Who's ? Right: Top 7 New Testament Stories

While the Holy Bible's New Testament is filled with a wide variety of collective stories, the following Top Seven narratives was chosen by the Who's ? Right blog to represent the most well known tales.   

7 - Sermon on the Mount

Jesus delivered the "Sermon on the Mount" near the beginning of His ministry and it's the longest of Jesus' sermons recorded in the New Testament. Amazingly, Jesus attracted a large group of followers early in His ministry, so it is not surprising that thousands gathered, including His Twelve Disciples, on the Mount that day. His message was basically about what it meant to follow Him, put their trust in Him, and to serve as a member of God's Kingdom. He taught powerful subjects such as prayer, handling of religious laws and judging other people. Jesus also touched upon justice, caring for the needy, divorce, fasting, salvation and much more. The "Sermon on the Mount" also contains both the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) and the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). The exact location of where this spiritual sermon took place is unknown as the Gospels don't make it clear, but tradition places at "a large hill known as Karn Hattin", located along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum (near present-day Kefar Nahum). The words spoken by Jesus that day were practical and concise. Jesus' teachings during the "Sermon on the Mount" represent the major ideals of the Christian life. He was truly a master orator and a gifted thinker.

The story of the "Sermon on the Mount" is recorded in the Book of Matthew, chapters 5-7.

6 - Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation is the final book of the New Testament. This certain book of the Bible is also referred to as the Apocalypse of John, Revelation to John or Revelation from Jesus Christ. Consequently, it is also the final book of the Christian Bible. Its title is derived from the first word of the Koine Greek text: apokalypsis, meaning "unveiling" or "revelation."  The author is identified as "John", but his precise identity remains a point of debate among the academic scholars. Early Christian writers, such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria, believed John the Apostle was the "John" of Revelation. Modern scholars take a different view; only acknowledging nothing can be known about the author other than he was a Christian prophet. While other theologians portend this man was a Roman prisoner under the reign of Domitian (81-96 AD) and was called "John of Patmos". Regardless of the author's true identity, the Book of Revelation is the most intense and straightforward tome of all the biblical cannons in the Christian Bible. The obscure and extravagant imagery has led to a wide variety of Christian interpretations: some historians claim the prophetic events occurred during the 1st century of the A.D. era, others say it happened after the fall of the Roman Empire (476 AD). And yet, other biblical scholars believe the revelation of this book is to happen in mankind's future. It is also interesting to point out the Book of Revelation is the only apocalyptic book in the New Testament and therefore occupies a central place in Christian eschatology. However, there is no denying this biblical cannon is the ultimate story about the battle between good and evil. 

The story of the Revelation is recorded in the Book of Revelation, chapters 1-22.

5 - Paul's Conversion to Christianity

Saul of Taurus, "a Pharisee of Pharisees" who intensely persecuted the followers of Jesus, is the main character in this story. He was a very devout Jew; zealous in keeping the religious nature of Judaism intact amid the growing religious movement of the "Jesus followers". In his Epistle to the Galatians, he says, "For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:13–14). Saul was even present for the stoning of Stephen, a wise and righteous man, a follower of Jesus, who was accused of blaspheming God and put to death. It was not until after Jesus was killed on the cross that Saul's life would change forever. While on the road to Damascus to persecute more Christians in that city, he was suddenly blinded by a bright light. It was a resurrected Jesus that stopped the zealous persecutor, saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Those present with Saul heard the voice, but could not see anyone, while Saul himself fell to the ground and closed his eyes in fear. After Jesus had given Saul instructions on what He wanted him to do, Saul dutifully journeyed on to Damascus, where he remained blind for three days. There Saul fasted and prayed, a sign of holy sorrow, and overcome with the guilt of his actions, he only wanted to be forgiven by the Lord. Even Ananias, a follower of Jesus, was skeptical when the Lord came to him in a dream and told him to go lay hands upon Saul so he could regain his eyesight, he said, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem." After Jesus explained that He had plans for Saul of Taurus, Ananias did the Lord's bidding. It was after Ananias lay hand upon Saul and the former persecutor of Christians was able to see again that he changed his name to Paul. He thereafter became a devoted apostle, teacher, writer, and advocate of Jesus. The Apostle Paul is credited with writing the majority of the New Testament. While the accounts of Paul's conversion is described by the theologians as miraculous, supernatural or otherwise revelatory in nature, the majority of Christians believe God used Paul as a vessel to reach out to the Gentiles in His quest to save all of mankind from the snares of evil.   

The story of Paul's conversion is recorded in the Book of Acts, chapter 26, verses 1-32. 

4 - Jesus Walking on Water

Jesus walking on the water is depicted as one of the miracles recounted in the New Testament. There are accounts of this event in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, but it is not included in the Gospel of Luke. This story, which followed the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, tells how Jesus sent the disciples by ship back to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee while he remained behind. There Jesus spent time alone in prayer after dismissing the crowd. As night fell and the sea arose, the ship became caught in a wind storm. After endlessly rowing against the wind for most of the night, the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water. They were initially frightened, thinking that they were seeing a spirit, but when Jesus told them not to be afraid, they were reassured and calmed down. Although Peter had doubts. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus' response was “Come.” Peter cautiously left the boat and entered the water; he was almost to Jesus when a strong wind suddenly came upon him and he began sinking into the sea in fear. Jesus grabbed him from a watery death and chastised him with, “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”  After Jesus entered the ship, the wind ceased, and they arrived safely at land. Christians find the moral of this story to be... when you don't trust in Jesus and can only focus on difficult circumstances, you will sink under the weight of your problems. But, if you have faith and trust in Jesus, He will take us by the hand and raise us above impossible surroundings.

The story of Jesus walking on water is recorded in the Books of Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52 & John 6:16-21.

3 - Raising Lazarus from the Dead

According to the Book of John, a man named Lazarus was brought back to life by Jesus. His story is a bit vague and does not explain how he died. Lazarus lived at a place called Bethany, near Jerusalem, and had two sisters named Mary and Martha. [Bethany is located in the present-day Palestinian town of Al-Eizariya]. According to the gospel, Jesus was close friends of these siblings and wept upon hearing that Lazarus had died. The account notes that Jesus arrived in Bethany four days after Lazarus had passed away and was already entombed. The sisters, Mary and Martha, indirectly implored Jesus to raise him from the dead. Jesus complied with the request and not long afterward Lazarus emerged from his grave wearing his burial cloths. This was the last miracle Jesus performed before being killed. However, this miracle, which was witnessed by many Jews who had come to grieve with the family, inspired people to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, sent by God himself. Lazarus, while a somewhat vague character, was also present when his sister, Mary, anointed the feet of Jesus with perfume, using her long hair to spread it upon his feet (John 12:1-3). He was mentioned by name as the beggar in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. It is interesting to note Lazarus is the only proper name attached to a character in the parables of Jesus. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it states that the miracle performed by Jesus (raising Lazarus from the dead) returned him to his ordinary earthly life and would later die again. The Christian moral of the story: Jesus shows the world that he has power over death.

The story of Raising Lazarus from the dead is recorded in the Book of John, chapter 11, verses 1-45. 

2 - The Last Supper

According to the Four Gospels, the "Last Supper" is a reference to the last meal that Jesus shared with his 12 Disciples before he died. This meal took place towards the end of the week, not long after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem [after raising Lazarus from the dead]. The First Epistle to the Corinthians, written by the Apostle Paul, contains the earliest known reference of the "Last Supper". While all the gospel cannons basically relate the same story, only the first three books of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) mentions what is called the "Eucharist", in which Jesus takes bread, breaks it and shares with the others present, stating, "This is my body given to you." This episode of the "Last Supper" story is not mentioned in the Gospel of John, nor are the disciples referred to in the 1st Corinthians account. The Gospel of John adds to the story: Jesus washed the feet of the apostles, gave a new commandment "to love one another as I have loved you", and included a detailed farewell discourse by Jesus, calling the apostles who follow his teachings "friends, not servants". This was Jesus' way of preparing the apostles for His heavenly departure. Also during this sacred meal Jesus predicts his betrayal by one of the apostles present, which produced shock and denial by his disciples. His prediction came true when it was the Apostle Judas Iscariot that betrayed Him. He also foretells that before the next morning, Peter will "deny knowing him" three times. While the Apostle Peter vehemently denied such an accusation when Jesus prophesied it, Peter would indeed "deny knowing Him" three different times after Jesus was arrested.  There are some scholars that would argue their case for Mary Magdalene being present for the "Last Supper", but the majority of historians and theologians disagree with this scenario, stating only the Disciples were mentioned as being present. The "Last Supper" is commemorated by Christians on what is known as, "Maundy Thursday" (the day before Good Friday).

The story of the "Last Supper" is recorded in the Books of Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-25; Luke 22:7-20; and John 13:1-30.

1 - Birth, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus

The story of Jesus' birth from a virgin and His horrendous death upon the cross is the most well known of stories and basically a guideline for all other cannons in the New Testament. His actual birthdate is unknown, but scholars put His birth between 5-4 BC. The story of His birth is filled with miraculous events from His mother, Mary, conceiving Jesus supernaturally by the hand of God himself, the Magi from the East visiting with gifts, the shepherds witnessing the heavenly host of angels [whom were praising the birth of a king] where they were tending their sheep to the great escape to Egypt the family took due to King Herod being determined to kill all male infants born in or near Bethlehem during the time of Jesus' birth. And, hence was born, the "Nativity of Jesus" and "Christmas" a few centuries later. The first recorded Christmas celebration, honoring the birth of Jesus, took place in Rome on December 25, 336 AD. Likewise Jesus' death was also filled with supernatural phenomenon, such as darkness falling upon the area during the morning hours, a great earthquake occurring when he died and Jesus being resurrected from the dead three days later. Jesus was arrested a week before he was crucified and subjugated to mocking and jeering from his constitutes; His walk to Calvary (also called the Passion of the Christ) occurred on a Friday and was done with godly submission amid the painful persecution He endured. Those present for the crucifixion of Jesus included Mary [mother of Jesus] and her sister [unnamed woman], Mary [Magdalene], Mary [wife of Clopas] and the Apostle John; the other apostles of Jesus were noticeably absent from scripture. Some Christian scholars believe Jesus' other disciples were present, but not mentioned, while other theologians deem the followers of Jesus' hid away in fear. Jesus is recorded as being raised from the dead [3 days later] and appearing to his remaining 11 disciples, including Mary Magdalene, for 40 days, as a testament to His miraculous resurrection, which enabled the disciples to regain their faith to overcome their fear and move forward with spreading the word of Jesus to Jews and Gentiles alike. The story of Jesus' birth, death and resurrection ends with His ascension into a heavenly realm; His remaining 11 disciples [Judas Iscariot had committed suicide after his betrayal of Jesus] were present to witness the supernatural event. Acts 1:10-11 states, "They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Christians believe that Jesus' crucifixion was an act to bring humans salvation from sin, the resurrection indicates that death is not the end and the ascension reminds mankind that Jesus has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for them before He returns to conquer evil once and for all.

The story of Jesus' birth, death, resurrection and ascension is recorded in the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts 1.

Job and His Mysterious Genealogy

AN INITIAL PERSPECTIVE from WHO'S ? RIGHT

In the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Bibles Job is a revered prophet among the Holy Books, yet the genealogy of Job is not listed in any of the ancient tomes.

In fact, very little genealogical information is given about him in Hebrew and Christian Bible traditions other than he came from the land of Uz (Job 1:1). 

The land of Uz also is a mystery, as the Bible only mentions this place named Uz one other time:

> Lamentations 4:21: "Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, that dwellest in the land of Uz." - The majority of biblical scholars believe this is a reference to the nation of Edom (present-day southwestern Jordan and southern Israel). A minority of theologians disagree and claim Uz included a region more southern in Arabia, east of Petra (present-day Jordan). Others proclaim the land extended to present-day Bashan in southern Syria and western Jordan and even unto modern-day Uzbekistan.   

The Dead Sea Scrolls further expand upon the location of Uz:

> War Scroll 2:11, "They shall fight against the rest of the sons of Aramea: Uz, Hul, Togar, and Mesha, who are beyond the Euphrates." - Uz existed "beyond the Euphrates". In this respect, the Dead Sea Scroll is connecting the land in relation to the nation of Aram (which were the children of Nachor, descendants of Abraham's brother, Nahor). The nation of Aram was located in present-day Syria, including areas where the cities of Damascus and Aleppo now stand.

The Quran does not speak of Job's homeland, but touches upon Job himself:

> The Prophets [Surah] 21:83, "And Job, when he cried out to his Lord: “Great harm has afflicted me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful." - The majority of Islamic commentators find plausible cause to believe Job came from the nation of Edom and was a descendant of Esau. A small minority of Islamic scholars agree Job was an ancestor of the Romans. Muslim literature also comments on Job's timeframe, saying that he came before Joseph (son of Jacob) and spread the word of Allah (God) to his own people rather than being sent to a specific community. The ancient kingdom of Edom was once divided between present-day Israel and Jordan.

The mystery of where Job actually came from and his lineage remains a mystery.  He appeared in various religious literature for a brief period in time, then vanished from history altogether, leaving the scholars and theologians debating even unto the 21st century about this mysterious prophet who endured horrid suffering in the name of God.

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A CONTINUED PERSPECTIVE

Genealogy of Job                                                                                                                   by Mary Jane Chaignot

The following article was obtained through Bible Wise website.

Neither Job nor his ancestors are ever mentioned in any of the genealogies. The main reason for this is that the writer remains completely anonymous. Moreover, scholars still have no idea when this book was written. They have proposed dates as early as the tenth century BCE and as late as the fourth century BCE (around the time of the exile). There are no forensic clues within the story that might help locate it in time. Scholars have relied upon phrases or word studies for help, but, ultimately, to no avail. Most opt for a time between the 10th and 7th centuries, but even that, is a three hundred year spread.

This does not mean, however, that scholars have nothing to say about the author. Indeed, he is commonly thought to be among the greatest wise men in all Israel. He was certainly well educated as evidenced by his broad vocabulary. He has a vast knowledge of nature and knows well the habits of animals. He was familiar with precious stones, listing over thirteen by name. He understood weather patterns and could read the stars. He also described mining, hunting, and trapping practices of ancient Israel. He was well versed in other cultures, especially Egypt. Noted parallels between the Book of Job and ancient Ugaritc texts cannot be that coincidental. He also knew his own patriarchal history, which included ancient names for God and past ethical standards. He was, of course, very spiritually minded. And lastly, he was a devout servant of Yahweh (God) and struggled mightily with the disconnect between a just God and unjust circumstances.

The best scholars can do is place Uz in the "East," possibly in Edom. There is a little more information in the Greek and Latin versions of the Book of Job. There, it states that Job dwelt in Ausitis on the confines of Idumea and Arabia. It continues that his original name was Johab. He married an Arabian woman and fathered Ennon. Job's father was Zerah who was from the lineage of Esau – five generations from Abraham. They were natives of Bozrah. The text continues that Job reigned in Edom succeeding Balak, the son of Beor. (In the Hebrew Bible, Balaam is the son of Beor.) Following Job were Husham and then Hadad, who was the son of Bedad and who defeated the Midianites in the fields of Moab. His city was named Arith. His three friends were Eliaphaz, a descendant of Esau and king of Teman, Bildad, king of the Shuhites, and Zophar, king of the Naamathites. Several church Fathers as well as Philo, Aristeus, and Polyhistor attested to the accuracy of this genealogy.

Others suggest that Job was contemporaneous with Moses (1300 BCE). In the Pseudepigrapha, one finds The Testament of Job. That claims Job was a king in Egypt. It also tells us the name of his wife, Sitidos. One Talmudic Tractate claims the Book of Job was written by Moses. (Another claims it dates back to the time of Jacob, that Job is the son of Uz who was the son of Nahor who was the brother of Abraham.) Still others claim that Job was one of the advisors to Pharaoh during the time of Moses; indeed, he was present when Pharaoh decreed that all the male Hebrew infants should be drowned. Even though he did not agree with the decree, he said nothing to dissuade Pharaoh from implementing it. This was, presumably, the sin for which he would be punished – the sin of silence.

Are any of these scenarios possible? Of course, but it should be obvious that scholars are not in agreement on any of them. Perhaps it is best to accept the deliberate anonymity presented by the author of Job and to acknowledge that certain things cannot be known.  

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A FINAL PERSPECTIVE from WHO'S ? RIGHT

A few religious scholars believe that Job and Jashub were the same person. According to the King James Bible, he was a son of Issachar and a grandson of Jacob (five generations from Abraham). Several of the older Bible translations - such as: the Masoretic Text and Greek Septuagint - also list it as Job/Yob.  Therefore making the ancient suffering prophet a descendant of the Tribe of Isaachar. 

The name, Jashub, means, "he will return". Jashub is generally known as the father of the Jashubites, descendants from the tribe of Isaachar. The name, Job, means, "persecuted". Job has only been referred to as "a man from Uz" with no emphasis on his genealogy.

According to the King James Version of the Holy Bible, in Genesis 46:13 it states, "The sons of Issachar: Tola, Puah, Job and Shimron", yet according to Numbers 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 7:1 lists it as, "Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimrom..." The discrepancy in the names Jashub/Job is never thoroughly explained by the minority of theologians therefore leading the majority of religious scholars to disagree with such a theory of Job descending from one of the 12 Tribes of Israel based on such a minute implication.  

Outside of the King James Bible reference in the book of Genesis, the name Job only appears in two other biblical cannons: Ezekiel 14:14, 20 and James 5:11. In this respect, both biblical authors assumed that Job was a real person worthy of being noted.

Regardless of the mystery of Job and his genealogy, all three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) believe this man actually existed and is considered the epitome of trusting and believing in God, especially during trials and tribulations. 

Did Jesus Christ Really Exist? Proving Jesus Without the Bible.

The following article was obtained through Beginning and End website (Dated: March 24, 2012).

Did Jesus Really Exist? Where is the proof from non-Bible sources that he is real?

These questions and others like it are often asked by Bible skeptics and atheists alike. This article will show that not only is there historical evidence (from secular sources as well as Christian) that Jesus Christ was real and existed, but also that Jesus Christ is the most documented and historically verifiable figure in antiquity.

There are many secular historians who lived in the century after the death of Jesus Christ who confirmed his existence. Here are some of them:

Flavius Josephus

According to his Wikipedia entry: “Titus Flavius Josephus (37 – c. 100), was a 1st-century Romano-Jewish historian and hagiographer of priestly and royal ancestry who recorded Jewish history, with special emphasis on the 1st century AD and the First Jewish–Roman War, which resulted in the Destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70.”

His most important works were The Jewish War (c. 75) and Antiquities of the Jews (c. 94). The Jewish War recounts the Jewish revolt against Roman occupation (66–70). Antiquities of the Jews recounts the history of the world from a Jewish perspective for an ostensibly Roman audience. These works provide valuable insight into 1st century Judaism and the background of Early Christianity.

Josephus was a Jew who did not believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God or Christianity. In The Antiquities of the Jews, book 18, chapter 3, paragraph 3 the famous historian Flavius Josephus writes:

“Now, there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works—a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.” 

Later Josephus writes:

“But the younger Ananus who, as we said, received the high priesthood, was of a bold disposition and exceptionally daring; he followed the party of the Sadducees, who are severe in judgment above all the Jews, as we have already shown. As therefore Ananus was of such a disposition, he thought he had now a good opportunity, as Festus was now dead, and Albinus was still on the road; so he assembled a council of judges, and brought before it the brother of Jesus the so-called Christ, whose name was James, together with some others, and having accused them as law-breakers, he delivered them over to be stoned.” 

Josephus considered one of the greatest historians of antiquity, independently provides proof and evidence that Jesus was a real person who did exist and also confirms the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross under the orders of Pontius Pilate, thus confirming the Biblical account as well.

Tacitus

Cornelius Tacitus was a Roman Historian who lived from 55-120AD. In 115 AD, Cornelius Tacitus wrote the following passage that refers to Jesus (called “Christus,” which means “The Messiah”) in book 15, chapter 44 of The Annals after a six-day fire burned much of Rome:

“Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judaea, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. Mockery of every sort was added to their deaths. Covered with the skins of beasts, they were torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses, or were doomed to the flames and burnt, to serve as a nightly illumination, when daylight had expired.” (source)

Despite the fact the clearly despised Christianity as a “mischievous superstition”, Tacitus no less confirms once again the existence of Jesus and His crucifixion on the cross, it also states Pontius Pilate as the procurator who oversaw the crucifixion again giving non-Biblical proof of Jesus’ existence as recorded in the Bible.

Pliny The Younger

Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, (61 AD – ca. 112 AD): “better known as Pliny the Younger, was a lawyer, author, and magistrate of Ancient Rome. According to Wikipedia: “Pliny is known for his hundreds of surviving letters, which are an invaluable historical source for the time period. Many are addressed to reigning emperors or to notables such as the historian, Tacitus. Pliny himself was a notable figure, serving as an imperial magistrate under Trajan (reigned AD 98–117). Pliny was considered an honest and moderate man, consistent in his pursuit of suspected Christian members according to Roman law, and rose through a series of Imperial civil and military offices, the cursus honorum.”

In his correspondence with the emperor Trajan (Epistulae X.96) he reported on his actions against the followers of Christ. He asks the Emperor for instructions dealing with Christians and explained that he forced Christians to curse Christ under painful torturous inquisition:

“They were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god, and bound themselves to a solemn oath, not to any wicked deeds, but never to commit any fraud, theft, adultery, never to falsify their word, not to deny a trust when they should be called upon to deliver it up. When this was over, it was their custom to depart and to assemble again to partake of a meal–but ordinary and innocent food.” 

So not only was Pliny aware of Jesus Christ, he also provides description of the activities of the early church. In a later writing he details persecution against Christians:

“Even this practice, however, they had abandoned after the publication of my edict, by which, according to your orders, I had forbidden political associations. I therefore judged it so much more the necessary to extract the real truth, with the assistance of torture, from two female slaves, who were styled deaconesses: but I could discover nothing more than depraved and excessive superstition.

In the meanwhile, the method I have observed towards those who have denounced to me as Christians is this: I interrogated them whether they were Christians; if they confessed it I repeated the question twice again, adding the threat of capital punishment; if they still persevered, I ordered them to be executed. For whatever the nature of their creed might be, I could at least feel not doubt that contumacy and inflexible obstinacy deserved chastisement. There were others possessed of the same folly; but because they were Roman citizens, I signed an order for them to be transferred to Rome.” 

So here we see that not only did Pliny not follow the Christian faith, he was torturing Christians and threatening death against them. And he even records that under threat of execution (just for believing in Jesus Christ as God) the early church members refused to deny their faith in Jesus. This is remarkable evidence of Jesus’ existence outside of the Bible.

Julius Africanus and Tallus

Sextus Julius Africanus (c.160 – c.240) was a Christian traveller and historian of the late 2nd and early 3rd century AD. He is important chiefly because of his influence on Eusebius, on all the later writers of Church history among the Fathers, and on the whole Greek school of chroniclers.

Julius Africanus quotes the writings of Tallus, who was a first century non-Christian historian. In his Chronicles, Africanus quoting the historian Tallus, explains the reason for it being so dark during the day time on the day of crucifixion of Jesus Christ:

“An eclipse of the sun’unreasonably, as it seems to me (unreasonably of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was at the season of the Paschal full moon that Christ died.” Julius Africanus, Chronography, 18.

The importance of this quote is two fold as it shows: 1) non-Christian proof of Jesus’ existence and 2) yet another confirmation of the Bible’s account of Jesus’ crucifixion. The Bible states in reference to the time Jesus was put on the cross: “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour” The “sixth hour” is noon and the ninth hour is 3:00PM. Thus we see that the historian Thallus was trying to explain the odd occurrence of the sky being dark at noon during the crucifxion of Jesus as an eclipse. Africanus also quotes the secular scholar Phlegon, a Greek Historian who lived in the 2nd century AD and also wrote of an eclipse occuring on the day Jesus was crucified. This again provides proof from a non-Christian source that confirms the account of Jesus being a real person who lived as well as confirming the account of His crucifixion straight from the Bible.

Lucian of Samosate

Lucian (Born 115 AD) was a well-known Greek satirist and traveling lecturer. More than eighty works bear his name. He mocked Christians in his writing, but at the same time provided evidence that Jesus really did exist:

“He was second only to that one whom they still worship today, the man in Palestine who was crucified because he brought this new form of initiation into the world.”

“Having convinced themselves that they are immortal and will live forever, the poor wretches despise death and most willingly give themselves to it. Moreover, that first lawgiver of theirs persuaded them that they are all brothers the moment they transgress and deny the Greek gods and begin worshiping that crucified sophist and living by his laws.”

“They scorn all possessions without distinction and treat them as community property. They accept such things on faith alone, without any evidence. So if a fraudulent and cunning person who knows how to take advantage of a situation comes among them, he can make himself rich in a short time.”

So again, even though Lucian does not mention Jesus by name, there is no doubt he is speaking of the Jesus as he confirms: 1) that he was crucified in “Palestine” (the name of Israel at that time), 2) had followers who believed in eternal life and 3) that they were all equal in Jesus Christ. Lucian even mentions that Christians deny all other gods and believe on “faith alone.” This again is all in accordance with the Bible’s clear statements about the Christian faith and provides even more evidence from outside of the Bible that Jesus, the “man in Palestine” did really exist.

Seutonius

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus commonly known as Suetonius (ca. 69/75 – after 130), was a Roman historian belonging to the equestrian order in the early Imperial era. His most important surviving work is a set of biographies of twelve successive Roman rulers, from Julius Caesar to Domitian, entitled De Vita Caesarum. The description of his writings states:

The emperor Claudius reigned 41 to 54 AD. Suetonius reports his dealings with the eastern Roman Empire, that is, with Greece and Macedonia, and with the Lycians, Rhodians, and Trojans. He then reports that the emperor expelled the Jews from Rome, since they “constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Christ” (Judaeos impulsore Chresto assidue tumultuantis Roma expulit). The name appears in manuscripts of Suetonius as Chrestus, a form also used by the Roman historian Tacitus to refer to Chrestiani. (source)

Skeptics will point to the different spelling to say “that’s not Jesus he’s talking about!” but again, with the totality of evidence, it’s very obvious that followers of Jesus in the Roman Empire were persecuted by Roman authorities. So it certainly falls in line with the other historical accounts. And there are a number of sources the support the history of Christians in the Roman empire who followed Jesus Christ and being punished for it.

The Bible is Historical Proof That Jesus Existed

The amount of New Testament manuscript evidence of Jesus Christ is greater than any other figure in antiquity.

There is a great logical fallacy among Bible skeptics, atheists and those who like to challenge Christianity that says when discussing the historical aspects of the Bible “you can’t use the Bible as proof that Jesus existed. You must use non-Bible sources!!” To which this author says, “why not?” The four Gospels of the Bible are bibliographical accounts of the life of Jesus. The normal objective measure of the reliability of historical documents is: 1) The number of available copies of ancient manuscripts and 2) the time span between the original version and the date of those copies still in existence today. When examined under this standard, the Bible proves to provide a treasure trove of proof and evidence that Jesus really existed.

Some of the earliest manuscript fragments of the New Testament are the John Rylands Fragment, Chester Beatty Papyrus and the Bodmer Papyrus which were written between 50-100AD. Copies of these papyri were reproduced in 125-200AD, meaning that the time span between the originals and the copies still in existence today is 29 years to 130 years, putting all these manuscripts beings written anywhere from 50-100 years after the death of Jesus Christ. Now some may object and say “Hold on! These manuscripts were written years after Jesus died. There’s no way they could be reliable!” But any expert on ancient documents would disagree.

Let’s look at some of the more famous and universally accepted historical documents and see how they match up with the Bible:

Plato — Plato wrote his works from 427-347 BC. The earliest manuscript copy of Plato’s writing in existence today was written in 900 AD. That is 1,200 years after Plato’s death! And there are only 2 copies of these manuscripts in existence. (source)

Julius Caesar — One of the most celebrated and trusted historical figures. Caesar lived from 100-44 BC and the earliest manuscript copy of his writings dates back to 900 AD, putting our best evidence of Caesar ever existing 1,000 years after his death. And there are 10 copies of ancient manuscripts of Caesar’s Gallic Wars. (source) So if you question the Bible based on when it was written, being “translated so many times” (it was not – we still have the same Greek manuscripts today) and still question whether Jesus existed, then you must also be really sure that Julius Caesar and Plato were completely fictional characters and never really existed.

Homer — Homer, who historians are not even sure ever really existed even today, is credited with writing the Iliad in ca 900 BC. The earliest manuscript copy of the Iliad dates to 400 BC. Meaning the only proof of Homer or the Iliad being accurate is from 500 years after the death of Homer. Additionally there are 643 copies of ancient manuscripts of the Iliad written over the centuries that when compared against each other by experts have a 95.3 consistency and accuracy, making it one of the most reliable and proven documents of antiquity. (source)

That is of course, until you compare it to the New Testament. The New Testament manuscripts date to less than 100 years after the death of Christ. Additionally there are over 5,600 ancient manuscript copies of the New Testament giving it more copies to a degree that dwarfs any other figure of ancient history (to view actual copies of some of these ancient manuscripts, see here). And they have a 99% accuracy when compared to each other. The evidence is not even comparable. And it all points to Jesus Christ. The record of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has more evidence and proof than any other person from antiquity.

The Proof and Evidence is Clear – Jesus Christ Really Existed

The most amazing conclusion in all of this is not that Jesus really existed — it is that He still exists. And He sits in Heaven at the right hand of God offering forgiveness to those who will not just believe He was a regular man, but that He as the Son of God, gave His life on that same cross that so many historians knew about, to take the punishment for sins that all of humanity has committed. It just takes faith and trust in that sacrifice to receive him. Jesus said: Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. – Revelation 3:20-21.

Jesus wants us to believe in Him so we can be freely forgiven of the sins we have committed in our lives, have eternal life and reign with Him. So now that it is established that He existed, why not take the time to get to know Jesus Christ and who He said He is from His historically-verifiable perspective? Your eternal life may depend on it.

Aspects of the One World Religion

The following excerpt was obtained through the article, One World Religion on RationalWiki.

One world religion refers to the idea of the establishment of a single global religion, formed by a merger of all existing religions.

Some see this prospect positively, seeing all religions as ultimately one, and envisioning their peaceful union as they all come to realize their essential oneness. This idea is at times associated with New Age thought.

Others see this prospect negatively—many premillennialist Christians believe that the Antichrist will establish one world religion, based on Satanism and the occult, during the End Times, associated with one world government. Contrary to New Age views which see this as a peaceful development, they believe that the one world government will impose the one world religion by force, and that those who refuse to accept it will be persecuted, tortured and/or executed. They generally see ecumenical policy as a step toward this world religion.

Those with a basic grasp of global politics or theology view the establishment of one world religion as extremely unlikely. They see the religions of the world as too fundamentally different for a peaceful union between them to ever be attainable (hindus say there are many gods, abrahamics say there is only one God, pantheists say that the universe is God, Buddhists don't believe in any gods, etc), and doubt that there would ever exist any government with sufficient power to forcibly unite all the world's major religions into one.

Ironically, in fundamentalist circles (especially Christian ones) the desire for religious supremacy actually reflects this very concept.

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POSITIVE ASPECT...

The following article was obtained through the website, All About Spirituality.

New Age is a compilation of metaphysical, Eastern-influenced thought systems. These thought systems unite theology, nature, and philosophy. This movement comprises countless "theologies" that often center on religious tolerance and moral diversity. The main phrases (or "isms") that reveal the focal point of New Age thought are "feel-goodism" (do whatever feels good, as long as you are not hurting someone else), "moral relativism" (situational ethics), and "pluralism" (universal tolerance). The phrase "New Age" refers to the "Aquarian Age" which, according to New Age supporters, is now beginning. This Age is expected to bring in peace and enlightenment, as well as reunite humans with "god." New Age doctrine says that humans are currently estranged from god due to a lack of insight concerning god's real nature and reality. In New Age understanding, mankind is central. Humans are considered to be divine, as co-creators, and as the ultimate hope for the future of the world. Although New Age is generally tolerant of almost any world religion or philosophy, it is opposed to the "narrow-mindedness" of Christianity that teaches Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal salvation. New Age philosophy is complicated to define because there is no centralized hierarchy, doctrine, or membership. At its foundation, the New Age movement is a religious system with two main doctrines: Evolutionary Godhood and Global Unity.

New Age: The Doctrine of Evolutionary Godhood

Generally, New Age thought supports the theory of organic evolution, but extends the concept to the evolution of the spirit. This is the concept of "Evolutionary Godhood," where the next step in evolution won't be physical, but spiritual. The principles of evolution are constantly moving mankind toward god-consciousness, where man and reality connect in unified enlightenment. The "fittest" already understand this reality, while the "unfit" (such as Christians and other proponents of dogmatic worldviews) act as a hindrance to evolutionary forces. Many New Age practices are designed to accelerate the evolutionary push into the spiritual realms. These practices include: (i) astral projection, which is training your soul to leave your body and travel around; (ii) channeling spirits, so they may speak through you or guide you; (iii) crystal usage, which purifies the energy systems of your body and mind; and (iv) visualization techniques, which include everything from basic mental imagery to role playing of animals or divine creatures. In a nutshell, Evolutionary Godhood means that mankind will soon see itself as god. This is often referred to as the "Christ principle" or "Christ consciousness." New Age teaches that we are basically good and inherently divine, and ultimately, we can create our own reality.

New Age: The Doctrine of Global Unity

The second major doctrine of the New Age movement is "Global Unity." This concept typically consists of three parts:

Man Unified With Man. One New Age principle is that we will all realize our proper divine relationship with one another and achieve pure harmony through the acceptance of this divine knowledge. With relational harmony comes economic unity. With economic unity, we can achieve political unity (a single world government) and spiritual unity (a one world religion).

Man Unified With Nature. Another New Age principle is that god is everything, and everything is god. Therefore, nature is also part of god. We must be in harmony with nature. We must nurture it and be nurtured by it. Mankind is no different than any other animal. We must live in harmony with them, understand them, and learn from them. Actually, many in the New Age movement refer to the union of earth and nature as "Gaia." Gaia is revered, respected, and even worshipped as a god by some. American Indian rituals are also popular in the New Age movement because they focus on the elements of nature and man's relationship to them.

Man Unified With God. Since man is divine by nature, all people can realize their "divinity" and contribute to the unified purpose of man, earth and nature. The ultimate goal in life is to fully realize our own divine goodness. The New Age god is impersonal and omnipresent. He (it) has not revealed himself (itself) to mankind, and therefore, mankind is not accountable to any notions of moral law or absolute truth. There is no objective morality in the New Age philosophy. We should have tolerance for all systems of truth, meaning and purpose. We should create a world of pure relativism, where morality and religion are strictly relative to each person's individual notion of reality itself.

Related Articles:

New Age Theology                     

New Age Religion of the New World Order                                                 

Our Children - The Primary Target of the New Age One-World Religion

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NEGATIVE ASPECT...

The following article was obtained through the website, Compelling Truth.

What is the one-world religion described in Revelation?

What will be the one-world religion of the end times?

Revelation 17 speaks of a "great prostitute" (or "great harlot") that is generally understood as a metaphor for a false religion that will exist during the tribulation period. Many have debated the identity of this religion, with some arguing the Roman Catholic Church, Islam, or another large religious movement will be the end-times, one-world religion.

However, it is more likely that the false religion of the last days will consist of an inclusive religion that allows for a pluralistic view of God. This would include even liberal monotheistic groups that see "all religions as one" and are willing to worship the Antichrist in the last days.

Whatever this religion is, it will certainly exclude any faith that is exclusive and refuses to worship the Antichrist or his image. Revelation 17:6 states, "And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of the martyrs of Jesus." This false religion will permit and even encourage the death of those who follow Jesus during the tribulation.

Further, this false end-times religion will include sexual immorality (Revelation 17:2). It will also likely have its headquarters in Rome, often described even in New Testament times as Babylon (Revelation 17:5; 1 Peter 5:13).

Some see this false religion as short lived since the Antichrist will demand people worship him at the midpoint of the tribulation (Revelation 13). However, this religion may continue and include worship of the Antichrist. It will be opposed to Christians, as well as reject the Jews since the Antichrist will defile the temple as the abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15).

Ultimately, the deception during this time will be so great that Jesus taught, "For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24).

Some wonder if this one world religion already exists today. The specific one world religion of the end times cannot be fully developed until the tribulation when the Antichrist rules. However, the growth in religious pluralism, interfaith dialogue that promotes the idea that all religions are equal, and the erroneous teachings that many ways lead to God or to heaven all exist today. These views certainly foreshadow what Scripture predicts will be more prevalent in the future when the world unites under one religion under the power of the Antichrist.

The apostle Paul warned Timothy about this concern, saying, "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). As believers, we must study and live by the truth, avoiding the false teachings of our time.

Related Articles:

Is there an end times unholy trinity? Who is part of the unholy trinity?

Who is the end-times false prophet?

The mark of the beast (666) - What is it?

What is going to happen in the end times?

James Dobson: Biden 'regime' would bring 'moral depravity'

The following article was obtained through the website WND and written by Bob Unruh.

'An open season on the unborn child' (Published November 17, 2020)

James Dobson previously described Joe Biden's declared support of transgender surgery for children as "lunacy."

Now, the evangelical leader is warning of much more to come should the Democratic ticket be confirmed the winner of the disputed 2020 election. 

[Biden was officially sworn in as President of the United States on January 20, 2021 - W?R]

"I won’t speculate on the voting controversy," he wrote in a newsletter to supporters. "If, however, American citizens have handed over the reins of power to the Biden/Harris ticket, it is important that we examine the platform on which they ran. Elections have consequences, as we know."

Dobson, the founder of the James Dobson Family Institute and the host of the "Family Talk" radio program, said the "promises made in writing and on the campaign trail should disturb every conservative Christian."

He began with the "sanctity of life" issue, noting Biden "has told us emphatically that he will bring an open season on the unborn child."

Dobson cited a LifeNews report of Biden's abortion agenda:

• He will force Americans to fund abortions during his first week in office;

• He will implement abortion on demand nationwide without any limits;

• He will force Americans to fund Planned Parenthood, the biggest abortion provider;

• He will force Christians such as the Little Sisters of the Poor to fund abortions in their health insurance plans;

• And he will stack the courts with pro-abortion judges who would keep abortions legal for decades to come.

"That should break the heart of every lover of God’s children," Dobson wrote. "We, as American citizens, will be complicit in the deaths of millions. How can Joe Biden say he wants to be president of ALL the American people? What does he have to say to the half of us who vigorously oppose abortion on demand, paid for by taxpayers through nine months of pregnancy and perhaps beyond, in America and, by inference, in nations around the world?"

Dobson said that if Donald Trump "has been the pro-life president, Joe Biden will be the radical abortion president from his inauguration forward. If Biden does become president, I will do what I can to oppose his pro-death policies every day he is in office."

But there's more.

"Biden’s regime will also usher in other forms of moral depravity. For example, he recently suggested that kids as young as eight or ten years old should be able to undergo irreversible transsexual transformation. That’s what the man said! Kamala Harris, who may be our next vice president, said she wants this country to legalize all prostitution. What other moral outrage will come from this godless administration? Heaven only knows!"

Then there's Biden's support for "open borders," which means "people around the world will be invited to enter this country legally and take up permanent residence within it. From the day of their arrival, they will be entitled to free welfare, free legal services, free medical care, free education, and who knows what else."

And he will spend "trillions" on the "foolishness of the Green New Deal," a plan that could bankrupt America.

"The institution of the family will find no friends in the White House or in the halls of Congress. Taxes are likely to skyrocket for middle-class parents and others. We can also expect unprecedented assaults on religious liberty and churches could be stripped of constitutional protection. Also at risk are our Bill of Rights, the Second Amendment, and other provisions within the U.S. Constitution. Democrats are talking about defunding the police and even the military. Radical change is about to descend on the nation. America is about to be over-run by the most leftist regime in history," Dobson warned.

He said Trump is partly responsible for the "change of trajectory" over the last four years.

"I believe God gave America a spiritual reprieve" in an era that now apparently is passing, Dobson said.

He acknowledged Trump "isn’t a perfect man, and his relationship with the Lord is a very private matter."

"But he attempted during the first four years of his presidency to get acquainted with, to honor, and to learn from Christian leaders," Dobson said. "He is very close to Rev. Franklin Graham, Dr. Robert Jeffress, Rev. Paula White, Dr. Jack Graham, former Governor Mike Huckabee, and at least 30 others, including myself."

He pointed out that Trump is the first president to celebrate the National Day of Prayer in the Rose Garden.

He is "the most pro-life president in American history. He is the only chief executive to have spoken at the March for Life, which is an annual remembrance of the millions of babies aborted since Roe v. Wade in 1973. One of Trump’s most significant decisions has been the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to be an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. She never wavered on her pro-life beliefs even during her contentious confirmation hearings."

The media and his political opponents "hammered him every day for four years."

"There was never a respite. President Trump arose every morning knowing he would be unfairly ridiculed and attacked from morning to night. This criticism began before he was elected and continued throughout his presidency. Nevertheless, he stood like a rock and his list of accomplishments could fill a book," Dobson said.

However, Dobson said, God is still "in charge."

"I believe the Almighty has had His hand of protection on this land since the days of its founding fathers. Our ancestors cried out to Him at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Midway, and Normandy. I don’t believe He has forsaken us now. So how do we explain the predicament that confronts us? I don’t know. Millions of people have been praying about the outcome of this election because we knew it would have such profound moral and spiritual implications. But who can discern the mind of God?

"I grappled with such matters in my book, 'When God Doesn’t Make Sense.' I wrote one morning after pacing back and forth in my study, 'We must never forget that He is God. He is majestic and holy and sovereign. He is accountable to no one. He is not an errand boy who chases the assignments we dole out. He is not a genie who pops out of the bottle to satisfy our whims. He is not our servant—we are His. And our reason for existence is to glorify and honor Him . . . even when nothing makes sense. I then heard Him say, 'Trust Me.''"

He pointed out he previously had condemned America's "popular culture" as "utterly wicked."

"If that is accurate, how could a nation murder 62 million babies, fresh from the hand of the Creator, without expecting judgment to fall upon them? Clearly, we stand guilty before Him. … If this explains the disaster that has now befallen this great nation, there is only one biblical response. It is repentance. It is for us to kneel humbly before our righteous and all-seeing God and beg for forgiveness, both corporately and individually. That alone will save us."

Dr. James Dobson

Dobson has dedicated his career as a psychologist, Christian leader and broadcaster to "preserving the biblical institutions of marriage and family by encouraging, inspiring, supporting, and leading parents and children to build their lives on God’s Word." 

His radio broadcasts are heard weekdays on more than 1,300 radio outlets. He's written 71 books on the family, and he's advised five U.S. presidents on family issues. Along with an earned Ph.D., he holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and reaches hundreds of thousands regularly with his newsletters.