WHAT DO THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES SAY ABOUT THE MESSIAH? Psalm 22:6-8; 69:8-9) 2. That he would be a descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3, 7; 17:7; 18:17-18; 22:18) 3. That he would be a descendant of Isaac (Genesis 21:12; 26:2, 4) 4. That he would be a descendant of Jacob (Genesis 28:13-14; Numbers 24:17) 5. That he would be a descendant of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1,10) 6. That he would be from the tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10) 7. That he would be incarnate God (Psalm 2:7; 110:1; Isaiah 9:5-7; Micah 5:1-2) 8. That he would be a descendant of David (2 Samuel 7:12-13,16; Psalm 89:3-5, 20-21, 27-30; 132:11; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:14-15) 9. That he would be a human being (Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 33:15; Isaiah 42:1-4) 10. That he would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) 11. That he would be given the throne of David (2 Samuel 7:11-12; Psalm 132:11 Isaiah 9:6-7; 16:5; Jeremiah 23:5) 12. That this throne would be an eternal throne (Daniel 2:44; 7:14, 27; Micah 4:7; 2 Samuel 7:12-13, 16; Isaiah 9:6-7) 13. That he would have a forerunner (Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1) 14. That he would be called Emmanuel (Isaiah 7:14) 15. That he would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:1-2) 16. Time for his birth (Daniel 9:24-25; Genesis 49:10; Haggai 2:6-9) 17. That he would be the Savior of mankind (Isaiah 59:20; 62:11) 18. That he would deal gently with and reach out to the Gentiles (Isaiah 9:1-2; 42:1-4; 49:6) 19. That he would be worshipped by wise men and presented with gifts (Psalm 72:10; Isaiah 60:3, 6, 9) 20. That he would be in Egypt for a season (Numbers 24:8; Hosea 11:1) 21. That his birthplace would suffer a massacre of infants (Jeremiah 31:15) 22. That he would be called a Nazarene (Judges 13:3-5; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2) 23. That he would be declared the Son of God (Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14) 24. That he would be filled with God's Spirit (Psalm 45:7-8; Isaiah 11:2; 42:1; 61:1-2) 25. That he would cleanse the Temple (Psalm 69:9-10) 26. That he would have a Galilean ministry (Isaiah 8:23-9:2) 27. That he would be a prophet of God (Deuteronomy 18:15, 19) 28. That he would comfort the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1-2) 29. That he would heal many (Isaiah 53:4-5; 35:5-6) 30. That people and rulers would conspire against him (Psalm 2:1-2) 31. That he would be the servant of God (Isaiah 42:1-4) 32. That he would work miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6) 33. That he would speak in parables (Isaiah 6:9-10) 34. That he would be zealous for God (Psalm 69:9-10; 119:139-149) 35. That he would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt (Zechariah 9:9) 36. That he would be praised by little children (Psalm 8:2-3) 37. That he would not be believed by many, despite his many miracles (Isaiah 53:1) 38. That he would be the rejected cornerstone (Psalm 118:22-23) 39. That his friend would betray him for thirty pieces of silver (Psalm 41:9-10; 55:12-15; Zechariah 11:12-13) 40. That the silver would buy a potter's field (Jeremiah 18:1-4; 19: 1-4; Zechariah 11:12-13) 41. That he would be a man of sorrows and suffering (Isaiah 53:3; 52:14) 42. That he would be forsaken by his disciples (Zechariah 13:7) 43. That he would be hated without reason (Psalm 35:19; 109:3-5; 119:141; Isaiah 53:3) 44. That he would be accused by false witnesses (Psalm 35:11, 20-21) 45. That he would be scourged and spat upon (Isaiah 50:5-6) 46. That he would be a king (Psalm 2:6; 132:11; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 37:24-25) 47. That he would be silent to accusations (Isaiah 53:7) 48. That he would be beaten (Isaiah 52:14) 49. That he would be hit in the face (Micah 4:14-5:1) 50. That he would die for our sins (Isaiah 53:5, 6, 8, 10-12) 51. That he would be given vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21) 52. That he would be placed with the sinners while being punished (Isaiah 53:12) 53. That he would be reproached (Psalm 69:8-10; Isaiah 53:3) 54. That he would be surrounded and ridiculed by his enemies (Psalm 22:7-8, 12-13, 17; 109:3-4; 119:141) 55. That he would pray for his enemies (Psalm 109:3-4) 56. That he would suffer the piercing of his hands and feet (Psalm 22:16-17; Zechariah 12:10) 57. That his garments would be parted and gambled for (Psalm 22:18) 58. That he would be forsaken by God (Psalm 22:1-3; Zechariah 13:7) 59. That he would commend his spirit to the Father (Psalm 31:5) 60. That he would thirst (Psalm 22:15-16) 61. That he would be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9) 62. That he would be killed before the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple [70 A.D.] (Daniel 9:26) 63. That he would be stared at in death (Zechariah 12:10) 64. That his bones would not be broken (Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20-21; 22:18) 65. That his side would be pierced (Zechariah 12:10) 66. That he would be raised from the dead (Psalm 16:9-10; 49:15; Hosea 6:1-2) 67. That he would ascend (Psalm 24:3-10; 16:10-11; 68:18-19) 68. That he would be exalted to God's right hand (Psalm 110:1-7; 118:22; 16:9-11) 69. That he would become a smiting scepter (Numbers 24:17) 70. That he would rule the heathen (Psalm 2:8-11) 71. That he would then become a greater high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 53:12; Zechariah 6:11-13) WHAT DO THE CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES SAY ABOUT THE MESSIAH? 1. That he would be rejected by his own people, the Jews (John 1:11; 7:5; Luke 19:14; 23:18) 2. That he would be a descendant of Abraham (Acts 3:25; Romans 9:5; Galatians 3:8, 16; Matthew 1:1) 3. That he would be a descendant of Isaac (Luke 3:34; Galatians 3:16) 4. That he would be a descendant of Jacob (Matthew 1:2, 16; Luke 3:23, 34) 5. That he would be a descendant of Jesse (Romans 15:12) 6. That he would be from the tribe of Judah (Luke 3:33; Hebrews 7:14) 7. That he would be incarnate God (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:8) 8. That he would be a descendant of David (Matthew 21:9; 22:42; Luke 1:31-33; John 7:42; Acts 13:22-23; Romans 1:3) 9. That he would be a human being (Galatians 4:4; 1 Timothy 2:5) 10. That he would be born of a virgin (Matthew 1:22-25; Luke 1:26-27, 30-31) 11. That he would be given the throne of David (Luke 1:31-32) 12. That this throne would be an eternal throne (Luke 1:33; Hebrews 1:8-12) 13. That he would have a forerunner (Matthew 3:1-3, 11:11-14; Mark 9:13; Luke 1:17, 76-78; 3:3-6; 7:24, 27) 14. That he would be called Emmanuel (Matthew 1:23) 15. That he would be born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1, 5-6; Luke 2:4-7; John 7:42) 16. Time for his birth (Luke 2:1-5; Hebrews 12:25-29) 17. That he would be the Savior of mankind (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; John 4:14) 18. That he would deal gently with and reach out to the Gentiles (Matthew 4:13-16 12:17-21; Luke 2:32; Acts 13:47) 19. That he would be worshipped by wise men and presented with gifts (Matthew 2:11) 20. That he would be in Egypt for a season (Matthew 2:14-15) 21. That his birthplace would suffer a massacre of infants (Matthew 2:16-18) 22. That he would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:21-23) 23. That he would be declared the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; John 3:16) 24. That he would be filled with God's Spirit (Matthew 3:16; Luke 4:18-19; John 3:34; Acts 4:27) 25. That he would cleanse the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13; John 2:13-17) 26. That he would have a Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:12-16; Mark 1:14; Luke 4:14; John 4:1-4) 27. That he would be a prophet of God (Matthew 21:11; Luke 24:19; John 4:19; Acts 3:20, 22; 7:37) 28. That he would comfort the brokenhearted (Luke 4:18-19) 29. That he would heal many (Matthew 4:23-24; 8:16-17; Mark 6:56; Luke 6:17-19) 30. That people and rulers would conspire against him (Matthew 12:14) 31. That he would be the servant of God (Matthew 12:15-21) 32. That he would work miracles (Matthew 11:4-6; 15:30; 21:14; John 6:1-2; 20:30-31) 33. That he would speak in parables (Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35) 34. That he would be zealous for God (John 6:37-40) 35. That he would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a colt (Matthew 21:4-10; Mark 11:7,9,11) 36. That he would be praised by little children (Matthew 21:15-16) 37. That he would not be believed by many, despite his many miracles (John 12:37-38) 38. That he would be the rejected cornerstone (Matthew 21:42) 39. That his friend would betray him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16, 21-25; Luke 22:3-4, 47-48; John 6:64, 70-71; 13:18) 40. That the silver would buy a potter's field (Matthew 27:3-10) 41. That he would be a man of sorrows and suffering (Matthew 26:31, 56; Luke 22:15, 44; Hebrews 4:15) 42. That he would be forsaken by his disciples (Matthew 26:31, 56) 43. That he would be hated without reason (John 15:24-25) 44. That he would be accused by false witnesses (Mark 14:57-58) 45. That he would be scourged and spat upon (Matthew 26:67; 27:30) 46. That he would be a king (Matthew 2:5-6; Luke 1:32-33; John 1:49; 18:33, 36-37) 47. That he would be silent to accusations (Matthew 27:12; Mark 15:4-5; Luke 23:9) 48. That he would be beaten (Matthew 26:67; 27:26) 49. That he would be hit in the face (Matthew 27:30) 50. That he would die for our sins (Acts 8:30-35; Romans 5:6, 8; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:3-4; 1 Peter 2:23-24) 51. That he would be given vinegar to drink (Matthew 27:34, 48; Luke 23:36; John 19:28-30) 52. That he would be placed with the sinners while being punished (Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27-28; Luke 22:36-37) 53. That he would be reproached (Romans 15:3) 54. That he would be surrounded and ridiculed by his enemies (Matthew 27:39-44; Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:35-36) 55. That he would pray for his enemies (Luke 23:34) 56. That he would suffer the piercing of his hands and feet (Matthew 26:2; Mark 15:25; John 3:14; 19:34, 37; 20:25-27) 57. That his garments would be parted and gambled for (Matthew 27:35-36; Luke 23:34; John 19:23-24) 58. That he would be forsaken by God and men (Matthew 26:31; 27:46; John 16:32) 59. That he would commend his spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46) 60. That he would thirst (John 19:28) 61. That he would be buried with the rich (Matthew 27:57-60) 62. That he would be killed before the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple [70 A.D.] (Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2; Luke 22:1-2) 63. That he would be stared at in death (Matthew 27:36; John 19:37) 64. That his bones would not be broken (John 19:32-36) 65. That his side would be pierced (John 19:34, 37) 66. That he would be raised from the dead (Matthew 28:2-7; Mark 16:6-7; Luke 24:5-7; John 20:26-27; Acts 1:3; 2:24; Romans 1:4; 6:4; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Hebrews 13:20; Revelation 1:5) 67. That he would ascend (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Ephesians 4:8; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 1:21) 68. That he would be exalted to God's right hand (Matthew 22:44; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:32-33; 5:31; 7:55-56; Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:4; Ephesians 1:20; 4:8; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:1; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 3:21; 5:13) 69. That he would become a smiting scepter (Revelation 19:15) 70. That he would rule the heathen (Revelation 2:27) 71. That he would then become a greater high priest than Aaron, after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:4-6, 10; 7:11-28) Hmmm... Now who could this be? Christian Youth Alliance (914) 742-7436 10 REASONS TO BELIEVE IN THE CHRISTIAN FAITH 1.) THE CREDIBILITY OF ITS FOUNDER. Christ said He came from heaven to fulfill prophecy, to die for our sins, and to bring to His Father all who believe in Him. Logic says that He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend, or the Lord of heaven. His first-century followers drew their own conclusions. They said they saw Him walk on water, still a storm, heal crippled limbs, feed 5,000 with a few pieces of bread and fish, live a blameless life, die a terrible death, and alive again. During His ministry, when some of Jesus' followers took issue with His teachings and left, He asked those closest to Him if they too wanted to leave. Peter spoke for the others when he said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68-69). 2.) THE RELIABILITY OF ITS BOOK. Written over a period of about 1,600 years by 40 different authors, the book on which the Christian faith rests tells one story that beings with creation and concludes on the threshold of eternity. The integrity of its historical and geographical record is supported by archeology. The accuracy with which it has been copied and handed down to us has been confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls of Qumran. Originating neither in the East or the West, but in the Middle East-- the cradle of civilization--the Bible continues to speak not only with spiritual power but with convincing prophetic accuracy. 3.) ITS EXPLANATIONS FOR LIFE. All religious systems attempt to give meaning to our existence. All attempt to explain our thirst for significance, the problem of pain, and the inevitability of death. All religions attempt to apply the design of the cosmos to our individual lives. It is the Christian faith, however, that reflects the caring attention to detail so evident in the species and ecosystems of the natural world. It is Christ who speaks of a Father who takes note of every sparrow that falls, a Father who numbers even the hairs of our head (Matthew 10:29-31). It is Christ who reveals a God who shows how much He cares for all that He has created. It is Christ who clothed Himself in our humanity to feel what we feel, and then to suffer and die in our place. It is Christ who reveals a God who cares as much about His creation as the design and detail of the natural world indicates (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:16-25). 4.) ITS CONTINUITY WITH THE PAST. The Christian faith offers continuity with our deepest ancestral roots. Those who trust Christ are accepting the same Creator and Lord worshipped by Adam, Abraham, Sarah, and Solomon. Jesus didn't reject the past. He was the God of the past (John 1:14). When He lived among us, He showed us how to live according to the original plan. When He died, He fulfilled the whole Old Testament sacrificial system. And when He rose from the dead, the salvation He offered fulfilled God's promise to Abraham that through his descendant He would bring blessing to the whole world. The Christian faith is not new with Christ. From Genesis to Revelation it is one story. It is His story--and ours (Acts 2:22-39; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). 5.) ITS FOUNDATIONAL CLAIM. The first Christians were not driven by political or religious dissent. Their primary issues were not moral or social. They were not well-credentialed theologians or social philosophers. They were witnesses. They risked their lives to tell the world that with their own eyes they had seen and innocent man die and then miraculously walk among them 3 days later (Acts 5:17-42). Their argument was very concrete. Jesus was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. His body was buried and sealed in a borrowed tomb. Guards were posted to prevent grave tampering. Yet after 3 days the tomb was empty and witnesses were risking their lives to declare that He was alive. 6. ITS POWER TO CHANGE LIVES. Not only were the fist disciples dramatically changes, but so was one of their worst enemies. Paul was changed, but so was one of their worst enemies. Paul was transformed from a Christian killer into one of their chief advocates (Galatians 1:11-24). Later he reflected the changes that had occurred in others as well when he wrote to the church in Corinth, "Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). 7. ITS ANALYSIS OF HUMAN NATURE. The Bible says that society's real problems are problems of the heart. In an age of information and technology, failures of character have scandalized institutions of family, government, science, industry, religion, education, and the arts. In the most sophisticated society the world has ever known, our national reputation is marred by problems of racial prejudice, addiction, abuse, divorce, and sexually transmitted disease. Many want to believe that our problems are rooted in ignorance, diet, and government. But to our generation and all others, Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man" (Matthew 15:19-20). 8.) ITS VIEW OF HUMAN ACHIEVEMENT. Generation after generation has hope for the best. We fought wars that would end all wars. We developed educational theories that would produce enlightened, nonviolent children. We conceived technologies that would deliver us from the oppressive slavery of work. Yet we are as close as ever to what the New Testament describes as an endtime marked by wars and rumors of war, earthquakes, disease, loss of affection, and spiritual deception (Matthew 24:5-31; 2 Timothy 3:1-5). 9.) ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY. A carpenter rabbi from Nazareth changed the world. Calendars and dated documents bear silent witness to His birth. From rooftops, necklaces, and earrings, the sign of the cross bears visual witness to His death. The Western world-view, which provided a basis for social morality, scientific methodology, and a work ethic that fueled industry, had roots in basic Christian values. Social relief agencies, whether in the West or East, are not fueled by the values of Hinduism, Buddhism, atheism, or secular agnosticism, but by the direct or residual values of the Bible. 10.) ITS OFFER OF SALVATION. Alternative religious views have saviors who remain in the grave. No other system offers everlasting life as a gift to those who trust One who has overcome death for them. No other system offers assurance of forgiveness, eternal life, and adoption into the family of God by calling on and trusting Someone in the same way a drowning person calls for and relies on the rescue of a lifeguard (Romans 10:9-13). The salvation Christ offers does not depend on what we have done for Him, but on our acceptance of what He has done for us. Instead of moral and religious effort, this salvation requires a helpless admission of our sins. Instead of personal accomplishments of faith, it requires confession of failure. Unlike all other options of faith, Christ asks us to follow Him--not to merit salvation but as an expression of gratitude, love, and confidence in the One who has saved us (Ephesians 2:8-10) YOU'RE NOT ALONE if you are still unconvinced about the reasonableness of faith in Christ. But keep in mind Jesus' claim that we don't have to resolve our doubts on our own. He said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own" (John 7:17). If you do see the reasonableness of faith in Christ, keep in mind that the Bible says to the family of God, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The salvation Christ offers is not a reward for effort, but a gift to all who put their trust in Him. Other free brochures available: 10 Reasons to Believe Christ Rose From the Dead 10 Reasons to Believe in Christ Rather Than Religion 10 Reasons to Believe in a God Who Allows Suffering Free booklets available on this topic: How Can I Know There's a God? Can I Really Trust the Bible? Who Is This Man Who Says He's God? Why Did Christ Have To Die? Did Christ Really Rise From the Dead? What Is a Personal Relationship With God? Do I Have the Right Kind of Faith? TO ORDER, CALL 1-800-598-7221  10 REASONS TO BELIEVE CHRIST ROSE FROM THE DEAD 1.) A PUBLIC EXECUTION ASSURED HIS DEATH. During the Jewish Feast of Passover, Jesus was swept away by an angry crowd into a Roman hall of justice. As He stood before Pilate, the governor of Judea, religious leaders accused Jesus of claiming to be the king of the Jews. The crowd demanded His death. Jesus was beaten, whipped, and sentenced to a public execution. On a hill outside of Jerusalem, He was crucified between two criminals. Brokenhearted friends and mocking enemies shared in His deathwatch. As the Sabbath neared, Roman soldiers were sent to finish the execution. To quicken death, they broke the legs of the two criminals. but when they came to Jesus they did not break His legs, because from experience they knew He was already dead. As a final precaution, however, they thrust a spear into His side. It would take more than resuscitation for His to ever trouble them again. 2.) A HIGH OFFICIAL SECURED THE GRAVESITE. The next day, religious leaders again met with Pilate. They said Jesus had predicted He would rise in 3 days. To assure that the disciples could not conspire in a resurrection hoax, Pilate ordered the official seal of rome to be attached to the tomb to put graverobbers on notice. To enforece the order, soldiers stood guard. Any disciple who wanted to tamper with the body would have to get by them, which wouldn't have been easy. The Roman guards had good reason for staying alert--the penalty for falling asleep while on watch was death. 3.) IN SPITE OF GUARDS, THE GRAVE WAS FOUND EMPTY. On the morning after the Sabbath, some of Jesus' followers went to the grave to anoint His body. But when they arrived, they were surprised at what they had found. The huge stone that had been rolled into place over the entrance to the tomb had been moved, and Jesus' body was gone. As word got out, two disciples rushed to the burial site. The tomb was empty except for Jesus' burial wrappings, which were lying neatly in place. In the meantime. some of the guards had gone into Jerusalem to tell the Jewish officials that they had fainted in the presence of a supernatural being that rolled the stone away. And when they woke up, the tomb was empty. The officials paid the guards a large sum of money to lie and say that the disciples stole the body while the soldiers slept. They assured the guards that if the report of the missing body got back to the government they would intercede on their behalf. 4.) MANY PEOPLE CLAIMED TO HAVE SEEN HIM ALIVE. About AD 55, the apostle Paul wrote that the resurrected Christ had been seen by Peter, the 12 apostles, more than 500 people (many of whom were still alive at the time of his writing), James, and himself (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). By making such a public statement, he gave critics a chance to check out his claims for themselves. In addition, the New Testament begins its history of the followers of Christ by saying that Jesus "presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by [the apostles] during the forty days and speaking of the things pretaining to the kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). 5.) HIS APOSTLES WERE DRAMATICALLY CHANGED. When one of Jesus' inner circle defected and betrayed Him, the other apostles ran for their lives. Even Peter, who earlier had insisted that he was ready to die for his teacher, lost heart and denied that he even knew Jesus. But the apostles went through a dramatic change. Within a few weeks, they were standing face to face with the ones who had crucified their leader. Their spirit was like iron. They became unstoppable in their determination to sacrifice everything for the one they called Savior and Lord. Even after they were imprisoned, threatened, and forbidden to speak in the name of Jesus, the apostles said to the Jewish leaders, "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). After they were beaten for disobeying the orders of the Jewish council, these once-cowardly apostles "did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ" (Acts 5:42). 6.) WITNESSES WERE WILLING TO DIE FOR THEIR CLAIMS. History is full of martyrs. Countless men and women have died for their beliefs. For that reason, it is not that significant to point out that the first disciples were willing to suffer and die for their faith. But it is significant that while many will die for what they believe to be the truth, few if any will die for what they know to be a lie. That psychological fact is important because the disciples of Christ did not die for deeply held beliefs about which they could have been honestly mistaken. They died for their claims to have seen Jesus alive and well after His resurrection. They died for their claim that Jesus Christ had not only died for their sins but that He had risen bodily from the dead to show that He was like no other spiritual leader who had ever lived. 7.) JEWISH BELIEVERS CHANGED THEIR DAY OF WORSHIP. The Sabbath day of rest and worship was basic to the Jewish way of life. Any Jew who did not honor the Sabbath was guilty of breaking the law of Moses. Yet Jewish followers of Christ began worshiping with Gentile believers on a new day. The first day of the week, the day on which they believed Christ had risen form the dead, replaced the Sabbath. For a Jew, it reflected a major change of life. The new day, along with the Christian conversion rite of baptism, declared that those who believed Christ had risen from the dead were ready for more than a renewal of Judaism. They believed that the death and resurrection of Christ had cleared the way for a new relationship with God. The new way was based not on the law, but on the sin-bearing, life-giving help of a resurrected Savior. 8.) ALTHOUGH IT WAS UNEXPECTED, IT WAS CLEARLY PREDICTED. The disciples were caught off guard. They expected their Messiah to restore the kingdom to Israel. Their minds were so fixed on the coming of a messianic political kingdom that they didn't anticipate the events essential to the salvation of their souls. They must have thought Christ was speaking in symbolic language when He kept saying over and over that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem to die and be resurrected from the dead. Coming form one who spoke in parables, they missed the obvious until after it was all over. In the process, they also overlooked the prophet Isaiah's prediction of a suffering servant who would bear the sins of Israel, being led like a lamb to the slaughter, before God "prolong[ed] His days" (Isaiah 53:10). 9.) IT WAS A FITTING CLIMAX TO A MIRACULOUS LIFE. could He help Himself? Was the miracle suddenly coming to an end? It seemed like such an unexpected ending for someone who began His public life by turning water into wine. During His 3-year ministry, He walked on water; healed the sick; opened blind eyes, deaf ears, and tongue-tied mouths; restored crippled limbs; cast out demons; stilled a violent storm; and raised the dead. He asked questions wise men couldn't answer. He taught profound truths with the simplest of comparisons. And He confronted hypocrites with words that exposed their coverup. If all this was true, should we be surprised that His enemies didn't have the last word? 10.) IT FITS THE EXPERIENCE OF THOSE WHO TRUST HIM. The apostle Paul wrote, "If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11). This was the experience of Paul, whose heart was dramatically changed by the resurrected Christ. It is also the experience of people all over the world who have "died" to their old ways so that Christ can live His life through them. This spiritual power is not evident in those who try to add belief in Christ to their old life. It is seen only those who are willing to "die" to their old life to make room for the rule of Christ. It is apparent only in those who respond to the overwhelming evidence for Christ's resurrection by acknowledging His lordship in their heart. YOU'RE NOT ALONE if you find yourself honestly unconvinced about whether Christ rose from the dead. But keep in mind that Jesus promised God's help to those who want to be right with God. He said, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether My teaching comes from God or whether I speak on My own" (John 7:17). If you do not see the reasonableness of the resurrection, keep in mind that the Bible says Christ died to pay the price for our sins, and those who believe in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). The salvation Christ offers is not a reward for effort, but a gift to all who in light of the evidence put their trust in Him. =========== (This was originally a letter to a friend of mine about 3 years ago) This is the first time I've written anything like this, so please understand my awkwardness and just hear me out. I'm writing you to let you know of something that each one of us needs. It's not religion or philosophy, it's a PERSONAL relationship with Jesus Christ. You are probably thinking, I don't need that, I already know all about that, or that's good for you, but I believe in this or that. First let me explain that I have not been brainwashed by some cult or dragged off to a commune somewhere. Why do we need a personal relationship with him? Because this is God's only plan for the forgiveness of all the times we've rebelled against him. This must be done in order for us to be with him forever. I've got tell 'ya, I'm certainly no "holier than thou" type of person. Nor am I religious or do I follow any of the stale traditions that many people do. I am also not advocating any denomination. I am simply saying that if you finish this letter you will not only be able to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is guaranteed that you will spend eternity with him. You probably have alot of questions by now like, "What about other religions and beliefs?" Well let me just say that God is who he is regardless of what any of us think of him. Just as my opinion of you does not change what you are like, God does not vary with individual belief systems. It is because of this that either all belief systems are wrong (because they conflict in doctrine and God is not multiple contradictions in himself) or one is right. In any mathematical equality, truth is usually finite and singular, and error is multiple and infinite. By the way, Biblical beliefs are the only beliefs that are incompatible with any other. Supernatural experiences, whether good or bad, must be able to be tested against the light of an absolute revelation from God, otherwise we may be vulnerable to spiritual deception (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). So how do we know that the Bible is God's revelation and not any of the other texts? For many reasons. First, although it was written over a 2000 year span by dozens of people, it only had one author, God. How do we know this? Because there is not even the slightest contradiction, error, or discrepancy in its entirety. If it was just written by men, there would be multiple errors and inaccuracy. Second, it is the only source ever to be 100% accurate with its thousands of prophesies, many of which were fulfilled in the New Testament and are being fulfilled today. These are not vague prophesies like the horoscope or the "psychic hotline" variety. These are incredibly detailed and may give the exact day and year they will be fulfilled. Between 25-35% of the Bible is prophesy. Third, it is the only text in existence which has survived to the present in its entirety and we are certain that the manuscripts we still have have not been altered. This eliminates Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses and every other religious belief except for BIBLICAL Christianity (which includes Messianic Judaism). Don't be fooled, alot of groups we think of as Christian don't really pay much attention to what God says in the Bible. That's why Christianity has been given such a bad name lately. Fourth, it describes things that were not known by man at the time, which science and archaeology have confirmed thousands of years later. Like that the earth is a sphere (Job 26:10; Isaiah 40:22; discovered in the 15th Century), clouds move in circular patterns over the earth (Job 37:11-12; discovered by satellites in the 20th Century), there was a layer of water underneath the earth's crust (Genesis 7:11; discovered in the 20th Century), people would fly above the clouds (Isaiah 60:8; discovered in the 20th Century), a global visual communication system would be created (Revelation 11:9; established in the 20th Century), and so on... If you are interested in Biblical end-time prophesy, I have 2 pieces of advice: 1. DON'T read the book of Revelation first. You won't understand a thing. The Old Testament prophetic books like Daniel, Isaiah, Zechariah, Ezekiel, Joel, etc. and some New Testament sections like 1&2 Thessalonians, Matthew 24-25, 2Timothy 3-4, Luke 21, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 and 2 Peter, should be read first to get the full picture of the Book of Revelation. If you haven't read the Bible lately, a good place to start is the book of John (the one right after Luke). If you don't understand things, that's OK, you will eventually. Don't get discouraged, just keep reading. 2. Don't try to predict the day or year when Jesus will return at his second coming. It's impossible. God said we can only know the approximate time by the completion of certain prophesies leading up to it. In case you're wondering where we are now, you'll have to call me otherwise this letter will turn into a book. But don't think it's a coincidence that we are heading toward a "New World Order" consisting of the abolishment of economic, political and religious barriers (Matthew 24:21-22, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Romans 1:21-32, and Revelation chapters 13, 17, 18). Despite its appearance, we find out in those chapters that the result of this global movement is nothing less than horrific. An example of Biblical prophesy can be found in Daniel 9:25-26, where God tells us the exact year that the Messiah would be killed, and that it would be before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (which occurred in 70 A.D. under the Roman General Titus). Therefore, whoever the Messiah is, he would have had to been killed before 70 A.D. and incase there is any doubt, this prophesy works out to the exact day and year of both his birth and death. This is just an example of the great stuff you'll find. It also says in Isaiah 53 that when the Messiah comes, his own people, the Jews, would not accept or "esteem" him. Most Jews today unfortunately don't realize that that's written in their books of the Old Testament and are still waiting for their Messiah. It also says in the Hebrew Scriptures in the book of Daniel chapters 10-12 that they accept the Anti-Christ instead and will not realize their mistake until it's almost too late. For almost 2000 years there have been no prophesies fulfilled from the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Roman conquest of Israel, and the dispersion of the Jews throughout the world until 1917, when under to order of Field Marshall Allenby, Jerusalem was given back to the Jews. Then in 1948, the nation of Israel was restored and in fulfillment of prophesy, her people are being re-gathered. Things to look for in the very near future which according to Jesus in Matthew 24, Revelation 13, and Daniel 10-12 are for the Temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt and for the Levitical animal sacrifices to be reinstated. There will also be an invasion of Israel by the Soviet Union and the orthodox Muslims. However, the less fundamentalist Muslim nations will side with Israel. In the middle of getting walloped, God intervenes through an earthquake, hundred pound hail stones, and cause the invading armies to fight each other. It will take 7 months to bury the dead and 7 years to burn all of the artillery (because of radiation Ezekiel 37-38). It also says the desert will turn to glass. Another thing to look for is a cashless economy first using 'smartcards' which contain a computer chip with all of your personal information. This is a transitionary step to bio-chips which are extremely small computer chips that will be quickly injected under the skin of your right hand or forehead (sound familiar: Revelation 13). Don't laugh, both Hughes aircraft and Texas Instruments have developed such systems for the government and the technology is already available at almost any vet for your pet so that you'll never lose it. Eventually, it will be mandatory for you to get one too and that way, the powers at be will know where you are at all times, every purchase you make, and everything about you. Doesn't sound very constitutional does it? It isn't. But when this happens, the constitution will be suspended due the Martial Law probably as the result of the upcoming financial depression (which was unanimously deemed certain by a panel of the world's leading economists on CNN in August). Look for the world's ten economic zones assigned by the U.N. to dissolve their internal economic borders (NAFTA is one of the ten) and ultimately give control of their military activities to the United Nations. Can anyone say "Desert Storm"? I can go on sighting literally hundreds of examples but it all leads to one thing - the creation of this unbelievably oppressive "New World Order" and its subsequent destruction within 7 years by the return of Jesus Christ. Back from the tangent...I don't recommend reading the King James Version unless you love frustration. There are other translations which are much easier to read such as the American Standard and the New International Version (NIV). I'm not trying to suck you into some religious movement or specific denomination. I just want you to make an informed choice on accepting or rejecting God's simple plan to make your life the best it can be and more importantly to accept his plan for salvation so that you'll spend eternity with him. Jesus doesn't call you to a boring church service or to become frustrated by reading the King James Version. He calls you to an active personal relationship with him where you learn more about him through the Bible, pray to him regularly, an to trust him for everything. I realize that just about everything I've said in this letter is contrary to what you may believe or what many other people think. But its true. There are many misconceptions we may have about God, religion and salvation Because of space, I am only going to clarify the most important one. We all would like to live forever. Doing good will not get you into Heaven. Doing bad will not keep you out. It is a free gift from God not earned by good works. The only thing that determines if we go to heaven is if we accept God's atonement for our sins through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, ask God directly for the forgiveness of our sins, ask Jesus into our heart and life and to commit our lives to him and follow him. If you don't believe that that's all there is to it, read Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 3:27-28, John 5:24, Acts 16:31, or John 3:16. I know you must have alot of other questions by now, like if God is good, why does he allow pain and suffering, what happens to people after they die who have never heard of Jesus' payment for our sins, how can the Trinity by only one God and not three, how can Jesus be the 'Son of God' and God at the same time, how can the Old Testament say "an eye for an eye" and the New Testament say "turn the other cheek" and not be contradictory, or what are our good deeds here used for in Heaven? Please call me if you'd like clear and easy answers to these or any other questions. I hope that you're interested enough to find out more, to keep asking questions, and to most importantly to do the simple and quick thing in order to receive eternal life with God. As morbid as this may seem, we're really not going to be here that long. Then what? Wouldn't you like to know for sure, after you examine the facts? We don't often think about it - but its worth your time to find out the truth. It doesn't depress me - just the opposite - when I realized the future that God has promised me. God loves you just the way you are. He wants you to voluntarily accept the free gift of salvation he wants to give you, but like any gift you have to receive it in order to use it. He wants you to know him personally and all you have to do is let him into your heart and life (Revelation 3:20). I am not trying to force God's simple plan for salvation on anyone. As Christians, Jesus gave us the responsibility to make everyone aware of his plan, because they are free to choose or reject him. If you are looking for the meaning of life, what your purpose for living is, and answers to any other questions you may have, you're now hopefully on the road to finding the answers and the truth. Please consider it. You have everything to gain. By the way, I can honestly say that my life has never been half as meaningful or as much fun before I accepted Jesus about 2 years ago. You see, the reason I am writing is that I care about people and from experience, I know of nothing which gives more happiness and personal fulfillment that a personal friendship with Jesus. Remember, church can be boring, but Jesus and His word [the Bible] never is. JESUS WAS FLOGGED UNTIL MUCH OF THE FLESH WAS MISSING FROM HIS BACK, HAD HIS BEARD RIPPED OUT OF HIS FACE, WAS SPAT UPON, HAD A SPEAR PIERCE HIS SIDE, WAS STRIPPED OF HIS CLOTHES, A CROWN OF THORNS DRIVEN INTO HIS HEAD, DESERTED BY HIS FRIENDS, AND HUNG SUFFOCATING WITH SPIKES THROUGH HIS WRISTS AND FEET. WHAT WAS HE TRYING TO SAVE US FROM THAT WAS SO TERRIBLE THAT HE DID THAT FOR YOU? YOU SEE, ALL PEOPLE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE, IT'S A MATTER OF LOCATION. TO HAVE ETERNAL LIFE WITH GOD YOU MUST RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND GOD AND BEGIN YOUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. TO DO THIS YOU MUST INVITE HIM INTO YOUR HEART AND ACCEPT HIS PAYMENT FOR YOUR SINS ON THE CROSS. You can do this through prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. He knows what you mean even when it is difficult to express yourself. You may use the following words or your own. Lord Jesus, I need you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me of my sins. I open my heart to receive your Holy Spirit. I believe in you as my Savior and God. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life and make me the kind of person you want me to be. Don't accept substitutes - they don't work! Jesus said, "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) "I am the (John 14:6) "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord [God]', and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." (Romans 10:9-10) "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) "And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life." (1John 5:11-13) Jesus said, (John 10:10) "I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (John 8:31-32) '"If you abide in My word, then you are trulydisciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. End**************************************************************************