The story of the biblical God and his dealings with humanity over history best fits reality as compared to other faith paths. The key is weaving in some of the unique things about the story of God as compared to other faith paths. For example, the evidence for the life, death and resurrection in ancient non-Christian literature that dates back to the time just after Christ is overwhelming (Jesus’ Resurrection and Contemporary Criticism by Dr. Gary Habermas).

Therefore, you can argue from rationality that the story of Christ can’t be a myth since the story was told all throughout Jerusalem - openly - where the resurrection occurred. Hundreds of eyewitnesses told the story - just after the resurrection event. Yet, no one writing from history at that time mentions anything against the reality of the story of the resurrection of Jesus. On the contrary, as Habermas points out, many ancient non-Christians wrote about the life, death and resurrection of Christ (The Historical Jesus by Gary Habermas).

Why do humans look to various alleged “holy books”, the latest spiritual book or even the bestselling self-help book? There’s something in our soul that longs for more. There’s something in our soul that seeks universal truth. There’s something in our soul that seeks more fulfillment, more significance and more purpose. Even when we think we’ve “arrived”, contentment soon fades and we’re on to the next thing to fill whatever void we’re feeling.

The story of the Bible starts with the creation of human beings in the image of God himself (Genesis 1:27). We are whole people made up of five dimensions: physical, intellectual, relational, emotional and spiritual. When we neglect any part of how God made us, we often experience dire consequences and even a dysfunctional existence.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except by me (John 14:6). The embodiment of truth exists in Jesus. Why? In Colossians 1:15-17, the Bible tells us that - He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Jesus is the author, creator and sustainer of life. It only makes sense that he is the way, the truth and the life.

The British biologist, Richard Dawkins - author of The God Delusion, says that faith is a “process of non-thinking” and belief in God is like believing in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy … when you grow up, you’ll grow out of it. In other words, since we have knowledge (e.g., the scientific method), who needs faith? Faith in God is simply wishful thinking.

But, biblical faith never presupposes that faith is mere speculation or a blind leap in the dark. Rather, the Bible mentions that faith is based on reality and in history. Faith starts with the evidence that God is real so it’s reasonable to believe in God. Taking things a step further means examining the evidence to see if it fits reality. For instance, is it reasonable that Jesus Christ lived, died and then rose again? What’s the evidence?

Celebrating our first public Easter was awesome! It was a time to celebrate as well as a time to reflect. The story of Easter is all about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Because he lives, we can live life the way God intended and experience all that life offers. Easter does change everything!

It’s been a fun week getting the word out about our special Easter service: Easter Changes Everything. Everything that we do as followers of Christ rests on the resurrection. The Apostle Paul mentioned this in a letter to an early church:

1 Corinthians 15 [12] But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? [13] If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. [14] And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. [15] More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. [16] For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. [17] And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins … [20] But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.