Resurrection: Fact or Myth

March 30, 2021 by

Part 3: Thieves stole Jesus’ body

Today, we’re considering ‘the stolen body theory’.  Was the empty tomb a result of thieves stealing the body of Jesus?

What we already know is that the Roman soldiers, who had put Jesus to death using their own torturous methods were now being paid to protect the tomb.  As such, they were on guard constantly and the entrance to the tomb had been sealed with a large and heavy stone.

In Matthew’s gospel, chapter 27 verses 62–66, we read how the Chief Priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate to request that the tomb in which the body had been placed, was made secure for three days and how Pilate granted their request:

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Vitalise Tagged With: ,

Resurrection: Fact or Myth

March 30, 2021 by

Part 2: Roman soldiers stole Jesus’ body

When Jesus was taken off the cross and laid in a tomb, the entrance was sealed by a heavy stone.  At the entrance of the tomb, Roman soldiers were stationed to make sure that no-one went in and Jesus didn’t come out.  Some say, well maybe the Roman soldiers stole Jesus’ body!  Well, let’s take a look at what the gospel writer Matthew has to say about the turn of events.  

First off let’s look at how the Romans viewed Jesus … they HATED Him!  They believed He was a trouble maker, a threat to their power.

Remember, just before Jesus is crucified, as was the tradition at Passover, Pilate gave the people opportunity to free someone.  They could choose to release Barabbas who was a murderer, or Jesus who was one with whom they could find no fault.  Who would you have chosen?

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Resilience Tagged With: ,

Resurrection: Fact or Myth

March 30, 2021 by

Part 1: Jesus didn’t die on the cross

This week is Holy Week; the week that Christians all over the world remember the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  If you want to read more about these events you can find them in the Bible in the gospels (Matthew chapters 26-28; Mark chapters 14-16; Luke chapters 22-24; John chapters 13 and 18-20).  Three days after Jesus was killed, the tomb was empty but why do you think that was?  Christians believe that it’s because Jesus rose from the dead, but I wonder what you believe? Over the next few days, we will be sharing blog posts, unpacking some of the possible reasons why the tomb could have been empty and the evidence (or lack of?!) for each one.

Today we are going to explore the possibility that maybe Jesus really didn’t die on the cross.  That’s got to be the most likely scenario, right?  Jesus looked like he was dead, but was he actually unconscious, or in a coma.  So, he recovered and that is why many people saw him after he had been “crucified”.

So, let’s look at the evidence.

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Vitalise Tagged With: ,

Emotions & The Bible: Joy

February 16, 2021 by

Let me start with some questions to consider … What makes you happy? What brings you joy?

Do you think there’s a difference between happiness and joy or are they simply two words with the same meaning?

Perhaps joy feels an odd topic to be exploring in the midst of a pandemic – in the midst of a season where so many are experiencing so much that is really tough. However, I believe that as we read the Bible, we discover that joy is an emotion that can be experienced even in the depths of despair.

But how?

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Vitalise Tagged With: ,

Emotions & The Bible: Anger

February 8, 2021 by

Anger can be a hot topic.  We often think that there is something shameful about anger or feeling angry about situations. Anger is not the problem – it’s how we react when we are angry, that can cause us problems!

Here are some common triggers for anger and frustration:

·        Parents

·        Siblings

·        Friends

·        Social Injustice

We should be angry about situations of injustice in our world, as our response can be a catalyst for change.  However, right now, when we are all in lockdown again, the anger and feelings of frustration are more likely to be focused on our family.  They will provide the stimulus, but we need to consider our response.

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Vitalise Tagged With: ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »