New Life Christian Center, Eckley CO - USA
The Verdict Matters (4/20/25)
Our Main Service Message for April 20th, 2025.
Locations & Times
New Life Christian Center
37116-37472 County Rd R, Yuma, CO 80759, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
The Verdict Matters
-Jesus claimed to be God
-Jesus claimed to be God
You have a choice to make
If it is true
*Meekness means you should be ready, but not out looking for a fight. This “defense” is more for your own edification than a weapon to be used to bludgeon someone who dares to question the faith. *Fear is concern that you don’t overstep or offend in a way that causes you to lose your ability or opportunity to have an impact.
Jesus evidence
Execution (not disputed among ancient historians)
The Gospels
Non-Biblical sources 5
Tacitus (Roman historian, ~116 CE): In Annals (15.44), Tacitus mentions Jesus’ execution under Pilate during Tiberius’ reign
Josephus Flavius (Jewish historian, ~93 CE): In Antiquities of the Jews (18.3.3), the Testimonium Flavianum references Jesus’ crucifixion
Mara Bar-Serapion (~late 1st century): A Syrian Stoic’s letter refers to the execution of a “wise king” of the Jews, likely Jesus, as a notable event.
Lucian of Samosata (~2nd century): In The Death of Peregrine, Lucian mocks Christians for worshiping a crucified “sophist,” confirming the crucifixion’s notoriety.
The Jewish Talmud: Herzog 1; on the eve of Passover they hanged Jesus the Nazarene
The Gospels
Non-Biblical sources 5
Tacitus (Roman historian, ~116 CE): In Annals (15.44), Tacitus mentions Jesus’ execution under Pilate during Tiberius’ reign
Josephus Flavius (Jewish historian, ~93 CE): In Antiquities of the Jews (18.3.3), the Testimonium Flavianum references Jesus’ crucifixion
Mara Bar-Serapion (~late 1st century): A Syrian Stoic’s letter refers to the execution of a “wise king” of the Jews, likely Jesus, as a notable event.
Lucian of Samosata (~2nd century): In The Death of Peregrine, Lucian mocks Christians for worshiping a crucified “sophist,” confirming the crucifixion’s notoriety.
The Jewish Talmud: Herzog 1; on the eve of Passover they hanged Jesus the Nazarene
Early
Creed (Jesus died, for sin, buried, rose, witness including opponents and skeptics)
Paul wrote 1 Cor 15:3 22-25 years after death of Jesus in context of “I already sent you this”
This early is historically weighty.
Alexander the Great Biographies written 400 years after his life by Arean of Plutarc considered reliable.
Saul of Tarsus (1-3 years after Death of Jesus, Paul was given the Creed by the two witnesses named in the Creed. Peter and James (historicae- investigation word in Greek)
The gospels and some of the epistles were circulating during the lifetime of witness. Those witnesses would have been proud to correct the record if it weren’t accurate.
Creed (Jesus died, for sin, buried, rose, witness including opponents and skeptics)
Paul wrote 1 Cor 15:3 22-25 years after death of Jesus in context of “I already sent you this”
This early is historically weighty.
Alexander the Great Biographies written 400 years after his life by Arean of Plutarc considered reliable.
Saul of Tarsus (1-3 years after Death of Jesus, Paul was given the Creed by the two witnesses named in the Creed. Peter and James (historicae- investigation word in Greek)
The gospels and some of the epistles were circulating during the lifetime of witness. Those witnesses would have been proud to correct the record if it weren’t accurate.
Empty
Body placed in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, but body is missing 3 days later.
Plenty of archeological and historical evidence, but easiest and simplest evidence is Jesus’ enemies admitted it was empty. They didn’t dispute the empty tomb, they accused the disciples of stealing the body.
Embarrassing
Women were not considered credible witnesses, yet women are clearly noted as the first to see the risen Jesus.
Calling Peter Satan in Matthew 16:23.
Disciples denying him during the questioning by the Sanhedrin
Body placed in the borrowed tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, but body is missing 3 days later.
Plenty of archeological and historical evidence, but easiest and simplest evidence is Jesus’ enemies admitted it was empty. They didn’t dispute the empty tomb, they accused the disciples of stealing the body.
Embarrassing
Women were not considered credible witnesses, yet women are clearly noted as the first to see the risen Jesus.
Calling Peter Satan in Matthew 16:23.
Disciples denying him during the questioning by the Sanhedrin
Embarrassing
Women were not considered credible witnesses, yet women are clearly noted as the first to see the risen Jesus.
Calling Peter Satan in Matthew 16:23.
Disciples denying him during the questioning by the Sanhedrin
Women were not considered credible witnesses, yet women are clearly noted as the first to see the risen Jesus.
Calling Peter Satan in Matthew 16:23.
Disciples denying him during the questioning by the Sanhedrin
Eyewitness
Over 500 people encountered Jesus after the resurrection day. At different times.
9 ancient sources of disciples encountering Jesus
Disciples quickly transitioned from despair to proclamation. So passionate about their experience, the church was born and faith in the risen Jesus spread like wildfire.
The disciples were so sure, all but one of them were killed for their efforts to spread the good news. They wouldn’t have maintained a made up story to their death.
Over 500 people encountered Jesus after the resurrection day. At different times.
9 ancient sources of disciples encountering Jesus
Disciples quickly transitioned from despair to proclamation. So passionate about their experience, the church was born and faith in the risen Jesus spread like wildfire.
The disciples were so sure, all but one of them were killed for their efforts to spread the good news. They wouldn’t have maintained a made up story to their death.
If he can be trusted, what does he say about you?
Identity
What else?
Watch it again!
Watch this service, and previous messages on our website!
https://www.newlifeeckley.com/live