Within Shouting Distance

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Seizing the Sun Splashed Sensations of Summer

Staying in Spiritual Rhythm: Summer’s Satisfaction (Part 5 of 5)

Quotes:

“Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” John Keating, Dead Poets Society

“Those who are in Christ share with [God] all the riches of limitless time and endless years. God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves. For those outside of Christ, time is a devouring beast; before the sons of the New creations, time crouches and purrs and licks their hands.” A. W. Tozer

“You and I hold the glory of God in clay jars. We hold it, but thinly. We dry out quickly. We need a continues inpouring of the Spirit and a deep saturation in the Word.”  Mark Buchanan

“The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning” C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle

Song Lyrics: None

Verses: (Psalm 46:10), (Philippians 4:4), (James 1:17), (Ephesians 3:20, NLT), (Proverbs 10:5, NLT), (Matthew 21:19)

In Summary:

  • The phrase that stands out in the movie, Dead Poets Society, is “Carpe Diem. Seize the day.” This is also the message of the season of summer for our souls. This is life–make the most the time you’ve been given.
  • Summer is celebrated more than any other season. It marks the end of a long school year and of unbridled joy. We want summer to last forever. We long for it, crave it, thirst for another chance to embrace it fully and grab hold of its endless wonders.
  • The season of the soul of summer mirrors these traits. Joy, contentment, and love overflow daily from our cup of life. We keep receiving more and more. The main characteristic of summer is–flow. It’s effortless.
  • There are many beneficial activities to partake in summer, but more than any other season there are precautions that must be put into practice. Lastly, there is also work to be done.
  • The first activity seems obvious and it’s hard to guess–enjoy. It seems like a natural response and no doubt should be.
  • Just like the activities of summer on our calendar, summer of the soul needs to invoke leisure. This is a time to rest and take delight in God’s presence.  
  • Another main activity of summer is living without worries. Summer our faith is right before our eyes and becomes a living testimony because it is deeply felt within us. We’re walking in the light, we can see, and bask in His glory. Joy is all around us and it’s a time where thanksgiving needs to be plentiful. Thank God daily, often, and with everything you do.
  • The final activity of summer of note here is abounding in fruit. A danger of this is to take it all for granted and keep demanding more,  thus taking on the mindset of a consumer. It is not a time to hoard our wealth and stock our barns with blessings. Instead it’s a time of thanks and a time to give back. To share the fruit.
  • There is a strong warning that come with the spiritual season of summer. Beware of droughts. Summers can become hot and dry for our souls. We need to soak things down more than this season than any other. We cannot neglect spiritual disciplines such as spending time in the Word and prayer.
  • Although summer is full of fun and laughter–there is work to be done too. Summer is a time to gather firstfruits. Simply learn to give God your best and watch as you reap God’s best for you in return.
  • The other main activity of work is being fruitful, but bears a warning. Don’t mistake busyness with production. Choose wisely on what you do and how you spend your time. Choose God’s best and what will benefit you the most in your walk with Christ.
  • Summer is a foretaste of the brilliance and beauty of Heaven. A shadow of the perfection that awaits all of creation.
  • Let us not forget these words: “Carpe diem. Seize the day.” Right here, right now.

Radiant Reflection: This week we learned about the season of Summer. Answer these questions to help you apply the practices and principles we just covered:

1) What to you like most about the calendar season of summer? What activities and events to you enjoy?

2) How does the calendar season of summer mirror that of our souls? What’s different?

3) What are some of the activities we need to partake in during the summer? What are some of the practical ways you can place these activities into our spiritual walk with Christ?

4) What are the precautions that must be taken in consideration with summer? Why is this the case?

5) What type of work should be take part in when being in the spiritual season of summer? What is the warning that comes with being fruitful?

Can You Hear Me Now?: If you want a more complete picture of the spiritual season of Summer–pick up a copy of the book, Spiritual Rhythm, by Mark Buchanan. As our calendar year turns to winter–remember that the spiritual season of summer is possible at any point of the year. Seize the day and this holiday season for all it’s worth. Take delight and bask in the wonder and joy that Christmas brings. Make sure to find time for rest and reflection. Lastly, resolve to make 2012 a year where each day you give your all. Choose God’s best for your life. And make the phrase, “Carpe diem” your battle cry!

The Herald of Hope and the Heart of Heaven

Staying in Spiritual Rhythm: Spring’s New Beginnings (Part 4 of 5) 

Quotes:

“When Aslan bares his teeth, winter meets its death.
When he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.”  C. S. Lewis

Jesus reserves His deepest intimacy for winter. But He displays His greatest handiwork in spring. He brings living water into thirsty lands, emotional strength to faltering hearts, physical wellness to the sick and the lame.” Mark Buchanan

“The plowing of springtime is the disciple of deeper attentiveness.” Mark Buchanan

Song Lyrics: None

Verses: (Psalm 23:3 NLT),   (Revelation 21:5)

In Summary:

  • In the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, written by C.S. Lewis, we get a glimpse of the deadness of winter and the hope that springs brings.
  • Spring is a time of hope. Just like how the spring symbolized a new beginning in Narnia, spring is the start of new things, new activities, a fresh slate.
  • The spiritual season of spring begins with renewal.
  • Emotions that the winter brought us through the depths of darkness are resorted and renewed in the spring.
  • The season of spring as brings a physical renewal. Physical restoration is a direct overflowing of emotional renewal.
  • Sanctification is the cleansing of our moral filth. We are redeemed and made whole again. We are free to be ourselves as we were meant to be. This is what it means to be morally renewed.
  • The hallmarks and heart of spring are emotional renewal, physical renewal, and moral renewal.
  • There are three activities that define the spring season: plowing, planting, cleaning.
  • Plowing is a farming term and is reference to cutting, lifting, and turning over soil. Spiritually, it means to listen. We need to taking the time to be quiet and still in the presence of God. Spending time in prayer and the Word eagerly anticipating God’s direction.  It is also a time to establish these spiritual disciplines firmly rooting them into our life.
  • The results may not be instant, but the reward for plowing will pay dividends as we enter the season of summer.  
  • Another related discipline to farming in spring is planting. Spring is the best season for launching new things.
  • If we don’t take the time to plant and prepare, we’ll waste a wide-open opportunity.
  • Spring is the best time to clean. It is a time to evaluate where you’ve been and we’re you’re headed. To take a personal inventory like we do when we go through all our possessions in our spring cleaning. A time to reflect upon our routines, distractions, and how our time is spent.
  • Fix your focus on your purpose. Ensure that you purpose is full of clarity and God’s calling for your life.
  • Spring is a glimpse into Heaven’s opening scenes. A place where all things are made new again.  If you’re currently experiencing the spring season of the soul, enjoy it! Hope is here and the haven rests in Him!  

Radiant Reflection: This week we learned about the season of Spring. Answer these questions to help you apply the practices and principles we just covered:

1) Have you ever read “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” or seen the movie? What are some of the ways that this book/movie illustrate the deadness of winter and hope of spring?

2) What are the hallmarks of spring? Have you experienced any of these renewals in your life? What was your response? What was a result of this renewal?

3) What does it mean to spiritually plow in our lives? How can you practice the discipline of plowing in your life today?

4) What does it meant to spiritually plant seeds in our lives? What is one thing area of your life you would like to plant a seed today?

5) What is involved in the action of spiritually cleaning? Have you ever practiced this discipline? Why or why not?

Can You Hear Me Now?: If you want a more complete picture of the spiritual season of Spring–pick up a copy of the book, Spiritual Rhythm, by Mark Buchanan. As you read this blog take note of ways you can start off the new year of 2012 in launching a spiritually season of spring. Then take part of the process of plowing, planting, and cleaning. Just because it’s winter outside doesn’t mean you can’t experience spring inside your soul!

The Dry Desert of Darkness, Depression, and Death 

Staying in Spiritual Rhythm: The Woes of Winter (Part 3 of 5) 

Quotes: “This psalm is no cool, clinical, dispassionate, detaching listing of symptoms; it erupts, wild and raw. It’s a diary of disappointment, a soliloquy of compliant, a testimony of anguish. It’s the howl of a main in the grip of a heartache.” Mark Buchanan (referring to Psalm 88)

Song Lyrics:

“This is my prayer in the desert
And all that’s within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship” Hillsong lyrics

Verses: (Ecclesiastes 12:8), (Psalm 88),(Psalm 88:6-9), (John 15:1-2)

In Summary:

  • The phrase, “dark night of the soul” is used as a term signifying a spiritual crisis in our journey towards union with God.
  • The spiritual season of winter is a glimpse of the dreaded “dark night of the soul.” The days are dark, dreary, and dry.
  • Winter is like walking in a desert with no relief in sight and our only sight is a world clouded in darkness.
  • When we think of the Psalms, we often think of songs of praise, thanksgiving, and joy. But there are also psalms of pain, grief, confusion, anger, and bitterness too.
  • Prayer and is the ongoing work on winter. This is a time that our faith grows like no other. It combines the unique conditions that nurture the certainty of things hoped for and the assurance of things unseen. When we walk by faith not by sight.
  • Another spiritual activity of winter is pruning. When we’re in winter, we need to prune hard. This basically means to looking at all our commitments and activities and do what’s really important. It is only through pruning that we’ll be able to bear much fruit in the spring.
  • Winter forces us to wait. And waiting forces faith to grow. Waiting forces us to rely solely on God and trust in His promises. Winter makes us realize that the wait is worth it because He is worth it.  
  • Winter also provides gifts. First is the gift of gratitude. And through the hard times the greatest gift we receive is our longing for Heaven.
  • Jesus, the Man for All Seasons, is with us always. He is familiar with the sorrows and suffering that the season of winter brings and comes closest to us in winter. No matter how many times we trip, fall, and crawl God will be there to carry us into the dawn of a new day. 

Radiant Reflection: This week we learned about the season of winter. Answer these questions to help you apply the practices and principles we just covered:

1) Have you ever experienced what you would call a ”dark night of the soul”? A time where you felt abandoned, lonely, depressed, and broken?

2) What were some of the factors that caused it? How long did it last? How do you endure through this difficult time?

3) What are some of the ways that the physical season of winter mirrors that of what we experience spiritually? How does it differ?

4) What are some of the activities we can partake in during winter? What are the gifts that winter provides us?

5) Spend time in prayer. Thank God for his faithfulness and for always being there for you. Ask Him for strength, courage, and resolve when you are currently faced with a season of winter.

Can You Hear Me Now?: If you want a more complete picture of the spiritual season of winter–pick up a copy of the book, Spiritual Rhythm, by Mark Buchanan. If you’re currently in the season of winter talk to a close friend or mentor and tell them about what you’re currently going through. Seek counseling if you become clinically depressed. If you know someone who is enduring a hard time, encourage them and lift them up in your prayers. Follow through with the above mentioned spiritual practices. And cling closely to Christ always.

Sowing the Seed and Reaping the Reward 

Staying in Spiritual Rhythm: The Fulfillment of Fall (Part 2 of 5) 

Quotes:  “The harvest the generous reap is a harvest of grace, good works, and righteousness. Generosity makes us more like Jesus.”  Mark Buchanan

“I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is it’s consummation.” C. S. Lewis

Song Lyrics: None

Verses: (Hebrews 12:11), (Isaiah 26:3), (Galatians 6:7a-9), (2 Corinthians 9:6), (John 4:35b-38),  (2 Corinthians 9:11)

In Summary:

  • Fall is a season of change. It’s a time to reap what you sow and store up what we reap. Fall’s heart lies in the act of expectancy. A time when all our hard work and discipline is rewarded: Lastly, fall is a time of fulfillment. It’s a time for harvest. To give thanks and acknowledge your blessings.
  • God will give you peace that passes all understanding, even amidst the difficult and heartbreaking changes.  This is our promise and our what we need to remember.
  • Everyone sows a seed of something.  It’s either sowing a seed to please our sinful nature or to please the Spirit. It’s not possible to do both.
  • Not only does it matter what we sow, but how much we sow of something.
  • Fall is a season of harvests. There are three identified in the Bible: A harvest of souls, a harvest of prosperity, and a harvest of righteousness.
  • In the harvest of souls: Look. Pray. Go. You’ll be amazed at what God does when you simply say yes to his call to action.
  • The second harvest is that of prosperity. true prosperity is measured in how much you give, not how much you have.
  • The final harvest is righteousness. What is righteousness? To be like Christ.
  • In order for this harvest to take place, the other two need to tied together along with it. Practicing these three harvests in the spiritual season of fall will create a bountiful feast of thanksgiving.
  • Fall is a time of worship and praise. To thank God even for the things that have yet to come–in expectance of His promises. His faithfulness to us despite our unfaithfulness to Him. And when we do this, we are find ourselves full. Fully immersed in His grace. The feast is ours for the taking.
  • When fall makes its way into your life; embrace it. Sow generously and often.  Be generous and remember it’s not how much you have, but how much you give. Take part in the harvests of saving, growing, and developing. Take stock of your inventory. Your physical blessings and of the Spirit—and give thanks. Experience the joy of fulfillment. It’s time to reap the reward.

Radiant Reflection: This week we learned about the fall season of the soul. Answer these questions to help you apply the practices and principles we just covered:

1) What does the fall season mean to you? Do you come to look forward to the fall season? Why or why not?

2) What are the factors that make up the fall season of the soul? How do they mirror that of the fall season we encounter of our calendars?

3) What does it mean to reap what you sow? Why does the heart play such important part when we sow?

4) What are some of the things you are sowing right now? Do you sow generously or sparingly of these things?  Why do you believe this to be the case?

5) Name some of the simple blessings God has given you that you often overlook. Express your thanks back to God. Express your enjoyment and find joy in fulfillment.

Can You Hear Me Now?: As I stated last week, we’ll be taking a break from the challenges for this series. Again, make sure to answer the Radiant Reflection questions to help you retain and apply the material we just went over.  To get the entire picture of the spiritual seasons of the soul; pick and purchase the book, Spiritual Rhythm from Mark Buchanan. There is a lot of material we didn’t cover here for the season of fall due to time constraints.

Savoring and Stewarding the Seasons of the Soul

Staying in Spiritual Rhythm: For Everything, A Season (Part 1 of 5) 

Quotes:  “Eternity hides beneath the guise of each season’s beauty. That beauty is eternity’s sleight hand, the trick it uses to bedazzle and bewilder us, to make out hearts’ longing appear and disappear right before our very eyes. You think that you crave the summer of ’69, or whatever summer it was you were young and in love. But that summer was only a dress rehearsal for what you heart really wants: Heaven.” Mark Buchanan

Song Lyrics: None

Verses: (John 5:5-8), (Galatians 5:22-23), (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2,6-7), (Ecclesiastes 3:9-11)

In Summary:

  • We all have a favorite time of the year where we feel most alive and at our best. There is another set of seasons that we encounter in our walk with Christ. Spiritual seasons. Cycles of the heart that mark the spiritual rhythms in our life. And these seasons matter greatly if we have to become the masterpiece we were meant to be in Christ.
  • Seasons of the soul are not seasons of aging. We’re turning our focus instead onto our souls and hearts in relation to our spiritual growth. There are times when we cannot prevent a season from coming and other times when we do have a say or a hand in it. What’s important is that we discover, learn, and develop the necessary means to savor and steward whatever season we’re in.
  • Jesus Christ was a Man of All Seasons: Overflowing with joy, intimate with sorrow, tempted in every way, innocent of all sin, at home in the lowest of places, and hospitable to sinners.
  • It’s by our fruit that we show ourselves to be followers of Christ. Not by religious duties, doing things for Christ, or staying busy.
  • Through the seasons we want seek two things: Christ’s presence in season and out and Christ’s wisdom in season and out in knowing how best to meet Him making the most of each and every season.
  • God’s desire is for us to walk with this Man for All Seasons as we go through seasons in and out and that when all is done, we will come home. To a home we were made for: Heaven.
  • We’ll start with the fall and end on a high note with summer. (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer) What will we be looking at through each season? First, we’ll be exploring the hallmarks of each season–what it feels like, the highlights, the pitfalls, and the benefits. Then we’ll learn how to steward the season. What to do, what not to do, and how to get the most out of it.
  • The book we’re primarily studying is Mark Buchanan’s Spiritual Rhythm, which is what inspired this series to begin with.

Radiant Reflection: This week served as an introduction to the seasons of the soul. Answer these questions to help you recall what you just read:

1) What is your favorite season of the year? Why? What activities do you enjoy the most during this season?  List the reasons why you like this season the most.

2) What is a spiritual season? Why does it differ from the seasons of nature or the seasons of aging?

3) How is Jesus like a Man for All Seasons? List some examples why He stayed in spiritual rhythm throughout His time here on earth.

4) What is the true measure of spiritual maturity? Why is busyness and doing activities not always the most beneficial thing we can do in our spiritual walk with Christ?

5) Where are you currently in bearing fruit for Christ? Why do you believe this to be the case? What do you hope to learn in this series? Spend some time in prayer asking God to help you gain a better understanding in how to apply these truths into your life throughout the next few weeks.

Can You Hear Me Now?: I’ve decided to give you a breather as we begin the Christmas holiday season. We’ll be covering a ton of material in a very short period of time, so there will be no challenges for this series. I would still recommend answering the Radiant Reflection questions to help you better understand and apply the material we’ll be covering, though. Also as I stated in the blog entry, to get the entire picture of the spiritual seasons of the soul; pick and purchase the book, Spiritual Rhythm from Mark Buchanan.  Due to time constraints we cannot cover everything he goes over in this book through this short series.

The Crowd that Cheers for Christ with Casual  Commitment

Evidence and Significance of the Resurrection:  Fan or Follower? (Part 5 of 5)

Quotes:  None

Song Lyrics: None.

Verses: (Luke 14:25-26), (Acts 1:8), (John 16:7), (2 Cor. 12:9-10), (Matthew 13:44), (1 John 4:19), (Luke 9:23)

In Summary:

  • There are many Christians who are fans of Christ instead of followers of Christ.
  • The greatest question we could ask ourselves in our relationship with Christ is: Are we a fan or are we a follower?
  •  We assume we’re followers by comparing ourselves to ours, grading ourselves by how much we follow rules and rituals, or by our family upbringing.
  • The first question that needs to be focused on is: Have you made a decision for Jesus or a commitment to Jesus?
  • There is another question that demands to be answered: Do you have knowledge about Christ or intimacy with Him?
  • The next question we’re faced with is a tough one to digest, but needs to be addressed: Is Jesus One of Many or Is He Your One and Only?
  • The next question is: Are you more focused on the outside than the inside? In other words: Are you a hypocrite?
  • The final question that defines our relationship with Christ may be the most overlooked today: Are You a Self-Empowered Fan or a Spirit-Filled Follower?
  • Following Christ is an invitation that is always open. To anyone. But the invitation comes with a cost. A very large cost.
  • Followers of Christ are in passionate pursuit of a relationship with Christ. They do things that are deemed crazy by the casual fan.
  • Fans of Christ try to follow Him by compartmentalizing the areas of their lives. This is not what Christ requires of us–He requires a complete and total commitment. To deny ourselves while proclaiming Him.
  • Another factor that defines a follower—the daily action of taking up your cross and dying. The slogan for followers of Christ can be captured in this way:”Come and Die.”
  • The question we need to ask ourselves is: When was the last time following Jesus cost me something?   
  • Are you a fan or a follower of Christ? This is a question that shouldn’t be thrown to the curb to be answered when you get around to it. It is the question that answers all the others.
  • Jesus’ call is the same today as it was yesterday: “Follow me.” The choice is ours to make. 

Radiant Reflection: Although you were presented with some very difficult questions in this week’s lesson, here are a few of the ones that are most critical to the message:

1) What is the difference between a fan of Christ and a follower of Christ? Give a summary of what you believe to be the largest differences found in this week’s lesson.

2) Have you ever fully committed your life to Christ? Why or why not? What is keeping you from doing so?

3) What are some of the defining factors of a follower? What is required of a follower of Christ?

4) What does it mean to “take up your cross” and die daily to Him? Give examples of what it would look like in your own life. **See challenge below**

5) Are you a fan or a follower? Take your time to answer this question. Be honest with yourself and to God. Then pray and ask God to give you the strength to be fully committed to Him starting today. **See challenge below**

Can You Hear Me Now?: This week is one of the hardest, yet most important messages you’ll ever come across in your walk with Christ. I recommend reading the book where these ideas and concepts were taken from: Not a Fan. by Kyle Idleman. It is not an easy read by any measure, but if you’re really serious about being fully committed to Christ, it’s worth the investment in time and money. Now for the challenge:

First, answer the question, Are you a fan or a follower? Next jot down the areas of your life from your marriage, job, health, family, social life–everything that makes up your daily activities, time, energy, and you who are. Then write down what it would mean to follow Christ and die to Him daily in your life. They don’t have to be earth shattering, but they need to be practical ways that require you surrender everything to Him. Don’t rush into this. Pray and seek God first. Ask Him to reveal where your true heart lies in all of the areas of your life. Once you have some ideas done, begin applying them into your everyday life. It wouldn’t be easy but once you have fully commmited to Christ you’ll experience more joy and peace than you ever imagined! The greatest journey possible is only attainable when you truly become a follower of Christ.

The Radical Rebellion Against the Roman Regime   

Evidence and Significance of the Resurrection:  A New Hope (Part 4 of 5) 

Quotes:  “Not even the disciples themselves had reckoned with [the Resurrection]; it took them quite by surprise. But it transformed them almost on the spot from a crowd of demoralized and frightened people into a band of men with a mission and purpose in life which, without delay, they proceeded to translate into action.” F.F. Bruce

Song Lyrics:

“But there’s an empty cross, there’s an empty tomb
Fire and wind now sweeping in this tiny upper room
There’s a hungry world, there’s a risen King
Unlock the doors, what reason more could we ever need?
So sing with me, I dare you to
Because there’s an empty cross; there’s an empty tomb” Dan Haseltine/Matt Hammitt lyrics

Verses:  (Matthew 16:18), (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50), (Mark 14:66-72), (John 20:19),   (John 20:19-20), (Ephesians 6:12-13), (John 16:33b)

In Summary:

  • Christianity then should be viewed as the ultimate underdog. A story scripted with so many plot twists that Hollywood would never accept it as realistic. But indeed this story happened and shaped the entire course of history.
  • The disciples were utterly changed  from a group of cowardly followers into a band of radical revolutionaries willing to face a life of suffering for the cause of Christ. They abandoned their jobs, families, and fully committed themselves to spreading a very specific message–that Jesus Christ was the Messiah of God who died on a cross, returned to life, and was seen alive by them.
  • They were beaten and imprisoned. And nearly all of them were executed in gruesome and horrifying fashion. They had no ulterior motives, with nothing to gain and a LOT to lose, and yet they choose to die for what they believed in.
  • People will die for their religious beliefs if they sincerely believe they’re true, but people won’t die for their religious beliefs if they know their beliefs are false. No one willingly dies for a lie.
  • These Jewish men who converted to the Christian faith completely changed their entire way of life including their long standing traditions and way of thinking.
  • The Roman empire opposed and fought against the Christian church but ultimately was destroyed while the church still stands today and has impacted every corner of the globe.
  • Christianity has had a profound impact on how we live our lives today whether we acknowledge it or not.
  • We are part of the rebellion. We are called to wake the dead. To stand, rise, and give our lives. Because Christ is a cause worth dying for!  

Radiant Reflection: Take a moment to further your understanding of what you have just learned and answer these questions:

1) Why is the role of the underdog so appealing in our society? What is your favorite underdog story: fictional and in reality?

2) What is the major difference between people who die for their faith today and of the disciples?

3) Name some of the examples of the obstacles and barriers that opposed the church throughout the centuries. Why did the Roman empire fall compared to the Christian church which still stands today?

4) Name some examples of ways that Christianity has impacted your everyday life. Which one stands out the most to you? Why?

5) Who is the church currently waging war with? What is our biggest concern? How can we overcome this and be part of the rebellion?

Can You Hear Me Now?: This week involves journaling and analyzing where you stand in your walk with Christ. Take a few moments and reflect how your faith has changed your life. What habits have you overcome? How has your view of the world changed? What lives have you been able to touch? Then take a hard look what’s keeping you from living a fully surrendered life towards Christ. And resolve to let the Holy Spirit help you overcome these barriers. Ask Him to help you live in reckless abandon for the cause of Christ. Next week we’ll take what you have discovered and start taking action on seeing transformation in your life.

The Credibility of the Critically Claimed Conspiracy Theories

Evidence and Significance of the Resurrection:  “The Truth Is Not There” (Part 3 of 5)

Quotes:  None

Song Lyrics: None

Verses: (John 19:34), (Mark 16:9, John 20:11-18), (Luke 24:34, 1 Corinthians 15:5), (Luke 24:13-33),  (Matthew 28:9-10), (Luke 24:36-43), (John 20:26-29), (John 20:26-29), (1 Corinthians 15:7), (1 Corinthians 15:7), (Acts 1:4-9), (John 20:25), (Acts 1:3)

In Summary:

  • When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus Christ it should come to no surprise that there are many conspiracy theories hypothesized by skeptics alike.
  • There are four today that are the popularly used to hypothesize the logic behind the idea of the Resurrection: The conspiracy hypothesis, The apparent death hypothesis, the displaced body hypothesis, and the hallucination hypothesis.
  • The following needs to be considered when examining the theories:  The best explanation will explain more of the evidence. The best explanation will present the evidence as more probable. The best explanation will be more plausible than other explanations. The best explanation will be less contrived than other explanations. The best explanation wouldn’t conflict with as many accepted beliefs.
  • The longest running explanation is the conspiracy hypothesis. The hypothesis states that the disciples stole the body of Jesus and lied about His appearances.  Today the conspiracy theory is rarely defended as plausible in light of the massive evidence against it.
  • A much weaker and more recent hypothesis that grew in popularity in the nineteenth century claims that Jesus was not dead when He was taken down from the cross. Putting all the evidence together, it is clear that this hypothesis has no ground for credibility.
  • The displaced body hypothesis is a modern theory to combat with the facts of the Resurrection first proposed by Joseph Klausner in 1922. Virtually no historian today even puts this theory under consideration in light of the evidence that is given.
  • The hallucination hypothesis is another proposed theory that states the resurrection appearances by Jesus were merely hallucinations on the part of the disciples.  The people who saw Jesus were not the kind of people most likely to suffer delusions. They were skeptical and slow to believe  when Jesus appeared before them.
  • The hypothesis of Jesus’ resurrection accounts for all three main facts at issue: The tomb is empty, the disciples should see appearances of Jesus alive, and they believe to it was His resurrection from the dead.  
  • Only one explanation makes sense: Jesus Christ did indeed rise from the dead and appear to the disciples in a new resurrected body. 
  • The conclusion from the evidence: The Christian faith is reasonable and the Truth Himself is not in the tomb–but He is risen!

Radiant Reflection: There was quite a bit of information to take in this week on different theories and their flaws. To help you retain and remember the key points of this blog, answer the following questions:

1) Do you believe in any of the conspiracy theories out there currently? Why do you believe them to be true?  Or false?

2) What are the five key factors that help determine if a theory/hypothesis is true or not?

3) What are the major flaws of the Conspiracy Hypothesis/the Swoon Hypothesis? Relocated Body Hypothesis?

4) Name some of the individuals who saw Jesus after He was resurrected. What was their initial reaction? Why do these facts not correspond with what we know about hallucinations?

5)  Have you have done any research/reading on these theories before? Why or why not? After examining the evidence what is your verdict? Why? If you still have doubts or have stubbing blocks yet to hurdle– research more on the evidence out there from a reliable source. Then spend time in prayer asking God to clear your mind of the barriers of unbelief.

Can You Hear Me Now?: This week you will be doing some more research and then recording your findings. First, I do encourage you to research more on the evidence concerning the Resurrection of Christ either on the web or by reading a book, such as “The Case for Christ” or “On Guard” referenced in this blog. But your main challenge this week is to read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ death, burial, and Resurrection in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Go straight to the source. Read each account like it’s the first time you’ve read it. Record what you find. The facts. The people. Their reactions. Put all the information together into one timeline of events. And then draw your own conclusions.  Does the Resurrection hold up in light of what you read? Did you discover anything new that you didn’t see before? Did anything change in how you view the Resurrection of Christ? Once you’re finished, spend time in prayer and ask God to strengthen your faith and conviction for Him this week. Thank Him the sacrifice He gave us and the gift of eternal life.  Reflect on the awesome reality of what Christ has done.

The Shout that Left No Doubt What He Was About

Evidence and Significance of the Resurrection: Prophecy’s Purpose (Part 2 of 5)

 Quotes:

“It has been said that if a person is really paying attention, they can find Jesus on every single page in the Bible. Either in a type, a symbol, and example or in the story itself. John (the disciple) was told that the entire purpose of prophecy is Jesus. Jesus Himself said that ‘In the volume of the book is written of me.’ If we understand the Bible correctly, Jesus intended that we know that everything in the Bible is of a prophetic nature and that the entire Bible itself has the sole purpose of revealing Jesus to the world.” Rob Robinson  

Song Lyrics: None

Verses:

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21

In Summary:

  • Failed predictions about the end of the world continually confirm that God and God alone knows our future.
  • Predictions come in all shapes and sizes today—sports gambling, psychic readings, astrology, and in the stock market.
  • The Old Testament prophecy was written well before the birth of Christ–at least 400 years!
  • Prophecy from God given to us through His Word confirm four things to us: The Bible is indeed true and thus the Word of God,  Give us hope for the future yet to come, Reassure us that God’s promises are always true and will come to pass, Jesus Christ is who He said He was.
  • Jesus Christ fulfilled over 300 prophecies  in birth, life, death, and resurrection. A person fulfilling just 8 in his or her lifetime is 1017(that’s 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000!)
  • The questions we need to ask ourselves are these: Is Jesus Christ is who He said He was? Is He worthy to be called Lord? Can He be trusted with every area of our life? 

Radiant Reflection: This week’s lesson is to help you get a firm understanding on prophecy’s purpose given to us through the Bible. These questions will help you better understand these core truths:

1) What is your opinion of making predictions about end of the world events? How about betting on sporting events? Why do you believe this to be so?

2) What memorable predictions either made by you or others stick out to you? What happened? What came as a result of the prediction? What did you learn? How did you grow from the experience?

3) What prophecies fulfilled by Christ are most memorable to you? Why are they memorable to you?  

4) Name the four main reasons God provides us with prophecy. Which reason has strengthened your faith the most in your walk with Christ to this point in your life and why?

5)  Take some time in prayer thanking God for giving us prophecy and affirming His truths we find in His Word.  Also thank Him that His promises are secure and He will never fail to follow through on them.

Can You Hear Me Now?: This week’s challenge involves more journaling. Write down all the areas of your life that you’re struggling to trust God with. It may be your future in general, finances,  relationships, job, free time, or love life. Then hand them over to God. Find passages of Scripture of God’s promises, write them down, and put them in a place where you’ll be reminded of God’s faithfulness every day. Ask God in prayer to open your heart towards trusting Him more. In conclusion, examine your heart and develop a more open surrendered walk with Christ starting this week.  

The Message We Magnify and Why It Matters

Evidence and Significance of the Resurrection: Hope’s Foundation (Part 1 of 5)

Quotes:  “The resurrection of Jesus is the central point of the Christian religion..Evidently everything quite simply depends on the event of the resurrection of Jesus.” Gerd Ludermann, atheist 

“These myths, these silly little stories that they believe in fundamentally, that they take over this little space in Jerusalem where one guy flew up to Heaven—no, no, this guy  performed a sacrifice here a thousand million years ago. It’s like, who cares? What does that have to do with spirituality, where you’re really trying to get, as a human being and as a soul moving in the universe?”   Bill Maher

A man who said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: Or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”   C. S. Lewis

Song Lyrics:

“Sit with me and tell me once again
Of the story that’s been told us
Of the power that will hold us
Of the beauty, of the beauty
Why it matters”  Sara Groves

Verses: (1 Corinthians 15:14 NLT), (1 Corinthians 15:17-18), (Romans 5:12), (Hebrews 9:11-12), (Hebrews 2:14),  (John 14:6), (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

In Summary:

  • Bill Maher, an agnostic and comedian, raises the question many unbelievers ask:  What evidence is there for the resurrection of Jesus Christ and why does it matter?
  • The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith and holds the Gospel together. Without it Good Friday is Black Friday and Easter doesn’t exist. Or more frankly, shouldn’t exist.
  • All of creation hinges on this one historical fact. The entire human race is dead in sin without the resurrection and the hope of eternal life is lost.
  • A relationship with God isn’t possible without Christ rising from the dead.
  • Christ isn’t who He said He was without the resurrection. He is either a liar, lunatic, or Lord. He cannot be a good moral teacher on any grounds if He didn’t rise from the dead!
  • God isn’t all powerful and isn’t worth following without the resurrection. His promises are not true, He can’t overcome death, and Satan has rightful ownership over our souls.
  • The Bible cannot be trusted without the resurrection of Christ. If the Bible claims to be the truth and one fact is proven false–everything must be under consideration as a lie.
  • Significance, meaning, and purpose are found in the resurrection of Christ. Every pain, hurt is meaningless along with every act of injustice is unresolved without it.
  • Finally, all hope is lost without the resurrection. There is no reason to carry on as death is the final blow to our existence.
  • We will look at the evidence of the resurrection of Christ in the following areas: Prophecy, the empty tomb theories and its faulty reasons given by skeptics, and the appearances/rise of the church in the 1st century.  We’ll conclude this series by wrapping up the evidence and why the resurrection of Christ changes everything. 

Radiant Reflection: These questions will help you reflect and remember the essential truths of why the message of the resurrection of Jesus Christ matters:

1)  Why do you believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Out of blind faith or is there evidence to support it in your mind?

2) What are the seven main reasons given above on why the resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith?

3) Why can’t Jesus be a good moral teacher if He didn’t rise from the dead? What do you think C. S. Lewis meant when he said that Jesus can be either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord?

4) Why do we need hope in our lives? And why does the resurrection of Christ bring us hope?

5) Why do you think that we’re led to believe that Christianity is a blind faith? Why is the resurrection so highly debated to begin with? Ponder these questions as we move forward into the evidence for the Resurrection.  

Can You Hear Me Now?: Your challenge is this week is simple but I believe quite beneficial to follow through on. Write down why you believe what you believe in regards to your faith. Specially the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It doesn’t have to be long, wordy, or be backed up with any outside sources. Write from your heart and also your mind. Then in prayer, ask God to begin revealing the evidence He has given us for why we believe what we believe  in this short study and any other study you may choose to pursue. For the next several weeks, you’ll be doing some more researched base challenges and then applying what you learn from your findings.

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