I tend to forget that Christianity is built on the platform of a single, historical event: the resurrection of Jesus. And I wonder how many in the world have really, truly explored this mysterious, unprecedented story of the resurrection that has rocked the world for the past 2,000 years. Perhaps, that's why it has lost its kick - it's become a story, somewhat of a fable that gets told from time to time. That's the danger of forgetting its significance. When a man journeys into Christianity, there are so many facets to be explored, so much doctrine to be learned, so much life to be changed, so much growth to be had. Yet, lest it be forgotten, the resurrection is the platform upon which Jesus of Nazareth staked his entire life's claims. This historical event is the reason why Christianity mustn't be left as a religion to be chosen among the menu of so many other religions in the world. No, the resurrection is the reason Jesus of Nazareth can be called Jesus Christ - the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Promised One, the Lord God. It's the silver bullet, if you will.
Coming out of Easter season, this truth has gripped me. Take Buddha, Mohammed, Joseph Smith, whomever, whenever, wherever and measure them to Jesus of Nazareth. Pound for pound, inch for inch, Jesus will be revealed through the historical evidence in the resurrection as the only one worthy of being followed. Why? Because He pinned His entire life's ministry, teachings, validation upon an event that could be and was witnessed. To remember this and to seek out that evidence has been refreshing.
The resurrection is refreshing because it validates Jesus. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, without the resurrection "faith is futile", we have no hope, and those who believe in it ought to be pitied above all men (1 Cor. 15:17,19). However, if it is true as the evidence points such, it is transformational and monumental.
I implore you to look into the resurrection. Research it, seek it out. The evidence demands a verdict. Without it, Christianity is nothing. With it, Christianity stands alone as a light in the darkness - the only platform upon which to stand.
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Thanks Drew. I wish I could have had your perspective on this at the table this morning at our Men's Bible Study. While watching a recording of President Obamas speech to Notre Dame on Sunday, I was impressed by how well he addressed his audience. He made some comments; however, that I am having trouble with. He said we should have open minds and open hearts to openly debate different points of view. He said, "The ultimate irony of faith is that it necessarily admits doubt." He goes on to say that our doubt should humble us, temper our passions, etc. (So, if we are passionate about something, does that make us closed-minded?)
I ask myself, "Did Jesus temper his passion? Did Jesus' humility come from doubt? Did Jesus have an open mind to discuss different points of view?"
I believe Jesus had passion beyond our comprehension. Why else would He come to earth to live and teach and suffer and die for us? Our faith can leave no room for doubt, other than that which causes us to continue to learn. This passion is why many wars are fought. War is not bad, because some things are worth fighting for.
Humility may require tempered passion, but it is not necessarily due to doubt. I believe Jesus had humility in order to relate to man. How often do we reject someone who comes across as a "know-it-all" telling us how wrong we are and how right s/he is. When He speaks, the truth is sweet to all ears who hear and to all minds who read it. He does not shout it at us; He speaks in love of right and wrong, much the way a loving parent speaks to a child.
I believe Jesus has wisdom beyond our comprehension. Does a parent need to be open-minded about the child's view of proper nutrition, education, economics, etc. Jesus does not need to be open-minded to others' opinions of what the truth is. He is the truth. He is the only right answer. His Word is the truth. The truth shall set us free.
I strive to open my mind to the teachings of the Bible. Humble myself to the point of knowing I need a Savior. I am passionate for Him, and do not open my mind to the Evil one. Listen to and love others and live and speak truth.
I need a Savior... Thank God for the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Trevor - thanks for your remarks. We live in a pluralistic age so a President making comments like that follows that logic. The reality is that truth ultimately is exclusive. For something to be true, it ultimately rules out every other possibility. With Jesus' and His resurrection, He left a clear opportunity for people to seek and find the truth. Ultimately, by faith we take what's been handed down as true. But, when you take the sum total of the evidence, it takes more faith to believe any other outcome. Thus, Jesus solidifies His life and being as the Truth through the resurrection.
I've come to realize that we can have open debate, open hearts, open minds but if they never close on ultimate truth, what progress can ever be made? In the resurrection, we have a launch pad into a lifestyle of following One who really did know truth because He is truth. Being the truth means there is no doubt. I would ask our President what he thinks of the resurrection. Without that mooring, he's just like the majority of our age floating about in an ocean of relativism only to be lost at sea.
If Jesus rose from the dead, it seals everything He did and taught in his life. It is the sign that He is God. Ponder that magnificent truth and what that means for humanity. God incarnate - come to save His creation. Every depends on the resurrection of Christ.
Furthermore, this ignorant nonsense that we call "pro-choice" is nothing more than trying to venerate the culture of death we've allowed to happen. 50+ million dead of our species in the last several decades because of legalized abortion. What does it matter whether they're in the womb or out of the womb? If we as a people are unwilling to fight for the rights of the weak and helpless baby, who will we fight for? His argument is putting lipstick on a pig, to be blunt. I pray he'll come to see the fatal error in supporting the mother's right to murder her child, no matter what the case. Two wrongs don't make a right.
Not to be too obnoxious, but by putting so much weight on the "evidence" aren't we just bowing unequivocally to the expectations and standards of modernity?
Do we really need the secular world telling us we are justified in our conclusions? Seriously, if we play by their "rules" we lose every time!
We need to come to terms with "reason," and how it does not provide all (or any) of the answers we so direly desire.
Have a wonderful day!
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