April 2007 Sermons

April 29th, 2007

Christianity and Cults, Prosperity Gospel

Intro … The American prosperity gospel ribbon fish…the danger of something so close to the truth, yet not the whole truth…(Scientology, way off, Joel Osteen?)

Text : 2 Timothy 4:1-5

What do these names have in common?

Juanita Bynum, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, T. D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Robert Shuller, Oprah, Kenneth Hagin, Paul Crouch, Creflo Dollar, Robert Tilton, Fredrick Price, Morris Cerullo, Paul (David) Yonggi Cho

By in large, they teach a prosperity gospel

Prosperity theology is the doctrine that prosperity and success in life and business is external evidence of God's favor. Believe with all your heart and soul, give, give until you can't give any more. God loves a cheerful giver.

The prosperity gospel also has been called the "name it and claim it" theology. God wants His people to prosper. Those who follow God and give generously to his ministries can have anything, and everything, they want. The preachers' wealth is "confirmation of what they are preaching."

Some of Osteen's sermon titles….

ENLARGE YOUR VISION

HOLDING ONTO YOUR DREAMS

FINANCIAL PROSPERITY

HOW VALUABLE YOU ARE IN GOD'S EYES

OVERCOMING THE GREATEST HINDRANCE TO HEALING

DEVELOPING MIRACLE-WORKING FAITH

FAITH TO CHANGE YOUR WORLD

BELIEVE GOD FOR THE GREATER WORKS

DO ALL YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

LIVING A LIFE OF EXCELLENCE

DEVELOPING YOUR POTENTIAL

At best, this theology is a simplistic and misguided way of living. At worst, it is dangerous.

Michael Horton (Seminary prof) calls the message a twisted interpretation of the Bible -- a "wild and wacky" theology. "Some of these people are charlatans," he said. "Others are honestly dedicated to one of the most abhorrent errors in religious theology. "I often think of these folks as the religious equivalent to a combination of a National Enquirer ad and professional wrestling. It's part entertainment and very large part scam."

"It says God is itching to bestow material blessings on the faithful. But I don't find any place in the Scriptures where Jesus is promising great wealth and wages."

"It can be quite devastating if you're not sharing in the wealth," he said. "Somehow, your faith is considered to be lacking."

Oprah and The Secret… Law of Attraction etc.

I know Oprah does a lot of great things with her money, I just wish she'd leave Christianity out of it. By hinting at Christianity and then promoting The Secret, it sends a mixed message.

I'm not saying that Oprah is the anti-Christ…

I could go off on each one of the people mentioned but that's not necessary. I can't say that they are actually keeping people away God through Jesus Christ….

Key scriptures:

Matthew 4 :4, 5 :3-10, 6 :1-4, 9-13, 19-21, 33, 16 :24-28, 19:21-24 , 20 :16, 26-28, 25 :40

The Christian life is a call to sacrifice, obedience…

Jesus did not say that rich people can't go to heaven, but that it is much more difficult. The problem is that monetary riches can cause you to replace God with money as your god. Often, once you obtain riches, your focus can shift to retaining those riches.

Certainly God does want us to prosper, but does that always mean monetarily? What about prospering in our prayer life, our care for the poor and needy? Or how 'bout prospering in or godly character, the fruits of the spirit?

If God has blessed you with riches and you are able to keep a godly perspective on your money, good for you!

God will provide for all our needs, but it must be recognized that He told us to seek first the kingdom of God, THEN God would provide all our needs. (Matthew 6:33) So if you are seeking God with all your heart, your needs will be met. That means if it is God's will that you have riches because you need them to do God's work, He will provide you with riches. That leaves us with only our wants.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

If we are not following the whole counsel of scripture and instead pulling out the verses we like to justify our behavior (whether it be a prosperity gospel or not) then we end up with a liberal translation of the Bible.

The real danger especially in the prosperity gospel is that it is not a universal gospel. The Gospel of Jesus Christ can be preached and produce genuine converts in any nation or community on earth. The prosperity gospel can only be preached in America and Western Europe in large part. That means it is coming dangerously close to what the Apostle Paul called "another gospel" (Galatians 1:8-9)

Quote from Ben Witherington

The problem is several fold, and it involves a fundamental replacement of what the Bible actually has to say about wealth, with what our culture says about wealth and prosperity. And of course when you preach a message that is heard as saying "God wants you rich" or is heard as saying "if you give generously to God ( i.e. our ministry) he will repay you many times over"), then of course the implication is that the Gospel message is really all about us, and ways to get God to fulfill not merely our needs and desires but even our conspicuously consumptive dreams. But is God really a nurturer of a vision of life that says its all about me and my material success?

Jim Bakker, who spent five years in prison for defrauding Heritage USA investors, says he has had a change of heart about the prosperity gospel. The same man who once told his PTL coworkers that "God wants you to be rich," now says he made a tragic mistake. "For years, I helped propagate an impostor, not a true gospel, but another gospel," Bakker has said in his 1996 book, "I Was Wrong." "The prosperity message did not line up with the tenor of the Scripture," he said. "My heart was crushed to think that I led so many people astray."

Conclusion: Prosperity gospel dropouts…

April 22nd, 2007

Christianity and Cults, Rastafarianism, Bahai' and Christian Science

Intro: "Coexist" and "Visualize Whirled peas…"

Text: Isaiah 29:13

Key person or founder:

Christianity: Christianity: Jesus Christ (via God and the beginning of time and his grand plan) about AD 30-33 in the Judean province of Palestine (Israel today), under the Roman Empire. Followers of Jesus Christ became known as Christians.

Rastafarianism:

Marcus Garvey, a black leader in the early 1900s. Stressed black pride & unity. He urged blacks to accept Ethiopia as their promised land and to identify with the wandering tribes of Israel.

Baha'i World Faith:

Siyyid Ali-Muhammd, "the Bab" (1819-1850) and Mirza Husayn-Ali, "Bahaullah." Founded in 1844 in Iran. Headquarters in Haifa, Israel.

Christian Science:

Mary Baker Eddy (1812-1910) Founded in 1875 in Massachusetts. Current headquarters in Boston.

Key writings:

Rastafarians draw ideology from Marcus Garvey's back-to-Africa admonishments during the 1920s and 1930s, as well as from the Coptic and King James Bibles.

Bahai':

Writings of Baha u llah and Abdu-l-Baha, including the "Most Holy Book" and "Book of Certitude." The Bible, interpreted spiritually to conform to Bahai ' theology.

Christian Science:

Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures, Manual of the Mother church and other books by Eddy. The Bible (not as reliable). Christian Science Journal, Christian Science Sentinel.

Who is God?

Rastafarianism:

In 1930 in Ethiopia, Ras Tafari Makonnen was crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords with the throne-name Haile Selassie. Haile Selassie is the lamb or sacred god of black people. Though Selassie had been dead for more than three decades, Rastas believe he will rise from the dead.

Bahai':

God is an unknowable divine being who has revealed himself through nine "manifestations" (religious leaders), including Adam, Moses, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammad, and Baha-u-llah.

Christian Science:

According to Mrs. Eddy, God is an impersonal Principle of life, truth, love and intelligence and spirit. God is all that truly exists; matter is an illusion.

Who is Jesus?

Christianity: Jesus is God. As God the Son, he has always existed was never created. He is fully God and fully man (the two natures joined, not mixed). He is co-equal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. He was born of the virgin Mary. He is the only way to the Father, salvation and eternal life. He died on a cross according to God's plan, as full sacrifice and payment for our sins. He rose from the dead on the third day. For the next 40 days he was seen by more than 500 people. His wounds were touched and he ate meals. He physically ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of God. Jesus will come again visibly and physically at the end of this world to establish God's kingdom and judge the world.

Rastas:

Jesus is recognized as a great man who lived, but Haile Selassie is revered as Christ.

Bahai':

Jesus is one of many manifestations of God. Each manifestations supersedes the previous, giving new teachings about God. Jesus, who superseded Moses, was superseded by Muhammad and most recently by the greatest, Baha-u-llah. Jesus is not God and did not rise from the dead. He is not the only way to God. Jesus has returned to earth in the form of Baha-u-llah.

Christian Science: Jesus was not the Christ, but a man who displayed the Christ idea. Jesus was not God and God never became flesh. He did not suffer and could not suffer for sins. He did not die on the cross and was not resurrected. He will not literally come back.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Rastas:

Not really needed or important.

Bahai':

The Holy Spirit is a divine energy from God that empowers every manifestation. "Spirit of Truth" refers to Baha-u-llah

Christian Science:

The Holy Spirit is defined as the teaching of Christian Science. Impersonal power.

How is one saved?

Rastas:

Salvation can only be realized by Black people through their return to Africa, the Black Zion, after liberation from the evils of the White-dominated western world, which is frequently referred to as Babylon. Africa is regarded as a spiritual focus, a true home, heaven on earth, and Rastafarians regard Black people as the true Jews and chosen people of God.

Bahai'

Faith in the manifestation of God, (Baha-u-llah). Knowing and living Baha-u-llah's principles and teachings.

Christian Science:

Humanity is already eternally saved. Sin, evil, sickness and death are not real.

What happens after death?

Christianity:

There will be a final judgment for all. Believers go to Heaven, those who are lost or don't chose Christ will suffer the torment of eternal separation from God (Hell).

Rastas:

Bahai':

Personal immortality based on good works, with rewards for the faithful. Heaven and Hell are conditions, not places.

Christian Science:

Death is not real. Heaven and Hell are states of mind. The way to reach heaven is to attain harmony (oneness with God).

Other facts, key beliefs etc.

Christianity:

Group worship as the church. No secret rites. Baptism and Communion. Active voluntary missionary work. Aid to those in need: poor, widows, orphans etc. Christians believe that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah promised to Israel in the Old Testament. Jesus said his followers would be known by their love (always a good thing to keep in mind).

Rastas:

They believe they are reincarnated Hebrews, sons and daughters of Jah, and descendants of the biblical Israelites. Rasta is a blend of Ethiopian Christianity, OT Judaism, African animism, and spiritualism.

Bob Marley brought Rastafarianism to the masses through his Reggie music. Died at 36 from brain cancer, fathered 11 children from 7 different women. They claim a Biblical inspiration and mandate for dreadlocks and ganja. It's really about a black revolution, putting the while man down.

Bahai':

Organized as an Islamic sect and is severely persecuted in Iran. Bahai' teaches that all religions have the same source, principles and aims. Stress on oneness and world unity. Regular gatherings called "feasts, " administrative meetings called "spiritual assemblies." "Universal House of Justice" in Haifa, Israel, is the ultimate governing body.

Christian Science:

Members use "practitioners" (authorized professional healers who "treat" supposed illnesses for a fee) instead of doctors. Healing comes from realizing one cannot really be sick or hurt and that the body cannot be ill, suffer pain or die (matter is an illusion). Attracts followers by claims of miraculous healing. Publishes Christian Science Monitor newspaper.

Some commonalities and things we need to be concerned about:

All three of these religions started by a human…

Remember, Christianity was started by God at the beginning of time

The key writings, beliefs are also human based…limitations… Mark 7:6-7

When you start putting God and Jesus on a basic, impersonal level, equal with other Krishna, Buddha or Mohammad…do you really want to worship someone so attainable? Exodus 34:14

One of the things I love about God is his bigness, too big to understand, unattainable, unreachable. Holy, perfect, righteous…

If Jesus was just one of many of the manifestations of God, then what about the claims he made?

Again, who Jesus was/is is critical…

A vague belief in the Holy Spirit denies the Trinity…

If there is no urgency to be saved, no important doctrine taught on salvation, then sin, repentance, confession etc. isn't an issue.

It's somewhat easy and convenient to just dismiss evil and sin…

We need to recognize our utter need and dependence on god and his holiness, righteousness.

The song, "Holiness" we sang last week reminds us of that…

Death, heaven and hell are real and have to be dealt with…

1 Kings 11:4-6

For the Rastas, one love, unity, peace etc. all sounds good. Life as about a lot more than just "groovyness…Irie, mon"

Reggae music does have a good feel to it… Christafari, etc.

Bahai' also tends to be a "it's all good" type religion, "all religions have the same source, principles and aims".

Galatians 1:6-9

They can't all be right. All paths don't lead to God.

Christian Science has gotten in all kinds trouble with its views on sickness, (one cannot really be sick or hurt and that the body cannot be ill, suffer pain or die (matter is an illusion).

We need to not only pray for people when they are sick, we need to take advantage of modern medicine…God can use both!

Conclusion: "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." Aristotle

Ezekiel 14:1-11

Easter 2007, April 8th

Intro… VIDEO 30 Rock…I believe everyone is on some sort of spiritual quest. Today is a HUGE day for us Christians, no doubt.

We've been on a series lately ….

We do want to be careful though as we discuss other religions though so we don't end up like this: SLIDE fighting churches.

· One of the biggest factors that separates Christianity from other religions is who we believe Jesus was. Not just a nice guy who said and did a lot of good things…

Text: Mark 16:1-8

The Easter story, or the story of Christ's rez. is told in all four gospels.

· 1 Corinthians 15 is a chapter in the Bible loaded with important thoughts and implications for today. Let's pull out a few of the highlights:

The importance of the gospel v. 1-8

· Isn't it exciting when someone come running up to you and says, "I've got good news!" Your mind starts racing…

· This is literally what the word "gospel" means….Good news!

· The word Gospel is much deeper than just "Gospel music on American Idol"

· Here's the key words: preached, received, saved, hold firmly.

· Why do we believe the rez? V. 3-4…Jesus appeared to many….

We are here by the grace of God.

· Sometimes in life it seems like we are just holding on by a thread…

· We can identify with Paul in v. 9-11…

· As we've studied many of these other world religions outside of Christianity, one of the common factors has been the humanistic approach to religion. We tend to want to get ourselves out of the messes we get into.

· The rez. reminds us that there is nothing we can do to earn God's favor, Christ did it all.

Without Easter, resurrection day, then we might as well shut down the whole thing. V. 12-14

· That's right, I'm saying that any other religion that preaches anything other than Christ crucified, dead and risen is preaching rubbish. It's useless!

· V. 17 "If Christ has not been raised, your faith if futile, you are still in your sins."

· VIDEO clip # 2

· "The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted on the minds of human beings--or it is the most remarkable fact of history." Josh McDowell

· Evidence for the rez: Broken Roman seal, empty tomb, large stone moved, Roman guards go AWOL, Jesus' grave clothes left behind, Jesus' appearances confirmed. (See Josh McDowell paper on this at end of email.)

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

VIDEO clip #3

So, then what is our hope as we search for meaning, for a "higher power?"

· v. 20-22 We are made truly alive in Christ Jesus.

· v. 55-58 We have no reason to fear death…

Conclusion:

Easter is a message of hope…

Mikey show, Rock 105.3, his email….

"Tunnel" Song slide show,

Reflection, all church prayer time.

Evidence for the Resurrection

by Josh McDowell

For centuries many of the world's distinguished philosophers have assaulted Christianity as being irrational, superstitious and absurd. Many have chosen simply to ignore the central issue of the resurrection. Others have tried to explain it away through various theories. But the historical evidence just can't be discounted.

A student at the University of Uruguay said to me. "Professor McDowell, why can't you refute Christianity?"

"For a very simple reason," I answered. "I am not able to explain away an event in history--the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

How can we explain the empty tomb? Can it possibly be accounted for by any natural cause?

A QUESTION OF HISTORY
After more than 700 hours of studying this subject, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted on the minds of human beings--or it is the most remarkable fact of history.

Here are some of the facts relevant to the resurrection: Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish prophet who claimed to be the Christ prophesied in the Jewish Scriptures, was arrested, was judged a political criminal, and was crucified. Three days after His death and burial, some women who went to His tomb found the body gone. In subsequent weeks, His disciples claimed that God had raised Him from the dead and that He appeared to them various times before ascending into heaven.

From that foundation, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and has continued to exert great influence down through the centuries.

LIVING WITNESSES
The New Testament accounts of the resurrection were being circulated within the lifetimes of men and women alive at the time of the resurrection. Those people could certainly have confirmed or denied the accuracy of such accounts.

The writers of the four Gospels either had themselves been witnesses or else were relating the accounts of eyewitnesses of the actual events. In advocating their case for the gospel, a word that means "good news," the apostles appealed (even when confronting their most severe opponents) to common knowledge concerning the facts of the resurrection.

F. F. Bruce, Rylands professor of biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, says concerning the value of the New Testament records as primary sources: "Had there been any tendency to depart from the facts in any material respect, the possible presence of hostile witnesses in the audience would have served as a further corrective."

IS THE NEW TESTAMENT RELIABLE?
Because the New Testament provides the primary historical source for information on the resurrection, many critics during the 19th century attacked the reliability of these biblical documents.

By the end of the 1 9th century, however, archaeological discoveries had confirmed the accuracy of the New Testament manuscripts. Discoveries of early papyri bridged the gap between the time of Christ and existing manuscripts from a later date.

Those findings increased scholarly confidence in the reliability of the Bible. William F. Albright, who in his day was the world's foremost biblical archaeologist, said: "We can already say emphatically that there is no longer any solid basis for dating any book of the New Testament after about A.D. 80, two full generations before the date between 130 and 150 given by the more radical New Testament critics of today."

Coinciding with the papyri discoveries, an abundance of other manuscripts came to light (over 24,000 copies of early New Testament manuscripts are known to be in existence today). The historian Luke wrote of "authentic evidence" concerning the resurrection. Sir William Ramsay, who spent 15 years attempting to undermine Luke credentials as a historian, and to refute the reliability of the New Testament, finally concluded: "Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "

I claim to be an historian. My approach to Classics is historical. And I tell you that the evidence for the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ is better authenticated than most of the facts of ancient history . . .

E. M. Blaiklock
Professor of Classics
Auckland University

BACKGROUND
The New Testament witnesses were fully aware of the background against which the resurrection took place. The body of Jesus, in accordance with Jewish burial custom, was wrapped in a linen cloth. About 100 pounds of aromatic spices, mixed together to form a gummy substance, were applied to the wrappings of cloth about the body. After the body was placed in a solid rock tomb, an extremely large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Large stones weighing approximately two tons were normally rolled (by means of levers) against a tomb entrance.

A Roman guard of strictly disciplined fighting men was stationed to guard the tomb. This guard affixed on the tomb the Roman seal, which was meant to "prevent any attempt at vandalizing the sepulcher. Anyone trying to move the stone from the tomb's entrance would have broken the seal and thus incurred the wrath of Roman law.

But three days later the tomb was empty. The followers of Jesus said He had risen from the dead. They reported that He appeared to them during a period of 40 days, showing Himself to them by many "infallible proofs." Paul the apostle recounted that Jesus appeared to more than 500 of His followers at one time, the majority of whom were still alive and who could confirm what Paul wrote. So many security precautions were taken with the trial, crucifixion, burial, entombment, sealing, and guarding of Christ's tomb that it becomes very difficult for critics to defend their position that Christ did not rise from the dead. Consider these facts:

FACT #1: BROKEN ROMAN SEAL
As we have said, the first obvious fact was the breaking of the seal that stood for the power and authority of the Roman Empire. The consequences of breaking the seal were extremely severe. The FBI and CIA of the Roman Empire were called into action to find the man or men who were responsible. If they were apprehended, it meant automatic execution by crucifixion upside down. People feared the breaking of the seal. Jesus' disciples displayed signs of cowardice when they hid themselves. Peter, one of these disciples, went out and denied Christ three times.

FACT #2: EMPTY TOMB
As we have already discussed, another obvious fact after the resurrection was the empty tomb. The disciples of Christ did not go off to Athens or Rome to preach that Christ was raised from the dead. Rather, they went right back to the city of Jerusalem, where, if what they were teaching was false, the falsity would be evident. The empty tomb was "too notorious to be denied." Paul Althaus states that the resurrection "could have not been maintained in Jerusalem for a single day, for a single hour, if the emptiness of the tomb had not been established as a fact for all concerned."

Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty tomb. Those resources range from Josephus to a compilation of fifth-century Jewish writings called the "Toledoth Jeshu." Dr. Paul Maier calls this "positive evidence from a hostile source, which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this means that if a source admits a fact decidedly not in its favor, then that fact is genuine."

Gamaliel, who was a member of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, put forth the suggestion that the rise of the Christian movement was God's doing; he could not have done that if the tomb were still occupied, or if the Sanhedrin knew the whereabouts of Christ's body.

Paul Maier observes that " . . . if all the evidence is weighed carefully and fairly, it is indeed justifiable, according to the canons of historical research, to conclude that the sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, in which Jesus was buried, was actually empty on the morning of the first Easter. And no shred of evidence has yet been discovered in literary sources, epigraphy, or archaeology that would disprove this statement."

FACT #3: LARGE STONE MOVED
On that Sunday morning the first thing that impressed the people who approached the tomb was the unusual position of the one and a half to two ton stone that had been lodged in front of the doorway. All the Gospel writers mention it.

There exists no document from the ancient world, witnessed by so excellent a set of textual and historical testimonies . . . Skepticism regarding the historical credentials of Christianity is based upon an irrational bias.

Clark Pinnock
Mcmaster University

Those who observed the stone after the resurrection describe its position as having been rolled up a slope away not just from the entrance of the tomb, but from the entire massive sepulcher. It was in such a position that it looked as if it had been picked up and carried away. Now, I ask you, if the disciples had wanted to come in, tiptoe around the sleeping guards, and then roll the stone over and steal Jesus' body, how could they have done that without the guards' awareness?

FACT #4: ROMAN GUARD GOES AWOL
The Roman guards fled. They left their place of responsibility. How can their attrition he explained, when Roman military discipline was so exceptional? Justin, in Digest #49, mentions all the offenses that required the death penalty. The fear of their superiors' wrath and the possibility of death meant that they paid close attention to the minutest details of their jobs. One way a guard was put to death was by being stripped of his clothes and then burned alive in a fire started with his garments. If it was not apparent which soldier had failed in his duty, then lots were drawn to see which one wand be punished with death for the guard unit's failure. Certainly the entire unit would not have fallen asleep with that kind of threat over their heads. Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment "produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches."

FACT #5: GRAVECLOTHES TELL A TALE
In a literal sense, against all statements to the contrary, the tomb was not totally empty--because of an amazing phenomenon. John, a disciple of Jesus, looked over to the place where the body of Jesus had lain, and there were the grave clothes, in the form of the body, slightly caved in and empty--like the empty chrysalis of a caterpillar's cocoon. That's enough to make a believer out of anybody. John never did get over it. The first thing that stuck in the minds of the disciples was not the empty tomb, but rather the empty grave clothes--undisturbed in form and position.

FACT #6: JESUS' APPEARANCES CONFIRMED
Christ appeared alive on several occasions after the cataclysmic events of that first Easter . When studying an event in history, it is important to know whether enough people who were participants or eyewitnesses to the event were alive when the facts about the event were published. To know this is obviously helpful in ascertaining the accuracy of the published report. If the number of eyewitnesses is substantial, the event can he regarded as fairly well established. For instance, if we all witness a murder, and a later police report turns out to he a fabrication of lies, we as eyewitnesses can refute it.

OVER 500 WITNESSES
Several very important factors arc often overlooked when considering Christ's post-resurrection appearances to individuals. The first is the large number of witnesses of Christ after that resurrection morning. One of the earliest records of Christ's appearing after the resurrection is by Paul. The apostle appealed to his audience's knowledge of the fact that Christ had been seen by more than 500 people at one time. Paul reminded them that the majority of those people were still alive and could be questioned. Dr. Edwin M. Yamauchi, associate professor of history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, emphasizes: "What gives a special authority to the list (of witnesses) as historical evidence is the reference to most of the five hundred brethren being still alive. St. Paul says in effect, 'If you do not believe me, you can ask them.' Such a statement in an admittedly genuine letter written within thirty years of the event is almost as strong evidence as one could hope to get for something that happened nearly two thousand years ago." Let's take the more than 500 witnesses who saw Jesus alive after His death and burial, and place them in a courtroom. Do you realize that if each of those 500 people were to testify for only six minutes, including cross-examination, you would have an amazing 50 hours of firsthand testimony? Add to this the testimony of many other eyewitnesses and you would well have the largest and most lopsided trial in history.

HOSTILE WITNESSES
Another factor crucial to interpreting Christ's appearances is that He also appeared to those who were hostile or unconvinced.

Over and over again, I have read or heard people comment that Jesus was seen alive after His death and burial only by His friends and followers. Using that argument, they attempt to water down the overwhelming impact of the multiple eyewitness accounts. But that line of reasoning is so pathetic it hardly deserves comment. No author or informed individual would regard Saul of Tarsus as being a follower of Christ. The facts show the exact opposite. Saul despised Christ and persecuted Christ's followers. It was a life-shattering experience when Christ appeared to him. Although he was at the time not a disciple, he later became the apostle Paul, one of the greatest witnesses for the truth of the resurrection.

If the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt.

F. F. Bruce
Manchester University

The argument that Christ's appearances were only to followers is an argument for the most part from silence, and arguments from silence can be dangerous. It is equally possible that all to whom Jesus appeared became followers. No one acquainted with the facts can accurately say that Jesus appeared to just "an insignificant few."

Christians believe that Jesus was bodily resurrected in time and space by the supernatural power of God. The difficulties of belief may be great, but the problems inherent in unbelief present even greater difficulties.

The theories advanced to explain the resurrection by "natural causes" are weak; they actually help to build confidence in the truth of the resurrection.

THE WRONG TOMB?
A theory propounded by Kirsopp Lake assumes that the women who reported that the body was missing had mistakenly gone to the wrong tomb. If so, then the disciples who went to check up on the women's statement must have also gone to the wrong tomb. We may be certain, however, that Jewish authorities, who asked for a Roman guard to be stationed at the tomb to prevent Jesus' body from being stolen, would not have been mistaken about the location. Nor would the Roman guards, for they were there!

If the resurrection-claim was merely because of a geographical mistake, the Jewish authorities would have lost no time in producing the body from the proper tomb, thus effectively quenching for all time any rumor resurrection.

HALLUCINATIONS?
Another attempted explanation claims that the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection were either illusions or hallucinations. Unsupported by the psychological principles governing the appearances of hallucinations, this theory also does not coincide with the historical situation. Again, where was the actual body, and why wasn't it produced?

DID JESUS SWOON?
Another theory, popularized by Venturini several centuries ago, is often quoted today. This is the swoon theory, which says that Jesus didn't die; he merely fainted from exhaustion and loss of blood. Everyone thought Him dead, but later He resuscitated and the disciples thought it to be a resurrection. Skeptic David Friedrich Strauss--certainly no believer in the resurrection--gave the deathblow to any thought that Jesus revived from a swoon: "It is impossible that a being who had stolen half-dead out of the sepulchre, who crept about weak and ill, wanting medical treatment, who required bandaging, strengthening and indulgence, and who still at last yielded to His sufferings, could have given to the disciples the impression that He was a Conqueror over death and the grave, the Prince of Life,

For the New Testament of Acts, the confirmation of historicity is overwhelming. Any attempt to reject its basic historicity, even in matters of detail, must now appear absurd. Roman historians have long taken it for granted.

A. N. Sherwin-White
Classical Roman Historian

an impression which lay at the bottom of their future ministry. Such a resuscitation could only have weakened the impression which He had made upon them in life and in death, at the most could only have given it an elegiac voice, but could by no possibility have changed their sorrow into enthusiasm, have elevated their reverence into worship."

THE BODY STOLEN?
Then consider the theory that the body was stolen by the disciples while the guards slept. The depression and cowardice of the disciples provide a hard-hitting argument against their suddenly becoming so brave and daring as to face a detachment of soldiers at the tomb and steal the body. They were in no mood to attempt anything like that.

The theory that the Jewish or Roman authorities moved Christ's body is no more reasonable an explanation for the empty tomb than theft by the disciples. If the authorities had the body in their possession or knew where it was, why, when the disciples were preaching the resurrection in Jerusalem, didn't they explain: "Wait! We moved the body, see, He didn't rise from the grave"?

And if such a rebuttal failed, why didn't they explain exactly where Jesus' body lay? If this failed, why didn't they recover the corpse, put it on a cart, and wheel it through the center of Jerusalem? Such an action would have destroyed Christianity--not in the cradle, but in the womb!

THE RESURRECTION IS A FACT
Professor Thomas Arnold, for 14 years a headmaster of Rugby, author of the famous, History of Rome, and appointed to the chair of modern history at Oxford, was well acquainted with the value of evidence in determining historical facts. This great scholar said: "I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God bath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead." Brooke Foss Westcott, an English scholar, said: "raking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it."

REAL PROOF: THE DISCIPLES' LIVES
But the most telling testimony of all must be the lives of those early Christians. We must ask ourselves: What caused them to go everywhere telling the message of the risen Christ?

Had there been any visible benefits accrued to them from their efforts--prestige, wealth, increased social status or material benefits--we might logically attempt to account for their actions, for their whole-hearted and total allegiance to this "risen Christ ."

As a reward for their efforts, however, those early Christians were beaten, stoned to death, thrown to the lions, tortured and crucified. Every conceivable method was used to stop them from talking.

Yet, they laid down their lives as the ultimate proof of their complete confidence in the truth of their message.

WHERE DO YOU STAND?
How do you evaluate this overwhelming historical evidence? What is your decision about the fact of Christ's empty tomb? What do you think of Christ?

When I was confronted with the overwhelming evidence for Christ's resurrection, I had to ask the logical question: "What difference does all this evidence make to me? What difference does it make whether or not I believe Christ rose again and died on the cross for my sins!' The answer is put best by something Jesus said to a man who doubted--Thomas. Jesus told him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6).

On the basis of all the evidence for Christ's resurrection, and considering the fact that Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and an eternal relationship with God, who would be so foolhardy as to reject Him? Christ is alive! He is living today.

You can trust God right now by faith through prayer. Prayer is talking with God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. If you have never trusted Christ, you can do so right now.

The prayer I prayed is: "Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and trust You as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Thank You that I can trust You."

Josh McDowell, according to a recent survey, is one of the most popular speakers among university students today. He has spoken on more than 650 university and college campuses to more than seven million people in 74 countries during the last 21 years

April 1st, 2007

Palm Sunday, Luke 19-24

Intro…"I've been preparing my whole life for this…Michael Phelps, 4 world records this week."
The events of Holy Week really are the culmination of the life of Jesus.
Text: Mark 11: 1-11
Palm Sunday kicks off "Holy Week" and commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
The significance of Jesus riding a donkey and having his way paved with palm branches is a fulfillment of a prophecy spoken by the prophet Zechariah. Zechariah 9:9-10 and 10: 6
In biblical times, the regional custom called for kings and nobles arriving in procession to ride on the back of a donkey. The donkey was a symbol of peace; versus the horse, which is the animal of war. Those who rode on donkey proclaimed peaceful intentions.
The laying of palm branches indicated that the king or dignitary was arriving in victory or triumph. Throwing their garments on the roadway was a gesture of honor and respect for Jesus.
They shouted "Hosanna" (Save now!) quite possibly thinking Jesus would now overthrow the Roman government. Jesus was always a contradiction in terms. In just a few days, this same crowd who hailed him would desert him at the cross.
In the simplest of terms, Palm Sunday is an occasion for reflecting on the final week of Jesus' life. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His death and the joy of His Resurrection.
I think as Protestants, sometimes we shy away from Ash Wednesday, Lent etc. Really no need to. This is a proper time to take stock of your faith in God. Holy Week also allows for that.
Why did Jesus go to Jerusalem? It was the time of the Jewish feast of Passover. Many Jews travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate this feast together. Exodus 12.
Jerusalem, (which had a normal population of about 50,000 at this time), had at least tripled in size because of the influx of pilgrims celebrating the Jewish holiday.

By Jesus riding into Jerusalem in full public view, all safety and privacy were now gone. It was also the beginning of an inevitable collision with the religious and political authorities. Jesus' time had come. His approach to Jerusalem publically indentified Jesus with the OT prophecy of the Messiah.

The palm was the national
emblem of an independent Palestine.
These were the Jewish flags. What if Jesus should claim to be the heir of King David? What a threat to the ruling parties, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees, as well as the Roman Government.

A Messianic rebellion under Jesus would only shatter the precarious balance of the Roman authority.

The "conspiracy" against Jesus had been building for at least 3 years, and sources record seven instances of official plotting against him, two efforts at arrest, and three assassination attempts before this time.

And then look what happens in Luke 19:39-40.
Some of the religious elite standing on the fringe of the crowd hollered to Jesus They were used to Jesus keeping his Messianic secret. No problem, Jesus allowed the festivity to continue. In fact he warned them that if they even tried to stop this parade, that even the stones would cry out, stand up and praise Him.
Undoubtedly, the Pharisees were seething with rage. "Who does he think he is?" Furthering their plans to execute this Jesus.
And there you have the significance of Palm Sunday. Jesus was fulfilling prophecy that a Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. All this was part of God's grand plan. GOSPEL
After Palm Sunday, Holy week had some significant events of its own. Luke 19-24
· Monday driving the sellers out of the temple.
· Tuesday his authority questioned and then revealed.
· Wednesday Judas goes to the chief priests to discuss how he could betray Jesus.
· Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Last Supper and the betrayal by Judas.
· Good Friday (Holy Friday), the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ.
· Holy Saturday, the Sabbath on which Jesus rested in the grave.
· Resurrection Sunday…

Here's a thought. Just as Jesus came to bring peace and not overthrow the government, maybe we can take the emphasis off trying to get Christians in office and instead encourage all Christians to live and act like Jesus.
Now that would make a difference!
I believe that is what Jesus was communicating to the people of Jerusalem by riding in on a peaceful creature.

Conclusion: VIDEO of Palm Sunday