chapter this way, "The trial of Jesus ought to be sufficient to demonstrate convincingly that He confessed His divinity. His judges witness to that. But also, on the day of His crucifixion, his enemies acknowledged that He claimed to be God come in the flesh. "In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him, and saying, 'He saved others; He cannot save Himself. If He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we shall believe in Him. He trusts in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, "I am the Son of God."'" (Matt. 27: 41-43)
   It is very certain that Jesus' enemies believed that He claimed to be God!

Sincerely,
Rick

What makes Jesus so different - 3

   This is our 3rd study in chapter one of Josh McDowell's book, "More Than A Carpenter".
   Another time Jesus said, "I and the Father are One." (John 10:30) The next verses say, "The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, 'I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?' The Jews answered Him, 'For a good work we do not stone you, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.'" (John 10:31-33)The Jews who were there when it happened, believed Jesus claimed to be God! Josh said that A.T. Robertson wrote that the word "One" is neuter in the Greek which means "one in essence or nature"--not in person or purpose! Robertson then adds "This crisp statement is the climax of Christ's claims about the relation between the Father and Himself (the Son). They stir the Pharisees to uncontrollable anger."
   Josh wrote, "It is evident that in the minds of those who heard this statement there was no doubt that Jesus claimed He was God. Thus, Leon Morris, principal of Ridley College, Melbourne, writes that 'the Jews could regard Jesus' word only as blasphemy, and they proceeded to take the judgment into their own hands. It was laid down in the Law that blasphemy was to be punished by stoning (Lev 24:16). But these men were not allowing the due processes of law to take their course. They were not preparing an indictment so that the authorities could take the requisite action. In their fury they were preparing to be judges and executioners in one.'"
   Josh asked, "Did they stop to consider whether His claims were true or not?" He quoted John 8:19 - "If you knew Me, you would know My Father also." John 12:45 - "He who beholds Me, beholds the One Who sent Me." John 15:23 - "He who hates Me, hates My Father also." John 5:23 - "All may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son, does not honor the Father Who sent Him." Josh wrote further, "These references certainly indicate that Jesus looked at Himself as being more that just a man; rather, He was equal with God. Those who say that Jesus was just closer or more intimate with God than others need to think about His statement, 'If you do not honor Me as you honor the Father, you dishonor us both.'"
   Josh mentioned a professor who interrupted his lecture at the U. of W. Va. saying that Jesus only claimed to be God in John's Gospel and it was the last one written, suggesting that the thought of Jesus being God developed over time. He claimed that the earliest written Gospel, Mark, didn't have Jesus claiming to be God. Josh wrote, "It was obvious this man hadn't read Mark--or hadn't paid much attention to what he read. "In response I turned to Mark's Gospel. There Jesus claimed to be able to forgive sins. 'And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."(Mark 2:5)By Jewish law this was something only God could do; Isaiah 43:25 restricts this prerogative to God alone." The scribes knew that and wondered why Jesus spoke that way since only God could forgive sin. Jesus asked them which was easier to say (truthfully) "Your sins are forgiven, or arise and walk?" To say either truthfully means you must do something only God can do! Josh quoted from the "Wycliffe Commentary", "An imposter, of course, in seeking to avoid detection, would find the former easier. Jesus proceeded to heal the illness that men might know that He had authority to deal with its cause." That cause, in this case, was sin.
   We will probably finish chapter 1 next time.

Sincerely,
Rick

What makes Jesus so different? Continued.

   We continue our study of chapter 1 "What makes Jesus so different?" from Josh McDowell's book "More Than A Carpenter".
   Josh had written, "The New Testament clearly presents Christ as God." We looked at some places in the New Testament where that is true. Yet some say that Jesus never claimed to be God. They certainly don't understand Jewish customs from that time. Those who do understand see many occasions when He did so.
   Jesus accepted ..."honor and worship" meant for God! Even though He told Satan in Matt. 4:10 "It is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." "Yet Jesus received worship as God(Matt. 14:33; 28:9) and sometimes even demanded to be worshiped as God (Jn. 5:23; compare Heb. 1:6; Rev. 5:8-14).
   Most of those following Jesus were devout Jews looking for the Messiah-Christ. They believed in one God, but worshiped Jesus as God. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) rejected Jesus' claims until he met Him on the road to Damascus. Josh mentioned Peter's confession of Christ as "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Jesus didn't correct him, but told where Peter's revelation came from-Christ's Father in heaven.(vs 17)
   Martha called Jesus "the Christ, the Son of God."(Jn. 11:27) Nathaniel called Him, "the Son of God; You are the King of Israel"(Jn.1:49). Stephen, when dying said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit"(Acts 7:59). At Jesus' baptism a voice from heaven stated, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased."(Luke 3:22) In the confession of Thomas, who had expressed firm doubt about His resurrection, he said, "My Lord and my God!" Afterwards, Jesus rebuked Thomas for doubting, but not for his worship.
   Josh wrote, "A businessman who scrutinized the Scriptures to verify whether or not Christ claimed to be God said, 'For anyone to read the New Testament and not conclude that Jesus claimed to be divine, he would have to be as blind as a man standing outdoors on a clear day and saying he can't see the sun.'"
   He also mentioned an incident when Jesus healed a lame man on the Sabbath and Jesus told the man to take up his pallet and walk. He then quoted Jn 5:16-18, "'My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.' For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God." Then Josh explained why the Jewish leaders were so upset. In their customs and understanding Jesus had claimed to be equal with God. "He (Jesus) made a claim that the Jews could not misinterpret when He called God 'My Father'. Jesus also implied that while God was working, He, the Son, was working, too. Again, the Jews understood the implication that He was God's Son. As a result of this statement, the Jews hatred grew. Even though they were seeking, mainly to persecute Him, they then began to desire to kill Him."
   We will look at more incidents where Christ referred to His deity when we study next time.

Sincerely,
Rick

Chapter 1 "What makes Jesus so different?"

  Josh begins by asking the question, "Who, in your opinion, is Jesus Christ?" I would think that if you were to ask several people, you would get several different answers. The answer Josh got from the group he had asked was a group answer, "He was a great religious leader." But we can see in Scripture that He is much more than that.
   Since the days Jesus lived on earth until today His name causes controversy. The question is why are so many people bothered by hearing His name? Other religious leaders' names don't cause such dissension. But in many places you're not allowed to mention the name Jesus; especially in prayer! You can talk about God or even pray to Him, but not in Jesus' name!
   Again, Who is Jesus, really? Peter called Him"...the Christ, the son of the living God."(Matt.16:16) Jesus didn't correct him, but accepted what he said as truth and even said that God had told him so. But many "scholars" say that Jesus never claimed to be God. Are they right?
   Josh wrote, "It didn't take long for the people who knew Jesus to realize that He was making astounding claims about Himself. It became clear that His own claims were identifying Him as more than just a prophet or teacher. He was obviously making claims to Deity." Jesus also claimed to be the only way to God, the only way of salvation, and the only One Who can forgive sin. The Jewish leaders criticized Jesus when He told a man his sins were forgiven. They said that only God could forgive sins. Jesus essentially demonstrated that they were right and healed the man which He indicated only God could do!
   For many groups and individuals Jesus is too narrow minded. They are willing to say that all are going to heaven by different ways, and can't accept what Jesus said. I believe this is one reason the name of Jesus causes such conflict. Really, it doesn't matter what any human thinks, but what does the Bible say?
   A simple definition of God is satisfactory for most people, but when you add that He became flesh and dwelt among us, that's when the controversy begins. "Jesus" means "the Lord saves" and "Christ" simply means "Anointed One" and is a title not a name. It is actually "Jesus, the Christ".
   Josh wrote, "The New Testament clearly presents Christ as God. The names applied to Christ in the New Testament are such that they could properly be applied only to One Who was God." He gave some examples: Titus 2:13-"...glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." St. John 1:1-5, 9-14 - tells us that Jesus, the Word, was in the beginning with God and was God and the other verses reveal that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us as the Son of God. In Hebrews 1:8 - thle writer compares Jesus to angels, but to Jesus, the Son He (God) says, "Your throne O God is forever and ever." Rom 9:5 - "...Christ came, Who is over all, the eternally blessed God. amen." I John 5:20 - Read this verse carefully and note all grammatical construction. I quote in part - "...that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." Remember that Jesus called Himself "...the Way, the Truth, and the Life...."
   We will stop there for now and continue with chapter 1 and "What makes Jesus so different?"
   Until then trust in Christ Jesus. He is Who He says He is!

Sincerely,
Rick

A new book study

   The next book we will study is "More Than A Carpenter" by Josh Mc Dowell. The cover of my copy says, "OVER 1,000,000 IN PRINT" and is printed by "Living Books", Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois.
   In his introduction, Josh mentioned that Jesus was born into an insignificant family in a very small nation. "Yet people almost everywhere still remember Him." He, also, mentioned that our dating system is based on His birth, before Christ and after Christ (BC & AD)
   He wrote that "H. G. Wells, the noted historian was asked which person had left the most permanent impression on history. He replied that if one judged a person's greatness by historical standards, "By this test Jesus stands first."
   He mentioned that historian Kenneth Scott Latourette said, in essence, that by the accumulated evidence of His effect on history, Jesus's life is the most influential life ever lived on earth.
   Ernest Renan said, "Jesus was the greatest religious genius that ever lived....Jesus is in every respect unique, and nothing can be compared with Him. All history is incomprehensible without Christ."
   In the first chapter of the book we will look at "What makes Jesus so different?" And we will find that there are many things that make Jesus greater than any man who ever lived!

Sincerely,
Rick

The Step of Faith

   After the last chapter, Morgan closes the book with an invitation to act on the information given in his book. I will quote it in full.
   'Christian evidences (including those discussed in this book) demonstrate Christianity true beyond reasonable doubt. Yet there still remains a step of faith. We conclude our studies with three observations about the nature of this faith.
   First, the step of faith is a reasonable one. Blaise Pascal, a brilliant French mathematician and physicist, was one of the finest apologists to articulate the reasonableness of Christianity. Pascal became a Christian and set to work on a book on apologetics. He died at age 39 before writing the volume, but his notes were published under the title "Pensees".
   In the "Pensees", Pascal formulated his "wager". He said that even if the probability of God's existence was no more than fifty-fifty, a logical person will "bet" in favor of God. For if he is wrong, he has lost nothing. He has, in fact, gained peace at least in this life. But if he is right, he has gained eternal peace and everlasting life. On the other hand, the man who "bets" against God runs the risk of despair in both this life and the life to come. Considering that the evidence for God's existence is far greater than "fifty-fifty", faith in Christ is both reasonable and logical.
   Second, faith in Christ involves personal commitment to Him. I have had the joy of leading many people to a saving knowledge of Christ. In almost every case, the seeker expressed his decision in prayer, praying something like this: ""Dear God, I know I'm a sinner. I believe that you loved me enough to send Jesus Christ to die for my sin. I ask him to become my Savior and Lord. Come into my life and help me to live as you want me to." It was not just intellectual assent, but life commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master.
   Third, when a person takes such a step of faith, trusting Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into his or her heart, giving full assurance. The new Christian then knows that Christianity is true, not just because of a 99%-degree of probability, but because of 100%-degree of inner assurance. Romans 8:16 says, "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." John wrote, "This is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us" (1 John 3:24).
   Christian evidences can never "argue" anyone into the Kingdom.. It can answer questions and reinforce faith. But the decision to follow Christ is personal, spiritual, and a matter of both mind and heart.
   If you have not trusted Christ as Savior, why not today?
   If you have, why not pass it on?'

   All of the above is quoted from Morgan's book on page 93.

sincerely,
Rick

There IS No Other Way!

   Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man comes to the Father, but by Me." In his last chapter Morgan said that there was no other religion or philosophy that can lead to a meaningful life with consistency, happiness and joy. He started with a story by Columba, a 6th century Irish missionary. The story is about missionaries who asked to preach the gospel to the people of Northumbria. The local tribal king called his wisemen together to discuss if they should let them preach. One of the men said, "Our life is like the flight of a bird through our lighted hall. In comes the bird out of the dark, flies about a little while in the light of our torches, then flies out again into the dark. So with us. We come out of the dark and go into the dark. If these strangers can tell us anything better, let us listen."
   Morgan wrote, "All other philosophies, followed to their logical ends, lead to chaos and irrationality....With other philosophies, you can be either consistent or happy, but not both. Christianity is the only belief system known to man which allows a person to be both logically consistent and spiritually happy."
   He, then, refered to Solomon's search for meaning in Ecclesiastes. All that he did lacked any meaning or satisfaction except when he came back to God and finally concluded, "Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, 'I have no pleasure in them.'" (Ecc. 12:13) Morgan continued, Francis "Schaeffer goes on to say that when you abandon God and Jesus Christ, you cross a frightening and ultimate line of despair. That, he says, is where our post-modern world is now living--below the line of despair.
   Morgan, then mentioned Nietzsche and the tragedy of his life. Having been born into a Christian home he rejected his parents faith and turned to the philosophies of the world. Those philosophies led him to insanity. He died in an asylum where his Christian mother took care of him.
   Finally, Morgan wrote about "The Death of Philosophy". He quoted William Lane Craig, "a brilliant Christian philosopher and apologist, put it this way: 'Modern man thought that when he had gotten rid of God, he had freed himself from all that repressed and stifled him. Instead, he discovered that in killing God, he had also killed himself.' Why? Because only Christianity provides a comprehensive explanation for the reality of death and a satisfying answer for the problem of death; and only Christianity has authenticated its message about death by providing a leader who actually rose from the tomb. The world has never found another answer to death; and therefore death is the death of philosophy. All non-Christian belief systems crash and burn when they come to the subject of death." They have no instruction or advice for us at death. They have no hope.
   Under the toplic of "Hope" Morgan wrote, "If there is no God, there is nothing but despair. If there is no Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Perhaps that is why there is so much alcoholism in our society today and such rampant drug dependence. That is why we are flooded by sexual images and why the entertainment industry is such a global phenomenon. That is why the movie box-office is such a symbol of our weekends and why we want 500 channels on our television cable. Modern humanity can live with neither itself nor its despair, so it drowns itself in diversions.
   But the diversions do not provide real, spiritual satisfaction, and that is why non-Christian world views make it immpossible to live both consistently and happily. Bertrand Russell, for example, admitted that life without God is absurd; but he said we have no choice but to put a good face to it. He claimed we must build our lives on the firm foundation of unyielding despair. We must recognize life's absurdity and then love one another."!
   "Solomon ended Ecclesiastes by declaring there is an answer to meaninglessness and despair. After searching all the philosophies, speculations, and pursuits of mankind, he came to this conclusinon: 'Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.'" (Ecc 12:13b)
   Morgan concluded the chapter with a summary: "Why do we believe Christianity is true? Not only because of the reality of resurrection. Not only because of the complexity of creation. Not only because of fulfilled prophecy, the wonder of Scripture, and the uniqueness of Christ. Not only because of the reliability of the biblical documents and the evidence of archaeology. Not only because of its remarkable ability to transform lives, But because, in the final analysis, all other philosophies, if followed to their logical ends, lead to chaos and irrationality. Only Christianity gives meaning to life. Only with theism in general and Christianity in particular, can one be both consistent and happy. As the Psalmist said 3,000 years ago, 'My soul finds rest in God alone.'(Ps.62:1) Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' (John 14:6)...Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whosever lives and believes in Me will never die.' (John 11:25-26) Also He said, 'Because I live, you also will live.'(John 14:19)
   If you have never had a personal experience with Jesus Christ, why not follow the evidence where it leads--to the foot of Calvary's cross. Commit your life to Jesus Christ. Place your faith in His shed blood and glorious resurrection. 'For these things are written', said John, 'that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.' (John 20:31)."

Changed lives prove the truth and power of the Bible, II.

   The 4th witness Morgan mentions is Botembo Isako, a man who left teaching to become a soldier. "He lived an evil life, doing drugs, committing immorality, and misusing his authority against civilians."
   One day when he was assigned to lead a security team at a soccer game, he sent the others inside and he stayed outside. There he robbed the people he was supposed to protect. He searched a 17 year old, but only found a small New Testament. He was angry and beat the teen till he broke loose and ran away covered with blood. The teen called out, "God bless you. May the Lord forgive you."
   At home that evening, Botembo began to read it and remembering what the young man had said, eventually he begged God for forgiveness. He left the army that day and is now a pastor serving the Lord, and still looking for that young man. What other book would have such an effect on a man? What book would take one who only thought of his own desires at everyone else's expense and make him into a loving man who is now more concerned about the needs of others? Changed him from one who laughed at religion to one who preaches Christ and Him crucified, buried, risen and coming again?
    Jim Tucker is witness number 5. At the tender age of 7 Jim saw his mother nearly beaten to death by a robber who broke into their house. His mother was hospitalized for some time and Jim was put in foster care. "From there he went to juvenile halls, reform schools, and jails." Morgan wrote. He used drugs and alcohol and turned to a life of crime and, eventually, was put on the FBI's most wanted list. He faced over 600 counts of crime and was sentenced to prison for 90 years. Morgan wrote that he resolved ..."to be even tougher and meaner than ever. Wherever he was placed, he staged 1 man riots, taking on 5 or 6 guards at a time; destroying cells, starting fires, attacking and maiming other inmates. His chest was 54", his waist was 32", and he could press 400#. They called him 'the animal.'"
   The prison had to deal with him in special ways with powerful drugs, shock therapy, and other unusual actions. He was finally put into a solitary, soundproof 5' x 8' steel-doored  box with no bed, mattress or bathroom. Only a drain was in the floor. He was there as long as 3 years, though no one was supposed to be in there more than 29 days.
   After 27 years he was released and started back into crime. Finally he went to the top of a building to jump off and end it all, but couldn't jump. So he went into his hotel room where he found a Bible and started to read it. Although he never cried during his 27 years of prison life, he cried after reading about the love of God. Now he goes to prisons to preach the Gospel of Christ that others may be freed from sin and eternal death. He tells them that, "No one wanted me...But God!"
   Morgan concluded this story with "No one is beyond the power and influence of the gospel, and no one is hopeless in God's sight. The Lord is in the business of transforming the heartless and giving hope to the hopeless."
   His 6th witness is Jacob Koshy. He was determined to have lots of money in life and ended up dealing in drugs and gambling and eventually international smuggling. He was arrested and placed in a government drug rehab prison in Singapore. Knowing that all his goals and desires were stopped, he became extremely frustrated. A no smoking rule caused him to smuggle tobacco into prison and he rolled it up in pages from a Gideon Bible. While smoking one such cigarette he fell asleep and it went out and he read the charred paper that remained. He read, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?" He asked for another Bible to read the story of Saul and realized that God could change him, too! He trusted Christ and wept about his sinful life. He told other prisoners what God had done for him, and upon his release he got involved in a church. He married and became a Far East missionary preaching about what Christ can do for us. Morgan concluded the story with, "What other book possesses such power?"
   He ended the chapter with a summary, "These stories are but representatives of millions upon millions, many of whom have freely laid down their lives for Christ and His kingdom.... Other religions and philosophies may modify behavior, but only Christianity transforms a person's character from the inside out. Only Christianity makes old sinners into new creatures by renewing their minds (Rom. 12:2). Only Christianity offers a never-ending parade of witnesses, millions upon millions, from every tongue and tribe, spanning every era since the cross, covering every age and race, who gladly say, 'Come and see! Come and meet the Master. Come and let me tell you how He changed my life.'
   I should know. I am one among the untold millions whose lives have been touched by the Master's hand. I hope you, too, are among those who have learned that, yes...
   ...it works."
   I, too, am one of those who invite you to come and find the peace and enriched life that trusting in Christ can bring. Won't you join with us, that great number, too big to be counted, and enjoy the wonder of the Christian life, a life that is eternal? It never ends! Praise God!

Sincerely,
Rick

Changed lives proove the truth and power of the Bible

   Some say, "The proof is in the pudding." In other words, If it tastes good and fills the tummy, that is proof that it is good. It results in satisfaction. Are people satisfied by trusting in Jesus Christ and what He and His disciples taught? The answer is an overwhelming, "Yes", from those who really do believe and follow Christ's teaching. If the Bible is true the lives and habits and attitudes of those who believe should change greatly.
   Morgan said that he "...selected a handful of witnesses from a pool of millions...." The first witness he mentioned is Saul of Tarsus. The story of his conversion is given in Acts chapter 9. Read it for yourself and see the great change it made in his life. He was hunting down, arresting, and approving of even the death of Christians. After his salvation he became a powerful preacher of the faith, a wonderful blessing to the Church. Paul (Saul) recounts his conversion before king Agrippa in Acts chapter 26. Morgan asked, "How can you explain that the greatest destroyer of  Christianity became its greatest defender? How can you explain his metamorphosis, as he gladly endured a lifetime of shame, suffering, and the executioner's sword to spread the faith he had once labored to ruin? The mind of Saul of Tarsus was brilliant. His training was superb. His passion was unquenchable. His background and heritage flowed with the Jewish blood of a hundred generations. Yet in one moment he was transformed from the greatest enemy the early church ever faced into the greatest missionary the world has ever known. What power could so change a life? The Gospel! The Gospel's chain of witnesses from the days of Saul of Tarsus to our own is unbroken, and it grows stronger still."
   His second witness was John Nicholson. There were 100's of thousands-maybe millions in each generation between Saul (Paul) and John, but he wanted to skip to the 20th century. John was a Christian. He wanted a room in a hotel which was full so he was asked to share a room with Samuel Hill. These men enjoyed fellowship so much that a second time when they shared a room they started an organization called "The Gideons". Many a man and woman have believed in Christ by reading Bibles placed in hotel rooms by the Gideons without any person there to help! As Morgan implicated, the power is in the Gospel(good news)of Christ.
   One testimony resulting from a Gideon Bible is Gary Fossen, the third witness. Gary killed his parents and sister while he was in college and was sent to prison. He cursed at a pastor who came to see him a number of times and gave him a small Gideon Bible. He took it, spat on it, and kicked it under his bed.
   Sometime later, being lonely, he wanted to take his own life and smuggled in a razor blade. While he waited for the right time to go through with it, he thought it wouldn't hurt to read the Bible and was wonderfully saved! He was still in prison, but his pain and loneliness were gone! Morgan asked, "...can Shakespeare have such an effect? Can Homer or Milton? Or, for that matter, can the writings of Darwin?" He answered his own question,"No. Charles Darwin once wrote a letter to a Christian minister named J. W. Fegan who had conducted a preaching crusade in a village in England. As a result of Fegan's campaign, the alcoholics were converted and the bars closed down. Darwin wrote to Fegan saying, 'We (the evolutionists) have never been able to reclaim a drunkard, but through your services I do not know that there is a drunkard left in the village.'"

Very Sincerely,
Rick

More Archaeology Proves the Bible True

   Let's continue looking at archaeology's discoveries that prove the Bible true and the skeptics wrong.
   There are no remains left from the exodus of Israel from Egypt because as they wandered through the desert, they didn't leave any. Recently, though Charles Krahmalkov, a professor from the university of Michigan, noticed a listing of cities similar to those listed in Numbers 33 as cities that Israel wandered through during their trip from Egypt to Caanan. The professor found the list of cities on the Temple of Amon at Karnak from about the time of the rule of Thutmose III. He said, "In short, the Biblical story of the invasion of Transjordan that set the stage for the conquest of all Palestine is told against a background that is historically accurate. I am not a conservative believer. I am a scholar of the old school who believes we try to let our data speak to us. We don't force itself into a preconceived idea. I find myself astonished at the results.(The ancient historians of Israel) preserved in the Bible true historical sources of a very early age. They cannot possibly have invented them."
   Joshua 11 mentions the destruction and burning of Hazor. An archaeologist named Yigael Yadin (Israeli) excavated the site and found the destruction just as mentioned in Joshua 11.
   Capernaum was a lost city, but archaeology discovered it and found what is believed to be Peter's house and the synagogue where Jesus taught near the lake of Galilee. The synagogue was probably built by the Roman Centurion of Luke 7.
   In 1986 an ancient boat was found buried in the mud in the Sea of Galilee during an extreme drought that year. They dated the boat back to Jesus' time. It was large enough to hold 15 men. Morgan stated, "It could be, in fact, the very boat Jesus used....
   Morgan summarizes, "Admittedly, the jury of archaeological evidence is still out, especially as it relates to the world of the Patriarchs, the nature of the Exodus under Moses, and the extent of the conquest under Joshua. But the eminent American archaeologist William Dever said that a century and a half of exploration 'has for all time demolished the notion that the Bible is pure mythology. The Bible is about real, flesh-and-blood people, in a particular time and place, whose actual historical experience led them irrevocably to a vision of the human condition and promise that transcended anything yet conceived in antiquity.'
   Nelson Glueck, the Jewish archaeologist, stated it even more plainly: 'It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference.' On the contrary, archaeology has debunked the charges of one skeptic after another and has confirmed to large extents the historical reliability of the Bible.
   The critics, it seems, keep trying to bury the Bible. But the archaeologists bury the critics and keep digging the Bible back up."
   Even though many are not convinced about Bible history, I believe there is plenty of proof that the Bible is true. And that God is real and that we must decide to trust Jesus Christ as our Saviour from sin personally, let Him direct our lives by the Bible and look forward to heaven when Jesus comes to take us to Himself by death or the Rapture.

Sincerely,
Rick

Archaeology Proves the Bible True

   We covered some manuscripts that archaeology uncovered already, but now we will look at some very important discoveries.
   First let's look at the Dead Sea Scrolls. Before their discovery, the oldest copies of the Old Testament were dated about AD 980. These scrolls are dated to about 150 BC! In 1979 small silver scrolls were discovered in burial caves near Jerusalem. These were dated to the time David's descendants were still on Israel's throne! They held quotes from the Old Testament. These are the oldest copies of parts of the Old Testament known to man and dated to about 620 BC.
   Next Morgan covers Hezekiah's tunnel. Edward Robinson, whose father was a Pastor, went to Israel and after searching a while, he found Hezekiah's tunnel. He crawled through it and noted by the chisel marks that men started at each end and met in the center. They had to turn toward each other and broke through to each other at the center. After a few more years a Jewish child was playing in the pool of Siloam where the tunnel starts and found markings on the wall of the pool. Archaeologists found writing describing how the 2 tunnels met a little off at the middle and how they broke through. Morgan wrote, "This is generally considered the most famous inscription ever found in Jerusalem." It was cut out and taken to the Istanbul Archaeological Museum in Istanbul.
   Next, many scholars doubted the existance of King David, but in 1993 a monument was found which mentioned "The House of David". It refers to a defeat of the House of David by the King of Damascus in a battle like the one in I Kings 15:20. This is the first reference outside of the Bible and confirms the existance of King David. Shortly after that another stone, "The Moabite Stone" which was broken and hard to read was quoted in a different way than at first. It mentions King Omri of Israel and how Moab broke away from Israel's rule. This is mentioned in II Kings 1:1, 3:5. Aundre Limaire believes this stone mentions the "House of David". He says the former monument supports his belief about the Moabite Stone.
   The name of Caiaphas had not been seen in other than the Biblical history. In 1990 a burial cave was found in Jerusalem which contained a tomb marked with the family name Caiaphas. Coins found in that tomb proved it was from the early 1rst century. 'US News and World Report' rreported on this find and concluded with, "They will certainly cause anxiety for the skeptics."
   There were very few evidences in history to prove that the Patriarchs really existed, but were simply stories made up to illustrate life. But excavations of the ruins of many of the Genesis cities are proving the truth of the Bible. The name Abraham was found on old clay tablets dated from the 16th century BC. In the ruins of Nuzi, near Bagdad, clay tablets were found which mention the custom Abraham and Sarah followed when Sarah gave her servant to him as a wife to have children for her. The critics claimed that these were stories made up later and written in as if they were early in history. Of course, they were wrong and the Bible is true!

Was the Bible Accurately Passed Down To Us?

   Down through the ages the Bible has been copied over and over. Until the printing press was invented, the Bible was copied by hand. Those who copied it were so careful that we know we have good copies of the original manuscripts.
   The Jews destroyed old, worn scrolls of the Old Testament so we haven't found many old copies. When the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, the copies of the book of Isaiah were only 5 percent different than the copies found earlier that were copied 1,000 years later. Morgan said, "The 5 percent of variation consisted chiefly of obvious slips of the pen and variations in spelling." These variations make no change in the meaning of the text. Scholars have also compared these copies with Greek and Samaritan copies of the Old Testament. Morgan wrote, "All of these sources provide enormous evidence that the Hebrew text of the Old Testament has been preserved in trustworthy fashion; and though there are variations here and there, no major doctrine is impacted. The variations, for the most part, involve matters of spelling, style, and grammar."
   The New Testament has many more copies in existence. A fragment containing 5 verses from John's Gospel is thought to be from about A.D. 125. John was probably written around A.D. 100 so that the copy that the fragment came from was circulating about 25 years after John wrote his Gospel! The Chester Beatty Papyri dates from about S.D. 200 and contains large parts of the New Testament. The Sinaiticus and the Vaticanus are complete New Testaments and date in the A.D. 300's. There are 5,000 Greek manuscripts and many ancient translations or versions of the New Testament. Jerome's Vulgate (Latin - late 300's), old Syriac and Latin translations from about A.D. 200 add to the number of copies. Plus there are countless quotes from the New Testament in the writings of the Church fathers from the first, second, and third centuries. Morgan stated, "In short, the number of manuscripts in support of the reliability of the New Testament text(and their chronological proximity to the original writings) is far beyond anything else known in human literature." Morgan wrote that Caesar's Gallic War has only 9 or 10 good copies and the oldest is 1,000 years away from the original. Plato has only 7 copies. The oldest is 1,200 years from the original.Thucydides wrote his history near the end of the Old Testament, The oldest copy is 1,300 years from his writing. None of these are questioned like the Bible has been.
   We have 1,000's of manuscripts of the New Testament, one dating back to within 25 years of the original! Morgan quoted Professor Berkeley Mickelson," the only logical conclusion is that the case for the reliability of the New Testament is infinitely stronger than that for any other record of antiquity." There are also minor variations in the New Testament copies, but no key doctrine of Christianity is affected adversely. Vance Havner said, "Many people say the Bible is a myth, but they're myth-taken, myth-guided, and myth-erable."
   Morgan concludes with a summary, "When you hold the Gospels in your hand, you are holding documents that give us reliable accounts, well researched by biographers and writers including the most imminent historian of the ancient world, of a man from Nazareth who lived 30 years as a village carpenter. He preached for the next three years, making claims for Himself that no other had ever made, and driving home His claims with so much evidence that He overturned the Jewish theology of His audience and convinced them that He was, in fact, the Messiah of Israel and the Master of the world. He healed the blind, raised the dead, and filled the hopeless with joy. He allowed Himself to be executed in a most excruciating manner; and then His grave was found vacated. He showed Himself alive by many convincing proofs and so changed the world that today, after 2,000 years of human history, His message is more widely believed than ever before. These things were investigated thoroughly from the beginning and written in an orderly account that we might have a solid basis for faith, that we may know the certainty of the things we have been taught."

Sincerely,
Rick

The Bible Is Historically Accurate

   The Bible is the foundation for the life of Christ Who is the foundation for the Christian life. This foundation has been questioned by skeptics, doubters, critics and even some believers. Is it accurate? Do we know it is true? I believe these questions can be answered very satisfactorily. The Bible is true and very accurate.
   For many years critics questioned some biblical history, but EVERY time archeology proved the Bible to be correct and the skeptics to be wrong. Even though skeptics accuse that the Bible is a compillation of fables and legends, archeology has proven that we have copies from the late first century. That is NOT long enough for the real story to be turned into fables or legends.
   Morgan uses the Gospel of Luke as an example of the Bible's accuracy. Critics wanted to late date it, but the first 2 verses reveal that "many" had written an acount of Christ's life from the facts given them by "those who from the first were eye witnesses and servants of the Word." They got the facts from those who lived it!
   Luke was a physician, scientist, and writer. He  was a medical missionary serving with Paul the apostle and recording their travels in the book of The Acts of the Apostles.
   Luke claimed accuracy and has been proven to be so accurate that when skeptics thought he was wrong, he was proven to be correct. He knew he was right and tied his facts to historical dates and people. The census and Quirinius of Luke 2:1-3 were thought to be wrong for a long time, but archeology proved Luke to be right.
   Remember Sir William Ramsay, the Scottish archaeologist, who went to the Middle East to prove that Luke couldn't possibly be right in all his facts, but proved Luke to be correct, instead, and went back home a believer?
   Luke uses "6 different pins" (historical points) in chapter 3 to pin point when the word of God came to John, the Baptist, Christ's forerunner. Morgan wrote, "Sound like misty legend and fabricated fable? Anything but!" The skeptics found fault with 2 of these "pins", but Luke was right. They, also, criticized the mention of Pontius Pilot, who hadn't been found by historians for many years, but a stone, dug up in Caesarea has that name engraved on it. Luke was right!
   Morgan summarized with, "We have documents reaching to within a generation of the original writers, and the details that emerge from the New Testament's pages show them to be historically reliable and well-researched documents. They were accurate in their composition.
   Next time we will look at the passage of the Bible down through time to us. Was that done accurately?

Sincerely,
Rick

The Bible's Continuity

   The Bible is made up of 66 volumes by 40 writers "...over 1600 years languages on 3 continents" in "...deserts and mountains, prisons, and palaces, islands and tents....under various emotional conditions", such as "great joy and ...dismal despair." "...these authors were from every strata of society. Some were rich and some were poor. Some were renowned and others were unknown. Some were kings, others were peasants. among the authors were fishermen, scholars, politicians, philosophers, theologians, shepherds, farmers, and rabbis." (quotes from Morgan's book, "Beyond Reasonable Doubt")
   Even though the authors have such varied backgrounds, the writings fit together as if planned by one Person. That Person is the Holy Spirit Who inspired each writer as he penned his work. Once one gets to know the Bible some, he can see the thread of Christ through the whole of Scripture. Books have been written about Christ in the sacrifices, and in the Psalms, and in various other of the biblical volumes.
   Since God wrote the Bible through the Holy Spirit inspiring men, it should be different than any other book which a man wrote. It sure is! If one understands the Bible he will find no contradictions even though so many men and so many years were involved in writing it! Even though so many different cultures, emotions and levels of society were involved.
   Morgan quoted J. Sidlow Baxter, "To the prayerful explorer the Bible has its own way of revealing its internal credentials." He quoted A.T. Pierson, "Every study of the Bible is a study of the evidences of Christianity. The Bible is itself the greatest miracle of all." Morgan wrote about G. Campbell Morgan who when reading many books defending and critical of the Bible finally got so confused that he put away all the books and bought a new Bible to read." He said, "I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be--the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself.' As he looked into the book before him, studying its form , structure, unity, and message, he was amazed. He later said, 'That Bible found me. I began to read and study it then, in 1883, and I have been a student ever since.'"
   Morgan wrote about the circle and the thread of the Bible. By the "Circle" he means that the problems of the beginning chapters of the Bible are solved in the last chapters. He gave several examples such as: Gen 1:1/Rev 21:1; Gen 2:8/Rev 21:2,3; Gen 3:8/Rev 21:3;Gen 2:9/Rev 22:2; Gen 2:10/Rev 22:1,2 Gen 2:12/Rev 21:18,21; Gen 2:15/Rev 22:3; Gen 2:16,17/Rev 21:4; Gen 3:1,14,15/Rev 20:1,2,10; Gen 3:17/Rev 22:3; Gen 3:23,24/Rev 21:25. He continued, "In the Bible's first three chapters, God created the heaven and the earth, but it was spoiled. In the last three, He recreates them." In the first three chapters fellowship with God was broken, death entered,a curse was put on the earth, but in the last 3 chapters all these problems are solved.
   Morgan, then wrote about the "Thread". He stated, "This crimson thread tells us how God reclaimed paradise for fallen sinners, how He saved us from death and restored us to glory." He shows that there is a red "thread" all the way from Gen 3 to Rev 21. He mentions the sacrifices of the animals God used to clothe Adam and Eve; Abraham's offering a ram in place of Isaac, his son; the sacrificial lamb of the Exodus; the sacrificial offerings given to Israel; the prophets who foretold the coming Messiah; then, of course, the life of Christ in the Gospels; the letters to the churches; and the book of Revelation.
   He summarizes with, "So if you want to debunk Christianity, you have a formidable task. You have to deny the empty tomb of Jesus Christ. You have to explain away the creation and complexity of the universe. You have to ignore fulfilled prophecy, both historical and Messianic. You have to disregard the uniqueness of Jesus Christ. You have to explain how a book written over 1,600 years by 40 authors in three languages on 3 continents covering hundreds of controversial subjects can fit together as though written by a master author, having an opening and closing that come full circle and a unified theme that runs like a crimson thread from beginning to ending.
   No wonder it convinced a skeptic named Morgan."

Sincerely,
Rick

Jesus' Unusual Impact on History

   Remember, we are studying a book by Robert Morgan called "Beyond Reasonable Doubt". In that book Morgan gives 4 stories to show how Christ greatly affected their lives. First, he mentions an unknown writer who "...once summed it up with these well-worn words: 'He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a house. He never went to college. He never traveled 200 miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself. He was only 33 when the tide of public opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. When He was dead, He was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race, and the leader of the column of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as has that One Solitary Life.'"
   Morgan then mentions Lew Wallace who"...was a famous general and literary genius of the nineteenth century who, along with his friend Robert Ingersoll, decided to write a book that would forever destroy 'the myth of Christianity.' For two years, Wallace studied in the libraries of Europe and America, then he started his book. But while writing the second chapter, he found himself on his knees crying out to Jesus Christ in the words of Thomas, 'My Lord and my God.' The book he was writing became the great novel about the times of Christ, 'Ben Hur'.
   He, then, wrote about Bill Murray and how he grew up in  athiest Madalyn Murray's home. She wanted him to be anything but a Christian. So he grew up sexually promiscuous, had marital problems, used drugs and drank alcohlic beverages while "...wanting more and more possessions..." Eventually he "...worked himself to exhaustion. He collapsed inwardly and found himself praying to the God he had rejected, 'Please get me out of this mess!'" He found a Bible in a book store and began to read about Jesus Christ.  He "...received Christ as his Savior and it changed his life." He quit all his bad habits and "...found the inner peace and joy he had always been looking for." Now he speaks out for Christ.
   Lastly Morgan writes about C.S. Lewis who "...came to Christ almost against his will, being convinced by the evidence that Christianity was true. He used the power of deduction, later explaining, 'A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic, or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God; or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.'"
   The followers of Christ have had more compassion for the people of the world than any other group of people - religious or non-religious. Missionaries have gone to distant lands to help religious peorles be free from fearful worship of objects, animals, and spirits. They have helped treat their diseases and teach them to read and write. They have translated the Bible into their native language so they can better understand its message. They've built hospitals, and opened clinics. All of this because of the love they have for Christ and the people He created.
   Christ changed their lives and they want the same gift for any others they meet in this world so the others can be prepared for eternal life in the world to come and live with God avoiding the judgement of hell.
  Morgan concludes this chapter with, "There are only three logical options when it comes to Jesus. Either He was a liar, a hoax, a deceiver, an inpostor--in which case you have to explain how He could have been the wisest teacher the world has ever seen; or He is the God-man--which is just Who He claimed to be.
   Liar, Lunatic, or Lord.
   The answer, it seems, is obvious."

Jesus' Unusual Resurrection

   We've already talked about the resurrection, but let's look at how unusual it is. Saying that His resurrection is unusual may make one think that it means that there were other resurrections. In fact there were, but those people were raised back to the same type of life as before. Lazarus, the widow's son, Jairus' daughter, etc. Jesus was raised to eternal life. He would never die again. The others did die again, but Jesus is alive for eternity.
   Morgan wrote, "No other leader of any other religion ever authenticated his message by rising from the dead. And no other leader of any other religion ever proved himself alive 'by many convincing proofs'." Morgan continues that Jesus "...staked His entire reputation, ministry and impact on the proposition that He would rise again." Christ told His disciples that He would die and after 3 days rise again.(Matt 12:40, 17:22-23)
   Again I quote Morgan, "In making these predictions, He was staking the future of the gospel on His ability to return to life following His execution. And in fulfilling the predictions, He was authenticating His message and proving Himself with power to be the Son of God. No other figure in history has ever made such claims, and no one else has ever risen from the dead. None but Christ."(that is, to eternal life)
   I think Morgan makes a very convincing case that Jesus made a very convincing case that He is, indeed, the Son of God. That's what the Bible says. Believe it. It is true!

Sincerely,
Rick

Jesus' Unusual Claims

   No one but Jesus could claim to be both God and man and not have mental problems. The reason is because Jesus told the truth. In John 10:30-33 Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." In the following verses the "Jews" said that He made Himself God (vs 33). Once you know Who Jesus is, you can see that He is doing things only God could do. That was, also, part of His claim to be God. He told  the Jewish leaders He had witnesses to prove Who He was. In John 5:31-47 Jesus gives 7 witnesses who prove Who He was. They are - Jesus, Himself-31; then the Holy Spirit Who descended on Him at His baptism-32; John, the
Baptist-33; His works (miracles that only God could do)-36; The Father (God)-37; the Scriptures-39; and lastly, Moses-46. Morgan wrote that the only charge that "...stuck and led to His condemnation and execution was His claim to be God."
   Jesus also claimed to be man, but most people don't have a problem believing that fact. Again, Morgan wrote, "...His favorite title for Himself was 'Son of Man'."
   Morgan continued, "John Chrysostom said in the fourth century: "I do not think of Christ as God alone, or man alone, but both together. For I know He was hungry, and I know that with five loaves He fed 5,000. I know He was thirsty, and I know that He turned the water into wine. I know He was carried in a ship, and I know that He walked on the sea. I know that He died, and I know that He raised the dead. I know that He was set before Pilate, and I know that He sits with the Father on His throne. I know that He was worshipped by angels, and I know that he was stoned by the Jews. (The Jews took up stones to stone Him, but as I understand it He hid from them-John 8:59, 10:31-39) And truly some of these I ascribe to the human, and others to the divine nature. For by reason of this He is said to have been both God and man."
   I say again that no one else could make such claims with out easily being proven wrong. His miracles and resurrection and other witnesses prove Him true!

Sincerely,
Rick

Jesus' Unusual Teaching

   Not only did Christ draw people to Himself more than any other man in history, but He also was a very unusual teacher. People still talk about His teaching being wonderful and beyond any other teacher. He was a "great teacher", many say, but don't follow His teaching! They honor Him as One Who understood people's needs, but refuse to follow Him to have their needs met!
   The Bible says that many were"...amazed at his teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."(Matt. 7:28-29)
   Morgan said, "A.T. Pierson observed that Christ taught the Scriptures as if He were the Author rather than its commentator. How incredible, Pierson said, that He 'comes forth from the carpenter's shop...and His first public utterance is the most original and revolutionary address on practical morals which the world has ever heard.' "The people in His hometown of Nazareth wondered, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?(Matt. 13:54) th

   They saw Him as a boy Who grew up among them as any other boy did. So how could He be so different?! The Jewish leaders feared Him because they thought He could lead the people against Rome and Rome would "...come and take away both our place and nation."(John 11:48) The leaders planned His death and said, "it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish."(John 11:50)
   Morgan writes, "Even the military was challenged. When the chief priests sent the temple soldiers to arrest Christ, they came back empty-handed. The Pharisees, furious, asked, 'Why didn't you bring Him in?' The guards had a simple reply, 'No one ever spoke the way this man does!'(John 7:46)" Morgan continued, "And the remarkable thing about Jesus' teaching was the cohesive way in which He pulled together all spiritual truth into the reality of the Gospel. He taught that He Himself was the centerpiece of Scripture, the centerpiece of history, and the centerpiece in the plan of God for redeeming the human race. 'For God so loved the world,' He told Nicodemus, 'that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'(John 3:16)"
   He was a good teacher. Later, after Jesus' resurrection, the authorities, seeing that they were "unlearned and untrained men ," noted that the disciples had been with Jesus.(Acts 4:13)

Sincerely,
Rick

Remember Those Who Saw The Resurrected Christ!

   I thought for Easter I would review about those who saw Christ after He arose from the dead.
   There were many real people who saw Christ after He arose. In I Cor. 15:5-8 Paul tells us over 500 people saw Him all at one time. He also tells us that Peter saw Him, and the 12 disciples saw Him. Paul also said that most of those who saw Christ were still alive when Paul wrote I Cor.
   Some would compare these witnesses to those who "see" Elvis Presley, but the Bible doesn't allow for that. It says clearly that Jesus showed Himself alive by "many convincing proofs" 10 times during a 40 day period.
   Morgan writes, "The genuineness of these eyewitness reports and the historical reliability of the accounts are virtually beyond question. He, then, quoted Wilber Smith, "...added an insightful point about these appearances when he wrote:
   '...about a year ago, after studying over a long period of time, this entire problem of the Lord's resurrection and having written some hundreds of pages upon it at different times, I was suddenly arrested by the thought that the very kind of evidence which modern science, and even psychologists, are so insistent upon, for determining the reality of any object under consideration is the kind of evidence that we have presented to us in the gospels regarding the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,  namely, the things that are seen with the human eye, touched by the human hand, and heard by the human ear. This is what we call empirical evidence. It would almost seem as if parts of the Gospel records of the resurrection were actually written for such a day as ours when empiricism so dominates our thinking.'"
   Morgan also wrote, "Some people assume that Christ only appeared to the believers and that we must therefore impugn these eyewitnesses as having biased accounts. That is not true for two reasons. First, none of His disciples expected Him to rise from the dead. They were all skeptics who were so astounded by the Resurrection that they only gradually grew convinced. Thomas was particularly adamant in his refusal to believe that Christ had arisen. 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands,' he said, 'and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe it'(John 20:25).
   And there were skeptics among the 500 who met Him on the mountainside in Galilee. 'Some doubted,' Matthew 28:17  says. Yet they could not refute their own eyewitness accounts.
   But Jesus not only appeared to skeptics - He showed up before the eyes of some who were openly hostile. We know of two enemies in particular, both mentioned here in I Cor. 15, who became convinced of Christ's resurrection. The first was Jesus' own half-brother, James, who had openly ridiculed and rejected Christ through-out the Gospels. Yet in the Book of Acts, we see him assuming courageous leadership in the early church, withstanding threats of torture, danger, and death. What suddenly happened to transform James from an agnostic (half-)brother to a courageous martyr? First Corinthians 15:7 says: 'Then He appeared to James.'
   Paul mentions another enemy who was transformed by the Resurrection. 'Last of all He appeared to me also,' the apostle says (I Cor. 15:8). The appearance of the risen Savior to Saul of Tarsus on the Damascus Road is the final post-resurrection appearance in the New Testament apart from the apocalyptic visions of Christ in the Book of Revelation. And it is one of the most eventful, for it instantly transformed the fiercest enemy of Jesus Christ into the greatest missionary the Church has ever known."
   If one will read the Biblical accounts with an open mind he will see the truth of what Morgan wrote. The disciples were very hesitant to believe that Jesus had really arisen from the dead, but once convinced, they knew it was true and most of them died rather than deny that Christ was God in flesh, the Savior of the world. Only the apostle John died naturally, but was banished to the Isle of Patmus for his testimony of Christ.

Sincerely,
Rick

No One Drew Men To Himself As Christ Did.

   Jesus said, "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."(John 12:32)
   Morgan writes, "The media today is always on the prowl for people brimming with personal magnetism. It glamorizes those who carry themselves with a charismatic grace and charm, a power of personality. Franklin Roosevelt had it and so did John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan." He goes on to tell about a reporter who didn't like Reagan's policies, but when she saw him she was mesmerized. She said, "There was an irresistible power to his presence. It drew you in. It was like an electrical force."
   It would certainly help to influence others if one was popular as an actor or politician. That seems to help draw people to them. Jesus hasn't exactly had that kind of popularity in a general sense, but men, women and children have been drawn to Jesus by the millions. Morgan writes, "...only one person has ever radiated a magnetic field so powerful it transforms centuries and millenia. Only one has magnetized the would to such an extent that we recognized His centrality in history every time we date a letter or mark a calendar. Only one person has exercised supreme influence over every ensuing generation, touching both peasants and potentates, both rich and poor, both young and old, both men and women. Only one person has given comfort to the living and hope to the dying. Only one person has, like a bi-polar magnet, attracted so many while at the same time, and with equal force, repelled so many.
   Morgan quotes Philip Schaff, "This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, He shed more light on matters human and divine than all the philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussion, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times."
   Not only does He draw people to Himself, but He also enables them to change their lifestyle and relationships with other people. He even causes them to return stolen goods and ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. Jesus makes a big difference in the lives of those who take Him seriously and obey His word.

Sincerely,
Rick

No Other Man Ever Lived Like Christ (Christ Is Unique)

   It was suggested to Thomas Carlyle, a Scottish essayest, by French mathematician and philosopher, Auguste Comte that they start a new religion to replace Christianity. He wanted to base it on positive thinking and mathematical principles. After thinking a minute, Carlyle said, "Very good, Mr. Comte, very good. All you will need to do will be to speak as never a man spake, and live as never a man lived, and be crucified, and rise again the 3rd day, and get the world to believe that you are still alive. Then your religion will have a chance to get on."
   First, did Christ really live? Higher Criticism started in Germany. Many believed that Christ never lived, but those who have searched history have found much proof for the truth of Christ's existence. The evidence is not even questionable.
   The evidence from the Bible is trustworthy because we have copies of New Testament books from the first and second century. Those living during that time would have written about the fallacy of the story - if it were not true. There are no such writings. There are first and second century letters from Church Fathers such as Polycarp, Eusebieus, Irenaeus, Ignatius, and others which are about Jesus. Morgan gives other proof: "Beyond that, there are inscriptions about Jesus of Nazareth on burial caskets in Jerusalem dating to the 4th decade of the first century and references of Christ and Christianity by ancient secular historians including Tacitus, Sentonius, Josephus, Thallus....we see references of Christ among the writings of officials of the ancient Roman government such as Pliny, the younger and the Emperors Trajan and Hadrian."
   In "Caesar and Christ" historian Will Durant wrote 751 pages about the life of Christ. In the book he said, "After 2 centuries of Higher Criticism the outline of the life, character, and teachings of Christ, remain reasonably clear, and constitute the most fascinating feature in the history of Western man." Morgan states that, "Simply put, Jesus is absolutely unequaled in history." He, then, mentions "...5 areas in which Christ towers alone, unmatched, superlative, and far beyond any other man or woman since the beginning of the human race. We will look at these areas in coming weeks.

Sincerely,
Rick

Prophecies About Christ's Death and Resurrection

   There are many prophecies about the death of the Messiah(Christ). If only men wrote the Bible, the Messiah would have lived and ruled over Israel to relieve them from Rome's rule. The Bible says that God's ways are higher (different) than man's ways. Psalms 35:11, 38:13, Isaiah 53:7 foretold that the Messiah would be rejected, falsely accused, and not defend Himself. Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 offer a powerful picture of the crucifixion of the Messiah down to specific details. Some details were given specifically such as:they would gamble for His clothing, He'd be executed with criminals, His hands and feet would b e pierced, He would question why God had forsaken Him, He would be mocked by those around Him, He'd be thirsty, His death would redeem "His people", He would live again and after His resurrection He would be great.
   I have referred to an illustration before about covering Texas with silver dollars 2 feet deep and mark 1 and stir it into the rest. Then have a blind person search for the marked dollar. The chance that the blind person would find it equals the chance that one man could fulfill only 8 of the 300+ prophecies about the life, death and resurrection of Christ (Messiah).
   I have only mentioned specific prophecies, but the whole tenor of the Old Testament looks toward a Messiah.  Morgan quotes A.T. Pierson saying, "No miracle which He wrought so unmistakably set on Him the seal of God as the convergence of the thousand lines of prophecy in Him, as in one burning focal point of dazzling glory. Every sacrifice lit, from Abel's altar until the last Passover of the Passion week, pointed as with flaming fingers to Calvary's Cross".
 The Bible begins with the fall of man into sin needing a Saviour. God promised them that One would crush the serpent's head although He would be wounded in the process. Exodus calls for the Passover Lamb to atone for sin. Moses promised that God would provide a prophet "like me". Balaam said, "I see Him, but not now, I behold Him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel."(Numbers 24:17) Job said, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth."(Job 19:25) Malachi predicted that God would send a messenger to prepare the way of the coming King. Morgan states, "For a thousand years through 39 installments stretching from Genesis to Malachi, the story has been building, issues have been raised, promises have been made, the anticipation has grown. Everything has pointed to a Savior Who would be of the lineage of Abraham and David and Who would deliver humanity from sin and despair. But the story abruptly concludes with a curse."
   "It seems like a bad ending, like an incomplete story. It seems like we have come to an intermission in which only the first half of the story is completed. Surely, we think, there must be more, another part, a completion."
   As we read the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of those prophecies in the Old Testament right down to minute details such as the piercing of His hands and feet. His betrayal and the money paid and what was eventually done with it also fufill the prophecies. I could go on and mention one prophecy after another which was fulfilled in the life of Christ.
   Again, as one reads and studies all the facts, the only conclusion is that the Bible is true - The word of God, and that Jesus Christ is Who He claimed to be, The Son of God  Who came to earth to die for our sin, save us from the penalty of sin and give us eternal life in heaven! Romans 10:13 says "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." Therefore one must call on the Lord confessing one's sin and believe that Jesus paid the debt of one's own sin personally and trust Him to give one eternal life.

Sincerely,
Rick

The Messiah's Birth and Ministry

   The prophets prophesied that Jesus would be born of David's line, but they also prophesied that He'd be born in Bethlehem of Ephrathah (Micah 5:2). There were 2 Bethlehems, but Micah chose this one. Isaiah 7:14 states that He'd be born of a virgin. Malachi 3:1 & 4:5 says an Elijah-like person would preceed the Messiah calling people to prepare the way of the Lord. This person would live in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 18:18, Psalm 110:4 & Zechariah 9:9 foretell that Messiah would fulfill 3 offices; Prophet, Priest, & King. Isaiah 9:6-7, 11:1-5, 52:13-53:12 tell us that Messiah would be holy, righteous, faithful, innocent, zealous, meek, forgiving, patient, loving, and full of justice.
   Isaiah 9:1 tells us His service would start in Galilee and Zechariah 9:9, Haggai 2:7 & Malichi 3:1 say it would end in Jerusalem where He'd ride a donkey into Jerusalem offering Himself as King. He would then cleanse the temple.
   Isaiah 35:5-6 foretells that the Messiah would do miracles healing the blind and lame and others.
   Psalm 78:2 says He would teach in parables. Psalm 118:22 fortells that the long-awaited Messiah would be rejected by His own people. Psalms 41:9, 55:12-14, Zechariah 11:12-13 tell us that Messiah would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver which would be thrown on the temple floor and used to buy a potter's field. Jesus fulfilled all of these prophecies in detail! Many of them had to be done by others to Him.
   Again, if one reads the Bible correctly(with its context and comparing Scripture with Scripture), and studies history about the Bible times, there is only one result unless one has a closed mind. That result is to believe the Bible is true and believe in Jesus Christ as one's own personal Saviour and God.
   There are many, such as Oprah Winfrey, who teach about a very different Jesus. They may use some Bible verses, but they are not teaching what the Bible teaches, but what some spirit leader told Helen Schucman to write down. That spirit leader could only have been bad-a demon! Prove what you believe beyond the single author. Has the person become more like Jesus? The Bible has completely changed millions of lives for great good! Most early colleges and hospitals were started by Christian leaders.
   Winfrey is a new age promoter. This "Jesus" who dictated to Ms. Schucman taught the opposite of what the Bible teaches. II Timothy 3:1-5 warns that false teachers will come "...in the last days". We must be on guard for these false teachers! Our eternity depends on what we believe! Believe in the Biblical Jesus Christ. He promised that those who believe in Him will have everlasting life - heaven.

Sincerely,
Rick

Messianic Prophecy

   We will begin by looking at the fact that Jesus fit exactly into the outline of biblical prophecy. Morgan, in "Beyond Reasonable Doubt"begins this chapter with an unusual comparison. He compares Jesus and Alfred Hitchcock in the way Hitchcock came on his TV show and the way Jesus came into the world. When Hitchcock came on, he would glide into a shadowy image and he fit the shadow exactly. Similarly, Jesus came into the world and fit exactly into the shadow of messianic prophecy. Morgan quotes A.T. Pierson, "As A.T. Pierson put it, the Old Testament writers added feature after feature and touch after touch and tint after tint, until what was at first a drawing without color, a mere outline or profile, comes at last to be a perfect portrait with the very hues of living flesh." Morgan, then, refers to Luke 24:25-27 where the resurrected Christ said the 2 disciples on the way to Emmaus were "foolish...and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?" Then Jesus explained the prophecies of Moses through all the prophets about Him. They didn't know it was Jesus. He stopped to eat with them that evening and when they recognized who He was, He vanished from their sight.
   Morgan asks, "Why did Jesus disguise Himself at first?....Jesus wanted His disciples to know beyond any shadow of doubt that He was Messiah, King of Kings and Prince of Peace, risen from the dead. He had 2 ways of proving this. The first was to appear physically before them and by His concrete, resurrected body, provide empirical proof of His resurrection.
   But the second way was more important, more convincing and more durable. He could prove His resurrection by showing them how He, alone, fulfilled - and with utmost perfection - the predictions and prophecies about His life, death, and resurrection made hundreds of years before by Old Testament prophets. So the roadside stranger led these two disciples on a tour of biblical prophecy, and by the time He had finished they were so convinced that Christ was the risen Messiah that their hearts burned like a fire within them....Christ pointed us to the overwhelming body of evidence for the veracity of Christianity found in the fulfilment of Old Testament Messianic prophecy."
   Morgan moves, then to the "family tree" of the Messiah. The Jews were all very careful about keeping track of their heritage. They kept records of it, but when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70 the records were destroyed. Only Jesus' line was preserved in the Gospels. Now, none alive today can prove that they're in the line of David. In Gen. 9:26-27 the Messiah was prophecied to come through Shem; Then through Abraham-Gen. 12;2-3, 22:18; through Isaaac-Gen 21:12; through Jacob-Gen. 35:10-12, Num. 24:17; through Judah-Gen. 49:10, Psa. 78:67-68; through Jesse-Isa. 11:1-2; through David-Jer. 23:5. The New Testament begins with, "A record of the geneology of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham." Matt. 1:1. Jesus' line followed and fulfilled each of these prophecies.

Sincerely,
Rick

Prophecies About Other Nations.

   When I think of prophecies about other nations, I think of Daniel first. He gave an overview down through the years of history from his time as an important leader with Nebuchadnezzar through at least 4 nations who would rule the world in the future. In chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a huge statue with a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze and legs of iron with feet of iron and clay mixed. 
   Daniel was required to know the dream without the king telling him. God told Daniel the dream and its interpretation. The head of gold represented Babylon. More and more inferior nations would rule after it. Each one lesser than the one before. Until, after the nation represented by the iron and clay feet, a stone breaks up the nation and God will set up a kingdom of His own at the end of the ages. His kingdom will last forever.
   I believe we are now near the time of the nation ruling represented by the feet of iron and clay. That means that Christ could come at anytime because He will come for His Church before the last kingdom of iron and clay rules the world during the great tribulation. After 7 years of rule Christ will return to the earth and destroy the kingdom of the anti-christ and judge the nations (Matt. 25:31-46) and set up His righteous kingdom.
   Many scholars believe that the chest and arms represent Medo Persia, belly and thighs: Greece, legs of iron: Rome, and feet of iron and clay: the last kingdom not yet existing, but may well be forming in the European Union.
   In chapter 7 Daniel saw a vision of 4 animals. Commentators also look at the characteristics of those animals to match the nations to the parts of the king's statue.
   Isaiah also prophecies about other nations. After prophesying about the return of Israel and its prosperity, he predicted the destruction of Babylon in chapter 13. He predicted the destruction of Assyria in chapter 14, and Moab in chapter 15, and Ethiopia in chapter 18, and Egypt in chapter 19, and others. One of the most interesting prophecies is that of Tyre. In Ezekiel chapter 26 God prophesies the destruction of Tyre so completely that the rubble from the destruction would be scraped into the sea! This was fulfilled when Babylon took the city. The people escaped to an island off shore. Later an army scraped the rubble into the sea making a causeway to the island where they defeated those who had escaped. This prophecy states that no one will live in Tyre anymore. I've heard that a few have tried to live there, but were afraid to stay so they left. The speaker who mentioned it said, "If you want to prove God wrong, just go live there."
   Most of the book of Nahum is a prophecy of the destruction of Nineveh, a great and very wicked, and pitiless nation who had destroyed many other nations with ruthless speed.
   In the New testament Jesus prophecyed the destruction of Jerusalem and Revelation is well known as a book of prophecy of the end times.
   Morgan summarizes with, "All of this adds to the body of evidence, for 'above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit"."
   As one studies prophecy, the next event is Christ returning for His Church, then the time of great tribulation when a day's wages will buy 1 meal! Then Christ will return to the earth, destroy the kingdom of the anti-christ, judge the nations, and set up His eternal kingdom. One must trust Christ as their Redeemer Who died on Calvary for "my sins" and ask Him to come into their lives and save them from their sin. Then live as the Bible teaches. Check http://www.bbnradio.org/.

Prophecies About Israel

   Moses and Isaiah both gave prophecies concerning Israel and their  Messiah long before they happened. So many of these prophecies have been fulfilled that we can certainly expect those remaining to be fulfilled as well.
   We mentioned Bradford's make-believe predictions about America in the previous blog. It could not have been trusted because it would have come from Bradford, himself, only a man, but when Moses gave the predictions about Israel, they were from God. That's why they have been fulfilled. God is not in time. He is above it seeing the beginning and the end and all in between at the same time. That's why He can predict the future.
   Morgan writes, "In Deuteronomy (28), 29 & 30, just before the Israelites entered the promised land, Moses predicted a day when this very people, the Jewish nation, would be driven out of Palestine and dispersed among the nations of the world. But he also predicted a later day when the Jews would be regathered to Palestine and would again possess the land given to their forefathers." Morgan then wonders what if Bradford had predicted that America would become great, but because of "their evil" they'd be scattered, but the decendants of those scattered would return and again live here and rule the land. If the predictions simply came from man, he probably would've only thought of good happening in the future. Even if he would have predicted something bad, surely it would have been minor or short lived. When God tells about man, whether it's what he does, did, or will do, He tells it like it is, was, or will be.
   Jeremiah (25:1-12) predicted that Israel would be out of the land for 70 years and Isaiah (44:28-45:7) predicted that a ruler named Cyrus would permit them to return. Isaiah and Daniel predicted the death of the prophesied  Messiah (Isa. 53, Dan. 9:25) and the crucifixion is described in Psalm 22. Compare the above Scriptures with the Gospels and see how the events in the Gospels fulfill the prophnecies in Isa., Dan., and the Psalm. "The Open Bible" has a list of prophecies in the back with a list of the fulfillments in parallel on each page.
   Genesis 16:11-12 and Psalm 83 tell that Ishmael's decendants would be against all men and especially God's people, Israel. It is true today, especially with the terrorists.
   Hosea 3:4-5 states that Israel will not have a king or prince or sacrifice or sacred stones or ephod or idol. Verse 5 says that Israel will return to the Lord-"in the latter days".
   Morgan sumarizes, "These are only a few of the predictions made about the nation of Israel, but from these passages let us summarize. The predictions involving Israel include these:
   1.  The Jews would possess Palestine and consider it their Promised Land.
   2.  They would disobey the law.
   3.  As a result, they would be driven from the land.
   4.  They would return to the land 70 years later.
   5.  A Messiah would come to them, but He would be cut off, pierced for the transgressions of His people.
   6.  They would again be driven from the land.
   7.  They would be dispersed to the four corners of the world.
   8.  During their dispersion, the land of Israel would become barren and dry, a burning waste of salt and sulfur.
   9.  Also during this dispersion, the Jews would be the object of unbelievable cruelty and persecution and constant suspense.
   10. They would have no political leader, no king, no temple.
   11. They would encounter perpetual antagonism from the Arab world.
   12. Amazingly, after many years, they would return a second time to possess the Promised Land.
   13. Jews would come from the far corners of the globe to repopulate Israel for the second time."
   All these prophecies were fulfilled. Another prophecy to be fulfilled is that Jesus Christ is coming back any time. One must be ready. Believe that the Bible is true, that Jesus is Who He claims to be-the Son of God. Believe that He died on the cross in your place and ask Him to save you from your sin and come into your life and obey His Word.

Sincerely,
Rick

Biblical Historical Prophecy

   Morgan refers to the Pilgrims at Plymouth who made a covenant with each other before they got off the ship. He suggests an idea: what if William Bradford, their leader, had told his people that they and other Pilgrims would develop into a great nation and prosper for 100 years as a colony of Britian. But eventually the nation would break those colonial ties by a war of independence; then adopt a constitution that would state that all men are created equal; elect a president and congress. Also, the new nation would spread out westward pushing Indians out of their land. Many more states would join the union of states, but there would eventually be a war between the northern and southern states. This would be a very bloody war, but the union of the states would be saved by a man named Lincoln. There would follow a period of reconstruction to rebuild the South with great industrial growth and the nation, called America, would become a world power. Then America would be involved in a world war, but would win then fall into an economic depression, and another world war in which 50 million people will die. Again America will win, but only because they use "a terrifying weapon of apocalyptic dimensions against the land of the rising sun." After this war America "will lose its moral bearing, references to God will be expunged from public domains, sexual perversion and violence will swallow up the nation, entertainment will become the supreme pastime, and the Christianity we have come here to preserve will again be threatened."
   We know Bradford never made such predictions. No person can predict the future like that, but God can!
   There are hundreds of predictions and prophecies given in the Bible about the future of Israel and her Messiah and the nations of the world. Some of these prophecies involve some minute details and they have come true just as prophesied.These were given 100's and 1,000's of years before being fulfilled. Some have  tried to say that the prophecies were written after the event happened, but those people alive at that time would have proven it untrue. However, archeology has proven that they are real prophecies fulfilled as prophesied.
   Morgan says, "God provided these prophecies for the purpose of proving His Word is trustworthy and authoritative. In otherwords, prophecy in the Bible is given to confirm the reliability of Christianity."
   In the Old Testament God said that if what a prophet said didn't come true, it was not God's message.
   Morgan asks, "(H)ow can we know if the Bible is true? We can ask: Does it make specific predictions about the future and have those predictions come true?" "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come." (Isaiah 46:9-10) "No other religion on earth contains such an abundance of predictions and prophecies about the future, much of it minute in its specifications and no other religion can document detailed fulfillments of its predictions in human history as ours.
   Next time we will look at some specific prophecies.

Sincerely,
Rick