The most basic of questions regarding God is: Did Jesus really exist? There is a great deal of evidence concerning this subject, and we have a surprise joining us on the witness stand! (Note: read John 1:1-14).
Jesus is known by people all around the world. He isn't confined to certain continents or countries. So, wherever you are in this great big world, know that you probably have someone close by you who knows Jesus.Where should we start? Before discussing the question "Did Jesus really exist?" lets address the question Who is Jesus Christ?
People who love Jesus Christ learn about him by reading the Bible. The Bible tells us all about him, and the great things he did for us. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. As the Son of God he was given the privilege of creating all things - including you and me! He loves his creation very much, and longs for the day when we can all be together in one wonderful place. We can't see Jesus yet, but he is with us in Spirit.
The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. As the Son of God he was given the privilege of creating all things - including you and me! He loves his creation very much, and longs for the day when we can all be together in one wonderful place. We can't see Jesus yet, but he is with us in Spirit.
Did Jesus really exist? You may need some proof that Jesus lived, and I perfectly understand. Let's start with our greatest source of information, and the largest selling book in history, the Holy Bible.
Is the Bible true? The Bible proves itself an accurate account of the history of Jesus Christ in at least three ways:
• The Bible contains many fulfilled prophecies. A Bible prophecy is a prediction about Jesus Christ. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of years before Jesus was born Bible writers were predicting that he was coming. They were right!
• The cohesive message of the Bible is an amazing testament for its truthfulness. From the Bible's first book, Genesis to it's last book, Revelation it tells us about God, and his Son, Jesus Christ. Many people wrote the Bible over hundreds of years, but God is the true Author, because he breathed the words that the men wrote.
• The many scientific claims the Bible presents have been proven with modern science. For instance, Christopher Columbus had to sail the ocean to prove the world was round. Many people before that time thought the world was flat. However, the Bible writer Isaiah wrote that the earth was round 700 years before Jesus was born (Isaiah 40:22). The Bible is perfectly truthful in all it speaks to, including the life of Jesus Christ.
Eyewitness Accounts
Did Jesus really exist? The Bible contains records which give direct evidence of Jesus Christ. Luke wrote, "Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write a careful account for you,...so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught" (Luke 1:1-3).
Paul, another writer of the Bible, stated in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 that the risen Jesus Christ was seen by all the disciples, as well as more than 500 people! Paul directly met the risen Jesus, and then later sought to record other eyewitnesses who had previously met Jesus Christ. Both of these men were very thorough in their investigations.
The books of the New Testament are the written accounts of Jesus' life. Jesus' apostles, God-fearing and noble men themselves, wrote the letters and books that form the New Testament. God used these men to speak his words of truth (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Eyewitnesses had ample opportunities to refute any part of these writings from the beginning. If errors were recorded the books would have been immediately deemed worthless by the testimonies of the witnesses.
The Holy Spirit testifies to all people that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Father holds every person accountable for this supernatural testimony of his precious Son. You, me, and everyone who has ever lived, has heard this witness from God. No exceptions, no excuses.
A person must accept this testimony as true, and believe it fully in their heart, so much so, that he/she devotes their life in full to God. Again, no exceptions, and no excuses. To walk away from the evidence, or to deny the evidence, amounts to calling God the Father a liar (1 John 5:10). To deny the Spirit's testimony is blasphemy against the Spirit, and an accusation of sin against God the Father.
Did Jesus really exist? You better believe it!! God witnesses to your heart, through the Bible, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Please listen to God's testimony for his Son. Jesus Christ, A Surprise Witness!
God loves YOU and wants to know YOU! The reason I mention this biblical truth here is because Jesus Christ proves himself. He says, "Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved" (John 5:34). Jesus doesn't need evidence from Josephus or Tacitus, or even the Bible writers, who he gave his words to, anyway! (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is alive, and working throughout our world introducing himself, by his Spirit and word, to many people. Jesus is his own witness, and reveals himself to a person's heart. Did Jesus really exist? He says so!!
Faith in Jesus
Faith comes from hearing the words of God (Romans 10:17). The Bible is God's Word. I want God's own living word to witness about his Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:4a). Faith means that you believe in Jesus without seeing him (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is trusting in God's Word, and in the reality of Jesus Christ. Expressing faith in him as your only Savior opens up the door to your life (Revelation 3:20). Jesus will enter and you will personally come to know him. We have an amazing God!
There is more than enough evidence to confirm the existence of Jesus Christ. The final answer to the question "Did Jesus really exist?" is a resounding "Yes, of course!" But, there is even greater news for you - Jesus Christ STILL exists, and he wants to meet you! Tell him you want to believe in him.
-Special thanks to Brad Johnson
Additional Bible verses: Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:5; Hebrews 11:6
Study Questions:
1) Why does a cohesive message prove God's word to be truthful?
2) Jesus says he builds a person's faith by hearing his word. Are there other ways he builds faith
in people? (John 10:38; Romans 1:19-20)
3) What does "faith in God" mean? (Hebrews 11:1-3)
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be a blessing today. Use me to bring happiness to those you love. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Arianna
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.