Christianity: Boring? Untrue? Irrelevant?

Jesus claims “I am the way, the truth and the life” – John 14:6

Boring???

• Many people think that Christianity is about having no life.

• That it’s a bunch of “don’t do’s” stopping us from having fun.

• Actually, Jesus says “I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full” – John 10:10

• Following Jesus is not only the most exciting way to live life to the fullest, but it is the reason you were created!

• It is why you are here on earth, the reason you were created.

Untrue???

• Things are not always how they seem, the truth is often hidden.

• Jesus said “I am the truth”• He made lot of claims while he was here and

in the bible. They’re either true for everyone or false for everyone.

• During Alpha we’re going to look into the truth behind Jesus’ claims

Irrelevant???

• Jesus said “I am the way”• Jesus provides direction and purpose in our

lives. Far from being irrelevant, he is totally relevant to all of us.

• With Jesus to show us the way, we can have a life full of purpose and meaning – and fun!

• Living as a Christian is the most fulfilling life you can have, because that’s the way God created us to be. In relationship with Him!

Christianity: Boring? Untrue? Irrelevant?

• Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.

• Don’t base how you view Christianity on what you have heard or seen from other. Test it yourself.

Who is Jesus?

Did Jesus Actually Exist?• Yes. Christian and Non-Christian scholars agree that the

following is true about Jesus• He was a Jewish man born in Bethlehem• He was famous for being a great teacher and miracle

worker• He was crucified by the Roman authorities• His followers believed he was the Son of God and he rose

from the dead• There is more historical proof that Jesus existed than Julius

Caesar existed• So we all know Jesus was actually a person who un-

doubtable existed

Was Jesus more than just a ‘Good Man?’

• What did Jesus say about himself?• ‘I am the bread of life’ – John 6:35• ‘If the son sets you free, you are free indeed’ –

John 8:36• ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ – John 8:12• ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’ – John 14:6• ‘If you have seen me, you have seen God’ – John

14:9

• Jesus claimed:• He could forgive sin• He would be the one to judge the world• To be the Messiah• To be the Son of God

So, if Jesus was evidently real, there are three options…

• Jesus wasn’t God, and knew he wasn’t, so he was lying (He was BAD)

• Jesus wasn’t God, but actually thought he was. He was genuine, but deluded (MAD)

• Jesus was telling the truth: He is GOD

• What do you think? Was Jesus BAD, MAD or GOD???

Is there any evidence to support Jesus’ claims?

• Jesus’ teaching supports his claims – ‘Love your neighbour’ ‘Love your enemy’ etc

• His life and works support His claims: Healing people, performing miracles, raising the dead, driving out demons!

• His character supports His claims – Living for others, dying for others, so perfect that even his enemies couldn’t find anything wrong with him

• His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy supports his claim – He fulfilled 300 Old Testament Prophecies

• His resurrection from the dead supports his claim

Is there any evidence for Jesus’ resurrection?

1. Jesus’ body wasn’t in the tomb• Did his followers take? No, they all dies for Jesus,

would they die for a lie?• Did the authorities take it? No,, as they could

have simply shown his body to stop rumours about Jesus rising again

• Did thieves steal it? No, because all that was left in the tomb were Jesus’ grave clothes (the most valuable item and most wanted thing from grave thieves

2. Jesus’ presence with his disciples• In the Bible he appeared 11 times after his

resurrection, once to over 500 people. It’s hard for 500 people to have the same hallucination at the same!

3. The immediate impact afterwards• When Jesus died, his disciples were scared

and went into hiding. Their leader, who they thought was going to fight the Roman authorities on their behalf, had just died. Yet days later they were ready to change the world.

4. Christian experience over the last 2000 years• Billions have followed Christ over the years

and have experienced his wonders and had a relationship with him

My Experience???

Conclusion

• Jesus is real. He is a real figure in history, he existed

• He claimed to be the messiah – God’s son• He died on the cross and rose again• Trusting Jesus is a step of faith – but there is

sufficient proof to help us make that step