1. 1

2. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” John 14:6

3. 3 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A Our Mission Today

4. 4 Why are we doing Apologetics? Because Reason demands it and the Bible commands it... Because Reason demands it and the Bible commands it... Apologetics: Giving Reasons for your Beliefs

6. 6 The First & Greatest Commandment: Love the Lord... with all your mind (Matt. 22:37). The First & Greatest Commandment: Love the Lord... with all your mind (Matt. 22:37). The Bible Commands It Apologetics: Worshiping God with our minds! Apologetics: Worshiping God with our minds!

7. 7 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect... We are Commanded to Defend the Christian faith

8. 8 2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. We are Commanded to Refute False Ideas About God

9. 9 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A Our Mission Today

10. 10 “I Don’t have Enough Faith to be an Atheist is the best single book I’ve seen to prepare believers to give the reasons for their faith, and for skeptics who are open to the truth.” --David Limbaugh (from the Foreword) Also endorsed by: Lee Strobel Ravi Zacharias Hank Hanegraaff Josh McDowell Phillip Johnson “I Don’t have Enough Faith to be an Atheist is the best single book I’ve seen to prepare believers to give the reasons for their faith, and for skeptics who are open to the truth.” --David Limbaugh (from the Foreword) Also endorsed by: Lee Strobel Ravi Zacharias Hank Hanegraaff Josh McDowell Phillip Johnson

11. 11 In Case You Can’t Keep Up: Books, PowerPoint & CD’s Available at the Book Table

12. 12 What is Truth? Truth is telling it like it is! Truth is telling it like it is! “What IS Truth?”

13. 13 A true statement matches its object “This man is Josh McDowell.”

14. 14 Opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense. Opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense. The Law of Non-Contradiction Helps Us Discover What is False The Law of Non-Contradiction Helps Us Discover What is False The Earth is Round The Earth is NOT Round

15. 15 They can’t BOTH be true! Josh McDowell – God Exists! Madalyn O’Hair – God Does NOT Exist! The Law of Non-Contradiction

16. 16 The law of non-contradiction is undeniable. Even those who deny it use it. The Law of Non-Contradiction

17. 17 “Anyone who denies the law of non- contradiction should be beaten and burned until he admits that to be beaten is not the same as not to be beaten, and to be burned is not the same as not to be burned.” (Avicenna, Great Medieval Philosopher) “Anyone who denies the law of non- contradiction should be beaten and burned until he admits that to be beaten is not the same as not to be beaten, and to be burned is not the same as not to be burned.” (Avicenna, Great Medieval Philosopher) The Law of Non-Contradiction

18. 18 All Truth is Absolute Something that is true is true for all persons at all times in all places! All Truth is Absolute Something that is true is true for all persons at all times in all places!

19. 19 Objections to Absolute Truth 1.There is no such thing as truth! 2.You can’t know truth! 3.All truth is relative! 4.It’s true for you but not for me! 5.No one has the truth! 6.All truth depends on your perspective! 1.There is no such thing as truth! 2.You can’t know truth! 3.All truth is relative! 4.It’s true for you but not for me! 5.No one has the truth! 6.All truth depends on your perspective!

20. 20 Apply the claim to itself! Example... Your Greatest Tool in Answering These Objections:

21. 21 If someone were to say... “ I can’t speak a word in English.” “Didn’t he say that in English?” “Didn’t he say that in English?”

22. 22 We call this “The Road Runner Tactic” Because it shows that the person making the claim has no ground to stand on

23. 23 “There is no truth.” “Is that true?” “Is that true?” The Road Runner Tactic

24. 24 “You can’t know truth.” “Then how do you know that?” The Road Runner Tactic

25. 25 “All truth is relative!” “Is that a relative truth?” “Is that a relative truth?” The Road Runner Tactic

26. 26 “There are no absolutes!” “Isn’t that an absolute truth?” The Road Runner Tactic

27. 27 “It’s true for you but not for me!” “Is that true for everybody?” The Road Runner Tactic

28. 28 “All truth depends on your perspective.” “Does that truth depend on your perspective? The Road Runner Tactic

29. 29 “No one has the truth!” “Then how do you know that is true?” The Road Runner Tactic

30. 30 “You should doubt everything.” “Should I doubt that?” “Should I doubt that?” The Road Runner Tactic

31. 31 “You ought not judge! “Isn’t that a judgment! “Isn’t that a judgment! The Road Runner Tactic

32. 32 1. Contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible. 2. You can believe everything is true, but everything can’t be true. 3. Objective truth can’t be denied without being affirmed. 1. Contrary beliefs are possible, but contrary truths are not possible. 2. You can believe everything is true, but everything can’t be true. 3. Objective truth can’t be denied without being affirmed. Summary The Truth About Truth Summary The Truth About Truth

33. The True Worldview must Explain 1.The origin of the universe out of nothing 2.The design of the universe 3.The origin of the four natural forces 4.The origin of the laws of logic 5.The origin of the laws of mathematics 6.The origin of the law of causality 7.The origin of objective morality & human rights 8.The origin and design of life 9.The origin and design of new life forms 10.The origin of intelligence 11.The origin of personality 12.The origin of love and beauty 1.The origin of the universe out of nothing 2.The design of the universe 3.The origin of the four natural forces 4.The origin of the laws of logic 5.The origin of the laws of mathematics 6.The origin of the law of causality 7.The origin of objective morality & human rights 8.The origin and design of life 9.The origin and design of new life forms 10.The origin of intelligence 11.The origin of personality 12.The origin of love and beauty

34. 34 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A Our Mission Today

35. Does God Exist?

36. No God at all The Three Major Religious World Views God is all God made all ReligiousHumanism Zen Buddhism Hinduism New Age JudaismChristianityIslam

37. 37 Three Great Arguments for the Existence of God 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument

38. 38 Three Great Arguments for the Existence of God 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument

39. BANG!

42. 42 If the universe had a beginning, then it must have had a Beginner. The evidence leaves us with the following two options. EITHER 1. NO ONE CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING (atheistic view) OR If the universe had a beginning, then it must have had a Beginner. The evidence leaves us with the following two options. EITHER 1. NO ONE CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING (atheistic view) OR 2. SOMEONE CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING (theistic view) Which view is more reasonable? 2. SOMEONE CREATED SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING (theistic view) Which view is more reasonable? QUESTION TO ASK AN ATHEIST: “If there is no God, why is there something rather than nothing at all?” QUESTION TO ASK AN ATHEIST: “If there is no God, why is there something rather than nothing at all?”

43. 43 The bottom line from Dr. Robert Jastrow, agnostic astronomer and founder of Goddard Institute for space studies: “For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; He is about to conquer the highest peak; As he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.” (Jastrow, God and the Astronomers, 116) The bottom line from Dr. Robert Jastrow, agnostic astronomer and founder of Goddard Institute for space studies: “For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; He is about to conquer the highest peak; As he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries.” (Jastrow, God and the Astronomers, 116)

44. 44 Three Great Arguments for the Existence of God 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument

45. 45

47. These dark plumes on Jupiter are caused by comet fragments strikes, and they are bigger than the Earth!

48. The average distance between stars in our galaxy is 30 trillion miles. That distance is needed for earth to exist in it’s present life- supporting position. The average distance between stars in our galaxy is 30 trillion miles. That distance is needed for earth to exist in it’s present life- supporting position. The Anthropic Principle

51. Intelligent Design from an Intelligent Being (Mom) T K E O U HG R B M T T E E A A A G O M _

52. Amoeba’s DNA = Message A T G C A G T A C T T K E O U HG R B M T T E E A A A G O M _ =

53. = 1,000 Volumes of an Encyclopedia

54. DNA’s Four Letter Genetic Alphabet DNA of one human cell = 5 million pages of information (25,000 two hundred page books) All of that is crammed into the nucleus of a cell. The width of a typical cell is about 1/10 th the width of a human hair. You have about 100 TRILLION cells! DNA of one human cell = 5 million pages of information (25,000 two hundred page books) All of that is crammed into the nucleus of a cell. The width of a typical cell is about 1/10 th the width of a human hair. You have about 100 TRILLION cells!

55. 55 DNA’s Four Letter Genetic Alphabet Illustration: If a house represented your little toe, the cells of your toe would be represented by baby peas that filled the house. And each of those peas would contain the information of 25,000 two hundred page books! How could the four blind forces of nature cause even a cell in your little toe? Illustration: If a house represented your little toe, the cells of your toe would be represented by baby peas that filled the house. And each of those peas would contain the information of 25,000 two hundred page books! How could the four blind forces of nature cause even a cell in your little toe?

56. In light of the Anthropic Principle and the complexity of life, I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist!

57. 57 Three Great Arguments for the Existence of God 1. Cosmological Argument 2. Teleological Argument 3. Moral Argument 1. Cosmological Argument 2. Teleological Argument 3. Moral Argument

58. How do you know who’s right and who’s wrong?

60. THE UNCHANGING MORAL LAW

61. 61 Three Great Arguments for the Existence of God 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument 1. Beginning: Cosmological Argument 2. Design: Teleological Argument 3. Morality: Moral Argument

62. 62 –Cosmological: The Beginning Has always existed outside the universe is infinitely powerful –Teleological: Design is infinitely intelligent has purpose –Moral: Morality is absolutely morally perfect Is personal This is the God of biblical Christianity (identified without reference to the Bible) From these 3 Arguments we know that

63. No God at all The Three Major Religious World Views God is all God made all

64. 64 The Possibilities in a Theistic Universe Could be true: 1.Judaism 2.Christianity 3.Islam Could be true: 1.Judaism 2.Christianity 3.Islam Cannot be true: 1.Hinduism 2.Buddhism 3.New Age 4.Secular Humanism 5.Mormonism 6.Polytheism 7.Wicca 8.Confucianism 9.Taoism Cannot be true: 1.Hinduism 2.Buddhism 3.New Age 4.Secular Humanism 5.Mormonism 6.Polytheism 7.Wicca 8.Confucianism 9.Taoism

65. 65 The Three Major Theistic Religions Which is true: 1.Judaism? 2.Christianity? 3.Islam? Which is true: 1.Judaism? 2.Christianity? 3.Islam? God made all

66. 66 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A Our Mission Today

67. Some believe miracles are impossible

68. But, since the greatest miracle (creation) has already occurred...

69. ...every other miracle is believable!

70. 1.The miracle confirms the message 2.The sign confirms the sermon 3.Most Biblical miracles confirm: MosesMoses Elijah & ElishaElijah & Elisha Jesus & ApostlesJesus & Apostles 1.The miracle confirms the message 2.The sign confirms the sermon 3.Most Biblical miracles confirm: MosesMoses Elijah & ElishaElijah & Elisha Jesus & ApostlesJesus & Apostles Why Miracles?

71. 71 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A Our Mission Today

72. 72 Two Questions for Investigating the Reliability of the New Testament 1.Do we have an accurate copy of the original NT documents? 2.Do the original NT documents tell the truth? 1.Do we have an accurate copy of the original NT documents? 2.Do the original NT documents tell the truth?

73. 73 Two Questions for Investigating the Reliability of the New Testament 1.Do we have an accurate copy of the original NT documents? 2.Do the original NT documents tell the truth? 1.Do we have an accurate copy of the original NT documents? 2.Do the original NT documents tell the truth?

74. 74 The Five E’s Evidence the NT is True 1.Expected Testimony 2.Early Testimony 3.Eyewitness Testimony 4.Embarrassing Testimony 5.Excruciating Testimony 1.Expected Testimony 2.Early Testimony 3.Eyewitness Testimony 4.Embarrassing Testimony 5.Excruciating Testimony

75. 75 The Five E’s Evidence the NT is True 1.Expected Testimony 2.Early Testimony 3.Eyewitness Testimony 4.Embarrassing Testimony 5.Excruciating Testimony 1.Expected Testimony 2.Early Testimony 3.Eyewitness Testimony 4.Embarrassing Testimony 5.Excruciating Testimony

76. 76 2. Early Testimony CrossCross CrossCross CreedCreed CreedCreed 1 C o r. ActsActs ActsActs Luke TempleTemple TempleTemple PaulPaul PaulPaul JamesJames JamesJames Rom, 2 Cor, Gal Mark Most or all NT Age of Eyewitnesses

77. 3. Eyewitness Testimony: Historical Crosshairs in the Text “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert” (Luke 3:1-2). Does it sound like he’s making up a story? 1) An exact date is given--A.D. 29. 2) All eight people are known from history. 3) All were known to live at this exact time. 4) This is not a “once upon a time” story (myth). “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert” (Luke 3:1-2). Does it sound like he’s making up a story? 1) An exact date is given--A.D. 29. 2) All eight people are known from history. 3) All were known to live at this exact time. 4) This is not a “once upon a time” story (myth).

78. 78 3. Eyewitness Testimony Numerous Confirmed Eyewitness Details 1.Acts -- 84 historically-confirmed eyewitness details 2.Luke includes several others in his Gospel 3.John-- 59 historically-confirmed or historically probable eyewitness details 4.New Testament Documents cite more than 30 people confirmed by secular sources or archaeology. 1.Acts -- 84 historically-confirmed eyewitness details 2.Luke includes several others in his Gospel 3.John-- 59 historically-confirmed or historically probable eyewitness details 4.New Testament Documents cite more than 30 people confirmed by secular sources or archaeology.

79. 79 30 Historical Persons in NT 1.Agrippa I----Acts 12 2.Agrippa II---Acts 25 3.Ananias-----Acts 23, 24 4.Annas-------Luke 3; Jn. 18; Acts 4 5.Aretas-------2Cor. 11 6.Bernice-----Acts 23 7.Augustus---Lk. 2 8.Caiaphas---Mt. 26; Lk. 3; Jn. 11, 18; Acts 4 9.Claudius----Acts 11, 18 10.Drusilla----Acts 24 11.Egyptian (false prophet)--Acts 21 12.Erastus----Acts 19 13.Felix--------Acts 23 14.Gallio-------Acts 18 15.Gamaliel---Acts 5 1.Agrippa I----Acts 12 2.Agrippa II---Acts 25 3.Ananias-----Acts 23, 24 4.Annas-------Luke 3; Jn. 18; Acts 4 5.Aretas-------2Cor. 11 6.Bernice-----Acts 23 7.Augustus---Lk. 2 8.Caiaphas---Mt. 26; Lk. 3; Jn. 11, 18; Acts 4 9.Claudius----Acts 11, 18 10.Drusilla----Acts 24 11.Egyptian (false prophet)--Acts 21 12.Erastus----Acts 19 13.Felix--------Acts 23 14.Gallio-------Acts 18 15.Gamaliel---Acts 5

80. 80 30 Historical Persons in NT 16.Herod Antipas-----Mt. 14: Mk. 6; Lk. 3, 23 17.Herod Archelaus--Mt. 2 18.Herod the Gt.-------Mt. 2: Lk. 1 19.Herod Philip I-------Mt. 14; Mk. 6 20.Herod Philip II------Lk. 3 21.Herodias-------------Mt. 14; Mk. 6 22.Salome---------------Mt. 14; Mk. 6 23.James----------------Acts 15; Gal. 1 24.John the Baptist--Mt. 3; Mk. 1; Lk. 3; Jn. 1 25.Judas of Galilea--Acts 5 26.Lysanias------------Lk. 3 27.Pilate-----------------Mt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 23; Jn. 18 28.Quirinius------------Lk. 2 29.Porcius Festus---Acts 24-26 30.Sergius Paulus---Acts 13 31.Tiberius Caesar--Lk. 3 16.Herod Antipas-----Mt. 14: Mk. 6; Lk. 3, 23 17.Herod Archelaus--Mt. 2 18.Herod the Gt.-------Mt. 2: Lk. 1 19.Herod Philip I-------Mt. 14; Mk. 6 20.Herod Philip II------Lk. 3 21.Herodias-------------Mt. 14; Mk. 6 22.Salome---------------Mt. 14; Mk. 6 23.James----------------Acts 15; Gal. 1 24.John the Baptist--Mt. 3; Mk. 1; Lk. 3; Jn. 1 25.Judas of Galilea--Acts 5 26.Lysanias------------Lk. 3 27.Pilate-----------------Mt. 27; Mk. 15; Lk. 23; Jn. 18 28.Quirinius------------Lk. 2 29.Porcius Festus---Acts 24-26 30.Sergius Paulus---Acts 13 31.Tiberius Caesar--Lk. 3

81. “Pontius Pilate Prefect of Judea” 26-37 A.D. (Discovered 1961)

82. Ossuary of Joseph Caiaphas: High Priest 18-36 A.D. (Discovered 1990)

83. Ossuary of Joseph Caiaphas: High Priest 18-36 A.D. (Discovered 1990)

84. Crucifixion Victim 1 st Century A.D. (Discovered in Jerusalem)

85. 85 4. Embarrassing Testimony They are dim-witted –they fail to understand what Jesus is saying (Mark 9:32, Luke 18:34, John 12:16); They are uncaring –they fall asleep on Jesus twice –they make no effort to give Jesus a proper burial They are rebuked –Peter is called “Satan” by Jesus (Mark 8:33) –Paul rebukes Peter for being wrong about a theological issue (Gal 2:11) They are dim-witted –they fail to understand what Jesus is saying (Mark 9:32, Luke 18:34, John 12:16); They are uncaring –they fall asleep on Jesus twice –they make no effort to give Jesus a proper burial They are rebuked –Peter is called “Satan” by Jesus (Mark 8:33) –Paul rebukes Peter for being wrong about a theological issue (Gal 2:11)

86. 86 They are cowards –Peter denies Christ three times –The disciples runaway! –Women are the brave ones They are doubters –Despite being taught several times that Jesus would rise from the dead (John 2:18, 3:14-18; Matt. 12:39-41; 17:9, 22-23), the disciples are doubtful when they hear of his resurrection. –Some are even doubtful after they see Him risen (Matt. 28:17)! They are cowards –Peter denies Christ three times –The disciples runaway! –Women are the brave ones They are doubters –Despite being taught several times that Jesus would rise from the dead (John 2:18, 3:14-18; Matt. 12:39-41; 17:9, 22-23), the disciples are doubtful when they hear of his resurrection. –Some are even doubtful after they see Him risen (Matt. 28:17)! 4. Embarrassing Testimony

87. is considered “out of his mind” by his own family who come to seize him to take him home (Mk 3:21,31) is deserted by many of his followers (Jn 6:66) is not believed by his own brothers (Jn 7:5) is thought to be a deceiver (Jn 7:12) turns off Jewish believers to the point that they want to stone him (Jn 8:30-59) is called a “madman” (Jn 10:20) is called a “drunkard” (Mt 11:19) is called “demon-possessed” (Mk 3:22, Jn 7:20, 8:48) has his feet wiped with the hair of a prostitute (Luke 7:36-39) is crucified despite the fact that “anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deut 21:23) is considered “out of his mind” by his own family who come to seize him to take him home (Mk 3:21,31) is deserted by many of his followers (Jn 6:66) is not believed by his own brothers (Jn 7:5) is thought to be a deceiver (Jn 7:12) turns off Jewish believers to the point that they want to stone him (Jn 8:30-59) is called a “madman” (Jn 10:20) is called a “drunkard” (Mt 11:19) is called “demon-possessed” (Mk 3:22, Jn 7:20, 8:48) has his feet wiped with the hair of a prostitute (Luke 7:36-39) is crucified despite the fact that “anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deut 21:23) 4. Embarrassing Testimony

88. 88 5. Excruciating Testimony

89. 89 Binding Law of Moses Christ’s Life Trinity Strict Monotheism Conquering Messiah Sacrificial Messiah Christ’s Sacrifice Animal Sacrifice Apostles’ Beliefs & Practices Before & After the Resurrection Apostles’ Beliefs & Practices Before & After the Resurrection Before After The Sabbath Sunday Worship Circumcision Baptism & Communion

90. What did the New Testament writers have to gain by making up a story? They had every motive to say the resurrection did not happen! Why would they die for a known lie? What did the New Testament writers have to gain by making up a story? They had every motive to say the resurrection did not happen! Why would they die for a known lie? 5. Excruciating Testimony

92. 92 So Is the Bible True?

93. 93 So Is the Bible True?

94. The Reliable NT Documents say: 1.Jesus claimed and proved to be God by: a.Fulfilling prophecy b.Living a sinless and miraculous life c.Predicting and accomplishing His resurrection from the dead. 2.If Jesus is God, then anything He teaches is true. 1.Jesus claimed and proved to be God by: a.Fulfilling prophecy b.Living a sinless and miraculous life c.Predicting and accomplishing His resurrection from the dead. 2.If Jesus is God, then anything He teaches is true.

95. 95 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A 1.Does Truth Exist? 2.Does God Exist? 3.Are Miracles Possible? 4.Is the Bible True? 5.Q & A Summary

96. 96 The True Worldview must Explain 1.The origin of the universe out of nothing 2.The design of the universe 3.The origin of the four natural forces 4.The origin of the laws of logic 5.The origin of the laws of mathematics 6.The origin of the law of causality 7.The origin of objective morality & human rights 8.The origin and design of life 9.The origin and design of new life forms 10.The origin of intelligence 11.The origin of personality 12.The origin of love and beauty 1.The origin of the universe out of nothing 2.The design of the universe 3.The origin of the four natural forces 4.The origin of the laws of logic 5.The origin of the laws of mathematics 6.The origin of the law of causality 7.The origin of objective morality & human rights 8.The origin and design of life 9.The origin and design of new life forms 10.The origin of intelligence 11.The origin of personality 12.The origin of love and beauty

97. It’s True! So What?

98. Why did Jesus come? What’s the purpose of his life?

99. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” John 14:6

100. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

101. Your Picture Here Criminals The Immoral The Good: HeavenThe Bad: Hell Our Relative Moral Standard

102. Your Picture Here Criminals The Immoral God’s Perfect Moral Standard “All have fallen short”

103. The purpose of His life was to be punished in your place. His life was a gift to you. Have you received His gift? If so, does anyone know it? His life was a gift to you. Have you received His gift? If so, does anyone know it?

104. 104 In Case You Can’t Keep Up: Books, PowerPoint & CD’s Available at the Book Table

105. 105

106. 106 1.All truth claims are absolute, narrow and exclusive. (Even the claim “truth is relative” is narrow and excludes its opposite!) 2.Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.) 1.All truth claims are absolute, narrow and exclusive. (Even the claim “truth is relative” is narrow and excludes its opposite!) 2.Truth is discovered, not invented. It exists independent of anyone’s knowledge of it. (Gravity existed prior to Newton.) The Truth About Truth

107. 107 3.Beliefs cannot change a fact, no matter how sincerely they are held. (I can sincerely believe the world is flat but that only makes me sincerely mistaken.) 4.Truth is trans-cultural (2+2=4 here, there, and everywhere). The Truth About Truth

108. 108 5.Being raised in a given culture doesn’t make the beliefs of that culture true. (Becoming a Nazi while living in Nazi Germany doesn’t make Nazism true.) 6.Truth is not affected by the attitude of the one professing it. (An arrogant person does not make truth arrogant.) The Truth About Truth

109. 109 Two Questions for Investigating the Reliability of the New Testament 1.Do we have an accurate copy of the original NT documents? 2.Do the original NT documents tell the truth? 1.Do we have an accurate copy of the original NT documents? 2.Do the original NT documents tell the truth?

110. 110 Question 1: How do we know we have an accurate copy of the original NT? 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations

111. 111 Question 1: How do we know we have an accurate copy of the original NT? 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations

112. 112 Reliability of NT Documents

113. 113 Question 1: How do we know we have an accurate copy of the original NT? 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations

114. 114 How do we know what the original said? How do we know what the original said? Copy 1: God is #ust and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Copy 2: God is j#st and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Copy 3: God is ju#t and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Copy 4: God is jus# and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Original: God is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Note: The NT Documents have far fewer variations than this example. Copy 1: God is #ust and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Copy 2: God is j#st and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Copy 3: God is ju#t and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Copy 4: God is jus# and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Original: God is just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Note: The NT Documents have far fewer variations than this example. COPY 1COPY 4COPY 3COPY 2 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT

115. 115 Question 1: How do we know we have an accurate copy of the original NT? 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations 1)EARLIER manuscripts 25 yr. gap vs. 1000 yr. gap 2)MORE manuscripts 5600 vs. 10-20 mss. 3)MORE ACCURATELY COPIED manuscripts 99.9% vs. 90-95% 4)MORE ABUNDANTLY SUPPORTED manuscripts 18,000 non-Greek mss; 36,000 quotations

116. 116 Roman Emperor 284-305 A.D. Diocletian

117. 117 I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish things that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would rather be a lunatic - on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell.... C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity pp. 55-56 C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity pp. 55-56

118. ... You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to. C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity pp. 55-56 C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity pp. 55-56

119. 119 Objections to the Deity of Christ 1.Jn. 14:28: “The Father is greater than I” 2.Mt. 19:17 “No one is good but One, that is, God.” 3.Mt. 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” 1.Jn. 14:28: “The Father is greater than I” 2.Mt. 19:17 “No one is good but One, that is, God.” 3.Mt. 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

120. Father Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Son Human Nature Human Nature Divine Nature Divine Nature (Father) Who³ Who² (Human Nature) (Divine Nature) Who¹ What² What¹ (Son) (Holy Spirit)

121. 121 Objections to the Deity of Christ  To accomplish his mission of sacrificial atonement.  To be an example and glorify the Father.  To allow people to draw their own conclusions (as he did with parables).  To accomplish his mission of sacrificial atonement.  To be an example and glorify the Father.  To allow people to draw their own conclusions (as he did with parables). 4.Why wasn’t Jesus more overt in his claim to be God?

122. 2. Independent Eyewitness Testimony Eyewitnesses agree on major events, differ on minor details This is the nature of NT documents-- NT writers did not collude to iron out details 27 different books 9 different authors 5 or 6 independent sources on the resurrection 19 people named as witnesses; more than 500 others cited Eyewitnesses agree on major events, differ on minor details This is the nature of NT documents-- NT writers did not collude to iron out details 27 different books 9 different authors 5 or 6 independent sources on the resurrection 19 people named as witnesses; more than 500 others cited

123. 123 Does Science Show an Old Universe? 1.Light from the stars? Speed of light is assumed to be unchanged. 2.Radioactive dating? Decay rate is assumed to be unchanged. In uranium dating, beginning amount of lead is assumed to be zero. 3.Salt in Ocean? The deposition rate is assumed to be unchanged. The beginning amount of salt and minerals is assumed to be zero. 1.Light from the stars? Speed of light is assumed to be unchanged. 2.Radioactive dating? Decay rate is assumed to be unchanged. In uranium dating, beginning amount of lead is assumed to be zero. 3.Salt in Ocean? The deposition rate is assumed to be unchanged. The beginning amount of salt and minerals is assumed to be zero.

124. 124 Does the Bible teach a Young Universe? 1.The word for day (yom) in Genesis 1 could mean longer periods of time (cf. Gen. 2:4, Hosea 6:1-2, 2 Pet. 3:10) 2.The 3 rd day seems to require longer than 24 hours (growth of vegetation including fruit bearing plants) 3.The 6 th day also seems to require longer than 24 hours (naming of animals) 4.The 7 th day is longer because it hasn’t ended– God is still at rest since creation (Heb. 4:3-5) 1.The word for day (yom) in Genesis 1 could mean longer periods of time (cf. Gen. 2:4, Hosea 6:1-2, 2 Pet. 3:10) 2.The 3 rd day seems to require longer than 24 hours (growth of vegetation including fruit bearing plants) 3.The 6 th day also seems to require longer than 24 hours (naming of animals) 4.The 7 th day is longer because it hasn’t ended– God is still at rest since creation (Heb. 4:3-5)

125. 125 How old is the Universe? 1.There is no conflict between science and the Bible. There is only conflict between some interpretations of the scientific and Biblical data. 2.The Universe may be old or it may be young. Science and the Bible are not definitive. 3.The only scientific and Biblical data that is definitive is that which points to a beginning– a creation. In other words, that creation occurred is more certain Biblically and scientifically than when it occurred. Creation out of nothing has strong Biblical and scientific support. 1.There is no conflict between science and the Bible. There is only conflict between some interpretations of the scientific and Biblical data. 2.The Universe may be old or it may be young. Science and the Bible are not definitive. 3.The only scientific and Biblical data that is definitive is that which points to a beginning– a creation. In other words, that creation occurred is more certain Biblically and scientifically than when it occurred. Creation out of nothing has strong Biblical and scientific support.

126. 126 Beginning of the Universe Evil Resurrection Design of Universe Design of Life Beginning of Life Does God Exist? Yes No Universal Moral Law OT Prophecy Answered Prayer

127. 127 Does Evil Disprove God? No. The existence of evil actually presupposes God! Objective evil can’t exist unless God does. No. The existence of evil actually presupposes God! Objective evil can’t exist unless God does.

128. 128 {As an atheist} my argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? Straight Line = Standard The Standard of Justice C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity, p 45. C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity, p 45.

129. 129 Why Evil? Free Will 1. Human Free Will makes love possible but also evil This world is not right. Adam’s decision left the world in bondage to decay (Rom 8:21).This world is not right. Adam’s decision left the world in bondage to decay (Rom 8:21). We are responsible for most of the world’s evil.We are responsible for most of the world’s evil. If God stopped all evil, he might start by stopping you and me!If God stopped all evil, he might start by stopping you and me! Free Will 1. Human Free Will makes love possible but also evil This world is not right. Adam’s decision left the world in bondage to decay (Rom 8:21).This world is not right. Adam’s decision left the world in bondage to decay (Rom 8:21). We are responsible for most of the world’s evil.We are responsible for most of the world’s evil. If God stopped all evil, he might start by stopping you and me!If God stopped all evil, he might start by stopping you and me!

130. 130 Why Evil? Free Will 2.Satan’s Free Will: Demonic forces may be allowed by God to produce a greater good (Job 1). 3.God’s Free Will: God allows evil to produce a greater good (Gen. 50:12).God allows evil to produce a greater good (Gen. 50:12). Some evil may be judgment for disobedience (Jer. 11:16-17, 1Cor. 11:30)Some evil may be judgment for disobedience (Jer. 11:16-17, 1Cor. 11:30) Free Will 2.Satan’s Free Will: Demonic forces may be allowed by God to produce a greater good (Job 1). 3.God’s Free Will: God allows evil to produce a greater good (Gen. 50:12).God allows evil to produce a greater good (Gen. 50:12). Some evil may be judgment for disobedience (Jer. 11:16-17, 1Cor. 11:30)Some evil may be judgment for disobedience (Jer. 11:16-17, 1Cor. 11:30)

131. 131 Objection: How can God do Evil?  What is evil for us isn’t necessarily evil for God.  Since God created life, He has the right to take it (in fact, He eventually takes our earthly lives from all of us).  Since God knows the ultimate outcome of all things, he can bring good from what appears to us to be purposeless evil.  What is evil for us isn’t necessarily evil for God.  Since God created life, He has the right to take it (in fact, He eventually takes our earthly lives from all of us).  Since God knows the ultimate outcome of all things, he can bring good from what appears to us to be purposeless evil.

132. 132 What’s the Purpose of Evil? Redemption and Growth ( Gen 50, Rom 5) a)A redeemed person can grow unlike an untested person. b)Some virtues can only be developed through evil and trial: No Courage without dangerNo Courage without danger No Perseverance without obstaclesNo Perseverance without obstacles No Compassion without sufferingNo Compassion without suffering No Patience without tribulationNo Patience without tribulation No Character without adversityNo Character without adversity No Faith without needNo Faith without need Redemption and Growth ( Gen 50, Rom 5) a)A redeemed person can grow unlike an untested person. b)Some virtues can only be developed through evil and trial: No Courage without dangerNo Courage without danger No Perseverance without obstaclesNo Perseverance without obstacles No Compassion without sufferingNo Compassion without suffering No Patience without tribulationNo Patience without tribulation No Character without adversityNo Character without adversity No Faith without needNo Faith without need

133. 133 No Pain, No Gain! “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2Cor. 4:17). “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2Cor. 4:17).

134. 134 Objection: There’s no purpose for Some Evil!  How could you know that?  Only someone with an eternal perspective could (God).  This earthly life is not the end of the story.  With billions of interacting choices made every day, every evil may result in good either now, later, or in eternity.  I don’t know the purpose for some evil, but I know why I don’t know.  How could you know that?  Only someone with an eternal perspective could (God).  This earthly life is not the end of the story.  With billions of interacting choices made every day, every evil may result in good either now, later, or in eternity.  I don’t know the purpose for some evil, but I know why I don’t know.

135. 135 “I Don’t have Enough Faith to be an Atheist is the best single book I’ve seen to prepare believers to give the reasons for their faith, and for skeptics who are open to the truth.” --David Limbaugh (from the Foreword) Also endorsed by: Lee Strobel Ravi Zacharias Hank Hanegraaff Josh McDowell Phillip Johnson “I Don’t have Enough Faith to be an Atheist is the best single book I’ve seen to prepare believers to give the reasons for their faith, and for skeptics who are open to the truth.” --David Limbaugh (from the Foreword) Also endorsed by: Lee Strobel Ravi Zacharias Hank Hanegraaff Josh McDowell Phillip Johnson