norm@grouch.HYWLMSD.WA.COM (Norm Lehtomaki) (09/23/89)
I'm thinking about starting an evangelistic Bible Study at work for
nonChristians and I need some suggestions from you. First I'd be
interested in knowing if any of you have done this before and your
observations.
I'm thinking of going through parts of John's Gospel and would be
interested in knowing of any guides that would be helpful. One theme
I would like to see emphasized is what did Jesus say about himself,
about God, about sin and about hell. I believe too many people have
the idea of Jesus as just a great moral teacher whose example we
should emulate but not anyone who actually claimed to exist before
time began and really believed we're not all going to get there if we
live pretty good lives. People, I think will claim, once reading it
for themselves that these words are just made up claims by the early
church to deify Christ not his actual words. This brings up the
question of the veracity of Scripture and its historicity. Do you know
of any other sacred writings (other religions) that claim to actually
be historic other than the Mormon's?
I have F.F. Bruce's "The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable"
as well as Josh McDowell's Evidence Volumes 1&2 and "History &
Christianity" by John W. Montgomery, but would be interested in other
appropriate references.
One of the arguments used by Christians for the reality of the
resurrection is the change in the disciples lives ... would these men
be willing to die for a lie? I'm willing to say that this makes
things more believable but there are false religions where people have
died for their mistaken beliefs. One might argue being mistaken is
different from acting on what you know to be false but " ... and their
foolish heart was darkened" is an example of refusing to believe the
truth because of stubborn pride and unthankfulness. Any elaboration
on this topic would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Norm Lehtomaki
--
Norm Lehtomaki ...!{uw-beaver!tikal,uunet}!nwnexus!grouch!norm
Honeywell Marine Systems Division norm@grouch.HYWLMSD.WA.COM
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