The central teaching of Christianity is being challenged as more skeptics question Jesus' existence and choose their own destiny apart from God and the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.. But proving Jesus' existence isn't difficult.
Our modern culture is replete with new ideas about the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.—especially about its main character, Jesus of Nazareth. Popular movies and vocal detractors gush out the latest historical relativism, spawned by the widely popular theory of evolution that dominates science curricula. Historical relativism says we can't know for sure what happened in the past, so we're merely left with differing opinions or interpretations of these events. Some have expressed this kind of thinking as "You've got your truth, and I've got mine."
A trustworthy source
A good place to start when it comes to proving that Jesus really existed is to prove that the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. can be trusted. Written by about 40 different authors over a span of some 1,500 years, this work consistently reflects the mind of God. As time marches across its pages, its themes of love, law, mercy, obedience and a God who wants every human being to be saved remain constant. The harmony of all these principles through multiple authors over a span of 1,500 years makes it unique in the world's literary history.
In addition to the way the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. was written, there is much more proof that what the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. says is true. Fulfilled prophecy—accurate news about people and nations far in advance of actually happening—prove that the writing of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. was guided by One who was supreme in power and intelligence, able to bring to pass what He foretold. On another front, archaeological discoveries have repeatedly verified portions of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. that were previously considered fables by unbelievers.
Still another powerful testimony of Jesus' existence and ministry is the fact that the apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus' death and resurrection. These men wrote of their experiences and gave their lives in service to Jesus and the ministry He instructed them to fulfill—all suffering persecution and most, in the end, dying as martyrs for what they obviously knew to be true. Would they have shown such devotion to a lie?
Details of these proofs and more verification can be found in our free booklet Is the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. True?
Examine the evidence
In addition to the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.'s internal proof of its authenticity, Lee Strobel provides further evidence in his book The Case for the Real Jesus (2007) that the Jesus of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. did indeed exist.
Addressing the challenges of modern revisionist history such as those offered by the liberal scholars of the Jesus Seminar (who question the authenticity of Jesus' sayings and even the authors of the GospelThe good news of God's everlasting kingdom to be established on earth after Christ's return and how we may be a part of that kingdom. This message was central to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the apostles. The term is used about 100 times in the New Testament . accounts), Strobel quotes one of the most prolific BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. scholars, Dr. Craig Evans (author or editor of more than 50 books about the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ.).
When asked about the conclusions of the Jesus Seminar and the claim of 16 additional gospels not included in the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., Evans states: "This is a product of a modern agenda—a politically correct, multicultural agenda motivated by sympathy for a marginalized group. It's the attitude that says diversity is always good, truth is negotiable and every opinion is equally valid. The question is 'What really did happen in the first century? What is the evidence? What are the facts?'" (p. 34).
Strobel then convincingly answers six challenges to the real Jesus in his well-documented book as he brings credible scholars to the table to challenge the detractors.
In one instance, Strobel quotes Daniel Wallace, Ph.D., a renowned expert on textual criticism, who states: "Quite simply, we have more witnesses to the text of the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. than to any other ancient Greek or Latin literature. It's really an embarrassment of riches!" (pp. 82-83). In several languages, including Greek, Latin, Coptic, Syriac, Armenian, Georgian and so on, we have 25,000 to 30,000 early handwritten copies of the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. attesting to its authenticity.
To prove to yourself the validity of the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ., I suggest that you pick up a BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. and read what it says instead of just reading what others say it says. You will find some startling claims and learn about the meaning and purpose of life. (To help you understand what you read, we offer many free booklets and an online BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. commentary )
We live in a world growing increasingly more cynical about truth. Almost 2,000 years ago, the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. revealed an amazing challenge from a Roman leader to a Carpenter from Galilee. "Pilate therefore said to Him, 'Are You a king then?' Jesus answered, 'You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.' Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?' And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, 'I find no fault in Him at all'" (John 18:37-38).
The proof that Jesus is real is readily available for those willing to look. Why not prove for yourself that what the BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. says is true and start building a relationship with this King? VT
