Jesus Crucifixion Was A Historical Event

Did Jesus really die of crucifixion like the gospels tell us?   Was his crucifixion recorded in other sources?  The answer to both questions is yes.   John Dominic Crossan, a critical scholar and participant in the Jesus Seminar, wrote concerning the historicity of Jesus crucifixion in his book  Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography ,  “That he was crucified is as sure as anything historical can ever be.”   Among critical scholars like Crossan many of the words and deeds recorded in the gospels are not considered to be historically accurate- yet the resurrection is.  This is significant because it demonstrates that liberal theologians and critical scholars of the bible confirm what the gospels tell us- that Jesus was crucified.   In addition, and I believe more importantly,  there are records from antiquity that confirm the historicity of the crucifixion.  1^st century historians Josephus and Tacitus,  2^nd century Greek Satirist Lucian,  Mara Bar- Serapion,  and the Jewish Talmud,  testify to the fact that Jesus was crucified.  If there was no crucifixion, why would these sources record it?  They were not biased Christians that had a vested interest in proliferating this message, but they were secular writers and some were opposed to the message.   These multiple, independent sources regarding the account of the crucifixion is one principle historians employ to determine whether a particular account is historical (Licona 36).   Another  historical principle that these accounts fall under is the “attestation by an enemy”.    Historians believe that enemy attestations indicate the authenticity of an account.  

These facts confirm and reiterate what the gospels have accurately reported-  the crucifixion of Jesus.   This was a real historical event attested to and confirmed by independent ancient historians and now by liberal scholars.   

Is There Evidence For the Resurrection of Jesus?

Recently I finished the book The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.    I highly recommend this book for those who would like to hear an argument that defends the historicity of Jesus’ resurrection and gives counter arguments to the popular theories trying to disprove it.

For those interested in the arguments, I will try and summarize them the best I can over the next few days.   I pray you find this interesting and helpful.  More importantly, I pray this strengthens your faith.   For those who have questions or want to challenge or push back, please fill free to post a response or send me an email at robertfonseca@renaissance-church.com

Below is a brief summary of the 5 facts from the book.  The strength of the argument rest on the fact that virtually all scholars in this field of study, even those who are skeptical, meaning they do not hold to the historic Christian faith or believe the bible to be the infallible word of God, agree to the truthfulness of the following facts.

There are 5 facts to the argument

1.        Jesus was crucified-

a.       In order for a resurrection to take place; there must first be a dead body.  Therefore, demonstrating the fact the Jesus died is an important part of the argument.  Opponents of the resurrection have developed theories that try to disprove that Jesus died while being crucified.  There are those who claim that Jesus did not die on the cross, but instead passed out and was revived later while in the tomb. 

2.       The disciples believed Jesus rose from the dead

a.       At first reading this may seem like a weak argument, but in a few days I will elaborate to show the power of this fact.  Suffice it for now to leave you with this thought.  Many people will die for what they believe to be true, but how many will die for what they know to be false?   The disciples were not people who only heard the stories of the resurrected Jesus, they were eye witnesses and most of them died a martyr’s death.    If there was any doubt in their minds, would they have willing accepted death?

3.       The church persecutor Paul was suddenly changed

a.       This is significant because Paul made a drastic change in his life based on the belief that he encountered the resurrected Jesus.   Prior to meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus Paul was actively hostile towards the Christian church, so much so that he was determined to put an end to it.   Yet when he encountered the risen Lord, he renounced everything he held dear.    If Jesus did not really rise then why would a man who achieved the success Paul did so easily give it all up?  Would he actually give up his success for a legend?  A story?  A myth?  For something he knew was not true?

4.        The skeptic James, brother of Jesus, was suddenly changed.

a.       The argument from James conversion is similar to Paul’s.    So I will elaborate when I get to him in a later blog.  

5.       The empty tomb

a.       For me this argument is the strongest and I can’t wait to blog about it.   For now let me say that if someone could have produced Jesus corpse, the message of Christianity would have died immediately.    Now there are many theories that have developed since the death of Jesus, but as we will see in light of the evidence, one can conclude a resurrection must have taken place.

Thanking God for Others

1 Thessalonian 1:2-3   We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ

In the first chapter of 1 Thessalonians it is very clear how thankful Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are for their brothers and sisters at the church of Thessalonika.   The whole chapter is a declaration of praise for the character, works, and faith of the church.   The Thessalonians had a big impact on these men and on the churches in the surrounding cities.

There is no doubt that we have people in our lives who have been like the Thessalonian church.  People who have been or are great examples, mentors or encouragers in the faith.   Therefore we would do well to follow the example Paul, Silvanus and Timothy and constantly mention them in our prayers.  In prayer we should praise their works, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord.  It wouldn’t hurt to encourage them by showing our appreciation to them with a kind word or kind gesture.   

So today and everyday in prayer and in word let us encourage and thank those who have made a difference in our Christian life.   

What Are You Stirring Up?

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,  and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  - Hebrews 10:24-25

As I was waiting for a meeting to start I read through this portion of scripture and thought this is a good filter for the meeting I am about to have.  My goal in this meeting should be to stir up love,  to stir up good works and to be encouraging.   So before I give any counsel, I need to ask myself if this counsel is going to stir up love?  Is it going to stir up good works?   And finally is it encouraging?

Then I thought, this should be my filter with every conversation I have in life.   I should want every conversation I have to leave the other party stirred up to love and good works.  I want to make sure I speak words of encouragement or at least have those I meet in life leave encouraged by our exchange and not discouraged.  I'm also reminded about what the apostle Paul admonished the Ephesians concerning their conversations.  He said, "Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."  Eph. 4:29

We would all do well to take the apostles advice and use it as our filter in our day to day interaction with others.  In doing so we will edify others and keep ourselves from conversations that can lead us into sin.  More importantly we will be glorifying and doing the will of God.

Therefore, we should consider the following before we speak.
1.  What am I going to stir up by saying this?
2.  Am I stirring up love with what I am about to say?
3.  Am I stirring up good works with what I am about to say?
4.  Is my conversation encouraging the other party in some way?
5.  Are my words building up or tearing down?

John Chrysostom's short explanation of Paul's instruction to the Ephesians sums this blog up perfectly "what ever edifies your neighbor, say this and nothing more..."

The Internal Struggle

O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes.  Psalm 119:5

In this verse I get a sense that the Psalmist has an intense desire to follow God's statutes.  I get the sense that he is pleading to follow God's ways, but something is obstructing his path.   Something is continuing to harass him as he tries to walk in the way of the Lord.  Therefore, the Psalmist cryie out in frustration because his all to common way is to allow this hinderance to keep him from doing what is right in God's eyes.   He recognizes the internal struggle between his flesh and the Spirit as they both seek to control his desires.   So he cries out and pleads that God would direct his steps so that he would not be pulled to the right or to the left, but he would walk in the ways of Lord.

The apostle Paul express this same sentiment in Romans 7:15-20.  He writes "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.  But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.  So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.  For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.  For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.  But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me."

Let us not read Paul's statement as an excuse for our sin, but let us be aware of the internal struggle we have as we deal with our sinful nature that always with us.  This should prompt us all the more to plead for God's help to lessen our inclination to yield to our sinful desires.

In commenting on this Psalm C.H. Spurgeon adequately describes the Psalmist' intent in his prayer as a "...sigh of regret because the Psalmist feels that he has not kept the precepts diligently, it is a cry of weakness appealing for help to one who can aid, it is a request of bewilderment from one who has lost his way and would fain be directed in it, and it is a petition of faith from one who loves God and trust in him for grace."


Let us pray that God would direct us, guide us, and lead us so that we would keep His statutes.

Preparing for Church

O Lord, communicate Thy grace to my soul through Thine ordinances upon this day so that I may be enabled to better live to Thy honor this following week.  Lord, I come into They presence to this end, that I may know some part of Thy will, and that I might get Thy Spirit to be conveyed through this Word of Thine into my heart." - Jeremiah Burroughs

Before hearing the Word of God Jeremiah ask for the following,

1. That God would communicate grace to his soul.
2. That he would be able to better live for God's honor in the coming week
3. That he may know some part of God's will
4. That God would convey His Spirit into his heart.


When we come to the house of God or to the word of God are we asking for this to happen?  Are we praying that God would show us how live for Him?  Are we expecting to learn something that would make us better witnesses for Him?

God's word is so powerful and so transforming that every time we hear it or read it these things can be accomplished.  All that's required is an open and receptive heart.  This week let us come to the word of God with these expectations.   Before we step into the house of God, let us pray that He would show us marvelous things from His law, so that we might honor Him in the coming week.

Finding Benefits in Death

Today death struck close to home for our church and especially for the family of our beloved brother in the Lord.   This afternoon God called our brother home to be forever in His presence.   At this very moment I am confident that my friend is experiencing the joy of the Lord in way we could never imagine.   Today he is feeling no more pain, no more suffering and I am sure he is rejoicing in every moment.  Thus is the future of every believer in Christ. 

Some years ago I read a book called Learning Theology with the Church Fathers, by Christopher Hall.  One section of the book has always stuck out to me because it had valuable lessons to teach those who suffer the death of a loved one.   Below is the portion were Hall explains why John Chrysostom considers death a benefit to those who remain behind

Those who continue to live in this world after the death of a loved one have received a powerful lesson on the transitoriness of life and the danger of thinking and acting as though life will never end.    One is “humbled, learns to act in a more level-headed fashion, is taught to think in a more spiritual manner, and introduces into his mind the mother of all goods, humility.”…Thus death actually becomes “a teacher of the spiritual life, instructing the understanding, bridling the passions of the soul, quelling its billows and creating calm.”

The lessons I am reminded of are these.

1.        “The transitoriness of life”

Life on this earth is not permanent- this is not our home.   God has something so much more for His children when this life is over.  We can take comfort in the promise of a perfect world to come.  It will be a world that is not infected or tainted by the destructive power of sin.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”   Revelation 21:1-4

2.       “The danger of thinking and acting as though life will never end.”

Life is brief and can be taken at any moment.  One day we will stand before God and give an account of how we lived on this earth.  Therefore, we must live in such a way that we will be prepared to stand before our creator and be found clothed with His forgiveness and righteousness. 

Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.   Matt 25:13

3.        “…think in a more spiritual manner”

Since life and all that we do is temporal on this earth, we should put more effort into what is eternal.  Our efforts should be invested in the things of God,  that which will help build His kingdom.  When it is all said and done, the only things that will matter is what we have done for Christ.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.           Matt 6:19-21

Beware of the wolves

Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. Luke 10:3

Last week when I was preparing my sermon on Jesus's instructions to His disciples.  I wanted to investigate the meaning behind Jesus warning about the "wolves" they were going to run into.  I was wondering why did Jesus call false teachers wolves?  What does a wolf and a false teacher have in common.  While searching I found a great article about the hunting habits wolves.  As you read the description below, think of how this parrallels attacks used by the enemy.

The following is an except from Wikipedia's entry on wolves.

When hunting, wolves will attempt to conceal themselves as they approach their prey. With ungulate herds, they then either attempt to break up the herd, or isolate one or two animals from it. If the targeted animal stands its ground, the wolves either ignore it, or try to intimidate it into running. When chasing small prey, wolves will attempt to catch up with their prey as soon as possible. With larger animals, the chase is prolonged, in order to wear the selected prey out. Wolves usually give up chases after 1–2 km (0.62-1.3 mi), though one wolf was recorded to chase a deer for 21 km (13 mi). Sometimes, a single wolf will distract the herd with its presence, acting as a decoy, while its pack mates attack from behind. Wolf packs may also set up ambush trails; Indian wolves have been observed to chase gazelle herds through ravines where other wolves lie in wait within holes dug prior to the hunt, Mature wolves usually avoid attacking large prey frontally, instead focusing on the rear and sides of the animal.

Another interesting fact I discovered was that wolves will usually not attack if the prey stands firm and holds it ground.  Instead the wolves will try and get their prey to run so they can attack from behind.   This is exactly what the devil would have us do- turn and run?  Are we not told to stand firm, to resist the devil and he will flee?    Remember the armor of God has nothing for our back.   So when the wolves approach -you stand firm, hold your ground and the watch them run away.

The Purpose of Scripture

The Scripture discovers God to us as the Creator of the world, and declares what sentiments we should form of him, that we may not be seeking after a deity in a labyrinth of uncertainty.  – John Calvin

Calvin’s comments give us three important truths regarding scripture

1.       Scripture gives us the correct understanding of who God is.  Here Calvin is talking specifically about God as creator of the world, but this is not the only description of God we find in scripture.  Nevertheless, the importance of the comment is that our discovery of who God is must come first and foremost from the scriptures.

2.       Scripture explains to us how our attitude ought to be towards God.  The more we read the word of God the more we understand how we are to relate to Him.  We are given concrete commands on the proper view of God.  We are given concrete commands on how to love and follow Him.  God is not impersonal, but personal.  Therefore, He reveals what He requests from His creation.

3.       Scripture is a light to our path.  The bible was written so that we may know who God is and what he commands from His creation.   It is a map leading us to the Savior.   God desire that all men find Him, therefore He has not only left His word for all mankind, but He has preserved it.  God is not hiding in the shadows, but He has revealed himself to the entire world and He is calling all men to repentance. 

Good Works

"...the Lord first accepts the person before He accepts the action.  Men, indeed, accept the persons of men because they do good actions; but God accepts the actions of men because their persons are good."  Jeremiah Burroughs

Here are some thoughts that come to mind after reading Burroughs comments.

1.  Good works do not make us right with God.
We can perform all the good deeds we feel compelled to act on, but it does not move us an inch closer to salvation.  This is because salvation is a free gift from God.  It cannot be earned or bought by human effort.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

2.  Good works are not the way to please God.
In God's economy, our good works are not pleasing to Him, unless we are His.   The way to please God is to first submit your life to Him, then become a living sacrifice so that He can use you they way He desires.  Once you are His, He will then direct you to the works that He has prepared for you.
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.  Romans 12:1

 3.  Good works are done out of love
The motivating factors for doing good is our love for God and our love for those he loves.  Jesus came to this earth to demonstrate the love of God by sharing the good news and doing good works, therefore we believers should be doing the same.  With our words we should let others know that God loves them.  With our actions we should demonstrate the love of God to everyone we come in contact with.
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.  Col 2:6

The Patience of God

Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?  Romans 2:4

I think sometimes we forget how patient God is with us.  We go about our day-to-day lives and probably don’t realize how often we experience this great gift of His.   Think of all the times we sin against Him and yet do not receive His discipline.  In fact most of the time He withholds his judgment, wrath and discipline from us.  We experience His longsuffering so much that we almost come to expect it.  This can cause us to foster a feeling of resentment when God does decide to discipline us.

 

The reality is -we should be disciplined by God each time we sin against Him.   When we sin we violate the laws of the holy God who requires perfection from His creation.  When we sin we do so against the One who gave His son as a ransom for us.  When we sin we tread upon 

the love of our Savior.  We deserve nothing less than judgment for each sin.

 

Yet God more often than not demonstrates His love, kindness, tolerance and patience towards us as a loving father to his child.    Instead of punishing us for severing our communion with Him, He calls out to us with His Spirit who convicts us of our sin and drives us to repentance.   God desires that we would run to Him each time we sin.    

John Chrysostom offers this reminder, “God shows us his kindness in order to lead us to repentance, not in order that we might sin even more.  If we do not take advantage of this opportunity, the punishment we shall receive will be all the greater.”

Let us not presume on the patience of God,  instead let us rejoice that He extends it to us so often.

God Deserves Honor and Thanks

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Romans 1:21-22              

Even though this portion of scripture is speaking about those who chose not to honor God for who He is or give Him thanks, it can very well be addressed to  those of us who chose to honor Him and give Him thanks.  Are there not times in our lives when we too chose not to honor Him as God?  Are there not times in our lives when we chose not to give Him thanks?

I can’t help but think of all the times I have not honored Him with my action or words.  I am sure it is more disappointing to my heavenly Father when His own child is disobedient and brings shame to His name.   I am sure this same disappointment is felt when I fail to give Him thanks for all things.  How ungrateful of me when I receive good things from His hand and forget to give Him thanks.  It is to Him I owe thanks for my very being. 

These thoughts give me a desire to strive even more to honor Him.  In fact I should do all that I can to honor Him.  I want my goal in life, my one desire, to be to live for Him in such a way that my entire being honors Him, who gave all for me.   I desire also to make every effort to give Him thanks for all things, for He is worthy of all praise and honor.   May God help me to honor Him and thank Him with more than my words.

The matters of our religion lie in works, not in words. - Justin Martyr

Obligated and Eager

I am under obligation to both the Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish; so I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. – Romans 1:14-15

The apostle Paul was sure of one thing- that he was called to preach the gospel.   Since he knew his calling, he therefore felt it was his obligation to preach to all those he came in contact with and those he was sent to.   He was not only obligated but he was eager to do it.   It seemed to be his passion and his desire.  He did not shy away from it.  He tackled the task head on.   Neither would he be hindered- it did not matter the opposition, dangers, and uncertainties he would face.  He was going to fulfill what his Lord called him to do.  John Chrysostom writes concerning Paul’s eagerness and obligation to preach the gospel. 

“Having taken on himself a task full of such great danger, a voyage across the sea, temptations, plotting, risings- for it was likely that one who was going to address so great a city, which was under the tyranny of godliness, should undergo temptations thick as snowflakes.  He lost his life in this way, cut down by a tyrant.  Yet still he was ready to undergo great troubles.  In fact he was enthusiastic even in travail, even as one in haste.  He was in a constant state of preparation.”

As recipients of this same gospel, what are we willing to do with it?  Do we feel obligated to share it with others?  And are we eager to do so?   Will we let the certainty of opposition dissuade us from making known the salvation of Christ?   I pray we won’t.  I pray God will instill in each of us the burden to share His message of salvation with all those we come in contact with.   I pray He will give us an eagerness to proclaim His message with all gentleness and respect.    As we wait for God to bring us opportunities to spread the gospel, let us be found “in a constant state of preparation” for the glorious task. 

Glorifying God

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8

The apostle Paul was praising the church at Rome and thanking God for the witness of their faith.  Their faith was known around the world and it was having a positive impact.  Reflecting on the verse causes me to ask myself, “What is my faith saying to those around me?”   Probing a little deeper I ask “Does my witness to the world glorify God, or does it bring shame to Him?”  The puritan commentator Matthew Henry writes “…those who have many eyes upon them have need to walk circumspectly, for what they do, good or bad, will be spoken of.”   

We too have many eyes upon us.  Just think of all the people that we come into contact with on a daily basis, we have our family, our friends, our coworkers, our neighbors, and countless strangers we pass by on a daily basis.  Not to mention the unknown number of eyes watching us if we are plugged into social media.   This means we have the great responsibility and opportunity in every aspect of our life to bring glory to our God.  As Christians, Jesus commands us to “let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.”   What an immense opportunity we have every day to tell others about the love of God, not just with our words but with our actions.   Therefore, let us emulate the faith of the church at Rome by flooding our homes, our work place, our neighborhoods, and the internet with the love of God.  Let us do this, not so that we can be praised, but so that God will be glorified. 

Slaves of Christ

Romans 1:1  “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,”

I would like to point out three truths from this text.

First, Paul knew exactly who he was.

Paul knew he was a slave of the Lord’s.   He knew he was purchased and therefore owned by his new master.    He explains this in his epistle to the church at Corinth when he writes, “our bodies are not our own, they have been bought with a price.”

Second, Paul knew what his Master purchased him for. 

The Lord had not only purchased Paul to save him from eternal separation from God, but he purchased him so that he could use him in a specific way.  Paul was going to me a messenger. 

Thirdly, Paul knew his Master’s plan for his life. 

Paul was a slave who had one purpose.  That purpose was to be a messenger of the gospel of God.  Therefore, Paul’s new life was to be dedicated to learning His Master’s plan and sharing it with others.

 The 19^th century theologian Philip Schaff sums up this section of scripture by writing “… Paul was selected from the world, singled out, consecrated to, and destined for the gospel service, at the time of his conversion.”

The understanding and application of these three truths kept Paul focused and in the will of God.    I believe if we as Christians understand and apply these three truths in our own lives then we too will be focused and will continually be in the will of God.   

Becoming familiar with the voice of God

In the opening of St. John Chrysostom’s homily on the book of Romans he writes, “As I keep hearing the Epistles of the blessed Paul read, and that twice every week, and often three or four times…gladly do I enjoy the spiritual trumpet, and get roused and warmed with the desire at recognizing the voice so dear to me, and seem to fancy him all but present to my sight and behold him conversing with me.”

This statement comes from a man who truly treasures God’s word and delights in them.  His dedication to listening to Paul’s epistles epitomize the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.

I notice 4 things in Chrysostom’s statement. 

1.  He listens to the reading of all the epistles of Paul at least twice a week. 

 Can you imagine what would happen to our souls if we spent this much time in the word of God?  Or at least listened to the reading of His word? 

2.  He enjoys it.

As we mature in our faith, God’s word becomes alive, sweeter than honey and better than life.   We should look forward to the reading of scripture and desire to turn to it often.

 3.  He is familiar with Paul’s voice.

One of the benefits of continually reading God’s word is that we become familiar with His voice.   It is just like spending time with a friend.   The more time you spend with them the more familiar you become with their voice.  Eventually you could distinguish your friend’s voice from someone else’s.

4. He imagines as if Paul is talking directly to him.

For me this is the greatest benefit of reading God’s word, because it allows God to speak to me personally.  This is the time where I can allow the word’s of God to fill my heart, mind and soul.   The more time we spend in His word the louder and clearer He will speak to us.

What a great privilege we have today to read and hear the word of God at anytime and almost anywhere.  I pray we take every advantage to do just that.   When we make a habit of continually reading or hearing the reading of God’s word, we too will begin to cherish it, hear the voice of God, and realize that He is speaking to us.