The Historical Jesus

Brother Glen,
Historically we can account for the fact that this Jesus called the Christ actually lived, was crucified and died. This was attested by profane history surrounding the Roman rulers of the time, and by Josephus, the Jewish historian.

Can we account for the resurrection? Historically it would be difficult. There are, however, compelling arguments for the resurrection. For this we must consult the scriptural account for most details. There are logical steps that one may follow to arrive at the certainty of the resurrection.

For this, I direct you to a little pocket book titled: Who Moved the Stone by Frank Morrison, Zondervan Books. It was first published in 1930. Frank Morrison at the time was a journalist in England. He set out with a different mission. He wanted to prove that the resurrection did not happen. He returned from the Middle East with a different story. He wrote this telling book about the resurrection in just 200 pages...an afternoon's read, but you will read it over and over.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Bro. Glen

Agree with Jim on his answer. It is provable from secular history many facts about Jesus' life, but the resurrection, diety, etc. are all a matter of faith, and not provable in aside from faith.

Jeff.

 

I think you brethren have said it well. Thanks for the book recommend, Jim.

 

You are all a blessed lot, you know that?

That little book has been a blessing over and over again, but 25 cents???? I want a refund..mine cost me $9.00.

By the way, the preacher Josh McDowell put out a book called The Resurrection Factor. He virtually copies everything that Morrison wrote, but the additional items are worth it. It was only $4.95 through Campus Crusade For Christ in 1981.

I think if we pooled our books together we would have a formidable library.

Cheers,

Jim

 

One thing came to mind, Brother Glen, you must be careful with the term, The Historical Jesus. That is the term used by Renan, referring to the human Jesus and copied by modernists all down through the ages. This is the Jesus they talk about.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Great post. Great information and thanks for the book references.

God Bless.
Bro. Dallas

 

The resurrection is the singlemost important doctrine in all Christendom. When we get a grasp of the truth of the resurrection, we will never be the same again. We can argue about petty doctrines, but on this one doctrine, we cannot sway either right or left. It is and must be a focal point. It is what separates Christianity from all other religions. Our Founder lives!

Cheers,

Jim

 

A really good book on Jesus evidence is
Bruce, F. F. "Jesus and Christian Origins Outside the New Testament." Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974.

I wrote a paper on this subject in my first semester in seminary and used Bruce extensively as well as a NT backgroud book by C.K. Barrett.

Grace and Peace, Danny

 

Jim,

I think that theological reflection that ignores this vital event is impoverished, lacking the event that established our past and looks toward our future. Maranatha!

Grace and Peace, Danny

 

I think the best current book on the subject is "The Case for Christ," by Lee Strobel. In it Strobel, now a teaching pastor at Saddleback Church, interviews some of the best experts in evangelical scholarship, including William Lane Craig and Edwin Yamauchi for the historical evidence.

Great Book.

 

Sorry I forgot the great great book, "In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church" by Dr. Paul Maier.

The best pure history book I've found on the life of Christ and the early church. It's a treasure.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/101220610?item_no=33290&event=ESRC&item_code=WW

Here's the link for "The Case for Christ."

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product/101220610?item_no=20930&event=ESRC&item_code=WW