My pastor writes an article in a local paper from time to time and I asked if he could share this with you blog readers. I am breaking it up into two parts for myself (being of the short attention span theater- :-), plus it gets you coming back for more. :-) Here it is and I hope you enjoy.
It's Christ-mas Time.
In his book The Case For Christ, Lee Strobel questions many theologians, including the four that will be quoted for reliable proofs that Jesus is who the Bible says He is. You see, Lee was an atheist.
After careful investigation and examination of the facts, Lee concluded that the overwhelming evidence (that Jesus is who the Bible says He is) demanded he accept it as truth. Consequently, he became a Christian. Lee is just one of many honest skeptics that found their faith in Christ while trying to disprove His claims.
Strobel writes in his book, "I'll admit it: I was ambushed by the amount and the quality of the evidence that Jesus is the unique Son of God. As I sat at my desk that Sunday afternoon, I shook my head in amazement. I had seen defendants carted off to the death chamber on much less convincing proof! The cumulative facts and data pointed unmistakably toward a conclusion that I wasn't entirely comfortable in reaching.
Frankly, I had wanted to believe that the deification of Jesus was the result of legendary development in which well-meaning but misguided people slowly turned a wise sage into the mythological Son of God. That seemed safe and reassuring; after all, a roving apocalyptic preacher from the first century could make no demands on me. But while I went into my investigation thinking that this legendary explanation was intuitively obvious, I emerged convinced it was totally without basis" (p. 264). [Emphasis mine]
To be continued...
Derrick here:
If you have never checked out Strobel's books, I highly recommend them. I like what Strobel says about Jesus being more than just a preacher from the first century...If that's all He was, He would make no demands on me.
Isn't that what many folks want today? A God that is friendly and loving, but does not require obedience or moral reform... More tomorrow...or Saturday.
4 comments:
Strobel seems to have had a similar experience finding The Lord as Gene Scott (Television Evangelist) did. Gene was also trying to disprove The Bible in college when overwhelming math calculations and probability matters convinced Gene otherwise. Gene Scott said that," The Lord was always there. I found Him by way of His Word".
Now, Gene Scott was certainly one of controversial measures, but his teachings were fascinating and well researched.
Obdience and moral reform do indeed go hand in hand with a God that is friendly and loving. I suppose that God provides "parenting" for us through His Word every day. We are His children. He gave us choices that we choose to obey or not obey.
Good Post. Looking forward to part#2.
Better Still, I had contemplated my last sentence in my response. It would have been better stated in that that The Lord gave us the mind to make choices. His Word is there. It is up to us if indeed we "choose" to obey The Word or not.
However, with Gene Scott his behavior, can be called into question of whether what he did is acceptably Christian.
As the Christian Research Institute (www.equip.org) suggests http://www.equip.org/free/DS300.htm a ministry must be evaluated on doctrine and practice.
His practice seems to leave something to be desired, though the basic doctrines of faith seem to closely resemble the Assembly of God traditions.
Be careful is the suggestion, in terms of what he taught. Compare it to the Bible and see it what he taught (and how he conducted himself) aligns with Scripture.
On the topic of God's parenting-it does not always appear "loving". Not in the sense that the world views a loving parent. Today, a "loving parent" does not discipline. God does discipline His children. And, frankly, sometimes, it is not much fun.
In this sense, I would suggest God is not friendly. Part of my point at the end of the original post is that in one sense, God is not our friend Only when we obey and follow His commands.
It reminds me of a parent that wants to be the child's friend. Stop it! Be the parent. God does not have a problem balancing His love with discipline and that , it seems, is one difference between the "friendly God" people want and the God of the Bible whom we must fear (because He can kill the body and soul), but who also never leaves nor forsakes His children.
Bringing it back to how it relates to the post- As it was important for Strobel to understand that Jesus was who the Bible says He was, we must get back to understanding who God is according to Scripture and not just the parts of Him we like to champion for.
Am I mistaken with any of this? Do you disagree? If so, what is the alternative?
Derrick
Your researched based ( and well done, I might add) thorough and comprehensive study is quite impressive. You take Scripture and apply it to standards that our society needs looking into.
Indeed, Dr. Gene Scott was more an interesting person to watch on TV than as a teacher. Even before I was saved, I found myself watching his broadcasts. I was in awe and amazed by his chalkboard and it's varied information about Scripture. You never knew what he would do during a broadcast. His stage and drama abilities are what kept many like myself returning to watch yet another broadcast. His " off screen" antics seem to have detracted from the very message he may have just given the day before. I feel in his own way he was a brilliant man and also agree with you that his practice did indeed leave something to be desired. It is also true and correct that what he taught and how he conducted himself needs to be aligned properly with Scripture. Reading his books and referencing The Bible to see if what he said was accurate generally was a requirement for me. Understanding his written material was honestly too complex for me.
You make good and valid points. I believe you are also quite accurate.
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