March 31, 2009

Number13

VIEWPOINT

“By the leading skeptics it is now admitted, first, that Jesus actually died and was buried; second, it is admitted that on or before the third morning His body disappeared from the tomb; third, that the disciples came to believe firmly that He arose from the dead.  The exact issue has reference to the last two facts, and may be stated by the two questions:  Did the body disappear by a resurrection, or in some other way?  And did the belief of the disciples originate from the fact of the resurrection or from some other cause?” 

This was the analysis of the resurrection of Jesus made by J. W. McGarvey in Evidences of Christianity.  After examining the accounts of Jesus’ resurrected appearances, he concluded that the gospel writers are rock solid in their presentation.

What is the outcome?  “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4). 

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Maybe you’ve heard the cute story about the atheist’s holiday. 

In Florida, an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews and observances of their holy days.  The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days.  The case was brought before a judge. 

After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, “Case dismissed!”

The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, “Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case?  The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others.  The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays.”

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, “But you do.  Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant.” 

The lawyer said, “Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists.”  The judge said, “The calendar says April 1^st is April Fool’s Day. . . . Psalm 14:1 states, ‘The fool says in his heart, there is no God.’ Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1^st is his day.  Court is adjourned.”

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I look forward to seeing you Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word.  RA

Cedar Grove VBS

 June 14-18