From Christ-hater to Christian Martyr [Spirituality & Religion]
Even Jesus’s own brother, hated him. James despised his brother. Thought He was embarrassing the family. He didn't follow Jesus during His earthly ministry. He thought He was crazy....until Jesus appeared to him after He had resurrected. Then he became the leader of the church of Jerusalem. In fact, James becomes an early leader in the Church. Later, he was persecuted and eventually killed for that belief. There was no doubt in his mind that Jesus was the Messiah. Only the Holy Spirit, can make a transformation like that. Only the Holy Spirit could transform the church's worst persecutor into its main missionary.
To dismiss the Resurrection, any theory you come up with to explain the historical happenings, has to explain away three historical facts:
* That there was an empty tomb three days after Jesus's body had been placed in it, though it had been constantly guarded by Roman soldiers;
* Jesus appeared to hundreds of people in numerous places for almost seven weeks after His crucifixion;
* And something huge did happen, to suddenly and forever turn all the disciples into bold believers, proclaiming a risen Messiah they were willing to be tortured and die for.
Jesus transformed my life on July 21, 1973. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. I’ll never forget it. It made me a whole, new person. I experienced His love and power first-hand, so I know He is real. People may not believe that, but that will never change my experience. Scoffers have said, “Yah, well, you just got well by yourself, and that’s why you got so excited.” 😂 Yah, well, that excitement has lasted a whole 45 years, and I’m just as excited now, as the day I met Jesus, and asked Him to be in my life as my Savior, forever. You just don’t forget something like that, when you’ve experienced the power of God, and what He can do. That experience was so powerful, it feels like it just happened yesterday. That was the day, I received a miracle from God. I’ve nothing to gain by lying about it. No purpose would be served. If anything, people would think I’m nuts! 😂 Well, let them think it. That’s how much I care. lol ... I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything in the world. He’s most definitely real.
To dismiss the Resurrection, any theory you come up with to explain the historical happenings, has to explain away three historical facts:
* That there was an empty tomb three days after Jesus's body had been placed in it, though it had been constantly guarded by Roman soldiers;
* Jesus appeared to hundreds of people in numerous places for almost seven weeks after His crucifixion;
* And something huge did happen, to suddenly and forever turn all the disciples into bold believers, proclaiming a risen Messiah they were willing to be tortured and die for.
Jesus transformed my life on July 21, 1973. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. I’ll never forget it. It made me a whole, new person. I experienced His love and power first-hand, so I know He is real. People may not believe that, but that will never change my experience. Scoffers have said, “Yah, well, you just got well by yourself, and that’s why you got so excited.” 😂 Yah, well, that excitement has lasted a whole 45 years, and I’m just as excited now, as the day I met Jesus, and asked Him to be in my life as my Savior, forever. You just don’t forget something like that, when you’ve experienced the power of God, and what He can do. That experience was so powerful, it feels like it just happened yesterday. That was the day, I received a miracle from God. I’ve nothing to gain by lying about it. No purpose would be served. If anything, people would think I’m nuts! 😂 Well, let them think it. That’s how much I care. lol ... I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything in the world. He’s most definitely real.
