In his book Person of Interest, detective J. Warner Wallace highlights how many political, practical, and linguistic factors came together to maximize the impact and influence of Jesus on the world at that specific time in history. At the pinnacle of Roman Rule, vast areas “were unified under the same economic, military, and linguistic systems.”* … Continue reading God’s big-picture providence for you
apologetics
The probability of this specific Messiah
Much is made about Jesus being the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. Messiah is a Hebrew word meaning “anointed one,” which refers to God’s chosen king and representative on the earth. Much is also made about prophecies he has fulfilled which confirm that Jesus is in fact this Messiah. We could reference Micah 5:2: “But you, Bethlehem … Continue reading The probability of this specific Messiah
Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
“Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). When I was attending university, I was headed to class on the subway. I was reading my mini New Testament. A stranger walked over and asked what I was doing. He started to criticize me in front of everyone else (quite loudly, … Continue reading Can you defend the Gospels in the coming storm?
Confidence in the Word
For years a certain group of scholars said that John’s Gospel was a philosophical and theological work, but not a historical one, meaning that it couldn’t be trusted at face value. One of the reasons for that (faulty) conclusion was that details in the text seemed wrong from a historical perspective. For example, in John … Continue reading Confidence in the Word
Criticized for faith? Rejoice!
William Lane Craig is a well-known defender of the faith. He writes books, speaks at conferences, and debates atheists in front of thousands upon thousands of people. This makes him a frequent target. He is yelled at, ridiculed, and criticized—over and over and over. Someone asked him how he responded to all of this. He … Continue reading Criticized for faith? Rejoice!
Talking faith? Take the pressure off
In 1 Peter 3:15, the apostle says: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Always? Yes. But the fact of the matter is that many of us lack confidence or clarity when we try to explain (or defend) our faith. … Continue reading Talking faith? Take the pressure off
The skies proclaim the work of his hands
The fact that there is a creation is evidence that there is a Creator. Here’s what I mean. In elementary school science class I learned about cause and effect. Something can’t come from nothing. If a baby is born, it didn’t come from nowhere. Something had to happen nine months ago to bring it into … Continue reading The skies proclaim the work of his hands
Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned
With every passing year here in North America Christians will be increasingly criticized. One of the things you sometimes hear is that our ways are “old fashioned” and out-of-date. So today I’d like to invite you to think about this idea from a certain perspective—one that will, I hope, give you confidence and some words … Continue reading Not old-fashioned, but God-fashioned
The math behind Jesus as Messiah
Christmas is coming. It’s practically here! Amidst the clatter of Christmas it’s easy to forget why the arrival of Jesus caused such a stir over 2000 years ago. A part of the reason why it was such big news was because he was the long-awaited Jewish “Messiah.” It’s a Hebrew word that means “anointed one.” … Continue reading The math behind Jesus as Messiah
You don’t die for a lie
The famous mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal said: “I [believe] those witnesses that get their throats cut.” He meant that people who are willing to die for their beliefs are more likely to be telling the truth. In other words, people don’t tend to die for a lie. People will, however, give their lives for … Continue reading You don’t die for a lie
The Up Devotional 