Top Ten Questions About Jesus Christ

Top Ten Questions About Jesus by Keith Roberts {for more information go to http://calhounchurch.org/tenJesus.htm}
#10- "Was Jesus A Real Person?"


Yes, Jesus actually lived. No credible historian today would deny the existence of a carpenter & teacher from Nazareth named Jesus. The Bible gives his life history, but several non-biblical historians of his era also mention him. Josephus (AD 37-95) the Jewish historian wrote about him, and so did Roman historians Tacitus (AD 55-120) and Seutonius (born AD 120.)

#9- "Did Jesus Ever Claim To Be The Son Of God?"

Yes, several times. Once when attacked by his enemies, Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." Then he spoke of the miracles he had done, and asked "For which of these do you stone me?"
Their answer was, "We are not stoning you for these (miracles)… but because you, a mere man, claim to be God." (John 10:33.)
On another occasion they tried to kill Jesus because "he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God." (John 5:18.)


Another time when his enemies tried to kill him, he had said, "Before Abraham was born, I am!" - claiming to be the "Jehovah" of Exodus 3:14. (John 8:58.)
He also said to his own disciples, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9.) Even at his trial, when the High Priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" Jesus answered, "I am… And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." (Mark 14:62.)
Jesus definitely claimed to be God's Son.


#8- "Why Did People Believe His Claims; Weren't They Just Superstitious?"

People believed Jesus' claims because he proved them. How? By fulfilling all the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of God's own Son-the "Messiah."
For example, the prophet Micah (720 BC) predicted that Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2 & Matthew 2:3-6.)
Isaiah (740 BC) foresaw that Christ would heal the sick (Isaiah 53:4 & Matthew 8:17), and that he would be born of a virgin, and would be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 7:14 & 9:6.) Isaiah also gave an extensive picture of the crucifixion of Christ 700 years before it happened! (Isaiah chapter 53.)


Daniel the prophet (600 BC) predicted that the Messiah would come during the Roman Empire (the fourth empire from Daniel's day) and establish God's Kingdom (Daniel 2:44-45.) Jesus fulfilled it. And the prophet Zechariah (520 BC) amazingly predicted that the Messiah would be sold for 30 pieces of silver, which would be thrown back into the temple (Zech. 11:12-13.)
Also, in Psalm 16:10, King David (1,000 BC) predicted that Messiah would be raised from the dead (see Acts 2:27-32.) People in Jesus' day believed his claims because he fulfilled Divine prophecy.

#7- "Since The Bible Was Written So Long Ago, How Do We Know We Have The Words Jesus Actually Spoke?"

Because of the wealth of carefully hand-copied manuscripts-more than for any other ancient work. There are 13,000 ancient manuscripts for the New Testament alone! Compare that to only 7 for the works of Plato, 5 for Aristotle, 8 for Herodotus, and only 9 for Euripedes.
After years of study, scholar F.F. Bruce says, "There is no body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament."

#6- "Did Jesus Actually Work Miracles?"

Yes, Jesus worked scores of miracles right in front of his enemies, yet they never denied it. And he worked so many miracles, that they can't be explained by "mass hypnosis" or "emotionally overwrought witnesses."
His enemies' only defense was to accuse him of working miracles by Satan's power, but Jesus answered, "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined…" (Luke 11:17.)
It wouldn't make sense for Jesus to do good, like casting out demons, by Satan's power-Satan would be destroying his own kingdom.


It's amazing that people today will deny that Jesus, or his disciples, ever worked miracles, yet no one in Jesus' day ever denied it. His enemies never denied it. And those who saw his disciples work miracles never denied it-they said, "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it." (Acts 4:16.)

#5- "Did Jesus Really Die On The Cross, Or Just Faint And Awaken Later?"

No one in Jesus' day, including his enemies, denied that he died on the cross.
After suffering an entire night of trials and beatings, and then being forced to carry the beam of his own cross, Jesus couldn't have survived the horrors of crucifixion. Besides that, he was crucified by professionals-four Roman soldiers whose job was to kill people. Letting a prisoner escape death would cost them their own lives-They wouldn't be fooled by one who just fainted.

#4- "Did Jesus Actually Rise From The Dead, Or Did His Disciples Just Hide The Body?"

On the third day after his death, Jesus literally came back from the dead. His spirit returned to his dead body (John 20:1-18.)
The disciples couldn't have moved Jesus' body; Pontius Pilate had posted a guard and sealed the tomb. But when Jesus came back to life, these guards were paralyzed with fear. Later, Jewish leaders paid them to say they had fallen asleep and the disciples grabbed Jesus' body (Matthew 28:11-15.) But falling asleep on guard duty meant the death penalty, yet these guards were never prosecuted.
How could Jesus' disciples have moved his body without overpowering the guards? And if the guards were asleep, how did they know what happened to the body?

#3- "Didn't The Disciples Just Mistake Jesus' Ghost For A Resurrection?"

No, Jesus actually appeared in bodily form. He spent over a month-40 days-with hundreds of his disciples after his resurrection. He ate meals with them, taught them and readied them to be his witnesses (Acts 1:3-8.) On one appearance Jesus said to them, "Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have" and then he ate fish with them (Luke 24:37-43.)

#2- "If Jesus Was The Son Of God, Why Didn't Everyone Believe Him?"


In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said people fail to believe because Satan comes and steals the good news out of the hearts of hearers (Luke 8:12.)
He also said that religion itself can become a barrier to belief-to a group of religious Pharisees, Jesus said "you nullify the word of God for the sake of your traditions." (Matthew 15:6.) An insincere heart can poison the well of one's belief.


#1- "If Jesus Was Really The Son of God, Why Did He Let Himself Be Killed?"


Because his death and resurrection had a purpose.
After his resurrection, Jesus told his own disciples, "Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms… This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations…" (Luke 24:44-48.)

The purpose of Christ's life, death and resurrection was to repair our broken relationship to the Father-the "forgiveness of sins." As the Holy Spirit later said through the Apostle Paul, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…By this gospel (good news) you are saved…"(1Cor. 15:1-4.)

Since every human being born after Adam's likeness has sinned-or "fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)-everybody needs their alienation from God repaired. Isaiah said that "your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you…" (59:2.)

Christ substituted himself for us-he went to hell on the cross so we don't have to go there ourselves. He was the sinless Son of God, yet he absorbed our sins so we could be free. All the guilt and shame of every sin-whether child molestation, murder, adultery, theft, lying, etc-all sin and shame were placed on him.
If you believe that he is the Son of God, raised from the dead, and that he did all this just for you, it will change you. You'll be, as Jesus described it, "born again" (John 3:3-18.)
He also said, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16.)

Are you such a believer? Do you have questions? If you need help in finding your walk with Christ, contact us.


May God bless you with the answers to all your spiritual questions.

Choosing Early???

Seeing the Unseen…choose early…

You’ve probably heard of that book “Seeing the Unseen” by Joe Beam. His story is a great story of “second” chance with family and God. Another great faith story is of Joe Almanza, how he came to Christ when he was in prison. Others that are more widely known are Beth Moore, Joyce Myers, and James Robison. I could name story after story how God has brought many out of the pit they were in, to the grace of God and a changed life.

I’m very thankful for all these wonderful stories of the power of God to rescue from horrible circumstances at a time when a person had no hope. Their life changed and now they are making a difference in the lives of many.

Therefore, I do not want to take away from any of these encouraging people. However, what about these other great stories of deliverance? They often have been dedicated to Christ (not sinless of course) all of their lives. They usually have learned early how to do life; how to choose wisely and never give up their Christian faith.

We all know people like that and they have made an impact on us. My sweet mom and dad were two people I looked up to; they stayed faithful to God and each other throughout their lives. I’m not saying they were perfect but I am saying that they chose to raise my brother and I for the Lord over worldly things. They told me one time, “Well, we didn’t do too well at teaching you at home but we knew that we could always go with you to Bible Class and Church anytime the door was open.” What they didn’t realize is that they were teaching us at home; their love for the Lord, and each other was evident. They set our feet on the path of loving God first, over school, friends, everything. We had family come visit us at times and when it was time to go to church we all got up and went. It was no decision to make – we were there! Our company went with us.

My sister-in-law is another person that I admire; as a young person she made up her mind to follow Christ. She truly has lived it out in her life. I’ve known her since 1971 when she married my brother. She was looking for a Christian man because she was following the Lord not the world. Her life has been a witness to so many. Over the years, she continued steadfast in the Lord, honoring her marriage vows; raised two wonderful children and to this day continues to serve the Church. Through the years she was always there when my Mother and Dad needed her; when her husband and children needed her. Even today, she is influencing her grandchildren for the Lord.

However, you don’t see these stories told very often so I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about these Christians that have impacted my life. Thank you all! May the Lord continue to be first in our lives!

How's That Working For You?

Disappointment in Life:

When I think of the apostle Paul…I see a strong, determined leader for Christ! So what is going on with this plea from him…to Timothy? Did he face “people problems?”, disappointment in his friends and fellow Christians? When I read this passage I see some of all of that…

Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas...because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica... At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me... Do your best to get here before winter (4:9-11,14,16,21).

Problems molded the apostle Paul into the greatest warrior for Christ the world has ever known. But there were times when adversity and disappointment took its toll on this tough soldier.

Can’t we sense Paul's hurt and discouragement near the end of his second letter to Timothy:

"Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas...because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica" (2 Tim 4:9-10).

Do you hear the pain in those words? Twice he urges Timothy to come to him. Do you feel his anguish when he twice speaks of being deserted by his friends?

Paul in his letters, usually seems to have an invincible spirit. Yet he was a man who suffered, felt betrayed, and was at times very lonely. However, Paul chose to look at life from a heavenly perspective.

That's why he could write:
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body (2 Cor. 4:8-10).

Paul had experienced a level of opposition and suffering that you and I can scarcely imagine. People said they would do things but did not follow through. He could not depend on certain people. Yet he was not crushed, and he refused to give in to despair. He viewed his life as a continual process of dying. His goal was to live in such a way that the life of Jesus would be revealed in his response to adversity. Beware of placing too much expectation on others.

Realize that people will let you down from time to time, but do not let that impact your faith. Trust God to work even through these disappointments...we are all a work in progress. One of my favortie quotes is "Be kinder than necessary, everyone is fighting their own kind of battle".

Jo’s comments and Excerpts from:
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2,
by Os Hillman

YOU could be “asking” or “answering”
By Carolyn “Jo” Gower

Jesus told his disciples the good news and the bad news; best of all was the answer. The good news is that the harvest is plentiful and ready. The bad news is that the workers are few! Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matt. 9:37-38 (NIV)

When we look around us, we see that the harvest is truly plentiful, and the workers are few! However, we also see the good news. You may be the person praying for the lost or praying for more workers, or the worker in need of prayer; in many ways God is using you to bring others to Christ. Praying that God will open a door in our community so that Christ will be proclaimed is one way, just as we read about in God's word - And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ...Colossians 4:3. Don't give up...keep on praying!

A Great Vacation In Little Rock AR!

Hugh and I feel blessed to have two sons; they are grown, married and have children of their own. Last week was such a joy! We went to Little Rock on Paul's birthday...took him a cake and enjoyed wishing him a happy day.

Paul & Schell had asked us to come for a few days to take care of Noah, our grandson, while they made a trip to Boston to celebrate Paul's birthday with friends. It was a great blessing for us and as any grandmother would say...he is the best grandson in the world! We had such fun taking care of him. At this time Noah is 3 months old and he is so good.

Pop, Noah and I had great conversations together, exercised together. We had time to go outside to see the flowers and birds; stroll in the neighborhood and read books together; sing songs together too! Needless to say we were excited! It was a great week.

At the risk of sounding "religious" I must add that it was a week of praying, answered prayers and blessings from above. Our Lord Jesus was so good to us; he posted angels at every corner of Noah's home. We were well protected and so were Paul and Schell. Their trip to Boston and back was safe. Bad weather was to come in that would interfere with their arrival on Sunday but the Lord answered that prayer with a postive answer too...the weather held off that would have stopped their flying out of Chicago on to Little Rock. Hugh and I offered many thanksgiving prayers for all the good time we had and the protection that God gave all of us.

When you look into the eyes of a little one it can renew your own outlook on life that there is hope, love, joy and peace. It can stop the negative and bring out the positive of life! At least with Noah he showed Pop and I a new world...a renewed perspective of innocense and a inquisitive mind to look at things as though they were brand new!

We were not only blessed but we also learned some important lessons from Noah! For one we learned you can be happy even when you don't always get your way. Also, it doesn't really matter what you look like but it is more important what you are on the inside. If we adults could ever learn to love the way Noah loved us, he did not care what we looked like or what clothes we wore. He wasn't concerned if we were in the right country club or even the right church. He just loved us right where we are! Wow, if we as Christians could love people that way...this would display the true love of Christ.

It is hard to comprehed how Christ could humble himself and come down here as a baby...totally dependent on his earthly mom and dad to give him what he needed to grow up.

When I looked at Noah and realized what trust he had in Pop and I to supply his needs while Mom and Dad were gone for a couple of days it reminded me that I am to trust God just like Noah trusts us. Completely relaxed trust; he didn't worry about anything...he was sure that we would give him everything he needed. Jesus has told us that we are not to worry about anything but trust in Him.

Life has a way of either teaching us or reminding us of the Love of God. We can learn it the easy way or the hard way. I'm thankful that Noah has taught us that it is much easier when we trust rather than worry. Thanks my dear grandson for these lessons! Pop and Gigi love you Noah!!!

4:30 AM Today

This morning I awoke hearing my Granddaughter say "Gigi"...problem is she is back home today. Don't know why I heard her, unless I'm just having withdrawals from her...missing her precious presence in our home.

Anyway, I prayed...Lord are you waking me up to pray for Madelyn? Was I just dreaming? What is the deal? I got up went to the living room, pulled out my book titled "Prayers that Prevail for your Children", turned to the prayer called "Angelic Protection" {Hebrews 1:14} and prayed for Madelyn this prayer (part of that prayer along with some of my own thoughts):

" Holy Father, may the Angel of the LORD encamp around Madelyn right now and deliver her as she honors You with reverent fear, awe and respect.

Thank you for sending your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so that we can be saved and protected as we live here awaiting His return to take us to heaven.

Thank you for giving Him power that is far greater than angelic power and a name that is more excellent than the name of angels.

Even so, I thank you, that You have made the angels to be ministering spirits who worship and obey Christ Jesus commands to serve and protect Your people that are heirs of salvation.

Thank you Lord for sending your Angels to protect Madelyn this morning." by the resurrection power of Jesus, AMEN

This morning was peaceful, quiet and close to the Lord Jesus. He is all in all, as the old song states - He is my everything! What a wonderful peace Christ gives us no matter what circumstance we are in today! Thank You Jesus!
Till later,
Jo

Praying for the Lost

With famine, disease, wars, natural disasters, and chaos stalking the earth, the world is in desperate need! However, the world's greatest need is spiritual. The world needs to hear the Gospel because the power is in the Gospel of Christ. (I Cor. 15:1-ff). The point is that the solution to the world's need is in the prayers and outreach to the lost by Christians. The Lord has promised that if we ask, seek, and knock he will send the answer.

Here are a few prayer starters for your encouragement:

1. Pray a prayer of Thanksgiving…
a. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18).

b. "… my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

2. Praise God for…
a. His faithfulness—“…his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalms 91:4b)

b. His mercy--"Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reaches unto the clouds" (Psalm 36:5).

c. His excellence--"Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict" (Job 37:23). (Also see Psalm 36:7)

d. His love—“Praise the LORD, all you nations, extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. (Psalm 117)

e. His longsuffering--"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth" (Psalm 86:15).

f. His name--"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:9).

3. Pray for workers:
Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest" (Luke 10:2). Pray for unity among brethren in order to when others to Christ. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

4. Pray for God to lead us to people to share the gospel; for people to come to us in search of the Lord Jesus.

a. “Call unto Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things that you do not know”. (Jeremiah 33:3)

5. Pray for people to have open hearts for the Gospel.

“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you…” (1Thessalonians 1:2-ff)