The Claims & Case for Christ (Part 2)

Jim Leffel

John 5:25-47

Through examining data, forming a hypothesis/claim, weighing the evidence, and then rendering a verdict we can come to a firm conclusion on a case. To build a good claim, it needs to be plausible, relevant to the evidence, and testable. Jesus' claims as Messiah were backed by strong witnesses, strong manuscripts, and historical facts. With no plausible alternatives that can withstand these tests, we can come to an informed decision about who Jesus is.

The Claims & Case for Christ (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

John 5:25-47

Who is Jesus? He claimed to be God in human form and the Messiah. Either he was: self deceived, mentally ill, a liar/conspirator, a legend, or he really is the promised savior or humanity. Through examining credible witnesses, prediction from the Old Testament, God's personal voice, and confirmed signs through miracles, we see that Jesus' claims are plausible, especially given the alternatives.

The Claims & Case for Christ (Part 1)

Jim Leffel

Acts 4:2

Four things must be considered when evaluating the claims Jesus made: 1) Jesus claimed to be God in human form; 2) Jesus made unique claims; 3) Jesus claimed to be the Messiah; and 4) Jesus' claims are uniquely verifiable. Jesus' claims are reliable and can be trusted. They are all backed by evidence that can be a foundation for a life of faith. There are many possibilities for why Jesus made these claims but the most reasonable explanation is that he really is the promised Savior of humanity. It is important to examine the evidence and not be neutral.\r\n

Introduction: The Word Made Flesh

Jim Leffel

John 1:1-14

God reveals himself through the person of Jesus. John explains who Jesus is, the life he offers, and what it looks like to believe. As John speaks in a way that is understandable to his audience, he reveals that God is infinite and personal. To become a child of God requires not only believing but also receiving His grace. He meets our deepest needs by offering us life (eternity) and light (truth).

Imitating God

Dennis McCallum

Ephesians 4:32-5:16

At the core, God is a love-giver. When we have a relationship with Him, we are under grace and can do whatever we want. However, we will only be fulfilled if we imitate God by loving others.

Jesus' Victorious Authority

Gary DeLashmutt

John 16:33

The normal Christian life is a life of difficulties and supernatural provisions. One supernatural provision is Jesus' victorious authority. Jesus has won the right to ultimately rule the world by dying for the sins of humanity. He has also won the authority to advance his mission through us. This results in peace and courage in the midst of tribulation for those who trust and follow him.

The Normal Christian Life

Gary DeLashmutt

John 14-16

Jesus' farewell discourse describes the normal Christian life as a life of supernatural provisions in the midst of extraordinary difficulties. Three difficulties are presented: 1) Jesus will not be physically present; 2) we are living in a hostile world; and 3) we are given a humanly impossible mission. Four provisions are given: 1) hope in the eternal kingdom; 2) access to God through prayer; 3) help through the Holy Spirit; and 4) the authority of Jesus over the world system.

Endless Hope or Hopeless End

James Rochford

Matthew 27:1-28:15

Following his death on the cross, Jesus rises from the dead. There are seven reasons to believe in the validity of the resurrection: 1) the execution of Jesus was recorded by the Romans, Greeks and Jews; 2) the empty tomb, which involved women witnesses and a realistic burial story; 3) expectations; 4) eyewitnesses, including Paul, James and the twelve disciples; 5) explained in advance, through prophecy from the Old Testament; 6) the expansion of Christianity grew from 500 to 1 million people by the end of the first century; and 7) experience. The resurrection is crucial for the basis for Christian's lives and has much evidence supporting it.

The Last Night

Dennis McCallum

Exodus 12:3-9

On his last night before he went to the cross, Jesus sat down to have communion with his disciples. The purpose of communion is not some sort of religious ritual, but is served as remembrance of Jesus' atoning sacrifice on the cross for people to have a relationship with God. It is also a proclamation before God of the importance of Jesus' work before he comes back and an opportunity for fellowship of Christians. Communion is one of the two New Testament rituals believers are called to practice at their discretion because of the freedom they have in Jesus Christ.