preface:
Lee's Lane Baptist Church has graciously given me this platform. I will be giving this presentation as an individual. The church agrees with my main thesis that Jesus is divine. But they are free to agree and/or disagree with my reasoning.
Ideas are combative but this is by no means to be personal. For an idea to be right others have to be wrong and as a result there is mental combativeness and When we have to deal with the issues of faith and Worldview or religion, there are many experiences and faculties involved in our ultimate decisions. So issues of conversion and salvation are more complicated. Of course we want to urge people to the right decision, but we want people to feel free even as we offer this.
I will be arguing for the deity of Christ, while the trinity and incarnation are relevant to this discussion and I do not deny these truths, The Deity of Christ has traditionally been studied independently. So the deity of Christ will be the focus of the presentation.
This is a trail to faith and not the basis of faith. The basis of Faith is the omniscience and honesty of God trusted in a childlike manner Experienced in the joys of fellowship with God and belief in the gospel entrusted in the Bible.
Some people directly come to this virtue naturally but others like Thomas desire evidence. This is a logical and evidential case to make the point. It combines some transcendental arguments with a cumulative case.
Presuppositions
Pesuppositional fallacy vs Pascal's wager
The Atheism strawman apriori. (The claim that Atheist do not need to defend their views)
"Atheism is a negative and you can not prove a negative, therefore the Theist alone bear's the burden of proof."
Atheism can be stated in the positive as materialism. Since the atheists have a competing set of ideas, they are out to prove something more than a negative. They are by implication pushing the materialist ontology, the naturalist philosophy and the secular humanist religion. By the way, if you can prove that King Kong is not in the room then you have proved a negative!
Pascal's wager demonstrates that the burden is upon the atheist to either prove or disprove God. There is no risk in life to believing God. There is no atheist Hell. If there is no God then you have still survived and have had a disciplined lifestyle that usually helps out. But if there is a God whom you do not recognize then you will be judged by that God harshly for not adhering to (His) teachings and be in danger of hell.
Given the chances of danger for atheism, pascal being a good mathematician reasoned it was safer to live as if God existed.
illustration: Iceberg dead ahead!
Many a ship has been destroyed or sunken by icebergs. Most famously was the titanic, a ship thought to be unsinkable. It is essential to the ships survival to intercept icebergs to avoid the consequences. Thus it is the burden of the atheist to obtain knowledge whether there is or is not a god/God.
1. pure atheism (materialism) is unprovable.
A. We do not know what is outside our universe) God transcends the universe but we do not.
Thus we have 0 empirical ability to deny the existence of the transcendent God.
B. We do not know our universe
1. The failure of string theory
String theory is a very complex mathematical formula that attempts to reconcile the forces/energy of the universe. The idea is that if the universe is one without God, then everything in the universe operates in a "closed system" according to the laws of science.
"String theory is the most ambitious attempt of theoretical physicists to explain the laws of nature. Based on the idea that elementary particles have an extended structure that resembles tiny loops of string, it has the potential to unify all the forces in nature, including the elusive quantum theory of gravity."Leonard Susskind: "A Universe Like No Other" New Scientist (Volume 180, No. 2419; November 1, 2003),p. 36.
"Something was discovered in 1996 that brought cosmologists kicking and screaming back to the Anthropic Principle: the universe is not only expanding, it's accelerating. The acceleration parameter, or cosmological constant, appears so finely tuned (nearly zero, but slightly positive) that almost any larger value would prohibit the formation of stars and galaxies. Theoretical predictions are off by 120 orders of magnitude.
Some hoped that superstring theory would come to the rescue, but its champions found that their equations permit 10500 different sets of initial conditions—most of them life-prohibiting. The only way our universe could be explained, therefore, was either by a Designer who chose the right values or by luck among untold numbers of alternate universes with random values."http://www.icr.org/article/theres-only-one-universe by David F. Coppedge
2. We have not reconciled the forces
Science by and large operates from Albert Eintein's theory of relativity. But the theory does not explain the forces of the universe, so the universe is still a mystery.
3. The uncertainty principle
"Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is one of the most important results of twentieth century physics. It relates to measurements of sub-atomic particles. Certain pairs of measurements such as (a) where a particle is and (b) where it is going (its position and momentum) cannot be precisely pinned down.[1]p96
Albert Einstein thought that such a quantum theory could give us only a partial description of nature.[1]p99 He thought that Heisenberg's discovery showed that human knowledge is limited, but he also thought that nature is absolute. That is, he thought that there is no "uncertainty" in nature, and that the uncertainty exists only in our knowledge about it. However, many other scientists disagree with Einstein."http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heisenberg%27s_uncertainty_principle
2. Naturalism is false
a. The big bang "cosmic inflation" is an unlawful metaphysic (it is not science but religion.)
1982 Maclaen vs Arkansas trial: Judge William Overton's memorandum
"Both the concepts and wording of Section 4(a) convey an inescapable religiosity. Section 4(a)(1) describes "sudden creation of the universe, energy and life from nothing." Every theologian who testified, including defense witnesses, expressed the opinion that the statement referred to a supernatural creation which was performed by God."So here judge Overton is chiding the creationist.
However, later on the big bang theory took a turn into the concept of cosmic inflation. Which teaches that within a period of 2 seconds 99% of the universe formed.
Popular physicist Lawrence Krauss explains the current concept of the big bang.
"If we live in a universe full of stuff, how did it get here? And many people think that very question implies the need for a creator. But what's truly been amazing, and what the book's about is the revolutionary developments in both cosmology and particle physics over the past 30 or 40 years that have not only changed completely the way we think about the universe but made it clear that there's a plausible case for understanding precisely how a universe full of stuff, like the universe we live in, could result literally from nothing by natural processes."http://www.npr.org/2012/01/13/145175263/lawrence-krauss-on-a-universe-from-nothing Lawrence Krauss
b. The universe is designed and earth is special
Cosmological Axis of evil
c. Science fails to know the past
Miocene fossil
"The skeleton of the ‘Guadeloupe Woman’ is a well-authenticated discovery which has been kept the British Museum for over half a century. In 1812, on the coast of the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, a fully human skeleton was found, missing the feet and head. It belonged to a woman about 5 foot 2 inches tall.
What makes it of great significance is the
fact that this skeleton was found inside extremely hard, very old
limestone, which was part of a formation more than a mile [1.609 km] in
length! Modern geological dating places this formation at 28 million
years old—which is 25 million years before modern man is supposed to
have first appeared on earth!
Since such a date for a regular person does not fit evolutionary
theory, you will not find “Guadeloupe Woman” mentioned in the Hominid
textbooks. To do so would be to disprove evolutionary dating of rock
formations."http://www.utaot.com/2014/02/04/the-mystery-of-the-guadeloupe-woman/
The case of Miocene Man, Howgate and Lewis, New Scientist 29 March 1984 pp. 44-45
D. How do miracles effect scientific laws?
For the atheist the universe must be a closed system to explain why Scientific laws work. Scientific laws are observations that always work. But why do these laws continue to work? How could the big bang set the order of natural laws? The bang itself was not natural and thus the "bang" would have organized the laws and forced them to continue assuming there were no God.
But their is no authority behind scientific law. Scientific law is based upon observation if someone happens to have a different observation there is nothing of power for the law to stop it.
Perhaps if miracles are observed, this debunks the naturalistic paradigm of the universe running like clockwork. Perhaps instead of a mechanical universe where the forces are rigidly operating on the edge of chaos; perhaps the universe operates like a corporation where angelic beings operate the forces of nature. If an anomaly happens the angelic powers will adjust the powers accordingly.
IF SO, THEN MAYBE, THE EARTH WILL NOT FALL APART IN 12YEARS!!!
3. It is logical that God exist
Descartes version of the ontological argument
Descartes mission was to start with the most extreme for of skepticism, doubting even his own existence .If he could find his way out of this then he could establish an epistemology of theory of knowledge that we would today title "rationalism"
How can I be certain of anything?
I think therefore I am.
This is apparent and leads one to certainty but this is not authoritatively certain.
Since I am thinking there are degrees of thoughts which I have, some greater, some lesser.
Knowing there are various degrees of thoughts show that I am a limited person.
If I am limited then I am limited compared to that which is unlimited.
My faculties show my limitations to be
A. limits of my power.
B. limits of my size and space.
C. limits of my time and duration.
D.Limits of my mental faculties
E. Limits of my moral faculties
My limitations compare to that which is unlimited
that is
unlimited power omnipotent
unlimited presence omnipresent
unlimited time and duration eternal, immutable
unlimited mental faculties omniscience
unlimited moral faculties Holy, Just, omnibenevalent
my unlimitation is therefore God!
God is then able to provide certain for the universe because it exist based upon him and his faculties. he is a Good God who will not fool me and therefore I can trust that the external world exists.
Does God exists? only 3 options
A. No, he is a myth
B. No he is incomprehensible
C. Yes He exists.
A. All Of God's attributes are in opposition to the identity of a myth. For instance, God is not recognizable on any level as God if He were a myth. for instance God has no power if he is a myth vrs being all powerful.
So this answer is false.
B. God is not only comprehensible but for over a thousand years the subject of God has been taught in Schools all the way to the P.H.D. level. People are graded upon their comprehension of the topic of God and therefore people can comprehend God. To assert this Atheists imply they are mentally disabled here.
C. God exist, the universe can only be understood if He exist.
vs the unmoveable rock.
Can God create a stone so heavy he could not lift it?
This is a famous question. Yet the question is fallacious or malformed.
It is a dare upon theists or upon God to give up His omnipotence.
Are you so alive that you will shoot yourself?
Are you rich enough to give up all your money?
1
Metaphysics: Cosmic Christ
A. Jesus is my Guru
religions
80% of the world religions believe monotheism
The ancient pagan religions all have messianic figures as well as Sons of God.
almost 3billion Christians understand that Jesus is God.
Mormons and hundreds of millions of Hindus claim Jesus to be a god.
Jehovah's Witnesses and other arians hold jesus to be a God-like angel
New Agers think Jesus is a human enlightened teacher and part cosmic deity
Muslims and Bahai and Sikh's believe that Jesus was a great prophet of God.
Atheist and Jews and Buddhist admit Christ
So Jesus Christ fits in a quadrilateral being a messiah and monotheist and the object of faith of the majority of the world and at minimum a religious authority of most all the world.
Therefore an examine of metaphysics should start with an examination of Christ.
Great leaders throughout world history have spoken of the Greatness of Jesus even those not of Christian affiliation.
Einstein "As a child, I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, But I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene... No one can read the gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life." Albert Einstein "What life means to Einstein: An interview by George Sylvestor Viereck The Saturday Evening Post
Napolean "I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon Love and at this hour millions of men would die for Him."
Ghandi "A man who was completely innocent offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others including His enemies and became the ransom of the world it was a perfect act."
Farakhan "No prophet before Jesus casted out demons that I can remember Do you remember any of the Old prophets casting out demons? Jesus was deep there was something about the power in his word that demon came out."
"How can you be of Jesus Christ and afraid to speak his word! How can you be of Jesus Christ and refuse to stand up for His righteousness and let everything and anything go on in the house of God and you wink your eye as though you saw nothing!" https://youtu.be/Claw_yRLF4M minute 32
H.G. Wells "I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as an Historian that this penniless teacher from nazereth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most Dominant figure in all history"
Jacque Rougeous "Jewish authors would never have invented either that style nor that morality; and the gospel has marks of morality; and the gospel has marks of morality so great, so striking, so utterly imitable, that the invention of it would be more astonishing than the hero... Shall we suppose that the evangelical history is a mere fiction? Indeed it bears no marks of fiction, on the contrary, the history of Socrates which no one person is to doubt, is not so well attested to as that of Jesus Christ."
https://youtu.be/AN_MmF7wEHA
B. copy cat conspiracy
Mithras was not virgin born he emanated from a rock! Of course he was a myth.
Osirus was a myth with no birth and resurrected was not human and Jesus was.
Apollyanus had a father so no virgin birth. He had 4 alternative deaths and none with a physical resurrection.
C. Gospel in the stars
D. The Star of Bethlehem
Chinese observation
“During the interval between March 10th April 7th of 5 BC, a comet appeared close Alpha and Beta Capricornii and was visible for more than 70 days”"
Korean observation
“On March 31st of 4 BC a bushy star appeared close to Altair” (paraphrase)
The Koreans had a less reliable calendar and the similarities imply they saw the same object.
People classify this object as supernova or comet but these are naked eye sightungs
planetary alignment?
A planetary alignment with messianic overtones seems to have appeared in 2 BC.
I doubt it is the star of Bethlehem but if God makes more signs, what's wrong with that?
rumored jewish messiah in the east
"A firm persuasion had long prevailed through all the East,3 that it was fated for the empire of the world, at that time, to devolve on some one who should go forth from Judaea."http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0132%3Alife%3Dves.%3Achapter%3D4#note3
E. The sky turned dark
"" Julius Africanus, writing circa A.D. 221, states concerning the darkness at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, 'Thallus, in the 3rd book of his histories, explains away this darkness as an eclipse of the sun_ unreasonably, as it seems to me.' Africanus was correct on objecting to Thallus. A solar eclipse cannot take place at the time of a full moon, 'and it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died.'" Josh Mcdowell He walked among us: Evidence for the Historical Jesus pg. 35 Julius Africanus,Chronography 18, 1.
Jesus in the pantheon?
Eusebius/tertullian"The fame of our Lord's remarkable resurrection and ascension being now spread abroad, according to an ancient custom prevalent among the rlers among the nations to communicate novel occurrences to the emperor that nothing might escape him, Pontius Pilate transmitted to Tiberius an account of the circumstances concerning the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, the report of which had already spread throughout all Palestine. 2 In this account,he also intimated that he ascertained other miracles respecting him and having now risen from the dead, he was believed to be a God by the great mass of the people.
Tiberius referred the matter to the Senate, but it is said they rejected the proposition in appearance because they had not examined the subject first, according to an ancient law among the Romans, that no one would be ranked among the gods unless by a vote and decree of the Senate ; in reality however, the salutary doctrine of the gospel needs no confirmation and cooperation among men."
"This is the testimony of Tertullian a man who made himself accurately acquainted with the laws of the Romans, and besides his eminence in other respects, was particularly distinguished among the eminent men of Rome."
book 2 chapter 2 sect. 1-2,4 pg.37-38
The existence of Jesus
problem: no contemporary sources.
Joseph of arinathea british visit
grail=shroud of turin
leery
shroud
sudareum of Oviedo
Garden tomb
great stone of mt. nebo
Josephus
pg. 379 book 18 chapter 3 section 3
"Now, there was about this time, Jesus a wise man, for he was a doer of wonderful works,-a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. he drew over to him both many of the jews and many of the gentiles. he was [the] Christ and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principle men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those who loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared alive to them on the third day, as the divine prophets had foretod these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named after him are not extinct at this day."
The second mention of Jesus in the Antiquities (Book 20, Ch. 9, Par. 1).
Now it is said that the elder Ananus was extremely fortunate...but the younger Ananus, who had been appointed to the high priesthood, was rash in his temper and unusually daring. He followed the school of the Sadducees, who are indeed more heartless than any of the other Jews, as I have already explained, when they sit in judgment. Possessed of such a character, Ananus thought that he had a favourable opportunity because Festus was dead and Albinas was still on the way. And so he convened the judges of the Sanhedrin, and brought before them the brother of Jesus, the one called Christ, whose name was James, and certain others, and accusing them of having transgressed the law delivered them up to be stoned. Those of the inhabits of the city who were considered the most fair-minded and who were strict in observance of the law were offended at this. They therefore secretly sent to King Agrippa urging him, for Ananus had not even been correct in his first step, to order him to desist from any further such actions. Certain of them even went to meet Albinus, who was on his way from Alexandria, and informed him that Ananus had no authority to convene the Sanhedrin without his consent. Convinced by these words, Albinus angrily wrote to Ananus threatening to take vengeance upon him. King Agrippa, because of Ananus' action, deposed him from the high priesthood which he had held for three months and replaced him with Jesus the son of Damnaeus.
- trans. Louis Feldman (Loeb Edition), modified by G. Goldberg
Tacitus"But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently to get rid of that report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the World find their center and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination when daylight had expired.
Nero offered his Gardens for the spectacle, and was exhibiting a show in the circus, while he mingled with the people in the dress of a charioteer or stood aloft on a car. Hence even for the criminals, who deserve extreme and exemplary punishment, there arose a feeling of compassion; as it seemed, for the public good, but to glut one man's cruelty, that they were being destroyed."
The annals book 15. 44 Great books 14 pg. 168
Celsus)Celsus Margaret Y. MacDonald (3 October 1996). Early Christian Women and Pagan Opinion. Cambridge University Press. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
Celsus calls Jesus a sorcerer. He argues that the miracles of Jesus are on the same level as: 'the works of sorcerers who profess to do wonderful miracles, and the accomplishments of those who are taught by the Egyptians, who for a few obols make known their sacred lore in the middle of the market-place and drive daemons out of men and blow away diseases and invoke the souls of heroes, displaying expensive banquets and dining tables and cakes and dishes which are non-existent, and who make things move as though they were alive although they are not really so, but only appear as such in the imagination.'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celsus
Celsus though an enemy of Christianity and close to the time period does not Question Christ existence and even admits to the supernatural reputation. This gives two witnesses of the supernatural nature of Christ from enemies.
Talmud)
There are several Talmudic passages that are said to be referring to Jesus. The following are among those considered the most controversial, contested, and possibly the most notable.[50][51][52]
Our rabbis taught Jesus the Nazarene had five disciples, and these are they: Matthai, Naqqai, Netzer, Buni, and Todah.[53][54][55][56
The master said: Jesus the Nazarene practiced magic and deceived and led Israel astray.[57][58][59][60]
"Jesus son of Stada is Jesus son of Pandira?"
Rav Hisda said, "The husband was Stada and the lover was Pandera."
"But was not the husband Pappos son of Yehuda and the mother Stada?"
No, his mother was Miriam, who let her hair grow long and was called Stada. Pumbedita says about her: "She was unfaithful to her husband."[61][62][63][64]
On (Sabbath eve and) the eve of Passover, Jesus the Nazarene was hanged and a herald went forth before him forty days heralding, "Jesus the Nazarene is going forth to be stoned because he practiced sorcery and instigated and seduced Israel to idolatry. Whoever knows anything in defense may come and state it." But since they did not find anything in his defense they hanged him on (Sabbath eve and) the eve of Passover.
Ulla said: "Do you suppose that Jesus the Nazarene was one for whom a defense could be made? He was a mesit (someone who instigated Israel to idolatry), concerning whom the Merciful [God] says: Show him no compassion and do not shield him (Deut. 13:9). With Jesus the Nazarene it was different. For he was close to the government.[54][65][66][67]
Specific references
Sanhedrin 43a[68] relates the trial and execution of a sorcerer named Jesus (Yeshu in Hebrew) and his five disciples. The sorcerer is stoned and hanged on the Eve of Passover.[69]Sanhedrin 107[70] tells of a Jesus ("Yeshu") "offended his teacher by paying too much attention to the inn-keeper's wife. Jesus wished to be forgiven, but [his rabbi] was too slow to forgive him, and Jesus in despair went away and put up a brick [idol] and worshipped it."[71]In Gittin 56b, 57a[72] a story is mentioned in which Onkelos summons up the spirit of a Yeshu who sought to harm Israel. He describes his punishment in the afterlife as boiling in excrement.[73][74]Some scholars claim that the Hebrew name Yeshu is not a short form of the name Yeshua, but rather an acrostic for the Hebrew phrase "may his name and memory be blotted out" created by taking the first letter of the Hebrew words.[75]In addition, at the 1240 Disputation of Paris, Donin presented the allegation that the Talmud was blasphemous towards Mary, the mother of Jesus (Miriam in Hebrew), and this criticism has been repeated by many Christian sources.[76] The texts cited by critics include Sanhedrin 67a,[77] Sanhedrin 106a,[78] and Shabbath 104b.[79] However, the references to Mary are not specific, and some assert that they do not refer to Jesus' mother, or perhaps refer to Mary Magdalen.[80] In the Talmud's blasphemies of Christ they unwittingly give testimony of his existence. Some of the Talmud dates before christ and they should have known if he was a myth.Prophecy:The Jewish Messiah
A. interpretation and numbers
"Now, what are the odds that only 48 of the more than 700 [that we know of] prophecies of Jesus were fulfilled? Dr Peter Stoner [Science Speaks, 1958] estimated the odds against just 48 of the 300 or so Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah being fulfilled in one person. He calculated the odds at 1 in 10 to the power 157." [1]1. Science Speaks, by Peter W. Stoner. Copyright © 1958, 1963, 1968 by the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. (P. 333).
"This illustrates why it is absolutely impossible for anyone to have fulfilled the Messianic prophecies solely by chance. Emile Borel is a leading authority on the probability theory, and he states in his book Probabilities and Life, once we go past one chance in 10 to the 50th power, the probabilities are so small it's impossible to think they will ever occur."Borel, Emil (1962), Probability and Life, Dover, translated from the original, Les Probabilite et la Vie
"s we identify specific prophecies, we will inquire what would the statistical probability be that “One man in how many men has fulfilled this prophecy?” (p. 99f) The odds Stoner notes were initially proposed by a Pasadena City College class in Christian Evidence conducted by Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship.
“If these estimates are considered fair, one man in how many men, the world over, will fulfill all eight prophecies? Let’s run the math. We have 1 in 2.8 X 100,000 X 1,000 X 100 X 1,000 X 1,000 X 100,000 X 1,000 X 10,000. This gives us 1 in 2.8 X 10 to the twenty-eighth power. Let us simplify it by calling it 1 X 10 to the twenty-eighth power. Written out we have 1 in 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.” (p.105f)
B Davidic throne
2 Samuel 7:11 and as since the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, and have caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also the Lord telleth thee that he will make thee an house.12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. "
By implication this also fulfills the prophecies that Christ will be the seed of Eve, Abraham, Isaac Jacob and Judah!
C. crucifixion
Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
Zechariah 12: 10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
why art thou so far from helping me,
and from the words of my roaring?...…..
"14-18I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint:
my heart is like wax;
it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd;
and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws;
and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have compassed me:
the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me:
they pierced my hands and my feet.
17 I may tell all my bones:
they look and stare upon me.
18 They part my garments among them,
and cast lots upon my vesture."
D. BethlehemMicah 5:2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
E. Isaiah 2:1 The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 And it shall come to pass in the last days,
that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established
in the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills;
and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say,
Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
and he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths:
for out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established
in the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills;
and all nations shall flow unto it.
3 And many people shall go and say,
Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
and he will teach us of his ways,
and we will walk in his paths:
for out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem."
7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,
to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice
from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
11:1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse,
and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
2 and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and might,
the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
3 and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord:
and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes,
neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
4 but with righteousness shall he judge the poor,
and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins,
and faithfulness the girdle of his reins."
42:42 Behold my servant, whom I uphold;
mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth;
I have put my spirit upon him:
he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
2 He shall not cry, nor lift up,
nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.
3 A bruised reed shall he not break,
and the smoking flax shall he not quench:
he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.
4 He shall not fail nor be discouraged,
till he have set judgment in the earth:
and the isles shall wait for his law.
Isaiah 52:13
11 13 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently,
he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
14 As many were astonied at thee;
his visage was so marred more than any man,
and his form more than the sons of men:
15 so shall he sprinkle many nations;
the kings shall shut their mouths at him:
for that which had not been told them shall they see;
and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.
14 As many were astonied at thee;
his visage was so marred more than any man,
and his form more than the sons of men:
15 so shall he sprinkle many nations;
the kings shall shut their mouths at him:
for that which had not been told them shall they see;
and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
53 :1Who hath believed our report?
and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant,
and as a root out of a dry ground:
he hath no form nor comeliness;
and when we shall see him,
there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant,
and as a root out of a dry ground:
he hath no form nor comeliness;
and when we shall see him,
there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs,
and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment:
and who shall declare his generation?
for he was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death;
because he had done no violence,
neither was any deceit in his mouth.
and carried our sorrows:
yet we did esteem him stricken,
smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,
he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him;
and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one to his own way;
and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth:
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment:
and who shall declare his generation?
for he was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked,
and with the rich in his death;
because he had done no violence,
neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him;
he hath put him to grief:
when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,
he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,
and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:
by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;
for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he hath poured out his soul unto death:
and he was numbered with the transgressors;
and he bare the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
he hath put him to grief:
when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,
he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,
and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:
by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;
for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,
and he shall divide the spoil with the strong;
because he hath poured out his soul unto death:
and he was numbered with the transgressors;
and he bare the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
F. John the Baptist
Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: 6 and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse"
G. The Prophet
Deut. 18:18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him."
H. Betrayal
I. out of Egypt
The Gospels
a. early date
"The gospels were seen as historical narratives, reporting what Jesus said and did based on eye-witness testimony" "Importantly, it did not require faith to see the gospels in this way; there was as yet no reason to think otherwise." "But over the last two hundred years among historical scholars, both within and outside the church, this common image of Jesus has dissolved." Marcus Borg The Meaning of Jesus: Two Visions chapter 1 pg. 3
b. archaeology
" I may fairly claim to have entered on this investigation without prejudice in favor of the conclusion which I shall now seek to justify to the reader. On the contrary, I began with a mind unfavorable to it, for the ingenuity and apparent completeness of the Tubingen theory had at one time quite convinced me. It did not then lie in my line of life investigate the subject minutely; more reently I found myself brought into contact with the book of Acts as an authority to topography, antiquities and society of Asia minor. It was gradually born upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth. In fact beginning with a fixed idea that the work was essentially a second century composition, and never relying on it's evidence as trust worthy for first century conditions, I gradually came to find it a useful ally in some obscure and difficult investigations.""Luke's history is unsurpassed in respect of it's trustworthiness"
Sir William Ramsay"We can already say emphatically that there is no longer any solid basis for dating any book of the New Testament after circa A.D. 80, two full generations before the date between 130 and 150 given by the more radical New Testament critics of today." William F. Albright Recent Discoveries in Bible Lands. pg.136
New York, Funk and Wagnalls, 1955.
c.matthean priority
Eusibius indicates that it was Papias bishop of Heiropolis in phrygia c. A.D. 130. who first associated Matthew with the Gospel. Papias said "Matthew compiled the oracles" Baptist Study Edition
d. mark 16
A. the extreme majority of Greek manuscripts and contain Mark 16:9-20
B. Codex Alexandrinus an Alexandrine manuscript containsMark 16:9-20
C. Alexandrine patriarch athanasius quoted it.
D. V and S were both missing books and large passages of the bible.
E. Sinaiticus has a blank page were the text should have been
F. The vast majority of ancient translations contain mark 16:9-20
G. Irenaus quoted mark 16:19 as the end of Mark for prophetic fulfillment of psalm 110 in chapter 6 of "Against Heresies" written prior to construction of codexes vaticanus and sinaiticus.
H. the manuscript of 16 may be abrupt, but not compared to the gospel which is consistently fast past.
"With the exception of the two uncial manuscripts which have just been named, there is not one codex in existence, uncial or cursive, (and we are acquainted with at least 18 other uncials, and about sux hundred cursive copies of the gospel), which leaves out the last twelves verses of St. Mark.
The inference which an unscientific observer would draw from this fact is no doubt, in this instance, the correct one. He demands to be shown the Alexandrine (A), and the Parisian Codex (C), neither of them probably removed by much more than fifty years from the date of the codex Sinaiticus, and both unquestionably derived from different originals; and he ascertains that no countenance is lent by either of those venerable monuments to the proposed omission of this part of the sacred text. He discovers that the codex Bezae (D), the only remaining very ancient manuscript authoritty- not withstanding that it i observed on most occaisions to exhibit an extraordinary sympathy with the vatican (B)- here sides with A and C against B and x. He inquires after all the other uncials and all the cursive manuscripts in existence, (some of them dating from the tenth century,) and request to have it explained to him why it is to be supposed that all these many witnesses, belonging to so many different patriarchates, provinces, ages of the church, have entered into a grand conspiracy to bear false witness on a point of this magnitude and importance? But he obtains no intelligible answer to this question." Oxford scholar Dean John Burgeon
e. different witnesses
The 4 gospel writers prvide 4 vantage points and difference between them only proves more credibility to the witnesses and not less.
The resurrection
a. minimalist argumentation
"After a survey of contemporary scholarly opinions regarding the more general issue of Jesus’ christology, Raymond Brown argues that the most popular view is that of moderate conservatism.[2] It might be said, with qualification, that similar trends are exhibited in an analysis of the more specific area of recent scholarly positions on Jesus’ resurrection. When viewed as a whole, the general consensus is to recognize perhaps a surprising amount of historical data as reported in the New Testament accounts. In particular, Paul’s epistles, especially 1 Corinthians 15:1-20, along with other early creedal traditions, are frequently taken almost at face value.
For the purposes of this essay, I will define moderate conservative approaches to the resurrection as those holding that Jesus was actually raised from the dead in some manner, either bodily (and thus extended in space and time), or as some sort of spiritual body (though often undefined). In other words, if what occurred can be described as having happened to Jesus rather than only to his followers, this range of views will be juxtaposed with those more skeptical positions that nothing actually happened to Jesus and can only be described as a personal experience of the disciples. Of course, major differences can be noted within and between these views."[2]. Raymond Brown, An Introduction to New Testament Christology (New York: Paulist, 1994), 4-15, 102.
"First, after a hiatus since their heyday in the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries, recent trends indicate a limited surge of naturalistic explanations to the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection. Almost a dozen different alternative theses have emerged, either argued or suggested by more than forty different scholars, with some critics endorsing more than one theory. In place of the resurrection, both internal states of mind (such as subjective visions or hallucinations[36]) as well as objective phenomena (like illusions[37]) have been proposed.[38] The vast majority of scholars, however, still reject such proposals.
A second research area concerns those scholars who address the subject of the empty tomb. It has been said that the majority of contemporary researchers accepts the historicity of this event.[39] But is there any way to be more specific? From the study mentioned above, I have compiled 23 arguments for the empty tomb and 14 considerations against it, as cited by recent critical scholars. Generally, the listings are what might be expected, dividing along theological “party lines.” To be sure, such a large number of arguments, both pro and con, includes very specific differentiation, including some overlap."[37] Goulder also raises this question.
[38] I have categorized these natural hypotheses, naming two alternative proposals (the illumination and illusion options) that have so far eluded any recognized designations. For details see Habermas, “The Late Twentieth-Century Resurgence of Naturalistic Responses to Jesus’ Resurrection,” 179-196.
[39] For example, Craig, Assessing the New Testament Evidence , 373-374; cf. Kremer, Die Osterevangelien--Geschichten um Geschichte, 49-50.
http://garyhabermas.com/articles/J_Study_Historical_Jesus_3-2_2005/J_Study_Historical_Jesus_3-2_2005.htm
paul
almost universally recognized as historical
500 witness persecuted
1 cor. 15: 6 after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep
Where did he find the witnesses?
Acts 8: 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word."
james
women
luke 23: 54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. 55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. 56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
The women were the first to see evidence of the resurrection. Women in that culture were seen as ignorant and unreliable. Some of this is due to the fact that they were illiterate. However the sexism of the age would not have looked favorably on female witnesses. Why would they use female witnesses unless the women did see that the body was gone and christ had risen.
apostles
"it was IMPOSSIBLE that the apostles could have persisted in affirming the truths they had narrated, had not JESUS CHRIST ACTUALLY RISEN FROM THE DEAD, . . ."Simon Greenleaf, An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence Administered in the Courts of Justice, p.29.Simon Greenleaf was an agnostic harvard law professor who based upon the evidence alone accepted the evidence for the resurrection.
Jesus claimed to be divine
Lord, liar or lunatic?
Lunatic:
God complex
"Do
you know anyone who feels as though they're God, above everyone else,
and want to be subjected to special treatment, ALL the time? Some people
tend to forget that we're not the creators of the world, and hence, we
aren't God.
Sure, we're all cool in our own ways, sure, we've all achieved totally awesome goals, and sure, we know how to make our friends feel great, but hey, we're not God! You know that, I know that, but some of our fellow human beings don't, and that is precisely why they suffer from the God complex.
Before I get into the characteristics of someone with a God complex, and how to deal with someone who's a faux God, let's stop to understand what this complex really is.
Sure, we're all cool in our own ways, sure, we've all achieved totally awesome goals, and sure, we know how to make our friends feel great, but hey, we're not God! You know that, I know that, but some of our fellow human beings don't, and that is precisely why they suffer from the God complex.
Before I get into the characteristics of someone with a God complex, and how to deal with someone who's a faux God, let's stop to understand what this complex really is.
Definition of the God Complex
The
God complex is a psychological illusion, and is exactly what the name
suggests―a personality flaw in human beings, especially those with great
power, who perceive themselves to be omniscient and omnipotent, and
treat others as mere mortals. Although closely associated with the
Narcissistic Personality Disorder, this complex is a personality flaw
not classed as a personality disorder by the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders.
A person having a God complex will always believe that he is perfection personified, and will expect to be treated that way, too. According to him, he will be forever incapable of ever making a mistake, and will never accept responsibility for anything that goes wrong. The rules embedded in society's mindset will never be important for a person with this complex, as he'll deem himself to be above these "petty" things of the mortal world.
Though people with the God complex seem so sure, and so in love with themselves, some experts suggests that they actually suffer from a low self-esteem, and are insecure about almost everything, which is why they constantly require attention and admiration from others around ..them.Characteristics of People with a God Complex. There's a very thin line between plain old arrogance and a God complex. While it may be pretty hard to distinguish between the two, we can certainly try to identify the characteristics of a person with a God complex. You can try to identify someone with this complex if they seem to possess the following traits.
A person having a God complex will always believe that he is perfection personified, and will expect to be treated that way, too. According to him, he will be forever incapable of ever making a mistake, and will never accept responsibility for anything that goes wrong. The rules embedded in society's mindset will never be important for a person with this complex, as he'll deem himself to be above these "petty" things of the mortal world.
Though people with the God complex seem so sure, and so in love with themselves, some experts suggests that they actually suffer from a low self-esteem, and are insecure about almost everything, which is why they constantly require attention and admiration from others around ..them.Characteristics of People with a God Complex. There's a very thin line between plain old arrogance and a God complex. While it may be pretty hard to distinguish between the two, we can certainly try to identify the characteristics of a person with a God complex. You can try to identify someone with this complex if they seem to possess the following traits.
Professions More Likely to Cause a God complex
Some
professions are more likely to cause a God complex than others, as they
involve one person exerting a lot of influence on a large number of
people. These professions include among others:Doctors.Politicians, Bureaucrats, Celebrities.
Research suggests that in the case of several people, the God complex affected them AFTER being exposed to a lot of power over a period of time. Hence, it is likely that people get this complex after having spent a considerable amount of time in that particular profession.
Research suggests that in the case of several people, the God complex affected them AFTER being exposed to a lot of power over a period of time. Hence, it is likely that people get this complex after having spent a considerable amount of time in that particular profession.
Ignore: You should definitely ignore the
actions of someone with a God complex, if you can. We agree, it is not
possible in every situation, because at times, there are such people
either in your family, or at your workplace, or in your social circle.
What you can do in such a case is tune out when the person starts to
annoy you. Be the bigger person, and simply ignore whatever the person
the saying.
Leave: If you're in an intimate relationship with some who has such a complex, you should really consider leaving before it gets out of hand. You need to be in a relationship that respects you, and doesn't constantly undermine you. If your partner displays the aforementioned traits, you need to leave before he/she gets worse. Remember, staying is going to hurt you more in the long run than leaving right now.
Confrontation: There might be times when you simply HAVE to deal with such a person, say at the workplace, when your colleague is overly critical of you, and is constantly breathing down your neck, and not in a good way. Confront them. Remember, they're not exactly victims of a mental disorder, this is different than narcissism. However, confront them in person, and with a few witnesses around. Sometimes they might lash out if someone says something against them, and you don't want that to happen without having any witnesses around. Don't send them hate emails or messages!
Set the limits: Draw a firm line between the two of you. Limit your interaction to what is absolutely necessary, and leave it at that. The person should know what he can say to you, and when, and how. He should also be completely aware that he cannot insult you or manipulate you whenever he wants.
Get help: Get in touch with the concerned authorities about this person, and make sure they know what is going on. They may be able to deal with the situation, and the person, better than you can. A God complex is a strange psychological concept, isn't it? It should be taken care of before it can turn into narcissism, or worse. The next time you get annoyed by someone who's displaying the aforementioned characteristics, you can simply shrug the feeling off. Because now you know that the people who consider themselves to be God-like and better than everyone else, are said to have a lower self-esteem than most of us." https://psychologenie.com/what-is-meant-by-god-complex-in-psychology The first option to lunatick option would be that Christ proclaimed himself a deity because he had a God complex. Essentially this would suppose Christ to be a narcissist. As we see in the psychological profile Jesus would have been very arrogant and self interested.
Was Jesus a narcissist when he would heal the lepers? When he healed an old woman of humiliating issues? Was He a narcissist when he turned down an offer of monarchy?
A man with at one time thousands of followers and yet he decided to remain homeless. A narcissist could not humble himself to death upon a cross.
Leave: If you're in an intimate relationship with some who has such a complex, you should really consider leaving before it gets out of hand. You need to be in a relationship that respects you, and doesn't constantly undermine you. If your partner displays the aforementioned traits, you need to leave before he/she gets worse. Remember, staying is going to hurt you more in the long run than leaving right now.
Confrontation: There might be times when you simply HAVE to deal with such a person, say at the workplace, when your colleague is overly critical of you, and is constantly breathing down your neck, and not in a good way. Confront them. Remember, they're not exactly victims of a mental disorder, this is different than narcissism. However, confront them in person, and with a few witnesses around. Sometimes they might lash out if someone says something against them, and you don't want that to happen without having any witnesses around. Don't send them hate emails or messages!
Set the limits: Draw a firm line between the two of you. Limit your interaction to what is absolutely necessary, and leave it at that. The person should know what he can say to you, and when, and how. He should also be completely aware that he cannot insult you or manipulate you whenever he wants.
Get help: Get in touch with the concerned authorities about this person, and make sure they know what is going on. They may be able to deal with the situation, and the person, better than you can. A God complex is a strange psychological concept, isn't it? It should be taken care of before it can turn into narcissism, or worse. The next time you get annoyed by someone who's displaying the aforementioned characteristics, you can simply shrug the feeling off. Because now you know that the people who consider themselves to be God-like and better than everyone else, are said to have a lower self-esteem than most of us." https://psychologenie.com/what-is-meant-by-god-complex-in-psychology The first option to lunatick option would be that Christ proclaimed himself a deity because he had a God complex. Essentially this would suppose Christ to be a narcissist. As we see in the psychological profile Jesus would have been very arrogant and self interested.
Was Jesus a narcissist when he would heal the lepers? When he healed an old woman of humiliating issues? Was He a narcissist when he turned down an offer of monarchy?
A man with at one time thousands of followers and yet he decided to remain homeless. A narcissist could not humble himself to death upon a cross.
The term "messiah complex" is not addressed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), as it is not a clinical term nor diagnosable disorder, however, the symptoms of the disorder closely resemble those found in individuals suffering from grandiose delusions or delusions of grandeur. This form of delusional belief is most often reported in patients suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophreniaBipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mental disorder that causes periods of depression and periods of abnormally elevated mood.[3][4][6] The elevated mood is significant and is known as mania or hypomania,
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by abnormal social behavior and failure to understand reality.[2] Common symptoms include false beliefs, unclear or confused thinking, hearing voices that others do not, reduced social engagement and emotional expression, and a lack of motivation. " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_complex
Now one who claimed Jesus to be manic may find solace in a few stories of christ expressing emotion. Like when he was weeping before he healed lazurus or when he grabbed a a whip and terrorized the temple merchants. However various circumstances warrant emotional responses.
Jesus wept at the death of a friend, that is hardly unusual. As Messiah, Jesus had a right to correct corruption in a temple dedicated to God the Father. Zeal for the Law of God in his temple was practically customary. One of the greatest moments of celebration for the jewish people was Hanuka. When Gentile Greeks dominated Israel they assumed that they could enter the temple and desecrate it by sacrificing and unclean pig to Zeus. The natural response of the supposedly conquered Jews was a violent overthrow lead by judas of Maccabeus! Jesus response was relatively tame by comparison.
But Christ Christ typically demonstrated an amazing amount of self controll. Whether dealing with the crazed demoniacs, or the questioning scribes and saducees, the challenge of the pharisees and the interrigation of the San Hedron even going through death on the cross he weathered the storm and did not loose control. The teachings of Christ were not simply revered by the churched followers. They were the inspiration of peaceful societies. Even a non-christian Mahat MaGhandi was inspired by the teachings of Christ to promote pacifism. Not only so but the rev. Martin Luther used the same christocentric passive resistence methods to forever change the course of the united states. If Christ was simply a delusional demoniac like the hundreds that he had healed he would be treated as such.
Liar
So if Jesus was not insane in claiming to be divine the next assumption is that Christ was a liar. If he were lying about his deity he would vastly evil. Because he let millions die over this issue. So this would be a very high level of wickedness.
However even stunch non-christian critics find difficulty in assuming Christ to hve been a wicked man. Why would he give such a deception knowing that it would not benefit him?
Some could argue that he was creating a myth that would give people an object of faith and inspire people to right living. However as soon as he was exposed all of that is shattered and backfires against all the morality which it supported. Why would he teach and act honestly and hang it on a lie?
"The whole trial of Christ abounds with illegalities. To mention only a few, it maybe pointed out that it was held at night, there was a lack of a definite charge, an interrogation of the accused was made, and there was haste in condemnation... Christ was then brought before Pilate(matt. 27:11), who against his own convictions and through fear of a charge of disloyalty to Caesar yielded up the One whom he had declared guiltless." Joseph P. Free Archaeology and Bible History pg. 297-298
Even Pilate and Herod were not want to Charge Christ with the crime of lying. The Trial of Jesus failed to truly pin the charge that Christ was a Liar.
miracles and apostles
Proof Jesus is God
john 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
" 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake."
1 Corinthians 8:6 but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
philippians 2: 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
colossians 1:..... his dear Son: 14 in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 and he is before all things, and by him all things consist. "
2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily"
1 timothy 3: 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows."
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
1 John 5: 6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
Translational issues
revelation 21 proof Jesus is God
New World Translation(This Jehovah's Witness Translation sets out to remove any reference of Jesus' Deity on purpose!) if this translation still has any reference to Christ's Deity the the Bible must truly teach the deity of Christ!)
Isaiah 41:4
……. I, Jehovah, the first one and the last ones I am the same"
Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,”*q says Jehovah* God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.”r
Revelation 1:17
17 When I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet. And he laid his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the Firstk and the Last,
2 Corinthians 6:16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols?x For we are a temple of a living God;y just as God said: “I will reside among themz and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”a
Rev 21:3-6
3 With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them.f 4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes,g and death will be no more,h neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.i The former things have passed away.” 5 And the One seated on the thronej said: “Look! I am making all things new.”k Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful* and true.” 6 And he said to me: “They have come to pass! I am the Alʹpha and the O·meʹga,* the beginning and the end.l To anyone thirsting I will give from the spring* of the water of life free.*m
live music
music
lord give me a sign DMX
dust in the wind Kansas
waiting for the end link in park
Jesus is love Lionel Ritchie
hymn "Jerusalem"
The call regina specktor
It took a lamb
Easter song
In the garden
Lord your holy
He is
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