Bringing Clarity to Uncertainty in Our Church
When loved ones, close friends, or someone we admire dies we experience great sadness. For me, when someone close to me dies, initially a heavy burden of sadness weighs on my heart. But it is not long before the sadness is overwhelmed by peace.
This might seem inappropriate or even deranged, but allow me to share three reasons that suffering has taught me about authentic peace.
Courtesy of Amit Kujur from Flickr.com
The resurrection of Jesus is the climax of the Christian faith. Everything hinges on this one historical event. If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead then our faith is vain. The Apostle Paul admits this in the Bible: “…and if Christ has not been raised; then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain.” (1 Cor 14:14). Paul is seemingly inviting people to examine for themselves the evidence for the resurrection. He wouldn’t have done this if he wasn’t 100% sure of it.
On the other hand, if Jesus did rise from the dead. Then he is truly the Son of God; he is the embodiment of Truth.
Courtesy of Good Free Photos from Unsplash.com
So let’s accept Paul’s invitation and explore one of the most convincing pieces of evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. I invite you (believer or not) to dive into the evidence I present. If you don’t like the evidence feel free to present evidence to the contrary, but don’t run from the evidence.
Last week before Good Friday I was scrolling through my social media feeds. As I was scrolling down an image caught my intention. In the photo there was a statue of Jesus Crucified with blood dripping down his face and limbs. Beside the statue was a man posing mocking what the statue represented.
Initially I was offended, but as quickly as the feeling of offence came it dissipated even faster. Why be offended? Afterall, it’s explicitly written in the Bible that Jesus was mocked, humiliated and died a death reserved for the greatest of criminals in ancient Rome. If it happened then, it will today.
My confidence as a Christian convert from atheism comes from two things: First, my real life changing experience of Jesus Christ in my life and in those Christians whom I met as an atheist. Second, the overwhelming evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. In this moment I would like to focus on the latter; the evidence for Jesus’ resurrection. I will discuss two popular objections often brought up by skeptics and atheists. Due to length required to give this objection respect I will focus on one of two objections against the Resurrection. My next post will focus on a second.
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A common objection proposed by skeptics is that Jesus didn’t die on the cross. Jesus survived the crucifixion, rescued by his followers and continued to live until his natural death. One Indian scholar I read even suggests that Jesus went as far as India where eventually he died a natural death. When examining the historical and archaeological evidence I’m afraid this argument would not be given the light of the day in a modern courtroom. Let’s explore ancient crucifixion.
Numerous times I have had the experience of walking through a distinct mall in Lima, Peru called “Polvos Rosados.” Essentially it’s a giant dome with hundreds of vendors selling counterfeit versions of popular products. Counterfeits of expensive luxury brand watches, counterfeits of clothing brands such as American Eagle, Adidas, and Giorgio Armani, and occasionally the questionably acquired latest electronic gadget such as IPads, MacBooks, and smartphones.
To notice the difference between a counterfeit and an original when it comes to some of the products it would take a professional. For instance the luxury watches (Omega, Rolex…etc). Several vendors will carry similar, if the not the exact same counterfeits, but each vendor will insist that their fake is a more realistic fake than the one being sold around the corner.
Courtesy of Roy from flickr.com
It seems that in the West (Canada, U.S., and Most of Europe) we live in an era where we are being sold several versions of counterfeit morality. Each insisting that their moral reasoning is more true than the other. Insisting that their fake is less fake than the next person’s.
“I love you, you love me we’re together a happy family.” As I’m sure you know, these are the popular lyrics of the childhood friendly purple dinosaur, Barney.
As a child when I first saw Barney singing this song as he danced away with children my own age around him I felt very weird about watching it. There was something wrong with the lyrics (never mind a grown man in a purple dinosaur costume dancing). As a five year old I couldn’t put a finger on what was bothering me about it. But one thing I did know was whatever “love” Barney was singing about wasn’t real love.
In hindsight, this love was very superficial. It totally ignored the reality of authentic love. The ugly side of it that requires real sacrifice, perseverance, and faith. It didn’t give me hope a child. I couldn’t relate it to my experience.
God is Love?
It seems it’s this “Barney type of love” is what our culture chases. One that is ultimately rooted in comfort with no sense perseverance or sacrifice. And if I may say, a love that is delusional.
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Some time ago a young woman to expressed to me her offence at seeing some Muslim men on the streets of Niagara Falls praying in a public square. In brief, five times a day Muslims are mandated to turn towards Mecca (in Saudi Arabia), kneel, bow, and stand as they recite the Salah. She was of the opinion that people should keep their faith or belief systems in the private realms of their life.
Should people be allowed to publicly express their faith through word or action?
Courtesy of Unsplash.com by Leon Seierlein
This is my first Periscope post as part of my weekly blog posts at greg.garda.com. Just click on the link of the picture below to view the video.
[First Periscope Post] From Unbelief to Belief
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In this post I briefly give my testimony on why I went from unbelief in God to belief in Him. I touch on one major intellectual struggle I had: Why is there so many accomplished intelligent people in different disciplines from science to philosophy to social sciences who believe in God with great confidence. In fact, their disciplines often lead them to conclude that it is more reasonable to hold that God does indeed exist.
In my last video blog post, What God Is Not, I addressed a major categorical mistake that new atheists (Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens…etc.) make when describing God. I don’t want to dwell on something I already spoke about, so if you’d like the context for this blog post you’re welcome to view the video here.
Today I wish to direct you to three sections in the Bible that clarify how Christians (and Jews) actually understand God’s nature. Let’s get going.
Courtesy of Joshua Earle from Unsplash.com
Check out my new blog update. This is my first blog video titled “What God is Not.”
I learned today that it’s not easy to shoot a quality video. Much respect to those who do this on a regular basis. Forgive me for the focus part way through. Cheers!
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