Not all are easily convinced. He says a common challenge is, "prove to me that Jesus is the Messiah."
My friend is a mature, well-read, well-prayed, and well-tested Christian, so he has answers:
The bible settings and cities have been proven historically accurate.
The bible itself has been consistently and accurately recorded and copied over millenniums.
The prophets in bible text detailed the specific attributes, timing and geography of the coming Messiah, and his demise. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies accurately (to an astonishingly high mathematical probability).
Jesus acknowledged himself as the Messiah, Son of God and was validated by prophetic fulfillment, miracles, transformed lives and eyewitness accounts. (he was either a liar or the real deal -- but he could not just be a 'good man.' )
In addition, the rag tag group of people (disciples) who initially scattered at his well-documented crucifixion, were later willing to proclaim his resurrected return to life, at their own peril. They were intolerantly hunted down and killed for their recount of true events (as still happens in parts of our world). They had nothing to gain by recounting his redemptive role in history.
That's what my friend explains to these young people who are seeking the Truth.
But in today's world, even as we celebrate the Passion of our Lord Jesus at Easter time, I sent an email back to my friend. Because I wonder why we are ever more on the defensive about our spiritual diversity. The faith we have in this Messiah, this Saviour - is inextricably merged with redemption, and his teachings of unconditional love, mercy, forgiveness, kindness and compassion - unlike any other philosophy or secular morality in our midst.
My friend's email gave the challenge - posed by these young people he helps to liberate, who are imprisoned because of directionless choices and corrupt moral compasses - "Prove to me that Jesus is the Messiah."
And I messaged back,
"Prove to me that He is not."
What do you believe?
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