This week we continue our journey with Chip Ingram’s book “Why I Believe”. If you haven’t invested in the book and the study book, YOU SHOULD. Maybe you can start a book club or Bible study using this book.
Give your Pastor a jingle, or contact your small group coordinator and bend their ear! You can get those here, https://livingontheedge.org/broadcast-series/why-i-believe/?media=daily. Be sure to listen to his sermons on “Why I Believe”, print off the sermon notes, and download the free MP3!
In the current climate of post-modern Christianity along with the highly flammable state our country is in, we can no longer have a business-as-usual approach to apologetics. Let’s tackle a few points from Chip’s book:
- Belief in the resurrection of Christ
- Undisputed death of Christ
- The historical authenticity of the Bible
- Life beyond death
- Creation versus Evolution
- God and Science
Belief in the resurrection of Christ
Obviously, if Christ wasn’t raised from the dead, then Christianity is dead. Jesus was not only mentioned in the Bible but was mentioned in several non-Christian historical sources as well. Chip shares that many prominent historians mention Jesus. Historians such as:
- Pliny– a Roman governor and historian, https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/pliny-historian/
- Tacitus– a Roman historian DURING Jesus’ time, https://crossexamined.org/tacitus-ancient-roman-historian-reports-on-jesus/
- Josephus– a Jewish historian that lived shortly AFTER Jesus’ death, http://josephus.org/
Chip’s second reason we should believe in the resurrection was in Jesus’ unquestionable character. Though Christ’s character certainly doesn’t prove the resurrection, the fact that there has never been any historical document uncovering questionable practices leaves us with a unique individual and a unique life event- the resurrection. These are just a few of the MANY reasons Chip listed. So, go get yourself a copy of his book and enjoy!
Undisputed death of Christ
Many unbelieving folks like to use the missing body of Christ to prove he never died in the first place. Then you have other nonsense like the Swoon Theory, https://www.gotquestions.org/swoon-theory.html.
You had to hand it to the Romans. They knew how to brutally and efficiently murder people. Initially, crucifixion was the Romans’ choice of punishment for non-citizens and slaves. Later on, it became a manner of execution.
Roman soldiers were there at Jesus’ crucifixion. A Centurion testified to Pilate that Jesus was indeed dead. Romans generally broke to legs to hasten death but Jesus was already dead. To confirm that Jesus was dead, a soldier pierced Jesus’ side and a clear fluid and blood ran out.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate gave them permission to bury him in the tomb. The tomb was sealed, and a guard was placed at the entrance.
Friends, time is up once again. Come, and join me next week as we finish the last four apologetic points, we all should know! Thank you for joining me in Time in the Word.
Resources:
- https://www.bible.ca/d-history-archeology-crucifixion-cross.htm
- https://livingontheedge.org/broadcast-series/why-i-believe/?media=daily
- https://www.gotquestions.org/swoon-theory.html
- https://amazingbibletimeline.com/blog/pliny-historian/
Michele Bruxvoort is sure to draw you in with her delightful sense of humor and love for living life. She enjoys reading, repurposing, as well as remodeling the family home with her husband. Drawing from her life experience as wife, mom, and follower of Jesus, Michele brings you a very honest and real perspective on life. When you don’t find her writing, you can find her mowing lawns, stocking shelves, taking care of her grandbaby and tackling her latest life adventure.
Wisconsin native and empty-nester, she now makes her home with her husband of 27 years in the South West Prairie plains of Minnesota.
