Resurrection: Factual Reality or Legendary Myth?

Some people deny resurrection from the dead because they do not see it today. What evidence is there that people in the past were raised? Especially, is there proof for Jesus' resurrection? Will the dead be raised when Jesus returns? Is resurrection a fact?

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Does Jesus Reign as King and High Priest?

Will He Become King and Rule over an Earthly Kingdom during the Millennium after He Comes Again?

What are the consequences of premillennialism regarding Jesus' reign as king? Is Jesus Christ now reigning as King over His kingdom, or will the Messiah rule 1000 years on the throne of David over an earthly, civil kingdom beginning at His second coming? What are the implications for His priesthood? Does Jesus reign now as King and High Priest, or will He establish an earthly kingdom and reign for a thousand years on earth (the millennium)?

This is part of a series of articles about premillennial teaching. To see a list of all the articles, please click here. 

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Is Faith a Blind Leap in the Dark?

Many think that believing in God, Christ, and the gospel is a “blind leap in the dark.” They say Christians cannot defend their faith with evidence but accept it blindly. Some who profess to be Christians would agree; they say we should simply accept the gospel without proof. What is the truth?

Consider what God’s word says about blindness vs. sight and light vs. darkness.

Jesus’ Character as Evidence for His Claims

Jesus' miracles, resurrection, and fulfilled prophecy give powerful evidence proving He was the Divine Son of God. But His life and character also offer proof. His claims, moral purity, and teaching demonstrate He was not a liar, hypocrite, or lunatic but was exactly who He claimed to be.

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Did Jesus View Scripture as Accurate, Inspired Authority?

Many people doubt or deny the accuracy or authority of the Bible. Did Jesus believe in the accuracy of Creation, Noah's flood, and Jonah? Did He believe the Old and New Testaments were inspired by God as authority and a standard to guide people to know and obey the word of God? May we take a middle-ground position that we are followers of Jesus but we doubt some Bible teachings?

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Jesus as Creator and Preserver of the Universe

Only God could create the heavens and the earth, but the Bible says Jesus did it! What does this tell us about who Jesus is? What does His role as Creator tell about His power and wisdom? What authority does He possess? What is His relation to the Father and to us as creatures? Is He a created being or is He eternal?

Victory in Jesus: You Can Conquer Sin, Death

We are involved in a great spiritual battle with the forces of evil. Jesus won this battle, and we can conquer through Him. He was victorious over sin, temptation, evil, and even death. We can win these same victories through the weapons He supplies. Don't you want to be on His side and win the victory?

Why Is Bible History Important to You?

What claims do Bible writers make about the accuracy of their history? Did they write myths and legends or historical events? Did they record eyewitness testimony? How important is this history to our evidence for God, Jesus, and the Bible? Is Bible history essential to our understanding of our purpose in life and salvation from sin?

The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection

The Fact Jesus Arose Gives Evidence for Faith and Hope for Salvation and Eternal Destinies.

Why is the resurrection of Jesus fundamentally important to the Christian faith? What evidence does it give us about Christ as Lord, Son of God, Deity, and Savior from sin? What can we learn about our own resurrection from the dead, judgment, and eternal destiny? What does it teach about forgiveness of sins, the conditions of salvation, and the life of Christians? Why is Jesus resurrection important to you?

Jesus Died Alone for You and Me

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When Jesus died for our sins, everyone forsook Him. His disciples deserted or denied Him. Even His Father forsook Him on the cross.

Revelation and God’s Eternal Purpose

People sometimes see the Bible as simply a group of miscellaneous stories and religious teachings. The intent of this study is to show that the Scriptures actually reveal a plan and purpose determined by God from eternity and developed throughout history.

Why We Need Forgiveness

Sometimes we fail to see our need for items that would really benefit us if we had them. If we obtain them, we may come to treasure what we earlier thought was unimportant.

On the other hand, we sometimes lose our appreciation for an item after we obtain it. Even if it performs as we had hoped, after a while "the new wears off." It becomes commonplace, and we begin to take it for granted.

In this study we will consider a gift that all of us need, though we may not realize our need. Or we may possess this gift but fail to appreciate it. Either way, our study should help us to appreciate this gift more fully. This gift is the forgiveness of sins.

Jesus Possesses the Unique Characteristics of God.

Certain characteristics are unique to God. No one but God - surely no created being - can possess them. Our purpose is to consider whether or not Jesus possesses these qualities. If He possesses the character which only Deity can possess, then this confirms that He possesses Deity. To claim He possesses these qualities when He is not Deity would be blasphemy.

Note that some passages make general claims which necessarily imply that Jesus possesses the qualities of Deity. He possesses all the fullness of Deity (Colossians 2:9). He is the very image of the Father (Hebrews 1:3), and had the form of God (Philippians 2:6). He also wears the unique names of God. It follows that He must possess the characteristics of God.

Let us consider these qualities individually to see whether or not the Bible affirms that Jesus did possess them. Remember that, if Jesus ever possessed these qualities, then He has always possessed them and always will possess them (Hebrews 13:8). Deity cannot cease to be Deity and cannot lose the characteristics of Deity.

The Significance of Jesus' Resurrection

The resurrection was one of the most commonly mentioned themes in the preaching of the apostles.

It was preached as a major proof for Jesus' claims. But it was also used to teach many other important lessons.

If the resurrection was so important in the preaching of inspired men in the first century, surely it should be just as important in our preaching today.

The purpose of this study is to consider the significance of Jesus' resurrection. 

To Whom Do the Teachings of the New Testament Apply?

Introduction:

Sometimes people wonder whether all people are universally accountable to obey the teachings of the gospel, the New Testament, or is it only for members of the church? Are people free from the laws of God simply because they have never chosen to submit to those laws, or will God still hold them accountable in the Judgment for the fact they did not obey the Bible?

What Is the Meaning of Life?

Introduction:

What is the meaning of life? Without doubt, this is one of the most challenging, and yet one of the most fundamental, questions the mind can consider.

People throughout history have pondered the purpose of life. Philosophers spin theories. Poets write songs. Young people drop out of society to "find out what it's all about." Older people may remain within the "establishment," but they still wonder.

Obviously life is real. No one can deny that the world exists and people exist. You live, eat, sleep, breathe, and move. But do you understand why you exist?

Please consider with me the challenging question of life. What is it really all about? To answer this question, we will look at three specific questions.

How Can You Be Sure Jesus Has Forgiven Your Sins?

To receive eternal life according to the gospel of Christ, a person must be forgiven of sins by Jesus' blood (Ephesians 1:7; Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 2:24). But many people are unsure about whether or not they have been forgiven. Others may think that they have been forgiven, but would be surprised to learn that Jesus does not agree.

Matthew 7:21-23 -- Many people, who believe in the Lord, will expect Jesus to accept them at the judgment. Instead He will reject them because they have not done the will of the Father.

Acts 23:1; 26:9 -- Saul was a Jew who opposed Jesus in all good conscience, doing what he sincerely believed he should do. Yet he was the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:12-15). Clearly he had been misled.

What about you and me? Is it possible we have been misled like these people? Surely this matter deserves your careful investigation.

Jesus' Transfiguration

Jesus' transfiguration is recorded in three accounts of His life (Luke 9:28-36; Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13) . Consider some lessons we can learn from this Bible event.
 

Jesus Deserves the Worship and Glory That Are Uniquely God's

Just as only God deserves to wear certain unique names, possesses certain unique characteristics, and do certain unique works, so there are certain unique forms of worship and honor that belong only to God. Because God created and rules the whole creation, it follows that all created things must honor and worship Him. No man or other created being may rightly receive such worship. To give such honor to men or created beings constitutes blasphemy or idolatry.

In this study we consider the Bible evidence about the worship and honor Jesus deserves to receive.