Is the Bible an accurate account of Jesus life?
This question is a very important question. The foundation of the Christian faith is Jesus as revealed in the Bible. If the Bible cannot be trusted then the Christian faith has a big problem. This is why many unbelievers begin with an attack on the Bible. The following reasons should convince you that the Bible can be trusted and is a historically accurate account of Jesus life.
1. The number of early writings of the New Testament is very large. There are more than 5000 Greek documents. In addition, several thousand documents exist in ancient eastern languages such as the Syriac and Coptic languages. From these documents, we can be sure that we have the exact words of the original books with only a few words that are not certain. This vast number of documents of the Bible is greater than we have for every other ancient writer. The number of early copies of the Bible are greater than we have for Confucius, Lao-Tze, Plato or Aristotle. This does not prove that the Bible is true but does show that we have an accurate record of the books of the Bible.
2. There is a short time period between the actual events of Jesus life and the writing of the books of the Bible. All the books in the Bible were written in the first century and most books were written before 65 A.D. The books of the Bible were written by those who were eyewitnesses to the events. Therefore myths and legends could not have developed.
3.We have numerous copies which are dated only 100 to 300 years after the actual events. This time period is very short compared to all the other books of the ancient times. Most other ancient books have time gaps of 500 years or more after the actual events occurred. The writings of Confucius, the Analects, there is a time gap of 500 years between the life of Confucius and the earliest partial copy of the Analects. No one questions that we have a accurate copy of this book.
4. There are early non-Christian writings that mention Jesus that do not contradict the Bible. The authors of these writings include Tacitus, a Roman historian, and Josephus, a Jewish historian.
5. The authors of the New Testament books were eye-witnesses of the events that occurred. These writers wrote in a historical style of writing and emphasized that these are things they saw and heard with their own eyes and ears.
6. All the New Testament writers (except one) were killed because of their testimony. These writers could have saved their life if they just admitted that their writings were false. All the writers refused to change their testimony and went to their death insisting that they were telling the truth.
These six reasons should be enough to convince everyone that we have an accurate copy of the Bible and that the Bible is accurate about the first century events including Jesus life and Jesus sayings.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Why does God allow suffering? Part 2
Why does God allow suffering? Part 2, The philosophical response
In part 1 on the topic of suffering, I discussed the Christian response from the personal, emotional perspective. This is the most beneficial response yet there are those who want an answer from the more philosophical perspective. It is interesting that those who criticize Christianity from this viewpoint are usually not suffering themselves. For those who are in the middle of suffering, many times their faith grows even stronger.
The argument against God from evil is like this: if God is good, if God is powerful then suffering would not exist. Since suffering obviously exists, there is no God. The problem with this argument is that it does not see the into the future. The Christian affirms all three statements: God is good, God is powerful and suffering exists. How can this be? The response to question is that it is possible for good to come from something bad. Of course bad is not good but from suffering there can be a greater good that comes. If some of the reasons for suffering are mysterious to us, this is because we cannot see the future. In everyday life, most people are willing to suffer if they see a greater good. It is when we cannot see benefit from suffering that we are most distressed. From the Christian worldview, we can make three statements:
1. God has a good, but not fully revealed, purpose for allowing suffering.
2. At a future time, God will display His glory and put an end to suffering.
3. At that future time, the good that is revealed will be greater than the suffering which came before.
This explanation can be hard to accept because there is so much suffering in this world. It is at this point when we have to step forward in faith. It is when we doubt that good can come from so much evil that we are called to believe the promises of God. Is there another choice? Yes, you can believe in atheism. Atheism says that life is just a cosmic accident and there is no meaning, no purpose in suffering because life has no purpose. Atheism is an unlivable worldview. There is no need for despair. Turn to God and trust in Him. Step forward in faith. Trust in God's promises and you will not be disappointed.
In part 1 on the topic of suffering, I discussed the Christian response from the personal, emotional perspective. This is the most beneficial response yet there are those who want an answer from the more philosophical perspective. It is interesting that those who criticize Christianity from this viewpoint are usually not suffering themselves. For those who are in the middle of suffering, many times their faith grows even stronger.
The argument against God from evil is like this: if God is good, if God is powerful then suffering would not exist. Since suffering obviously exists, there is no God. The problem with this argument is that it does not see the into the future. The Christian affirms all three statements: God is good, God is powerful and suffering exists. How can this be? The response to question is that it is possible for good to come from something bad. Of course bad is not good but from suffering there can be a greater good that comes. If some of the reasons for suffering are mysterious to us, this is because we cannot see the future. In everyday life, most people are willing to suffer if they see a greater good. It is when we cannot see benefit from suffering that we are most distressed. From the Christian worldview, we can make three statements:
1. God has a good, but not fully revealed, purpose for allowing suffering.
2. At a future time, God will display His glory and put an end to suffering.
3. At that future time, the good that is revealed will be greater than the suffering which came before.
This explanation can be hard to accept because there is so much suffering in this world. It is at this point when we have to step forward in faith. It is when we doubt that good can come from so much evil that we are called to believe the promises of God. Is there another choice? Yes, you can believe in atheism. Atheism says that life is just a cosmic accident and there is no meaning, no purpose in suffering because life has no purpose. Atheism is an unlivable worldview. There is no need for despair. Turn to God and trust in Him. Step forward in faith. Trust in God's promises and you will not be disappointed.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Why does God allow suffering?
Why does God allow suffering? Part 1
Suffering is not only a universal human experience but is also very difficult to accept. Many times Christians are asked how could a good God allow suffering? Because this is such a big part of human experience, Christians must give a response for this question. Before I give this response, let me add that all worldviews (atheism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, others?) must also be called to answer this question. Many times it is only Christians who are asked. In my opinion, the Christian response to suffering is superior to others.
There are two types of answers to this question: The first is the philosophical answer, the second is the existential answer (that is, the answer at the emotional level). Part 1 will cover the existential answer because it is the most important and most helpful to those who are suffering. The proper response to human suffering has different aspects which are all linked together. First, we must recognize that we live it a world that that has been damaged by the continual sin of men and women. This is not the way the world began but it is the way it is now. Suffering is a part of human existence. If you have not suffered then you have not lived long enough. Secondly, the Christian view is that this life in this world is the only time we have to suffer. Compared the eternal life to come, this life is quite short. Thirdly, some suffering serves a purpose we cannot see because we cannot see the future. Many times God is shaping us into a person with more perseverance and more character than we have today. As hard as suffering is, it can lead to a future benefit. We may not understand what good can come from a particular type of suffering but we cannot see the future. The last answer (which also connects with the other three answers) is Jesus. In the end, Jesus is the answer to suffering. The best answer to suffering is not list of intellectual arguments because suffering is not a intellectual problem but rather a deeply personal problem. This deeply personal problem is answered by a person - the person of Jesus. So if we must suffer in this short life, Jesus has promised to be next to us with every step we take. If we must suffer, Jesus will give us the strength so that we will not be broken. If we must suffer, we will have someone next to us who knows what it is to suffer and die and then to conquer death. Are you in pain? Jesus knows that type of pain. Are you treated unjustly? Jesus lived a perfect life yet was unjustly executed. Have you felt humiliation? Jesus suffered more. For you see, as God and man, we look to a God who is not unsympathetic to our pain but a God who has suffered what we have suffered. Yes, this world has much suffering and we are called to suffer for a time much in the same way as Jesus did. And if Jesus, who is God, had to pass through the cross to conquer death then we also are called to carry our own cross. It's not easy but he has promised to never leave us. He has promised to carry us through this life into a eternal life when all tears will be wiped away and there will be a renewed earth and we will dwell in peace with Jesus and all those He has called. This is the Christian response to suffering. Compare this with the answers (or non-answers) from atheism or Buddhism. And after comparing, run to Jesus. Accept the gift of eternal life.
Suffering is not only a universal human experience but is also very difficult to accept. Many times Christians are asked how could a good God allow suffering? Because this is such a big part of human experience, Christians must give a response for this question. Before I give this response, let me add that all worldviews (atheism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, others?) must also be called to answer this question. Many times it is only Christians who are asked. In my opinion, the Christian response to suffering is superior to others.
There are two types of answers to this question: The first is the philosophical answer, the second is the existential answer (that is, the answer at the emotional level). Part 1 will cover the existential answer because it is the most important and most helpful to those who are suffering. The proper response to human suffering has different aspects which are all linked together. First, we must recognize that we live it a world that that has been damaged by the continual sin of men and women. This is not the way the world began but it is the way it is now. Suffering is a part of human existence. If you have not suffered then you have not lived long enough. Secondly, the Christian view is that this life in this world is the only time we have to suffer. Compared the eternal life to come, this life is quite short. Thirdly, some suffering serves a purpose we cannot see because we cannot see the future. Many times God is shaping us into a person with more perseverance and more character than we have today. As hard as suffering is, it can lead to a future benefit. We may not understand what good can come from a particular type of suffering but we cannot see the future. The last answer (which also connects with the other three answers) is Jesus. In the end, Jesus is the answer to suffering. The best answer to suffering is not list of intellectual arguments because suffering is not a intellectual problem but rather a deeply personal problem. This deeply personal problem is answered by a person - the person of Jesus. So if we must suffer in this short life, Jesus has promised to be next to us with every step we take. If we must suffer, Jesus will give us the strength so that we will not be broken. If we must suffer, we will have someone next to us who knows what it is to suffer and die and then to conquer death. Are you in pain? Jesus knows that type of pain. Are you treated unjustly? Jesus lived a perfect life yet was unjustly executed. Have you felt humiliation? Jesus suffered more. For you see, as God and man, we look to a God who is not unsympathetic to our pain but a God who has suffered what we have suffered. Yes, this world has much suffering and we are called to suffer for a time much in the same way as Jesus did. And if Jesus, who is God, had to pass through the cross to conquer death then we also are called to carry our own cross. It's not easy but he has promised to never leave us. He has promised to carry us through this life into a eternal life when all tears will be wiped away and there will be a renewed earth and we will dwell in peace with Jesus and all those He has called. This is the Christian response to suffering. Compare this with the answers (or non-answers) from atheism or Buddhism. And after comparing, run to Jesus. Accept the gift of eternal life.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Why isn't God more Obvious?
Why isn't God more Obvious?
One question that is asked by some people is this: Why isn't God more obvious? That is, why doesn't God reveal himself to all people in a miraculous way? For example, God could write his name in big letters on the Great Wall. God could speak loudly to everyone at once. If God wants everyone to come to Him, why not do this? There are two responses to this question. First, if God revealed himself in a miraculous way, people would still not believe. People will not believe because they to not want to believe. In the first century, there were many people who did not believe Jesus even though Jesus performed many miracles. Secondly, and more importantly, it is God's purpose that it is not only our minds know who God is. If our minds know who God is but our hearts do not know Him, then our knowledge is of no benefit to us. The famous philosopher Pascal said "God wishes to move the will rather than the mind. Perfect clarity would help the mind but harm the will". What does this mean? If God revealed himself with perfect clarity, the minds of men and women may be changed but the heart will remain the same. People's pride would want to examine God but their hearts would not want to be humble before God. This is of no benefit to us. God's purpose is that we remove our pride and come before Him humbly. God purpose is not just that we know Him but also that we have a relationship with Him. For this purpose, God is partially hidden and partially revealed. We must approach the invisible God in faith and begin our journey of transformation. God has revealed himself enough so that the humble can know him, God is partially hidden so that those who are proud will not know him. Do you want to know God? There is a way. Put away your pride and approach God in humble prayer. If at first you do not sense the prescence of God, then do not stop seeking. This is the beginning of your journey. We take many journeys during our life, the journey to know God is the most meaningful. I urge you, draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
One question that is asked by some people is this: Why isn't God more obvious? That is, why doesn't God reveal himself to all people in a miraculous way? For example, God could write his name in big letters on the Great Wall. God could speak loudly to everyone at once. If God wants everyone to come to Him, why not do this? There are two responses to this question. First, if God revealed himself in a miraculous way, people would still not believe. People will not believe because they to not want to believe. In the first century, there were many people who did not believe Jesus even though Jesus performed many miracles. Secondly, and more importantly, it is God's purpose that it is not only our minds know who God is. If our minds know who God is but our hearts do not know Him, then our knowledge is of no benefit to us. The famous philosopher Pascal said "God wishes to move the will rather than the mind. Perfect clarity would help the mind but harm the will". What does this mean? If God revealed himself with perfect clarity, the minds of men and women may be changed but the heart will remain the same. People's pride would want to examine God but their hearts would not want to be humble before God. This is of no benefit to us. God's purpose is that we remove our pride and come before Him humbly. God purpose is not just that we know Him but also that we have a relationship with Him. For this purpose, God is partially hidden and partially revealed. We must approach the invisible God in faith and begin our journey of transformation. God has revealed himself enough so that the humble can know him, God is partially hidden so that those who are proud will not know him. Do you want to know God? There is a way. Put away your pride and approach God in humble prayer. If at first you do not sense the prescence of God, then do not stop seeking. This is the beginning of your journey. We take many journeys during our life, the journey to know God is the most meaningful. I urge you, draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Are all religions the same?
Are all religions the same?
Can you believe in every religion at the same time? The answer is no. All religions have fundamental beliefs. The problem is that these fundamental beliefs contradict each other. For example, many Hindus believe in an impersonal God while Christians and Muslims believe in a personnel God. Christians believe that Jesus is God was raised from the dead. Muslims deny both of these ideas. Jesus was either raised from the dead or he was not. You cannot believe that he was both raised and still dead without having a contradiction in your mind. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born a Hindu but disagreed with Hindu teachings and started Buddhism. Why did he feel this was necessary if all religions are the same? All religions contradict each other in very fundamental ways. They cannot all be true. The truth excludes the false. Some people say all religions are the same because all religions talk about love and justice. But we need to investigate more deeply into this matter. If a religions talks about love, what is the foundation for this love. Many Buddhists believe in an impersonal god and therefore this "god" cannot love. Some people worship idols made my men. How can an idol made of metal love? How can a piece of metal bring justice to the world? It can not. On the other hand, the Christian God is a personnel God. The Christian God is love. The Christian God has shown this love throughout history and by sending Jesus into the world. Either this is true or it is not. Muslim's believe in justice but justice without love is empty justice. Enforcing the harsh justice found in Muslim law. But if the law is not based on love it is not justice at all. (You can judge a tree by it's fruit!) If love is a high virtue, which religion empowers you to love? A religion based on many rituals or based on stone idols can empower nobody to love.
In summary, beliefs in religions should not be irrational Suppose one man believe 1+1=2 and a second man believe 1+1=3 and a third man believes 1+1=4. And suppose a fourth man comes and says "I have carefully studied this and I believe that all three of you are right!" Which man is the most foolish? In the same way, to believe all religions are true is to believe a contradiction. We must not think in that way. Some people say that all religions are fundamentally the same but only superficially different. Actually the opposite is true. The world's religions are only superficially the same but are fundamentally different. The truth is important. The truth is the truth whether or not you believe it. Since your eternal destiny depends on the truth, it is very important to discover which religion is true.
Can you believe in every religion at the same time? The answer is no. All religions have fundamental beliefs. The problem is that these fundamental beliefs contradict each other. For example, many Hindus believe in an impersonal God while Christians and Muslims believe in a personnel God. Christians believe that Jesus is God was raised from the dead. Muslims deny both of these ideas. Jesus was either raised from the dead or he was not. You cannot believe that he was both raised and still dead without having a contradiction in your mind. Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, was born a Hindu but disagreed with Hindu teachings and started Buddhism. Why did he feel this was necessary if all religions are the same? All religions contradict each other in very fundamental ways. They cannot all be true. The truth excludes the false. Some people say all religions are the same because all religions talk about love and justice. But we need to investigate more deeply into this matter. If a religions talks about love, what is the foundation for this love. Many Buddhists believe in an impersonal god and therefore this "god" cannot love. Some people worship idols made my men. How can an idol made of metal love? How can a piece of metal bring justice to the world? It can not. On the other hand, the Christian God is a personnel God. The Christian God is love. The Christian God has shown this love throughout history and by sending Jesus into the world. Either this is true or it is not. Muslim's believe in justice but justice without love is empty justice. Enforcing the harsh justice found in Muslim law. But if the law is not based on love it is not justice at all. (You can judge a tree by it's fruit!) If love is a high virtue, which religion empowers you to love? A religion based on many rituals or based on stone idols can empower nobody to love.
In summary, beliefs in religions should not be irrational Suppose one man believe 1+1=2 and a second man believe 1+1=3 and a third man believes 1+1=4. And suppose a fourth man comes and says "I have carefully studied this and I believe that all three of you are right!" Which man is the most foolish? In the same way, to believe all religions are true is to believe a contradiction. We must not think in that way. Some people say that all religions are fundamentally the same but only superficially different. Actually the opposite is true. The world's religions are only superficially the same but are fundamentally different. The truth is important. The truth is the truth whether or not you believe it. Since your eternal destiny depends on the truth, it is very important to discover which religion is true.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
I am a good person. Why do I need God?
Many people think that they are a good person and therefore do not need God. Almost all people think they are better than the average person which raises an interesting mathematical question but we don't need to discuss this now. The real question is what is the true standard of "good". When we think of "good" we compare ourselves to those people around us. But God' standard is a perfect standard. We know that no man or women is perfect but how close to perfect to we think we are? Have you ever lied? Have you ever been impatient? Are you always kind to your neighbor? It is an interesting fact that the easiest person fool can be ourselves. Men and women have great ability to justify almost any action. In reality, we need to know God so that we can know ourselves. The more we know God, the more we know ourselves. And as we begin to better understand ourselves, we realize why we need God. We realize that we are not as good as we thought before. But the higher purpose of knowing God is not to feel guilty of our weakness. No, the most excellent purpose of knowing God is to obtain the power to overcome our weakness. And, after overcoming, to enter into a relationship with God who is both true and good. You need God more than you realize. So what are you waiting for? Begin a journey to know yourself. Reach out for God today. He has been waiting for you to come to Him.
Friday, November 27, 2009
How do you know there is a God?
There are three sources for the evidence that there is a God. These reasons for the existence of God come from knowledge that we already have and that we are very certain is true.
1. The evidence from science
2. The evidence from morality
3. The evidence from human dignity
First, despite what is widely published today, there are scientific reasons for the existence of God. What has been taught to us is the theory of evolution. This theory states that life came from non-life; that the complex came from the simple. But as we learn about the complexity of life, this does not seem possible. Today scientists are discovering the details of even the smallest forms of life. Inside only one cell of our body is a complicated micro-machine that is incredibly complex. All the parts of a cell must work together with precision for a cell to live. Take just one part away and the cell will die. The cell, and life at every level, exhibits an intelligent design. To think that these living designs just randomly happened is not logical. To think that complex living things were created by accident is harder to believe than to believe in God. Not only this, but scientists are discovering that the universe also shows evidence for design. All the laws and physical constants of physics appear to be designed. If the laws and forces of nature were changed just by a small amount, there would be no life. There very existence of the universe is evidence of a creator God. Scientists have no answer for the creation of the universe and origins of life. So then, the certain knowledge of the complicated design of the universe and of life leads us to know that there is a God.
Second there is the evidence from morality. Both believers and unbelievers have a strong knowledge of right and wrong. This very certain knowledge leads us to God. The reason is that if we were accidents of evolution, then there is no logical reason for right and wrong. As the famous Russian writer Dostoevsky said "If there is no God, then are things are permissible." But we know from deep within our heart that there is right behavior and wrong behavior. We have an certain knowledge that there is good and evil. Therefore, there is source for good and evil. Therefore there is a God.
Thirdly, there is evidence from human dignity. Both believers and unbelievers know that people have value and dignity. We all know that it is wrong to kill a person. This is because God has created man and women wonderfully and with dignity. God has given men and women a conscience of right and wrong. If there is no God and we were created by an accident of nature, then human life is on the same level as every animal. If there is no God, then killing a person is no different than killing an ant or a chicken. But we certainly know that killing person is wrong. We certainly know that human life has more value than an ant. Therefore, there is a God.
So then, a belief in the existence of God is logical and reasonable. Indeed, if you do not believe in God then you living with contradictory ideas. Think carefully about these things. If there is God, how do we know who he is? Has he revealed himself to us? These are questions for another answer. What we know now is that there is indeed a God.
1. The evidence from science
2. The evidence from morality
3. The evidence from human dignity
First, despite what is widely published today, there are scientific reasons for the existence of God. What has been taught to us is the theory of evolution. This theory states that life came from non-life; that the complex came from the simple. But as we learn about the complexity of life, this does not seem possible. Today scientists are discovering the details of even the smallest forms of life. Inside only one cell of our body is a complicated micro-machine that is incredibly complex. All the parts of a cell must work together with precision for a cell to live. Take just one part away and the cell will die. The cell, and life at every level, exhibits an intelligent design. To think that these living designs just randomly happened is not logical. To think that complex living things were created by accident is harder to believe than to believe in God. Not only this, but scientists are discovering that the universe also shows evidence for design. All the laws and physical constants of physics appear to be designed. If the laws and forces of nature were changed just by a small amount, there would be no life. There very existence of the universe is evidence of a creator God. Scientists have no answer for the creation of the universe and origins of life. So then, the certain knowledge of the complicated design of the universe and of life leads us to know that there is a God.
Second there is the evidence from morality. Both believers and unbelievers have a strong knowledge of right and wrong. This very certain knowledge leads us to God. The reason is that if we were accidents of evolution, then there is no logical reason for right and wrong. As the famous Russian writer Dostoevsky said "If there is no God, then are things are permissible." But we know from deep within our heart that there is right behavior and wrong behavior. We have an certain knowledge that there is good and evil. Therefore, there is source for good and evil. Therefore there is a God.
Thirdly, there is evidence from human dignity. Both believers and unbelievers know that people have value and dignity. We all know that it is wrong to kill a person. This is because God has created man and women wonderfully and with dignity. God has given men and women a conscience of right and wrong. If there is no God and we were created by an accident of nature, then human life is on the same level as every animal. If there is no God, then killing a person is no different than killing an ant or a chicken. But we certainly know that killing person is wrong. We certainly know that human life has more value than an ant. Therefore, there is a God.
So then, a belief in the existence of God is logical and reasonable. Indeed, if you do not believe in God then you living with contradictory ideas. Think carefully about these things. If there is God, how do we know who he is? Has he revealed himself to us? These are questions for another answer. What we know now is that there is indeed a God.
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