I am no longer a fan of X Factor but this got me going!

So for the past few weeks I have been looking at reasons why I believe that Jesus really was raised from the dead, e.g. why were the disciples prepared to suffer horrific deaths rather than deny Him if they had not been totally convinced  that Jesus had risen from the dead?  – The evidence argued for the Resurrection in books such as “The Cast for Christ” is, for me,  stronger than that argued against, as in books such as “Challenging the Verdict.” – I feel more inclined to trust the opinions of people such as Justin Welby and Lee Strobel rather than those of people such as Richard Dawkins and Earl Doherty.

Ultimately, however I believe in the Resurrection because, as St Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15: 14 “If Christ is not raised then our preaching is futile and so is your faith.” In other words the Resurrection is the basis of Christian hope- without it there would be no Christian faith.  And as my Christian faith is the cornerstone of my life even if an atheist was able to present me with a stack of evidence disproving the Resurrection I would still believe.  Now that may seem pure obstinacy but one must remember that  since becoming a  Christian my life  has been so much more joyful and worthwhile.

Last week I spoke of  no longer needing to fear death as I have been promised eternal life, not because of anything I have done to deserve it,  but because it has been offered to me as free gift by Jesus.  I went on to say that I realise atheists can also say that they do not fear death because they believe when you are dead you are dead and will cease to exist – but what if they are wrong? If I am wrong and there is no eternal life then I have lost nothing- certainly not the opportunity for having more fun in this life  – but if there is an after- life then what would the non- believer lose ? I would suggest a great deal indeed!

But there is another huge reason why I would continue to believe in the Resurrection, irrespective of any evidence that may come about to the contrary and that is because “Christianity works.”  Prayers are answered, visions and dreams are realised, comfort and strength are  available during times of trouble and there is Someone to praise and thank during times of blessing.

I have had lots of personal experiences since becoming a Christian which have strengthened my faith; one large one being the music I have been inspired to write.  Through Mustard Seed Songs I have had 11 CDs distributed  world- wide  and His Story, our  previous musical, has been performed at venues such the Kings Theatre and Central Hall Westminster.  So where did all that come from for a PE teacher (albeit a fairly good one ha ha!) who can’t sing a note (ask Caroline my wife) or play a musical instrument? How can I or anyone else explain that away – a natural talent, I very much doubt it?  I had wanted to be the next Burt Bacharach or Paul McCartney but nothing happened – but when I offered the songs to God to use and I promised Him I would never take money for them – well that’s when it took off and now in November we have three performances of Risen! The Musical  -but  more of that next week!