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Throughout human history, there have been many events which have forever shaped the world. Empires such as the Babylonian, Persian, Roman, and more, heavily shaped cultures, languages, and politics for hundreds of years. World War I and II had a significant impact on modern day culture. While these nations and events were significant in our history, their overall influence on the entire world pales in comparison to Jesus’ resurrection.
In his book titled Making Sense of God, author and pastor Timothy Keller writes the following: “Sometimes people approach me and say, ‘I really struggle with this aspect of Christian teaching. I like this part of Christian belief, but I don’t think I can accept that part.’ I usually respond: ‘If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all he said; if he didn’t rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.’”
Human history was forever changed when Jesus did rise from the dead and his followers accepted everything he had taught
READING & PRAYERS:
JOHN 20:1-29 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: What do you think of Timothy Keller’s argument, that if Jesus really did rise from the dead, then you have to accept everything He said?
DIGGING DEEPER: Are there any teachings from Jesus you struggle to accept?
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that Keller’s argument is a good one — that if Jesus really did rise from the dead then I need to accept everything He said. As I read through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I ask that You will remind me of this important truth. I pray that as I read, when Jesus says or does something I may not like or agree with, that You would remind me to not only accept it, but to see the wisdom within it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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