What do you believe and why do you believe it?
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You have just described most people’s understanding of God. I am quite content in that many do not believe in the true God, creator/owner of the whole earth and all its contents. God is simply not dealing with some people yet. He will deal with everyone in His time. You too.
It is not our job to evangelize the world. Scripture says the Gospel is to be preached throughout the world as a witness: Matt. 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” A witness can be for you or against you.
God is not the Great speed cop in the sky, ready to swat you for your sins. When saved He will not even remember our sins: Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Read this carefully, and tell me if the stone could have already been rolled back: Matt. 28:2 “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” One Angel was sitting on it at a later time, and the other angel not mentioned.
Luke 24:4 “And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:” There are your two angels, earthquake not mentioned.
John 20:1 “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.” Only one Mary mentioned, earthquake not mentioned; common in third person narrative. Where is the problem?
He does love us, but our sin will kill us. Nobody will live in flames forever. The hell you are describing is a middle-age myth. The wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23). The soul that sins, will die: Eze. 18:20a “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” The everlasting life in flames will not happen to anybody/anything. Hint: Think memorials.
It is not our job to evangelize the world. Scripture says the Gospel is to be preached throughout the world as a witness: Matt. 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” A witness can be for you or against you.
God is not the Great speed cop in the sky, ready to swat you for your sins. When saved He will not even remember our sins: Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Read this carefully, and tell me if the stone could have already been rolled back: Matt. 28:2 “And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.” One Angel was sitting on it at a later time, and the other angel not mentioned.
Luke 24:4 “And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:” There are your two angels, earthquake not mentioned.
John 20:1 “The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.” Only one Mary mentioned, earthquake not mentioned; common in third person narrative. Where is the problem?
He does love us, but our sin will kill us. Nobody will live in flames forever. The hell you are describing is a middle-age myth. The wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23). The soul that sins, will die: Eze. 18:20a “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” The everlasting life in flames will not happen to anybody/anything. Hint: Think memorials.
The Earthquake that Matthew reported and the others didn't (I find this ridiculous).
The differing numbers of angels / men in shining garments (either 1 or 2). What are angels anyway? Has anyone on this site ever seen one?
My intent is to be as honest as possible about this whole issue and to accept a reasonable rationale based on available evidence. I want to follow the evidence not lead it. To paraphrase Hume, a wise person apportions their belief to the evidence.
Testing and trying to find fault with a claim is the best way of determining whether it is true or likely to be true. It's the scientific method of falsification which stems from Socratic reasoning. If the claim can withstand falsification for a long time, then we can have greater confidence in it. If it can't withstand scrutiny and it's full of plot holes then it's usually rubbish.
The 2 main problems with the Easter Challenge are:
The Earthquake that Matthew reported and the others didn't (I find this ridiculous).
The differing numbers of angels / men in shining garments (either 1 or 2). What are angels anyway? Has anyone on this site ever seen one?
Testing and trying to find fault with a claim is the best way of determining whether it is true or likely to be true. It's the scientific method of falsification which stems from Socratic reasoning. If the claim can withstand falsification for a long time, then we can have greater confidence in it. If it can't withstand scrutiny and it's full of plot holes then it's usually rubbish.
The 2 main problems with the Easter Challenge are:
The Earthquake that Matthew reported and the others didn't (I find this ridiculous).
The differing numbers of angels / men in shining garments (either 1 or 2). What are angels anyway? Has anyone on this site ever seen one?
I'm not trying to frighten you. Unless you believe that challenging or testing your most cherished beliefs is frightening? Maybe it is? It depends on how much personal investment you've made in those beliefs. This was something I discovered when I was deconverting. Evidently, my arguments or counter-claims are so hollow and monotonous that you keep on debating with me....
No. I'm not playing logic games with you. I'm just simply using logic. The rest of what you have written is logical to you but doesn't necessarily mean anything to anyone else who doesn't have the same presuppositions. I don't want anyone to nail themselves to a cross and to torture themselves to death. It's barbaric.
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You still don't get it.
It's NOT about winning an argument, scientific method, or Socrates.... or any other vain undertaking.
It is about recognizing that YOU are a sinner in need of a Savior, and that Savior IS Jesus Christ who will give you a NEW heart, and make you a NEW creation in Him. You MUST be born again. You are currently DEAD.
You keep saying a variation of "show me and I will believe," but He says, "believe and I will show you".
And Chester and others are right. All your vain philosophy WILL NOT keep you out of hell. Too bad you don't like that. You cannot change Truth whether you like it or not, or believe it or not. Truth REMAINS Truth.
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It's a case of ""I cannot figure it out therefore it is false""
Which comes from the foundation of, ""My mind is capable of figuring anything out and so if i cannot figure it out then i know it is faulty because i assume my mind is a perfect tool that i can rely upon with my eternal destiny""
Proverbs 16: KJV
18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
As for the visits to the tomb.. There where multiple visits and different things happened on different visits.. Different people went to the tomb during those different visits..
Trip 1 - Matthew 28
Who went;
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Which "other Mary" Matthew is referring to we cannot tell for sure.
When;
This visit is Saturday evening, before sunset, "in the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week."
Purpose;
To SEE the sepulchre (tomb). They were not going to anoint the body at this time. The purpose of this trip was to ease their sorrow and pain by visiting the grave of their loved one.
What happened;
"Behold there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men."
"And the angel answered and said unto the women, 'Fear not, for I know ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead: and behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you."'
(We should note that this is the only account of the 'keepers" or soldiers in regards to any of the visits to the tomb. This is because after what happened they fled to tell the chief priests the things they saw.)
Response of the visitors;
"And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them saying, 'All hail.' And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, 'Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee and there shall they see Me."'
Response of the disciples to the resurrection report;
Matthew does not record the women telling the disciples the news. This may possibly be because the women did not tell for fear of credibility with the disciples. This would account for a second trip in which Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James sought to take "other women" with them back to the tomb under the pretense of preparing the body of Jesus as they had planned to. If so, it is likely these new women were told nothing of what the two Marys had seen earlier.
Trip 2 - Luke 24
Who went;
Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women (Luke 24:10).
When;
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning" (Luke 24:1). Notice Luke says nothing in regards to the light of day? That is because it was still dark. This "very early in the morning" was before sunrise.
This trip's purpose;
The women came bringing the spices they had prepared to anoint the body of Jesus. This was the pretense of the trip in which Mary Magdalene and the other Mary brought "certain others with them" (Luke 24:1).
What happened;
"They found the stone rolled away" (Luke 24:2). There was no earthquake, no soldiers, and no angel sitting upon the stone. Therefore "they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed there about, behold two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they (the two angels) said unto them, 'Why seek ye the living among the dead?"'
This first comment by the angels was perhaps a rebuke to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who were told, earlier by the first angel who rolled back the stone that Jesus had risen. Not only were they told but they had seen Him as well when they left the tomb earlier. Still, these two angels confirm the message to all the women, "He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words" (Luke 24.6-8).
Response of the visitors;
"And they returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles" (Luke 24:9,10).
Response of the disciples to the resurrection report;
"And their words seemed as idle tales, and they believed them not." How well the women knew the disciples of Jesus. Even though there were many witnesses, the disciples refused to believe. This disbelief of the disciples was probably coupled with ridicule, much like when Peter was freed from prison by the angel and knocked at the door of the house. When the damsel "came to hearken . . . she knew Peter's voice and ran in told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her 'Thou art mad!"' (Acts l2:13,14).
The disciples were frequently given to fits of unbelief and strife amongst themselves. Now to have these women telling them the unheard of, it is not hard to see how they could lash out at these women (even though Jesus Himself told them these things would be). Mary Magdalene, overcome by their disbelief and cruelty returns to the tomb again by herself, questioning herself of all she has seen and heard.
Which comes from the foundation of, ""My mind is capable of figuring anything out and so if i cannot figure it out then i know it is faulty because i assume my mind is a perfect tool that i can rely upon with my eternal destiny""
Proverbs 16: KJV
18 "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
As for the visits to the tomb.. There where multiple visits and different things happened on different visits.. Different people went to the tomb during those different visits..
Trip 1 - Matthew 28
Who went;
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary. Which "other Mary" Matthew is referring to we cannot tell for sure.
When;
This visit is Saturday evening, before sunset, "in the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week."
Purpose;
To SEE the sepulchre (tomb). They were not going to anoint the body at this time. The purpose of this trip was to ease their sorrow and pain by visiting the grave of their loved one.
What happened;
"Behold there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men."
"And the angel answered and said unto the women, 'Fear not, for I know ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead: and behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you."'
(We should note that this is the only account of the 'keepers" or soldiers in regards to any of the visits to the tomb. This is because after what happened they fled to tell the chief priests the things they saw.)
Response of the visitors;
"And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them saying, 'All hail.' And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, 'Be not afraid: go tell My brethren that they go into Galilee and there shall they see Me."'
Response of the disciples to the resurrection report;
Matthew does not record the women telling the disciples the news. This may possibly be because the women did not tell for fear of credibility with the disciples. This would account for a second trip in which Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James sought to take "other women" with them back to the tomb under the pretense of preparing the body of Jesus as they had planned to. If so, it is likely these new women were told nothing of what the two Marys had seen earlier.
Trip 2 - Luke 24
Who went;
Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women (Luke 24:10).
When;
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning" (Luke 24:1). Notice Luke says nothing in regards to the light of day? That is because it was still dark. This "very early in the morning" was before sunrise.
This trip's purpose;
The women came bringing the spices they had prepared to anoint the body of Jesus. This was the pretense of the trip in which Mary Magdalene and the other Mary brought "certain others with them" (Luke 24:1).
What happened;
"They found the stone rolled away" (Luke 24:2). There was no earthquake, no soldiers, and no angel sitting upon the stone. Therefore "they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed there about, behold two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they (the two angels) said unto them, 'Why seek ye the living among the dead?"'
This first comment by the angels was perhaps a rebuke to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary who were told, earlier by the first angel who rolled back the stone that Jesus had risen. Not only were they told but they had seen Him as well when they left the tomb earlier. Still, these two angels confirm the message to all the women, "He is not here, but is risen: remember how He spake unto you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, the Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words" (Luke 24.6-8).
Response of the visitors;
"And they returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and the other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles" (Luke 24:9,10).
Response of the disciples to the resurrection report;
"And their words seemed as idle tales, and they believed them not." How well the women knew the disciples of Jesus. Even though there were many witnesses, the disciples refused to believe. This disbelief of the disciples was probably coupled with ridicule, much like when Peter was freed from prison by the angel and knocked at the door of the house. When the damsel "came to hearken . . . she knew Peter's voice and ran in told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her 'Thou art mad!"' (Acts l2:13,14).
The disciples were frequently given to fits of unbelief and strife amongst themselves. Now to have these women telling them the unheard of, it is not hard to see how they could lash out at these women (even though Jesus Himself told them these things would be). Mary Magdalene, overcome by their disbelief and cruelty returns to the tomb again by herself, questioning herself of all she has seen and heard.
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Now for the 3rd and 4th trips::
Trip 3 - John 2O
Who went;
Mary Magdalene alone.
When;
"The first day of the week . . . early, when it is yet dark' (John 20:1).
Purpose;
To settle her own confusion brought on by what all she had seen and the disciples strong response toward her.
What happened;
Mary, upon her return, sees that the stone is indeed rolled away from the opening of the sepluchre. Determined to settle what is going on, she returns this time to find "Peter and the other disciple" and because they did not believe her first report, she tells them a new report "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him" (John 20:2).
Response of the disciples to Mary's new report;
"Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they both ran together: and the other did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together just as it had been wrapped about Jesus' head) in a place by itself. Then went in that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed." But what was it they believed?
They did not believe the first report of Jesus' resurrection, but they did believe this second report that His body was stolen. "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home" (John 20:3-10).
How Mary's crisis was settled;
Peter and John's belief that the body of Jesus had been stolen offered no comfort to Mary. She had seen angels and heard their glorious report of Jesus' resurrection and yet nobody believed her. Now in despair, she questions all she had seen and heard.
Having been left by the two disciples, "Mary stood without the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain"
"And they said unto her, 'Woman, why weepest thou?"' The angels (knowing that Mary had been told by them, or other angels, that Jesus had risen) did not understand Mary's sorrow. She saith unto them, 'Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him."' This statement clearly reveals how the disciples lack of faith had virtually destroyed Mary's own. Fortunately the Author and Finisher of her faith was jealous for her.
"And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus said unto her, 'Woman, why weepest thou?' She supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, 'Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, 'tell me where thou hast laid him. and I will take him away."'
Poor Mary, her hope was so crushed by the disciples ridicule and lack of faith, that now she too, regardless of the angelic reports, believes Jesus to be still dead. "Jesus saith unto her, 'Mary.' She turned herself, and saith unto Him, 'Rabboni" which is to say, 'Master"' (John 20:11-16).
How comforting it must have been to hear that voice of love speak her name again. A voice which she, (being one of His sheep,) had come to know and trust. All Jesus said was her name and her faith was restored. Oh if we would only listen when Jesus calls us by name, what healing power His voice could have for us!
Trip 4 - Mark 16
When;
"And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. "The fact that the sun was coming up makes this the latest trip recorded.
Who went;
Having already been confronted by the disbelief of the disciples Mary Magdalene now goes and finds Mary the mother of James and Salome, and other women. Instead of telling all of them about Jesus' resurrection and risk being ridiculed by these other women as well, remained silent. They continue with their plans to take the herbs, which they had purchased after Passover, and go to anoint the body of Jesus.
And as they went "they said among themselves, 'Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?"' It was probably the two Mary's asking this question of the other women. Like most people with a secret, they had a hard time keeping this one to themselves. So while not talking about what all they had seen earlier, they talk about what they know will be the first sign of Jesus' resurrection that the other women will see.
"And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment: and they were affrighted."
Notice how here in Mark's account there is only "one young man" here and not "two angels?" Wouldn't it be amazing if instead of this being an angel, it was actually the thief on the cross next to Jesus? I'm not saying it was, but who can say it was not? The scriptures make the point how this "one young man" was clothe in a "long white garment." It is white raiment represents the righteousness of the saints and what better garment for the one who by faith stood by Jesus at the end? What better reward than to be one of those privileged to declare His resurrection?
Does not Matthew tell us, "And the graves were open: and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the grave after His resurrection, and went and appeared unto many?"
Who can affirm or refute as to whether this "one young man" in a "long white garment" was the thief that acknowledge Christ or an angel? Certainly not I.
"And he saith unto them, 'Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they had lain Him."
This reference to Jesus as being "of Nazareth" is the way the people referred to one another back then. Like "Paul of Tarsus" or "Simon, a Cyrenian," or "Joseph of Arimathea," or "Mnason of Cyprus." Men identified men with where they came from. The angel in Matthew referred to Jesus as the "Lord." This by far is the most accurate account of Jesus, "Lord." To refer to Jesus as being from Nazareth is more the perspective of man than that of God or the angels. They know from whence He truly came.
"But go your way, [as you were previously told] and tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you." And they went out quickly and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed; neither said they anything to any man; for they were afraid."
Can you imagine Mary Magdalene going back to try and tell the disciples again what they all saw? If it was the thief on the cross, can you see her telling them that she saw the thief as well? "I saw the thief that was crucified with Jesus and he said Jesus is alive too!" I'm sure that would have gone over big.
Luke and John both mention how the women, then Mary, all told someone what they saw and heard, but not here. This time the encounter and message were not told "to any man: for they were afraid." Afraid of what? They told no one because they for "afraid" of greater ridicule. Had this young man clothed in white had been an angel, his angelic position would have perhaps obliged the women to go and tell. But if it was this "man," a condemned thief, what authority had he? Of course you and l, not in their situation, can readily see his authority as being of God. But put yourself in their position. Put yourself in Mary Magdalene's, after all she had been through. What would you do?
It was not until Sunday evening (before sunset because it is still the first day of the week) that Jesus appeared unto all the disciples "as they sat at meat." Then Jesus rebuked them for "their unbelief (lack of faith) and hardness of heart (lack of compassion on the women), BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED NOT THEM WHICH HAD SEEN HIM AFTER HE HAD RISEN!
Please, do not be as they were, slow to believe all that the scriptures tell you. It truly is as Jesus said unto Thomas, "Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they which have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Therefore I pray you too may be blessed for your belief in His resurrection.
In light of the fact the Jesus' resurrection took place on the Sabbath, and not Sunday morning, (as most have been taught), one would do well to reconsider the teaching of Sunday being the new "Christian Sabbath." This teaching is founded upon the assumption that Sunday is the day that Jesus rose from the dead. Yet if that's not true, then the foundation for a new "Christian Sabbath" is one of sand and not stone.
Isaiah prophesying of the Lord's judgement said, "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and turneth it upside down . . . because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, [thus] broken the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:1-5).
Notice "laws" is plural and "ordinance" is singular. Of all the Ten Commandments there is only one ordinance given, "Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy."
Jesus said, "Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven . . . Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock, (Matthew 7:21-27).
Trip 3 - John 2O
Who went;
Mary Magdalene alone.
When;
"The first day of the week . . . early, when it is yet dark' (John 20:1).
Purpose;
To settle her own confusion brought on by what all she had seen and the disciples strong response toward her.
What happened;
Mary, upon her return, sees that the stone is indeed rolled away from the opening of the sepluchre. Determined to settle what is going on, she returns this time to find "Peter and the other disciple" and because they did not believe her first report, she tells them a new report "They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him" (John 20:2).
Response of the disciples to Mary's new report;
"Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they both ran together: and the other did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together just as it had been wrapped about Jesus' head) in a place by itself. Then went in that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed." But what was it they believed?
They did not believe the first report of Jesus' resurrection, but they did believe this second report that His body was stolen. "For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home" (John 20:3-10).
How Mary's crisis was settled;
Peter and John's belief that the body of Jesus had been stolen offered no comfort to Mary. She had seen angels and heard their glorious report of Jesus' resurrection and yet nobody believed her. Now in despair, she questions all she had seen and heard.
Having been left by the two disciples, "Mary stood without the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain"
"And they said unto her, 'Woman, why weepest thou?"' The angels (knowing that Mary had been told by them, or other angels, that Jesus had risen) did not understand Mary's sorrow. She saith unto them, 'Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him."' This statement clearly reveals how the disciples lack of faith had virtually destroyed Mary's own. Fortunately the Author and Finisher of her faith was jealous for her.
"And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus said unto her, 'Woman, why weepest thou?' She supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, 'Sir, if thou hast borne him hence, 'tell me where thou hast laid him. and I will take him away."'
Poor Mary, her hope was so crushed by the disciples ridicule and lack of faith, that now she too, regardless of the angelic reports, believes Jesus to be still dead. "Jesus saith unto her, 'Mary.' She turned herself, and saith unto Him, 'Rabboni" which is to say, 'Master"' (John 20:11-16).
How comforting it must have been to hear that voice of love speak her name again. A voice which she, (being one of His sheep,) had come to know and trust. All Jesus said was her name and her faith was restored. Oh if we would only listen when Jesus calls us by name, what healing power His voice could have for us!
Trip 4 - Mark 16
When;
"And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. "The fact that the sun was coming up makes this the latest trip recorded.
Who went;
Having already been confronted by the disbelief of the disciples Mary Magdalene now goes and finds Mary the mother of James and Salome, and other women. Instead of telling all of them about Jesus' resurrection and risk being ridiculed by these other women as well, remained silent. They continue with their plans to take the herbs, which they had purchased after Passover, and go to anoint the body of Jesus.
And as they went "they said among themselves, 'Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?"' It was probably the two Mary's asking this question of the other women. Like most people with a secret, they had a hard time keeping this one to themselves. So while not talking about what all they had seen earlier, they talk about what they know will be the first sign of Jesus' resurrection that the other women will see.
"And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment: and they were affrighted."
Notice how here in Mark's account there is only "one young man" here and not "two angels?" Wouldn't it be amazing if instead of this being an angel, it was actually the thief on the cross next to Jesus? I'm not saying it was, but who can say it was not? The scriptures make the point how this "one young man" was clothe in a "long white garment." It is white raiment represents the righteousness of the saints and what better garment for the one who by faith stood by Jesus at the end? What better reward than to be one of those privileged to declare His resurrection?
Does not Matthew tell us, "And the graves were open: and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the grave after His resurrection, and went and appeared unto many?"
Who can affirm or refute as to whether this "one young man" in a "long white garment" was the thief that acknowledge Christ or an angel? Certainly not I.
"And he saith unto them, 'Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: He is risen; He is not here: behold the place where they had lain Him."
This reference to Jesus as being "of Nazareth" is the way the people referred to one another back then. Like "Paul of Tarsus" or "Simon, a Cyrenian," or "Joseph of Arimathea," or "Mnason of Cyprus." Men identified men with where they came from. The angel in Matthew referred to Jesus as the "Lord." This by far is the most accurate account of Jesus, "Lord." To refer to Jesus as being from Nazareth is more the perspective of man than that of God or the angels. They know from whence He truly came.
"But go your way, [as you were previously told] and tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see Him, as He said unto you." And they went out quickly and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed; neither said they anything to any man; for they were afraid."
Can you imagine Mary Magdalene going back to try and tell the disciples again what they all saw? If it was the thief on the cross, can you see her telling them that she saw the thief as well? "I saw the thief that was crucified with Jesus and he said Jesus is alive too!" I'm sure that would have gone over big.
Luke and John both mention how the women, then Mary, all told someone what they saw and heard, but not here. This time the encounter and message were not told "to any man: for they were afraid." Afraid of what? They told no one because they for "afraid" of greater ridicule. Had this young man clothed in white had been an angel, his angelic position would have perhaps obliged the women to go and tell. But if it was this "man," a condemned thief, what authority had he? Of course you and l, not in their situation, can readily see his authority as being of God. But put yourself in their position. Put yourself in Mary Magdalene's, after all she had been through. What would you do?
It was not until Sunday evening (before sunset because it is still the first day of the week) that Jesus appeared unto all the disciples "as they sat at meat." Then Jesus rebuked them for "their unbelief (lack of faith) and hardness of heart (lack of compassion on the women), BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED NOT THEM WHICH HAD SEEN HIM AFTER HE HAD RISEN!
Please, do not be as they were, slow to believe all that the scriptures tell you. It truly is as Jesus said unto Thomas, "Because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they which have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Therefore I pray you too may be blessed for your belief in His resurrection.
In light of the fact the Jesus' resurrection took place on the Sabbath, and not Sunday morning, (as most have been taught), one would do well to reconsider the teaching of Sunday being the new "Christian Sabbath." This teaching is founded upon the assumption that Sunday is the day that Jesus rose from the dead. Yet if that's not true, then the foundation for a new "Christian Sabbath" is one of sand and not stone.
Isaiah prophesying of the Lord's judgement said, "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and turneth it upside down . . . because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, [thus] broken the everlasting covenant (Isaiah 24:1-5).
Notice "laws" is plural and "ordinance" is singular. Of all the Ten Commandments there is only one ordinance given, "Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy."
Jesus said, "Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven . . . Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock, (Matthew 7:21-27).
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This is so way off the mark, it's almost funny. No such person as an atheist? Atheism at its simplest is a single position on a single issue - that they don't currently believe in any God claim they have heard. I could say there's no such person as a deist or Christian and that you are all faking it. Would I be right? It's demonstrable twaddle and is simply a shifting of the burden of proof - a burden of proof which Christians fail to meet on a daily basis.
The happenings of the week of the execution of The LORD Jesus Christ..
PASSION WEEK
Note: The Jewish days are night first - then day
Tuesday day
Jesus' disciples prepare for the Passover.
Matt 26:17-19
Luke 22:7-13
Tuesday night (Jewish 4th day of the week begins)
The Lord's Passover - 14th day of the 1st month Lev 23:5
The last supper -
Matt 26:20-29
Luke 22:15-18
Prayer in Gethsememne -
Matt 26:36-45
Luke 22:40-46
Jesus arrested -
Matt 26:50-55
Matt 27:1-38
Wednesday day - Jewish preparation day for High Sabbath
(day 1 Feast of Unleaven Bread)
Jesus crucified around 9 a.m.-
Matt 27:31-44
Luke 23:26-43
Darkness covers the land at noon time-
Matt 27:45
Luke 23:26-43
Jesus died around 3 p.m.-
Matt 27:50-56
Luke 23:45-49
Jesus buried hastily between 3 p.m. and sunset-
Matt 27:57-66
Luke 23:50-56
Wednesday night (Jewish 5th day of the week begins - 15th day of the 1st month - day 1 of the feast of unleaven bread begins - a High Sabbath)
Jesus in tomb-
1st night in the belly of the earth
Thursday day
Jesus in tomb-
1st day in the belly of the earth
Thursday night (Jewish 6th day of the week begins - end 15th day of the 1st month - end of the High Sabbath)
Jesus in tomb-
2nd night in the belly of the earth
Friday day
Jesus in tomb-
2nd day in the belly of the earth
Friday night (Jewish 7th day of the week begins - the Sabbath according to the commandment)
Jesus in tomb-
3rd night in the belly of the earth
Saturday day
Jesus in tomb-
3rd day in the belly of the earth - final part of three days and three nights
Jesus arose between 3 p.m. and sunset
Two Marys go to see the tomb . . . He's not there . . . He is risen!
Matt 28:1
Saturday night - (Jewish 1st day of the week begins - 7th day Sabbath ends)
Multiple trips made to the tomb.
Sunday day
He appeared to some of His disciples and they all gather together for fear of the Jews
Matt 28:16-20
Mark 16:9-14
Luke 24:1-47
John 20:19
PASSION WEEK
Note: The Jewish days are night first - then day
Tuesday day
Jesus' disciples prepare for the Passover.
Matt 26:17-19
Luke 22:7-13
Tuesday night (Jewish 4th day of the week begins)
The Lord's Passover - 14th day of the 1st month Lev 23:5
The last supper -
Matt 26:20-29
Luke 22:15-18
Prayer in Gethsememne -
Matt 26:36-45
Luke 22:40-46
Jesus arrested -
Matt 26:50-55
Matt 27:1-38
Wednesday day - Jewish preparation day for High Sabbath
(day 1 Feast of Unleaven Bread)
Jesus crucified around 9 a.m.-
Matt 27:31-44
Luke 23:26-43
Darkness covers the land at noon time-
Matt 27:45
Luke 23:26-43
Jesus died around 3 p.m.-
Matt 27:50-56
Luke 23:45-49
Jesus buried hastily between 3 p.m. and sunset-
Matt 27:57-66
Luke 23:50-56
Wednesday night (Jewish 5th day of the week begins - 15th day of the 1st month - day 1 of the feast of unleaven bread begins - a High Sabbath)
Jesus in tomb-
1st night in the belly of the earth
Thursday day
Jesus in tomb-
1st day in the belly of the earth
Thursday night (Jewish 6th day of the week begins - end 15th day of the 1st month - end of the High Sabbath)
Jesus in tomb-
2nd night in the belly of the earth
Friday day
Jesus in tomb-
2nd day in the belly of the earth
Friday night (Jewish 7th day of the week begins - the Sabbath according to the commandment)
Jesus in tomb-
3rd night in the belly of the earth
Saturday day
Jesus in tomb-
3rd day in the belly of the earth - final part of three days and three nights
Jesus arose between 3 p.m. and sunset
Two Marys go to see the tomb . . . He's not there . . . He is risen!
Matt 28:1
Saturday night - (Jewish 1st day of the week begins - 7th day Sabbath ends)
Multiple trips made to the tomb.
Sunday day
He appeared to some of His disciples and they all gather together for fear of the Jews
Matt 28:16-20
Mark 16:9-14
Luke 24:1-47
John 20:19
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I believe what he means is that no one is born an atheist. It is a learned religion, with a fantastical, impossible belief system.
God has revealed Himself to all men. But men SUPPRESS the Truth. That's the key. Yes there are atheists, but they weren't always.
You, YOURSELF tell us that you once believed there was a God. But you have suppressed that Truth in unrighteousness because you love your sin.
And so it is with all atheists. Professing themselves wise, they became fools.
God has revealed Himself to all men. But men SUPPRESS the Truth. That's the key. Yes there are atheists, but they weren't always.
You, YOURSELF tell us that you once believed there was a God. But you have suppressed that Truth in unrighteousness because you love your sin.
And so it is with all atheists. Professing themselves wise, they became fools.
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U
I may tackle this later when I have time....
but this is not a rational response .... Sounds more like emotional reaction to me ... just sayin
I would also state then it is your job is to falsify the testimony of the witnesses.
So far, for more than 2000 yrs, the testimony has stood true.
So now I am waiting, you think you can achieve this?
but this is not a rational response .... Sounds more like emotional reaction to me ... just sayin
I would also state then it is your job is to falsify the testimony of the witnesses.
So far, for more than 2000 yrs, the testimony has stood true.
So now I am waiting, you think you can achieve this?
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By god i think you mean a supernatural being. Well, not speaking as a Christian but on a personal level, the evidence for God is the most obvious thing and when i say God i mean at least a knowledgeable being.
The evidence is human language (words and their meaning). From what we know today, words and their meaning must be taught/learned from knowledgeable sources for anyone to speak. No matter how far back you go, you can only go as far as a knowledgeable source from which words and their meaning (information) came from.
The evidence is human language (words and their meaning). From what we know today, words and their meaning must be taught/learned from knowledgeable sources for anyone to speak. No matter how far back you go, you can only go as far as a knowledgeable source from which words and their meaning (information) came from.