As someone who has taught history for over 28 years,
I can honestly say without reservation that the death, burial, and resurrection
of Jesus Christ is the greatest event that has changed the path of mankind over
the past two millennia. It has been documented
by many historians such as Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliney the Younger that all state that Jesus was a real person
and lived and died under Pontius Pilate during the reign of the Roman Emperor
Tiberius.
In spite of several attempts by the early Jewish community to spread falsehoods about his resurrction, the truth that has endured the centuries remains as the angel tells the women who came to the tomb that early morning:
"5. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6. He is not here; for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28: 5-6 NKJV)
In I Corinthians 15: 3-8 the Apostle Paul writes that over 500 witnesses have verified that the once crucified Christ now lives:
3. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4. and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5. and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8. Then He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (NKJV)
This coming Sunday will be Easter Sunday and thousands of people who do not regularly attend a weekly service will come to church. In spite of what some may say, seven out of ten people still claim to be Christian with 6 out of the ten saying that they are "deeply spiritual". (www.barna.org) So, where were all these people during the other 50 Sundays? (Christmas week being the other week most people attend a church service).
If we believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose again from the grave to forgive our sins then should we not want to shout it from the rooftops for all to hear? If there is not a greater event in history that has changed the course of humanity for the better why are we acting like it is the best kept secret of all history? If there is really a heaven to be gained and a hell to shun then why do we hide it under the bushel?
In spite of several attempts by the early Jewish community to spread falsehoods about his resurrction, the truth that has endured the centuries remains as the angel tells the women who came to the tomb that early morning:
"5. But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6. He is not here; for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." (Matthew 28: 5-6 NKJV)
In I Corinthians 15: 3-8 the Apostle Paul writes that over 500 witnesses have verified that the once crucified Christ now lives:
3. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4. and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5. and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8. Then He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (NKJV)
This coming Sunday will be Easter Sunday and thousands of people who do not regularly attend a weekly service will come to church. In spite of what some may say, seven out of ten people still claim to be Christian with 6 out of the ten saying that they are "deeply spiritual". (www.barna.org) So, where were all these people during the other 50 Sundays? (Christmas week being the other week most people attend a church service).
If we believe that Jesus lived, died, and rose again from the grave to forgive our sins then should we not want to shout it from the rooftops for all to hear? If there is not a greater event in history that has changed the course of humanity for the better why are we acting like it is the best kept secret of all history? If there is really a heaven to be gained and a hell to shun then why do we hide it under the bushel?
The church that was founded on this belief was the
most active social force that created societies greatest social movement in
history as well. It was a force created
out of the love that was gleaned and shared when Jesus sacrificed His life on
that old rugged cross.
Most of the people I talk to want to change their lives
but do not know how or even where to start.
If you really want change, the church is a great place to start. There are many great churches in our
community. Ask a friend, family member
or neighbor if they can recommend one.
If they don’t have any suggestions, call me. I think I know of at least one.
If it is time for a change and you are tired of the same old same old, then start with your spiritual life. The New Testament church is made for you and has the message that can help you become the real you! 7 out of 10 Americans cannot be all wrong. After all we have the greatest message the world has ever known, even if most of us keep it to ourselves.
Have a great week! Invite your family and friends to come to church and worship together on Resurrection Sunday! Hope to see you there! Pastor Chuck
If it is time for a change and you are tired of the same old same old, then start with your spiritual life. The New Testament church is made for you and has the message that can help you become the real you! 7 out of 10 Americans cannot be all wrong. After all we have the greatest message the world has ever known, even if most of us keep it to ourselves.
Have a great week! Invite your family and friends to come to church and worship together on Resurrection Sunday! Hope to see you there! Pastor Chuck
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