Easter morning I posted on the local online forum 3 words – “He is risen!” My father taught me this declaration every Easter morning. He would declare: “He [Christ] is risen!” And then he would expect the following reply: “He is risen, indeed!” Such was the declaration and response of the early Christians every year commemorating the death and resurrection of the Christ of history.
One forum personality responded, like the early Christian response. However, there was another response that stated “Where?” Following was a declaration of unbelief, basically saying: “I don’t see anything.” [Paraphrase] I then posted the following reply:
…….Those like you will not recognize the historic reality of Christ’s physical resurrection from the dead. The age old fallacious assertion that one has to be “on the scene” to verify and then believe what has actually happened is common with stark unbelief in both the life and teachings of the historic Christ. People of unbelief will not doubt the ancient existence and impact of a Plato or Aristotle and their writings, but they will find great fault with the historic Christ and the Old Testament [prophetic] witness and New Testament witness of his life, death and resurrection. Frankly, your argument that you have not seen is just another “Doubting Thomas,” weak-kneed argument. It holds no water.
Incidentally, I find it amazing, that people like you who like to think of yourselves as either atheistic or agnostic, will readily swallow, hook, line and sinker Darwinian Evolution. You will accept without question that such an such evolved 200 million years ago. That type of acquiescence while accusing the historical documents of the Hebrews and Christians, as mythical, is pure intellectual and moral dishonesty on your part.
Friend, if you were really serious and not attempting to either hide and / or, rationalize a sinful life, I would readily point you to some refreshing “Christian Apologetic” sources which may, help you to come to accept the reality and veracity of the Christian Faith......Oh, by the way – I wasn’t around at the time of George Washington – but, by faith, I accept the documents that he did, indeed, exist, and that he was the “Father of our Country.”
What causes such unbelief that a person will reject the risen Christ?
The denial of the supernatural:
Isn’t it amazing that the same people who deny that a pre-born baby in his mother’s womb is not human? They not only deny the Divine reality [Psalm 139:13-16] but also the medical and scientific. And, those same people will go ballistic over the discovery of a single molecule found on a distant planet! They will conclude that there is life on that planet.
The same type of schizophrenia exists in their minds when they will deny God Almighty, His creative activity of heaven and earth. These same people will fawn over the idea that all that we see, feel, hear and are aware, of, initiated by way of a single cosmic “Big Bang.”
The denial of the testimony of history:
The soul that would deny the historic Christ His due, is the same type of person who accepts hook, line and sinker, pseudo science biology texts that claim that life originated from the primeval slime, millions upon millions of years ago. Those same [inconsistent] souls will accept ancient history and recognize such characters as Plato and Socrates – but will ever be so critical of the New Testament historical documents which chronicle the life and events of Christ’s life.
The human herding instinct of “Political Correctness:
Despite the scientific [and otherwise] advancements of world culture, of which many Christians have been a part -- the unbelieving soul will bow to the prevailing culture’s “Political Correctness” views. There is the prevailing eagerness to be agreeable to the latest cultural beliefs and trends, rather than relying on the traditional and moral code of Judeo / Christian ethical principles, which have [when practiced consistently] always benefited society.
Human pride:
Perhaps more than any other factor, human pride will stand in the way of accepting the Risen Christ. The Scripture speaks of a willful unthankful arrogant and independent spirit which alienates a soul from his Creator. [Romans 1:18-32] Perhaps the greatest gift [besides Christ and the Scriptures] is the God blest gift of free will. Humans, however, without fail, utilize their free wills and run from their Creator. [Genesis 6:5 ; Psalm 14:1-4]
Friend, if you feel that you have good reason to doubt Christ’s historical resurrection from the dead – please put a halt to your human reason. As Christ told the Apostle Peter: “…..for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 16:17]
This pastor has never believed that a simple 4 or 5 part prayer can save your soul. Formula prayers and Gospel [“Come forward”] invitations have never been a substitute for the Holy Spirit of God’s work in the “Conversion process.” In last week’s topical message I mentioned several Scriptures which illustrate that God Himself initiates the process of belief and coming into the Christian Faith. [John 1:13 ; John 6:65 ; Ephesians 2:4-5 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 ; Titus 3:3-7 ; 1 Peter 1:3 ; Philippians 2:13]
I implore you to lay aside human reason, your own pride and the culture’s political correctness and seek out this Creator God who can deliver your soul from God’s just judgment and punishment. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 25: 31-46] Start reading the New Testament Gospels. Read them over and over. And, while you read them, realize that the God impartation of faith to save your priceless soul, comes from God’s [holy] Word. [John 1:13 ; Acts 8:26-40] Amen.
NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament: Proverbs 1 and Isaiah 55
New Testament: John 1 ; John 20 -- Please note: Verses 24-31 -- Believing and seeing
Also: Hebrews 11:1-26 -- True faith's results
Furthermore: 2 Corinthians 4:18 -- Another definition of true faith
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"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
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Note for further reference and understanding:
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages ___________________________________________________
Please Note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and, or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
