Josephus is another source of historical testimony to the resurrection of Christ. He writes this fascinating passage in Antiquities 18.3.3: Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the … [Read more...] about Josephus on the Resurrection
Ignatius of Antioch on the Resurrection
In response to my recent post The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction? one person asked, "Is there any evidence outside the Bible?". That's a great question, and I'm glad it was asked. I'll present some extra-biblical witness and other evidence to support this claim in the next several … [Read more...] about Ignatius of Antioch on the Resurrection
Harvest Institute 2009
Harvest Institute is a five day journey of training and transformation in an intense, interactive setting. I encourage any and every college student who will listen to go to the Harvest Institute this summer! The value that you get for the relatively small investment of time and money is … [Read more...] about Harvest Institute 2009
The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction?
A few things to consider: 1. Over 500 people saw Jesus alive after the public crucifixion. (1 Cor. 15:6) 2. Those who saw Jesus alive were still alive and well when the talk of his resurrection began. They could have easily refuted any false testimony. 3. The Jewish religious authorities … [Read more...] about The Resurrection of Jesus: Fact or Fiction?
Youth Ministry FAIL
My youth pastor friend Clayton Bell posted this video recently. It's totally hilarious which is a great enough reason to watch it. But in addition to the value of the humor, it makes some great points. It's a satire about how "full and sound and fury and signifying nothing" some youth "ministry" … [Read more...] about Youth Ministry FAIL
The Event and The Process
Everyone likes a quality event! There are people all around, there is exctement in the air and music. Events can do much, but we need the process (which is often not nearly as exciting) just as much. Dr. Tim Elmore and his organization Growing Leaders do a great job of explaining the roles of the … [Read more...] about The Event and The Process
The Process of Discipleship
Like most good things in life, discipleship doesn't just happen. It's a process that starts with intentionality, and it is a process. Recently I preached a message on discipleship and reviewed some old notes from an ENLI class on Discipleship. The process laid out in the notes, and which I laid … [Read more...] about The Process of Discipleship
Where Preparation Meets Opportunity
In 2002 Steven Bradbury became the first Australian to ever a gold medal at the Winter Olympics. Watch how he did it here. Some call it luck, but in reality this was a moment where preparation met opportunity. All the years of training for Steven Bradbury paid off as he was the … [Read more...] about Where Preparation Meets Opportunity
Priorities as a Newly Married Man
In the process of reading through the Bible this year I came across Deuteronomy 24:5 today: “A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married. Marriage is … [Read more...] about Priorities as a Newly Married Man
Identity in Christ
Some good news for the truly regenerate followers of Jesus is that we don't need to create artificial value for our lives. We already have great worth in God's eyes. When God looks at us he doesn't just see us. He sees his son Jesus. Here are some of the ways that we are identified in the … [Read more...] about Identity in Christ
The Desire for Significance
I believe that the desire to be significant is within everyone. In some people it is a driving motivation for everything. In others this desire lies dormant - all but extinguished - underneath discouragement, criticism and self-hatred. But regardless of whether a person takes a passive approach … [Read more...] about The Desire for Significance
TV and Wasting Your Life
I usually don't read the quotes on the side of Starbucks coffee because the sleeve covers them up but today I took the sleeve off, and found this quote from Michael Medved. American's spend an average of 29 hours a week watching television - which means in a typical life span we devote 13 … [Read more...] about TV and Wasting Your Life