HISTORIC  CHRISTIANITY The Christian religion and Judaism are unique in the world of religion in that they are both couched in a historical context.  As is known today, Judaism developed over a period of some 1,500 years beginning with the generation of Moses but can be traced back further, even to the time of Abraham and ultimately Adam. Christianity identifies with this history and incorporates the first one-hundred years A.D., including the life of Christ and the establishment of the church. Besides being a religious book, the Bible is also a valued book of history.  The events of the Bible are all couched in a   historical context for a   reason.  One of the basic reasons this is necessary is because many of the events are miraculous and  hard to believe from a limited human perspective.  When placed in a historical context, the miraculous makes it easier for us to investigate and see if the events surrounding the miracles are real.  If they are, then there is more reason to give credence to that which sounds impossible.  A case can be built wherein reason and logic can be used to enhance our faith.  This reason and logic cannot help us to  understand all the miracles, but they can increase our faith that the conclusion of the miracles in this setting is reasonable. There is a “historical method” used by historians to determine if writings of   antiquity are mythological or historical.   Obviously, the Romans and Greeks wrote volumes regarding their pagan mythology.  These things must be separated from historical facts regarding the cultures of the Romans and the Greeks.  Mythology often is written in a setting where there are no verifiable witnesses to events which supposedly took place.  This writing style immediately makes itself suspect to the historian, and the historian concludes that this is fiction.  For example, a writing that might begin, “Once upon a time in a far away place, there lived a king…”    How shall a historian begin to give any credibility to the story  that will follow?  There is no historical context.  There are no verifiable facts to indicate the story is true. Honest and respected historians of the twentieth century, H. G. Wells in his classic work, “The Outline of History” and Will Durant in his work, “The Story of   Civilization, Volume 3 Caesar and Christ,” both used the historical method to observe without a doubt that there is a historical Jesus of Nazareth.  Furthermore, they verify that Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and John are accurate historical accounts regarding the life of this man. The historical method regarding the validation of historical documents of antiquity includes the written testimonies of both the friends and enemies of Jesus. Abundant  evidence exists among the writings of the Romans (pagans) and the Jews regarding the historical Jesus.  Most of these writings are not very flattering.  In their attacks against Jesus, they confirm His existence.  They confirm that there was a Pontius Pilate who did try Jesus.  They confirm that it is said that he was killed and resurrected. Since the first century, a special area of study has developed to help strengthen our faith.  We weren’t there during the miracles, but we do have the documents of witnesses who were there and who did see, hear, and touch the Christ.  In studying the overwhelming witness regarding the reliability of what is written, our faith is strengthened. “Apologetics” is simply being ready to give an answer to anyone who asks of you or me the reason of the hope we harbor within our souls (1 Pet. 3:15).     Christians, we don’t throw our brains on the ground and blindly believe whatever.  There is a reasonable reason for our faith, which gives us both assurance and victory over all the struggles we experience in life. This course of study is a good one for all Christians to take.  This course of study will bring rich rewards to those who choose to diligently study by applying themselves to the materials made available to them for this class.  This class will be made available to our  Senior High Class on Sunday mornings for the fall teaching quarter.  Each student will be given an 111-page book to read “The Case for Historic Christianity” by Edward C. Wharton and Study Guide, “Historical Christian Evidences.”  The faith of our youth is constantly being challenged.  Evolution is taught as fact, and Christianity is more and more openly   being attacked.  We must equip our    children to stand fast in the faith.  For this to happen we must equip them as they are on the front lines of the spiritual battle in which we are involved. The two major areas of attack against our faith include the Bible itself.  Many want to dismiss and devalue the Bible as mere myth.  We must give answer to any sincere question regarding the foundation of our faith.  The other major area of    attack against our faith revolves around the subject of the miracles in the Bible.  Did they all happen, or are they to be taken simply as some symbolic writing imparting some moral or spiritual truth only?  The historic settings of all the miracles need to say something to us!  I believe it can be reasonably argued that the most astounding claim or miracle is that of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  If this really is the hardest miracle to believe, then let us begin with this one and help    ourselves to see that it is true a miracle did take place.  Let us also know that this is an absolute fact that we can build our faith upon.           I look forward to seeing a dozen or more in our 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning class.