If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#8) the Disciples and Peter Would Have Known It [audio]
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)
I’ve tried to put myself in the shoes (or sandals) of the disciples.
...
If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#7) the Women Would Have Known It First [audio]
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes w...
If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#6) the Angels Would Have Announced It [audio]
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes we...
If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#5) Creation Knew It and Clapped Its Hands [audio]
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake… (Matthew 28:1-2a)
The earth clapped its hands in joy when its Maker arose. The guards weren’t thrilled, but the whole of...
If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#4) the Guards Knew It [audio]
When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, it should not be a surprise to find here a focus of critique and skepticism. Yes, there are also accusations regarding other aspects of Jesus’ life, primarily wherever there are miraculous events, like the virgin birth, walking on water or healing a man born blind. But, because...
If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#3) the Stone Was Rolled Away [audio]
Here is the historical record:
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was li...
If Jesus Rose from the Dead, then (#2) The Seal Was Broken [audio]
We don’t spend much time talking about the seal that was placed upon the tomb, but I think it is significant.
Here is the historical record:
The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, wh...
I suppose one could say that it is strange to use these two words together: Easter and pestilence.
One brings to mind the joy of the resurrection morning, angels, choirs singing the Halleluiah Chorus, sanctuaries lined with lilies in bloom, people dressed in their Easter-best, ladies in bonnets, pink ribbons, all smiles and happy days are here again.
The other brings to mind death and pai...
To the volume of wonderful comments on President George H. W. Bush, I wish to add my very small two cents.
Indeed he was a noble man. When people have asked me over the years of my assessment of him, I have always responded with “He was a real gentleman, in every sense of the word.”
There is a reason why so many people, during these days of memorializing President Bush, have c...
[preface]
I suppose this attribute of God is one of the most rejected in our culture, for a people who have self-ascended into their own divinity surely deem themselves immune from judgment. Spurning the notion of transcendent truth, we now get to make up our own. “My Heart” becomes a divine voice and everyone should be obligated to acknowledge it as holy and unassailable. If I w...
