Presents a new perspective on the real life of Jesus based on biblical and historical scholarship and debunks many arguments arising out of the "Jesus Seminar."
Jesus proclaimed God's imminent universal kingdom. His Jewish followers were faithful to him. Paul misunderstood Jesus and subverted his message, but succeeded when the truth was accidentally lost in history.
Who was Jesus--really? For centuries, the Christian church has taught that Jesus is the divine Son of God, crucified for sinners and raised from the dead. In recent years, however, that picture of Jesus has come under widely publicized attack from sources ranging from critical scholars to Internet pundits to popular historians and others. The new portraits of Jesus seem persuasive. You can't help but wonder . . . Did Christianity merely copy its beliefs from earlier mythology? Did the church suppress alternate gospels? Did Jesus never die on the cross or rise from the dead for sinners? Is the New Testament hopelessly riddled with errors? New York Times bestselling author Lee Strobel helps you separate truth from media hype, sound scholarship from bias, and fact from speculation. Digging below the surface, this book provides credible, informed answers to today's most pressing questions about Jesus.
The book consists primarily of interviews between Strobel (a former legal editor at the Chicago Tribune) and biblical scholars such as Bruce Metzger. Each interview is based on a simple question, concerning historical evidence (for example, "Can the Biographies of Jesus Be Trusted?"), scientific evidence, ("Does Archaeology Confirm or Contradict Jesus' Biographies?"), and "psychiatric evidence" ("Was Jesus Crazy When He Claimed to Be the Son of God?"). Together, these interviews compose a case brief defending Jesus' divinity, and urging readers to reach a verdict of their own.
Jesus did not die just so you can go to church on Sunday. This book will give you a clear understanding of the real Jesus. Many people’s Christianity is not really about Jesus; it’s something they inherited culturally. You will learn that your relationship with Jesus is deeper than your last attendance in church. You will put Him in the center of everything you do. Which Jesus do you follow? What does He believe? Or perhaps just as important, What do you believe about Him? In The Real Jesus, the debut book from pastor and beloved worship leader Jonathan Stockstill, you will have an encounter with the real-life Son of God—the One who loves you more than you could ever imagine. After reading The Real Jesus, you will: Understand the difference between the mistaken, miscast, misinterpreted Jesus of our culture and the blood-and-bones Jesus of the Bible Discover a Jesus you may never have truly known—even if you have been following Him for years or decades Enter into a more raw, real, and relevant relationship with the One who loves you and calls you by name This book will equip you to see Jesus as He really is and truly understand what it means to be His disciple.
An enlightening follow-up to the bestselling book The Case for Christ, In Defense of Jesus follows award-winning journalist Lee Strobel as he explores the most explosive arguments against the identity of Christ as the Messiah. Has modern scholarship debunked the traditional Christ? Has the church suppressed the truth about Jesus to advance its own agenda? What if the real Jesus is far different from the atoning Savior worshiped through the centuries? In Defense of Jesus explores such hot-button questions as: Did the church suppress ancient non-biblical documents that paint a more accurate picture of Jesus than the four Gospels? Did the church distort the truth about Jesus by tampering with early New Testament texts? Do new insights and explanations disprove the resurrection? Have fresh arguments disqualified Jesus from being the Messiah? Did Christianity steal its core ideas from earlier mythology? Evaluate the arguments and evidence being advanced by prominent atheists, liberal theologians, Muslim scholars, and others. Sift through expert testimony. Then reach your own verdict with In Defense of Jesus. This title is also available in Spanish, En defense de Jesús.
Some people believe that religion is the root of all evil. The Jesus Project challenges this claim as we reflect on the teachings of Jesus in chronological order. The book aims to show that Jesus is a different kind of King and that He rules the world through personal sacrifice and humility. Jesus is not the instigator of any war, except the spiritual war against misuse of powerno matter if that is done in the name of the church or society. The weapon of Jesus is His words. He creates new life as He paints a picture of how it is to live in the Kingdom of God. The real God is a peacemaker. He is the one who brings people together and turns enemies into friends. This book is meant to be studied and discussed. The reflections are written to challenge what you believe about God, the way you live, and to help you put your faith into action.
This updated edition by one of the world's leading apologists presents a systematic, positive case for Christianity that reflects the latest work in the contemporary hard sciences and humanities. Brilliant and accessible.
Understanding Jesus fills a significant gap in introductory textbooks on Christology. Although most books focus on the biblical data or contemporary contributions to the interpretation of Jesus, Understanding Jesus moves with ease through biblical material, Christological councils, and contemporary debates, and it even addresses the issues of religious pluralism and Christology--all while maintaining a faith-friendly perspective that is hospitable to readers of a wide range of faith convictions. Sidebars, charts, reflection questions, suggestions for further reader, and a glossary further enhance accessibility.
Beyond the Divinity: Unveiling the Real Jesus in Christianity and Islam Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that challenges conventional views and opens up a deeper understanding of one of history's most influential figures? "Beyond the Divinity: Unveiling the Real Jesus in Christianity and Islam" is your comprehensive guide to exploring the true identity of Jesus Christ from both Christian and Islamic perspectives. In this enlightening book, you will delve into: Historical Insights: Discover the historical Jesus through a rigorous examination of biblical texts and Islamic teachings. This book provides a critical look at the life and mission of Jesus, separating fact from theological interpretation. Comparative Analysis: Explore how Christianity and Islam view Jesus, revealing the profound similarities and differences between these two major world religions. Gain clarity on why Jesus is considered a prophet in Islam and the implications of his role as a messenger rather than divine. Misinterpreted Verses: Analyze key Bible verses often cited to support the divinity of Jesus. This book offers contextual explanations to help you understand these passages in their proper historical and theological context. Theological Exploration: Dive into the evolution of Christology and the development of the Trinity doctrine. Understand how early Christian beliefs about Jesus were shaped and how these beliefs diverged from Islamic views. Personal Reflections: Reflect on the broader implications of understanding Jesus as a messenger. This book encourages readers to explore faith with openness and respect, promoting interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. Beyond the Divinity is not just a scholarly analysis but a call to rethink long-held assumptions and engage with the profound spiritual and historical truths about Jesus. Whether you are a seeker of truth, a student of comparative religion, or someone interested in deepening your faith, this book offers valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives. Join us on this journey to uncover the real Jesus and gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of his role in both Christianity and Islam. Get your copy today and embark on a path of discovery that will transform the way you see Jesus and the world around you. Order Now