How do you respond to critics against the claim of Christ being true?
Today’s video pick covers a book by Candida Moss in which she tries to discredit the apostles. The discussion between Mike Winger and Sean McDowell I found very helpful. I appreciate how Sean points out the things in Candida’s book that he does agree with. Whenever we look at the work of critics, we are to remain loving.
To encourage you to check out the video, I’ve taken many answers and turned them into questions, while noting some key points.
- How does the martyrdom of the apostles relate to the creditability of Christ?
- Candida Moss – Who is she? How has she influenced others?
- How do we know the apostles died?
- How do we know the apostles were sincere in their beliefs that they witnessed Christ?
- Why is the martyrdom of the apostles important?
- Candida Moss – Myth of Persecution – what is it?
- What does Candida do well according to Sean McDowell?
- What is a core theme of the New Testament?
- What do the church fathers also report regarding this theme?
- What about historians regarding this theme, including Nero?
- What is the difference between persecution and prosecution?
- Why was it a problem for Christians to not believe in the gods of Rome?
- Candida Moss dismisses the persecution of Christians by Nero. What does Sean McDowell say regarding why we should consider the historical account?
- Why can’t a religion be a true religion if a religion has martyrs?
- What is unique about the apostles?
- Why is the resurrection significant in relation to the apostles?
- Did Christian writers adapt their stories from other religions or cultures? Is it reasonable to infer this?
- Do scholars believe Christianity stems from old religions? What religion do scholars tend to say Christianity is based from?
- Did Plato believe in the resurrection?
- Is Jesus vastly different in the Gospel of Mark than in other Gospels?
- Do we have good historical evidence that Peter died as a martyr?
- What does the Christian fiction that arises around the first centuries point to?
- Around the 1 hr mark – Q&A begins
- Was crucification normal?
- Do majority of scholars accept Dr. Moss’ views?
- How were the Christians scapegoated by Nero?
- What does Polycarp refer to when he speaks of Paul and the other apostles?
- Why is the willingness of the apostles to die for Christ significant?
Check Out: Atheists Love To Quote Her by Mike Winger & Sean McDowell
If the video does not work below, please click on the link provided above.
The Gospel Message: With the Good News means there’s bad news. We all are sinners and condemned. We all deserve the just punishment of God’s wrath. Christianity is unlike any other religion because we cannot earn our way into Heaven. God saw the weakness of man and his utter depravity. Yet, He showed us grace. Jesus, God, One Person of the Trinity, became God in the flesh, the God-Man. He was always perfect and sinless. And His humanity was perfected on the cross, living the full sinless life. He became our atonement sacrifice. Dying in our place, taking on the wrath of God upon Himself. He died on the cross, and He was resurrected because death could not hold Him. Jesus is the answer. We, as guilty sinners, need His blood to pay off our debt of sin. For all who put their faith in Him – meaning eyes are opened to the Gospel, we see ourselves as a sinner, we see the need for Christ, we desire our Savior, and we see the ugliness of our sin. Putting our faith in Jesus, we seek HIs forgiveness and repent from our sins, we turn away from our old way of life. We, through the work of the Holy Spirit, continue to become convicted of sin daily. Our eyes will never be the same again. We see things in a different light, and the truth of Christ affects how we live and serve Him. Christ tells us to count the cost. Salvation is a serious topic, it is not to be taken lightly. For a breakdown of this powerful message, understanding how Christ could be God and Man, why God required sacrifices, and more -please see: Why Did A Loving God Kill His Son? (Does God Hate?)
If you think you know the Gospel, check out these questions and see how prepared you are for the day someone might ask you why you believe: The Gospel Challenge (30 Question Quiz) – Are You Ready To Defend Your Faith?
Scripture To Meditate On – (ESV) Proverbs 28:14, “Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.”
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