Christianity without the Resurrection of Jesus is useless. But,  did Jesus rise from the dead? How do we know the Resurrection is true? Can we believe it? I believe there is one reasonable piece of evidence that is compelling enough for us to believe Jesus rose from the dead.

There are a number of reasons why I believe the resurrection of Jesus is true, the empty tomb and the testimony of the women, to name a couple. But, the transformation of skeptics is another compelling reason to believe in the resurrection of Jesus. If someone who adamantly didn’t believe in Jesus before he rose from the dead, and then became a passionate believer in him after the resurrection, we would consider that compelling evidence for the truth of the resurrection. Well, this is what we have in the New Testament.

The Resurrection Transformed James

The resurrection transformed James, the biological brother of Jesus. James, along with other family members, didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah (John 7:3-5). Jesus’ family members thought he was nuts (Mark 3:20-21).  But, later on in the New Testament, we see James playing a prominent role in the Church. In fact, he is a leading apostle (Acts 15:12-13; Galatians 1:18-19). What happened that he went from a skeptic to a Christian leader? Paul, who was a skeptic himself (we’ll get to him later) gives us the answer. The resurrection of Jesus happened to him.

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. (1 Corinthians 15:3-7)

What makes this even more compelling is that James was an insider. He saw Jesus up close and personal because he was his brother. James was a skeptic during Jesus’ life but became a staunch believer after hsi death and resurrection. What is even more compelling is, in A.D. 62, enemies of Jesus killed James (stoned to death) because he believed Jesus was Messiah and God.

The Resurrection Transformed Paul

The resurrection transformed Paul. Paul’s skepticism was a lot different than James’. Paul was a religious zealot. But, he hated Christians. He saw them as a dangerous cult that threatened Judaism. Paul hated Christians to the point of persecution and murder (Acts 9:1-2).  What changed Paul from killing Christians to becoming someone who passionately defended Christianity?  An encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 26:12-18). When he embraced this encounter with the risen Savior, Jesus transformed him from murderer to minister, from persecutor to preacher (Acts 26:19-23).

Because of his reputation for persecuting Christians, initially, the apostles and other disciples were skeptical of Paul’s transformation (Acts 26:26). But, Barnabas saw how the resurrected Lord Jesus had changed Paul, and he vouched for him. Eventually, the disciples accepted Paul as one of the Apostles.

For his faith in Jesus, Paul suffered the same persecution he administered to early Christians (2 Corinthians 11:23-25). Eventually, enemies of Jesus beheaded Paul for his faith in Jesus.

The Resurrection Can Transform Us

If the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event, and it can transform skeptics like James and Paul, it can transform us as well.

“ If the unbelievable HAS happened, then we should believe the unbelievable CAN happen.

If the unbelievable HAS happened, then we should believe the unbelievable CAN happen. The Risen Christ can and will change our most stubborn doubts to passionate devotion.

“ The resurrection of Jesus can transform the harshest critics into the biggest advocates.

The resurrection of Jesus can transform the harshest critics into the biggest advocates.

What other arguments, for the resurrection of Jesus, do you find reasonable and compelling?

How has the resurrection of Jesus transformed your life? 

The post Is The Resurrection of Jesus True? appeared first on Marvin Williams.

Last night, President Trump authorized air strikes on a Syrian air base. The attack sends a strong message to President Bashar Assad for the chemical attack earlier this week. But, how should Christians respond? Is there a biblical response to the events over the last few days?

President Trump believed something needed to be done, in response to believing the Syrian government used chemical agents to kill innocent civilians. And, he did it. He authorized a military strike. Here is an excerpt from his remarks last night:

Tonight, I ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria from where the chemical attack was launched. It is in this vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.

Last night’s attack is the first direct U.S. military action against an evil Assad regime. His government is responsible for the death and displacement of millions. The use of chemical agents on his people earlier this week broke an agreement Assad made in 2013. So, President Trump authorized last night’s strike. The Syrian government called the attack an “act of aggression,” and Vladimir Putin said the attacks have dealt a blow to U.S-Russian relations.

How should followers of Jesus respond to all of this? I believe we should respond in several important ways:

• Pray. First, let’s pray for the Syrians. These people, God’s image-bearers, are experiencing countless atrocities under this government. Let’s ask God to give them strength, comfort, perseverance, and continued resolve. Pray for Syrian Christians as they attempt to minister to all who are hurting. Second, let’s ask God to give President Trump and our government wisdom as they respond (1 Timothy 2:2). Because there are so many opinions about what we should do, our President and his advisors need divine wisdom to understand the next steps and the unintended consequences of this conflict. Third, ask God to help us not to be indifferent to what’s happening in Syria. If it is not happening in America, we have a tendency to not see it as our problem. Whenever human beings are suffering, we should all feel the pain and pray for them (Genesis 1:26; 1 Timothy 2:1). So, our first response is to pray.

• Defend the weak and oppressed. As followers of Jesus, we have a duty to protect the weak and oppressed – in Syria and here in our country and our communities. When I saw images of innocent people, including children, gasping for breath, helpless and seizing, something broke in me. Something broke in me because image-bearers were suffering and dying. This is not the way it’s supposed to be. Yes, we live in a broken and fallen world. God has left his people here to bring shalom. Our heavenly Father takes up the cause of the weak (Psalm 9:9; 82:3-4). So should we.

• Seek justice. God created the world in justice and expects that his creatures will deal fairly and justly with one another as a result. Sin brings injustice into the world, by disrupting the justice established by God at creation. Assad is evil and has obstructed and disrupted justice. We denounce his evil and unjust actions. His total disregard for human life cannot go unpunished. God commands justice (Psalm 56:1), commends the maintenance of justice (Psalm 106:3) and condemns the neglect of justice (Deuteronomy 27:19).

• Support. It seems like we are helpless to do anything because we are worlds away from the conflict. This is not true. We can support organizations that serve Syrians. Last Christmas Eve our offering went to two mission organizations that served displaced Syrian women and children. As I was scrolling through tweets last night and this morning, someone suggested Preemptive Love Coalition as a good organization to support. This organization is doing phenomenal things in Syria. “They help refugees rebuild their lives and provide lifesaving medical care for children in conflict zones.” If we can’t give financially, maybe we can practically support Syrian families in our communities who have been affected by what’s happening in Syria.

• Refuse to overreact. As I was reading through FB posts and Tweets last night, many people were predicting that this is the beginning of WWIII and the apocalypse. We don’t know this. This is an overreaction. Jesus said “don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it’s on worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). So, please don’t listen to the fear-mongers. Fear doesn’t look right on the follower of Jesus. Instead of overreacting and living in fear, let’s keep trusting God.

Jesus has called us to bring his love and shalom to our circles of influence, this includes Syria. As we prepare to celebrate Easter, let’s not simply talk about Jesus being alive; let’s demonstrate that he’s alive in and through us.

The post U.S. Attacks Syrian Air Base with Missiles appeared first on Marvin Williams.

One question people consistently ask me is, how should Christians think about cremation? If Christian families opt to have a believing loved one cremated instead of being buried, are they sinning? Should we cremate or bury? How will God reunite our body with our spirit, if there is not a body to join? This post addresses these questions and more.

What Is Cremation?

Cremation, defined, is burning a dead body, reducing it to ashes. Though there are instances of cremation in the Bible, the Bible does not give any explicit teaching on cremation.

Cremation Among Ancient Israel

Ancient Israel did not typically practice cremation. The Israelites stigmatized cremation as abhorrent. They viewed it as tantamount to desecrating the body:

Though Israel did not typically practice incinerating a body as a viable burial practice, there are several reasons why they might burn a body. It seems Israel reserved cremation as punishment for the worst criminals:

The one who has stolen what was set apart for destruction will himself be burned with fire, along with everything he has, for he has broken the covenant of the Lord and has done a horrible thing in Israel. Joshua 7:15

Also, according to 1 Samuel 31:12-13, Israel burned bodies to prevent their enemies from further abusing the body. Furthermore, in trying circumstances, Israel might burn a corpse and bury the ashes.

Should Christians consider cremation is the $64,000 question. Now, remember there is no biblical command to affirm or prohibit cremation. As has been mentioned above, sometimes, Christians object to cremation today because it is somehow incongruent with the teaching that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, some Christians object to cremation because it doesn’t  affirm the truth that one day God will resurrect our bodies and reunite them with our spirit. How can our bodies be joined when our bodies are reduced to ashes and scattered all over the world?

But someone may ask, “How will the dead be raised? What kind of bodies will they have?” What a foolish question! When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a bare seed of wheat or whatever you are planting. Then God gives it the new body he wants it to have. A different plant grows from each kind of seed. 1 Corinthians 15:35-38

Whereas this is a good question, sometimes believers forget that Christians who have been dead for a long time are now ashes.  In fact, as our bodies decompose, they turn back to dust. Therefore, cremation speeds up the inevitable.

God Is Greater than Scattered Ashes

Now, when we cremate a body, it doesn’t make it any harder for God to resurrect our bodies and reunite them with our spirits. The same God who, by the power of his words, spoke the world into existence, is the same God who is powerful enough to recreate scattered ashes into a glorious body. God created our bodies in the beginning, and it certainly will not be a problem for him to create them again.

So, if you decide to cremate the body of a loved one, you are not sinning. If you choose to bury the body, you are not more righteous than someone who opts for cremation. When it comes to cremation or burial, I believe we have the freedom to choose. No matter what you decide, you should ask our generous Father for discernment (James 1:5).

What did you think about cremation before reading this post? 

Do you believe God is greater than scattered ashes? 

The post What Should Christians Believe About Cremation? appeared first on Marvin Williams.

The Ascension of Jesus from Mt. Olivet doesn’t get equal billing as Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection. I am glad Jesus was born, lived, died and rose from the dead. But, I am equally glad Jesus left the earth.

When we talk about the gospel, we always mention Jesus birth and life, death and burial, and resurrection. These are extremely important. Yet, I believe the gospel is incomplete without Jesus’ ascension. Why is it so important that Jesus left the earth after his resurrection?

With Jesus’ Ascension, He Sent Us the Holy Spirit.  

Jesus’ ascension is crucial to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

“ The Holy Spirit living within us is better than Jesus living beside us.

The Holy Spirit living within us is better than Jesus living beside us. If Jesus did not ascend, the disciples could not experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. If Jesus didn’t leave earth, we would not have the internal witness and power of the Holy Spirit today. The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ gift to believers everywhere. Jesus’ physical body localized him. But, now through the Holy Spirit, his presence is unrestricted and unlimited.

His power and presence in us produce all kinds of fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Not only does he produce fruit in our lives, he produces freedom – freedom from all kinds of junk that keep us from experiencing complete victory in our lives. John 16:7; Acts 2:33

With Jesus Ascension, He is Preparing a Place For Us.

Because Jesus ascended and went home to be with the Father, we get to go home and be with the Father as well. We have the assurance that we have another home that will never wear out and be upside down because of mortgage crises. We look forward to having a house not made with human hands. John 14:2-4

With Jesus’ Ascension, He Was Exalted to the Highest Place of Authority.

Jesus’ exaltation is where he belongs. He died and rose again to glory. Sitting at the right hand of the Father means he has authority over all. He has authority over everything that comes against us. We have a king who is on the throne and he is fighting for us. This should encourage us.  Ephesians 1:20-21

With Jesus’ Ascension, He is Exercising His High Priestly Ministry.

Jesus had to ascend so that he could intercede or pray for his followers. Rewind that. Let that thought wash over your heart – Jesus, the King of the universe, is praying for you. When your family, friends, small group, and even your pastor forgets to pray for you, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father asking God to bless you, strengthen you, deliver you, guide you and help you. Hebrews 7:25; 9:24

With Jesus’ Ascension, He Prepared the Way So We Could Follow Him One Day.

Jesus ascended to heaven so we could one day follow him there. Jesus is the firstfruits of what’s to come. In other words, Jesus led the way to heaven so one day we will go to be with him. If we are alive when Jesus returns, we will be caught up to meet him in the air. If we are dead when he returns, the dead in Christ will be raised and we will be with the Lord forever. There, in the presence of Jesus, there will be no more tears, pain, sickness, suffering, and death. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

So, I am glad Jesus came, died, and rose from the dead, but I am equally glad that he left this earth. Because Jesus left earth, we have the Holy Spirit, he is preparing a place for us, he exercises his authority on our behalf, he is praying for us, and he has prepared the way for us to one day follow him to heaven. Yeah, Jesus’ ascension keeps us grounded in this life, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The post Why I’m Glad Jesus Left Earth appeared first on Marvin Williams.

The resurrection of Jesus is unbelievable. That is, people find it difficult to believe. I get it. It conflicts with logic and science. Simply put, dead people don’t rise from the grave. The truth is, I would doubt the resurrection of Jesus, too, if it was not for one piece of evidence.

Eyewitness Testimony for the Resurrection

First, Luke, the Gentile medical doctor, and historian, probably conducted interviews. He interviewed men and women who were still alive when Jesus rose from the dead. Luke writes about Jesus’ appearances:

He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about God’s kingdom. Acts 1:3

So, over a forty-day period, Jesus appeared to more than five hundred of his followers:

Peter – Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
Two Disciples – Luke 24:13-35
Ten Disciples – John 20:19-25
Eleven Disciples – Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31
7 Disciples – John 21:1-25
All Apostles – Matthew 28:16-20 (At the commissioning on a mountain in Galilee)
500+ people – 1 Corinthians 15:6
James – 1 Corinthians 15:7
All Apostles – Acts 1:1-14 (At the ascension)
Paul – Acts 9:1-19

Women and The Resurrection

The above list is compelling. However, there is another eyewitness testimony that persuades me to believe that the Resurrection is true. The testimony of Mary Magdalene and Mary is even more convincing (Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10). These women were the primary witnesses to the empty tomb. Then, they reported it to the rest of the disciples. Thus, they were the first preachers of this good news.

Women being eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Jesus significantly strengthen the truth of it. Why? Because of two facts about the role of women in Jewish society:

• Women occupied a low rung on the Jewish social ladder. This is evident in rabbinic expressions:

Happy is he whose children are male, but woe to him whose children are female.

• Women’s testimonies were regarded as so worthless that they were not even permitted to serve as legal witnesses in a court of law. Gary Habermas and Michael Licona, in The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus, quote the Talmud and Josephus, respectively, regarding the testimony of women:

But let not the testimony of women be admitted, on account of the levity and boldness of their sex … since it is possible that they may not speak truth, either out of hope of gain or fear of punishment.

Any evidence which a woman gives is not valid (to offer)… This is equivalent to say that one who is Rabbinically accounted a robber is qualified to give the same evidence as a woman.

This makes the resurrection of Jesus even more believable. Why would the writers include the eyewitness testimony from someone who could hurt the credibility of their testimony? A fabricated resurrection story would have made men, in a male-dominated culture, the story’s heroes, not women.

We Can’t Dismiss the Resurrection.

But, the Gospels accurately portray women as the heroes of the resurrection of Jesus. Therefore, we can believe the veracity of the Resurrection because of the testimony of these brave and faithful women.

Thus, let’s not dismiss Jesus’ post-death appearances to Mary and Mary Magdalene. Jesus’ resurrection was not a figment of their imagination. It wasn’t a mistake. They didn’t go to the wrong tomb. These women were not smoking the “buddah” or the “Ooh-Wee.” Jesus died an excruciating death. But, God raised him to life again. They saw, heard, and touched Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus happened. And we have eyewitnesses to prove it.

So, I am grateful for the testimony and witness of the brave women then and godly women now. Our response to their testimony about Jesus’ resurrection should not be “go home,” but one of awe, worship, and faith.

Turn Your Minutes into Moments

What testimony or evidence convinces you that the resurrection of Jesus is true?

The post The Resurrection of Jesus appeared first on Marvin Williams.