Miracle and Resurrection Paper

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Liberty University *

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Dec 6, 2023

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Liberty University Miracle and Resurrection Paper Submitted to Proffesor Marks APOL220_B10_202340 By Cale Schueler October 7th, 2023 What is a Miracle?

If someone is more open to Christianity than before but struggles with believing in miracles that is completely normal as Christians we can understand where they are coming from. I also believe even as Christians we can still relate because we are still humans and unintentionally put our own sort of limitations on God being able to do things in our lives. Miracles are a part of Christian beliefs and if we are going to convinve someone we must first set the groundwork. For instance, what actually constitutes a miracle from the Christian perspective? If we look at a biblical definition we see it is, “ the biblical concept is limited to those not explainable solely by natural processes but which require the direct causal agency of a supernatural being, usually God. These occur throughout all major eras of history but do appear with greater frequency at key periods of God's self-revelation”. 1 Oftentimes in today’s culture we misuse the word miracle so it is important to go over the definition with an unbeliever before furthering the discussion. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness”. 2 As Christians this is the first and possibly the greatest miracle apart from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that the beginning of life itself and our own lives are both miracles. In this miracle we find purpose and how we ought to live our lives that has been given to us by God our creator. Apologetics at the Cross explains the mindset of Christian towards life, “Yet at the heart of the Christian story is the claim that through 1 “What Does Miracle Mean? Bible Definition and References.” n.d. Biblestudytools.com. https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/miracle/. 2 “Genesis 1:1-3 NIV - - Bible Gateway.” n.d. Www.biblegateway.com. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A1-3&version=NIV .

the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ, God has rescued us from sin and futility, giving our work eternal significance and fulfilling our longing for purpose. Moreover, in the person of Jesus Christ, we are given a model of how we are to live a life of purpose and meaning aimed at the true and eternal goal”. 3 Our friend most likely believes in the big bang theory as that is the most popular assumption today and it is not considered a miracle. For the sake of this argument leave that alone and ask if he/she believes if there is any meaning or purpose for their life. I believe most younger people believe there is but are unsure or listen to what society says whether that be listen to your heart, strive to always be happy, or obtain material possessions, etc. I would present them with an “A” to “B” doctrine question, if they believe that there has to be some purpose for their life, why not believe in a God who created you intentionally and gives you meaning to your life? This question could also be asked but in a simpler way first but with the same principle. If my friend was to be on a walk in the woods and happen to find a functioning clock on the ground what would he/she naturally assume? That this watch was made by a creator with a purpose to tell time and it has been left here by someone, you would not think this watch must’ve appeared magically in the forest with no creator or owner. Another great place to go to help convince my friend would be the New Testament, not necessarily because of the miracle performed but because of the historical documentation along with eyewitness accounts almost always being recorded. Also you have the authors of the gospels were firsthand accounts to Jesus. “ The fact that the New Testament writers claimed such objective, complete, and firsthand evidence concerning Jesus Christ is of the utmost importance. Their evidence is not hearsay or imaginary—it is direct and reliable”. 4 My friend, like many 3 2022. Vitalsource.com. 2022. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780310524724/epubcfi/6/50 . 4 “The Historical Accuracy of the New Testament by Don Stewart.” n.d. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/stewart_don/the-case-for-christianity/05-the-historical-

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