Jesus - Historical Figure or Hoax?

Well what have I been up to today? I was supposed to be having a day off but I ended up visiting a school and talked to boys and girls about the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. I am reading a brilliant book about Jesus, at the moment. It's called 'More than a carpenter' by Josh McDowell. It's well worth a read.

The Lord Jesus Christ is no ordinary person. I make this statement in the present tense because the Lord Jesus is not just a figure of history but he is, today, still alive in heaven. I don't mean alive in the way we might think about a relative who has died and hope is now in heaven (as a Christian I believe people who have turned from their sin and accepted Jesus as their Saviour will be in heaven when they die but this is not my point at the moment). I mean that Jesus is alive, physically in heaven. Your response might be - impossible and unbelievable! 

The record of the life of Christ is all highly improbable if you ignore the key ingredient, God. I agree that believing that Jesus was more than a man, lived an absolutely faultless life, could do miracles, somehow became accountable for sin and evil and died to pay the price to deal with it on a cross outside Jerusalem and finally three days after his death came back to life. Add to that he lived on earth for forty days after his suffering, death and resurrection and physically rose from the earth and passed through the sky and space into the presence of His Father, God in heaven itself. On a purely rationale level this sounds like I am stretching facts and calling it truth! 

BUT WHAT IF......

A careful analysis of the facts points to Jesus being the Son of God!

The evidence points to it being statistically impossible for the historical predictions (the bible calls them prophecies) being fulfilled accurately being mere coincidence!

It was impossible to deceive so many historians and eye witnesses on a such a grand scale!

The probability of it being the truth is higher than the probability of it being a lie?

I believe that this is the truth of the matter. I believe that the evidence to the authenticity of the bible is there if you care to look for it. I believe there is no other honest conclusion that you can come to about who Jesus is if you are prepared to genuinely look at the facts.

In support of this the bible clearly states: 'these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life in his name', John 20:31. 

Visit www.seekthetruth.org.uk for more information. 

Books

Books have been published and produced for hundreds of years. Some people predicted their demise with the advent of modern technology, such as Kindles and other electronic devices for reading. 

However, as a visit to a bookshop makes clear, books are still being produced in large quantities in hard copy, both hardback and paperback. There are still vast numbers of people who love to hold a book and turn the pages, and many also find looking at a screen a numbing and difficult experience.  

Reading is vital for education and the gaining of information. The Apostle Paul, right up to the end of his life, maintained his reading regime as he asked, in the last letter he wrote addressed to Timothy, that books be forwarded to him and also the parchments (2 Timothy 4.13). The Apostle John, in a statement of hyperbole or exaggeration to make a point, said, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written everyone, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (John 21.25). He indicates that we only have a sample in the Gospel accounts of the wonders and miracles performed by Jesus.  

To survive you must read!

In Western culture we almost take the ability to read for granted! It is unimaginable failing to educate people to a basic level where they can read and write, among many other skills. The ability to read is such a basic requirement for making your way through life.

The fact you understand what I am talking about in this blog means that you can read! Well, being honest, it means that you can translate the squiggles and strokes on the page or screen into words. If I am incapable of writing well or of expressing my ideas then you may read the words but have no idea what I'm trying to say. So reading with understanding is vital. 

Robert Burns and all that

During this last week of January many Scots people go out of their way to remember Rabbie Burns, the 18th century Ayrshire poet, writes Bert Cargill of St Monans Gospel Hall. His life and his old Scots poems are remembered fondly on his birthday, withBurns’ competitions in schools and Burns’ Suppers in the evenings giving him and his poems publicity once again. There are hundreds of them - my favourite is “The Cottar’s Saturday Night”, and from “To a Mouse” I often quote “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley”.

 

Other famous writers from previous centuries are of course worth reading and remembering, such as William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Sir Walter Scott for example. Some contemporary authors are also widely read, according to people’s choice. But what you read and how it affects you is important, whether fiction or history, poetry or prose.

 

It's also important to remember that authors write for many different reasons. Some write to entertain and amuse, others to educate, inform and inspire, while others may write to deceive, mislead and spoil. So it is wise to choose your reading carefully!

Five areas of your life that need a clean up!

Around the House

It's funny but true that most of us like to get things cleaned up regularly. Maybe some of us leave it a little longer than others but eventually we feel the need to get into action. It might be washing the car, tidying the garden or cleaning the house.

The world has become a very angry place!

When I read the newspapers, watch the news, or just generally observe the behaviour and reactions of people in society, I become aware, very quickly, that the world is an angry place. I am not saying that this is unjustified, I am just noting what I see.

Beneath the surface in many lives is an irritation, an annoyance at what life is delivering. 

There are a whole host of things that aggravate people: 

1. how people drive
2. the response to the pressures of financial commitments
3. the rising cost of living
4. the frustration of coping with under-funded and overused public services 
5. the general pressures of life. 

We live in a world where there are so many reasons to be agitated and angry.

I am sure that psychologically and physically, anger does not have a good outcome in people's lives. There may be some good side effects, such as increased adrenaline empowering you to protect yourself or giving you the motivation to do better and improve your situation, but the side effects of constant agitation and anger have got to negatively affect our health. 

The cost of anger!

 

There once was a young boy with a very bad temper. The boy's father wanted to show him that he could overcome his tantrums and decided to encourage him to change, so he gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper he must hammer a nail into their wooden fence.

The first day of this lesson was not a good one for the boy, and by the evening he had lost his temper thirty seven times.  As he looked at the nails he had driven into the fence, he felt quite ashamed.

Over the course of the next few weeks, the boy began to control his anger, so the number of nails that were hammered into the fence each day dramatically decreased.

It was not long before the little boy discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Then, the day finally came when the little boy did not lose his temper even once, and he became so proud of himself, he could not wait to tell his father.

His father was delighted, but he now suggested to his son that he should now pull out one nail for each day that he could hold his temper.

Several weeks went by and the day finally came when the young boy was able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

Very gently, the father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.  Together they stood and looked at the fence which was now covered by the marks of the nails.

"You have done very well, my son," said the father smiling, "but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same."

The little boy listened carefully as his father continued to speak.

"When you say things in anger, they leave permanent scars just like these. And no matter how many times you say you're sorry, the wounds will still be there."

We all do things and say things that we may regret later, but sadly we cannot go back and undo them.  Our actions leave a mark on our lives just as the nails left a mark on the fence.

The father in today’s story used nails to show his son what his temper meant. As a Holy God looks upon our shortcomings He shows His plan using the same means – nails.  But these nails were not hammered into a fence, but into the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our failures cannot be undone, but Jesus died so that they might be forgiven.  Through faith and trust in Him we can know that God the Father has dealt with it all and completely blotted out every mark.

But the nail marks remain and will forever remind us of the amazing love of God shown to us through Jesus Christ the Lord.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 37:8

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.

Acts 13:26-41

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him. And though they found in him no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to have him executed. And when they had carried out all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm,

“‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’

And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way,

“‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’

Therefore he says also in another psalm,

“‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:

“‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”

DAILY MESSAGES WITH MEANING (19/01/26)

Written by STEPHEN TRESEDER 

All photos courtesy of Unsplash 

Through the Bible in 66 Days - 2 Chronicles

 

History often unfolds as a series of dry facts and figures, particularly in textbooks that can feel overwhelming and tedious. However, the book of 2 Chronicles offers a refreshing perspective on history, presenting the narrative of Israel from God's perspective. This historical account serves not only as a record of events but also as an excellent commentary on the spiritual lessons embedded within them.

2 Chronicles is essentially a continuation of the story of God's people. It recounts the history of the kings of Judah, focusing on their reigns, successes, and failures. While much of this history is covered in previous books of the Bible, 2 Chronicles offers a unique lens that emphasises the covenant relationship between God and His people. It's like watching a film with a director's commentary—this time, the director is God Himself, guiding us to understand His will and purpose throughout Israel's turbulent history.

Some of the Key Themes of 2 Chronicles

1. God is ultimately in control:

One of the most profound messages of 2 Chronicles is God's control over history. The value of each king's reign is not based on political or military success alone but on their faithfulness to God. This introduces readers to the idea that true success in life is measured by our relationship with God. As stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV), "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." God is still open to welcome us if we are willing to be honest about our sin and turn to Him for forgiveness.

2. The Contrast Between Good and Bad people 

The book outlines the lives of 20 evil kings and only a handful of good ones. The successes of these good kings, such as Hezekiah and Josiah, resulted from their commitment to follow God's commandments and seek Him earnestly. In contrast, the failures of the evil kings stemmed from their disobedience and idolatry. This contrast serves as a vital lesson: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9, ESV). Through the lives of these kings, we see that turning away from God leads not just to personal failure but also to national consequences. We also need to learn the lesson that actions always have outcomes.

3. The Importance of Repentance 

2 Chronicles often highlights the need for repentance and returning to God. The storyline underscores the cycle of sin, judgment, and restoration. The eventual return of the exiled Israelites underscores God's grace and willingness to forgive. In 2 Chronicles 30:9 (ESV), it says, "For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land." This call to return and seek God is not just historical; it is eternally relevant, i.e. we can also return to God for forgiveness.

The Message of the Gospel Through 2 Chronicles

The gospel message is intimately tied to the themes of repentance, restoration, and God's authority. The history chronicled in 2 Chronicles culminates in a greater narrative of redemption that points to the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as the kings were signposts of what it meant to lead with God's authority, the Lord Jesus Christ embodies the perfect king—one who reigns not just over Israel, but over all creation.

His life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate fulfilment of the promise that God is always working toward the redemption of His people. The hope offered in the gospel reflects the underlying principles highlighted throughout 2 Chronicles: God's eagerness to forgive, restore, and create a relationship with His people.

In essence, 2 Chronicles not only serves as a reminder of Israel's past but also invites us to reflect on our own lives in the light of God's ongoing work in the world. It encourages us to learn from history, understand the consequences of our choices, and seek a life that honours God—a life that acknowledges that, through Christ, we are offered grace, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life.

As we delve into the pages of 2 Chronicles, may we be challenged to recognise our need for a Saviour and His message of love and redemption. Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose again on the third day so that through Him the forgiveness of sins might be available.

Will you repent and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Saviour?

All photos courtesy of Unsplash

Through the Bible in 66 Days - 1 Chronicles

 

Did you realise that God knows everything? He is looking after us even if we're not aware of it. When some people realise that they say, " Why should we really need to pray? For if God knows everything, why would we need to tell them about our issues, problems and situations? We could get on with our lives, and He will sort everything out as we go along.

First Chronicles tells the story of King David, but you may remember that we read about him in 1st and 2nd Samuel. First Chronicles tells the story of David's life from God's perspective. Please note that God knows every detail of not only David's life but also our lives - our motives, deepest desires, secret sins, and so on. He is the creator, law-giver, and judge, and we will all stand before him and answer for how we have lived at some stage after we die. 

So it is with the Gospel message in the New Testament. The Gospel announces undeserved hope and unlimited redemption. It is firmly grounded in the remarkable truth that God knows every intricate detail of our lives—our struggles, fears, and dreams. Despite His infinite wisdom, He longs to have a deep relationship with us, inviting us to be honest with Him about our lives. This raises a thought-provoking question: If God is already aware of our needs, why should we bother to pray? The answer unfolds beautifully in the pages of First Chronicles, illuminating what a relationship with God is really like.

Do you find it hard to forgive?

We know that forgiveness is a wonderful experience both for the one who forgives and the one who is forgiven.  It is easy to talk about it but it is one of the hardest tasks we are ever called upon to undertake. It can be  too painful and sometimes our pride and sense of status intrudes as we remember what was said or done to us in the past.  Forgiveness requires humility and sometimes we need to cry out to the Lord in prayer for His help in forgiving those who have hurt us in some way.

We know that the Japanese invaded the Korean Peninsula before the Second World War and inflicted terrible atrocities on the Korean people.  Awful things were done to the local population in the name of Japanese imperialism.  After the war when the Japanese had surrendered and retreated from the peninsula many Koreans continued to remember the dreadful things that had been inflicted on them personally and on their family and friends and harboured hatred and bitterness in their hearts towards the Japanese nation.

Getting a Deep Clean

All photos courtesy of Unsplash

 In January 2016, in N. Ireland there was an outbreak of a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. In a two-week period it caused the death of three infants. This infection causes breathing difficulties and tissue damage. It is reported that the bacteria can take hold in areas such as sinks and in water pipes with stagnant water and can live for several days on various surfaces. A university bacteriologist reportedly said that this is a bug which is very common in nature. The hospital ordered a deep clean of the neo-natal ward involved and succeeded in eradicating the infection.

Loneliness and the January blues!

All photos courtesy of Unsplash.

A while ago, I read the following comment in the ‘The Guardian’ newspaper - ‘The dilemma, I’m 22 years old and going into my fourth year in medical school. I have been using study to escape loneliness, insecurity and anxiety that arose from the stress of the course and my failure to establish friends’.

Another person wrote in ‘The Telegraph’, “‘Life looks good on the surface - so why are we all so lonely?  ‘But you can’t be lonely,’ a friend tells me crossly. ‘You’re out every night.’ The backhanded compliment makes me laugh. But it also makes me sad. On paper, my life sounds glamorous. Denying you feel lonely makes no more sense than denying you feel hunger’” These are the comments of a high profile journalist who looks as if she is living the high life but most certainly doesn’t feel as if she is.

An investigation into loneliness in January 2020 showed that a fifth of the population privately admits they are ‘always or often lonely’. But two-thirds of those people would never confess to having a problem in public. Here is the problem - loneliness is the devastating unseen result of the pressures and emptiness of modern life when people live devoid of real purpose and meaning.