Some of you may be familiar with the recent buzz that Jesus' tomb, casket, and bones have been found in Jerusalem. This past Sunday night, the Discovery channel aired a special called "The Lost Tomb of Jesus". This "discovery" apparently was made by James Cameron (the director of the film "Titanic") and Simcha Jacobovici (glad I'm typing his name and not trying to pronounce it).
As Christians, the FACT that Jesus is alive today is foundational to our faith. The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:14,
"And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." But Paul goes on to say in verse 20,
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (NIV) Because the resurrection is so important, and because this "discovery" has been made, it is important as Christians that we understand more about this "discovery" and know how to answer questions that may be raised to us or to engage in a meaningful conversation should the question come up. Ultimately we either believe what God reveals to us in His Word (that Christ was raised and is alive) or we believe the shaky evidence men try to produce that Christ is not alive. Theories that Christ is really dead have been around since Christ was raised. Yet none of these theories have ever held up.
In order to give you a little better understanding on this topic I thought I would link you to two separate articles you can read. First, an article by
Todd Friel that I received from Worldview Weekend. Second, an article by
Kerby Anderson of Probe Ministries. Both of these articles give us some more information on this whole hoax and will help you have a better understanding about it.
As Christians, we are constantly going to be under attack by the enemy, Satan. Trying to disprove not only Christ's resurrection but many other truths the Bible teaches is nothing new. Why, just a few months ago there was the whole buzz about the DaVinci Code movie that came out saying that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene among many other proposterous claims. But I want to encourage you to stand by faith on God's Word and not be easily swept away by every little theory given by man. Ultimately as Christians, we take God at His Word by faith. And remember, as we defend God's Word, never do so with an arrogant attitude to win a debate but rather with the motive to lead the unbeliever to Christ. Depend on the Holy Spirit who indwells you as a believer to give you the wisdom to speak the proper words at the proper time and to show love to people who don't believe what you do.
The Word of God talks many times about false teachers and false doctrines being espoused by others who
think they have such great knowledge. In these passages we as believers are told to not be deceived by these thoughts. While many of these passages may not be specifically talking about a situation such as this, I think it no doubt applies. Listen to the words of Paul to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20-21,
"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you." (NIV)
Stand firm on the Word of God!
Just a reminder that we will not be having our regular Awana meetings at CBC tonight. Instead we will be having a Family Skate Night at the Aurora Skate Center. Also note that the times are from 6-8 p.m. instead of our usual 6:30-8 p.m. for Awana.
different stops. One stop for appetizers, one stop for the main course, and one stop for dessert. So far I have only gotten one suggestion - Deri Delite for dessert.
night from 4-8:30 p.m. Remember that we will meet and be picked up at the DeVries home. If you (well actually your parents since none of you will be driving - hopefully) need directions, contact me and I'll be glad to give them to you.
us, there were 6 Journey teams. While some members of our team were thinking optimistically (ok, not really) and thinking we would finish 6th, we actually finished 4th overall. Next year we will practice at buzzing in faster although there is not much you can do when the question isn't even nearly finished before another team buzzes in. Oh well, you guys did good. By the way, I thought the contrast of the two pictures of the team were funny. In one the guys are smiling (well, except Andrew), but in the other one they are all stone faced and trying to look mean.
