The Greatest Event in History!
What would your answer be if you were asked to name the greatest event in the history of the world?
I suspect that your answer would depend on your overall worldview. A Christian, who fully understands the Gospel message, would say that the resurrection of Christ was the greatest event in history. But I don’t think any non-Christians would agree with that answer. Regardless of what their religious or ideological beliefs might be, all non-Christians have one thing in common; they don’t believe in the resurrection of Christ.
Lee Strobel has been a follower of Christ and a well-known Christian apologist for over 30 years. Before becoming a Christian, Lee was an award-winning investigative journalist and the legal editor for the Chicago Tribune. He was also a self-professed “drunk” and an “angry atheist.” His wife, Leslie, was agnostic when they married, but later became a Christian. Leslie’s conversion to Christianity infuriated Lee to the point that he was considering a divorce.
Lee wanted the agnostic Leslie back so he devised a plan; he reasoned that if he could prove to Leslie that Christianity wasn’t true, she’d ditch her newfound faith and her new friends from church and return to her agnosticism. As an investigative journalist and Yale-educated lawyer, Lee was qualified to gather the evidence and also prosecute his case against Christianity. He rightly concluded that to successfully prove (to Leslie and the world) that Christianity was based on myths and superstition, the only thing he had to demonstrate was that the resurrection of Christ never occurred.
Lee took a two year leave of absence from his job at the Tribune and began traveling all over the world interviewing experts in many different fields. As many of you know, Lee’s research is now compiled in his best-selling book, The Case for Christ. Through his research, Lee became a firm believer in the resurrection of Christ and found that it took more faith for him to maintain his atheism than it did for him to commit to following Christ.
As Lee says, when you accept the resurrection of Christ as a historical fact, it leads to hope and transformation – “It gives me hope that as Jesus was resurrected from the dead, so I will someday be too. It gives me confidence in the teachings of Jesus, that I can apply them to my life, that they’ll make a difference in my life. They’re not just the teachings of a bright and loving individual; they’re the teachings of the Son of God himself. It means to me that Jesus deserves my worship and my allegiance. It also means that I want to spend my life helping other people see the evidence for the resurrection, that they too may experience what I’ve experienced, which is a 180-degree life change from my days as an atheist, to my days as a Christian.”
Jesus wasn’t merely resurrected; Jesus IS the resurrection! Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
At the top of my blog, I have a page titled Christian? For two-thousand years the verses on this page have been used to explain what committing one’s life to following Christ entails. The final and key verses are the following – “…if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10)
The resurrection of Christ is the greatest event in the history of the world!
HAPPY EASTER!
Posted on March 28, 2013, in Uncategorized and tagged Atheist, Beliefs, Bible, Christ, Christian, Christianity, Death, Faith, God, Grace, Hope, Jesus, Lee Strobel, Religion, Resurrection, Salvation. Bookmark the permalink. 132 Comments.
I found a map of the travels of the apostles from the first century and thought you might like it. Traveling is a great way to learn about the Bible and how accurate the history recorded in the Bible really is. Just as the above mentioned man traveled to learn, as do we!
Here’s the link: http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1001061234#h=0:0-119:0
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Thank you for sharing that link. That is a lot of hard trailing on rough seas and dangerous Roman roads.
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Great book! More than a carpenter by Josh McDowel is also excellent. Love this post
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Thank you, Melissa. Josh Mcdowel (another former atheist) also wrote “Evidence that Deserves a Verdict,” which is another great book.
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Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking “Jesus: The Good Shepherd.” When I saw the title for your post on “The Greatest Event,” I said to myself that it had to be the resurrection of our Lord. Without the resurrection, there is not hope at all, and as Paul put, Christians are of all people the most to be pitied.
Thank you for the post.
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Thank you. As I said, Christians would know the greatest event was the resurrection – you immediately knowing what the title meant confirms your faith.
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Thank you for sharing you faith.
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Thank you, Jane.
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I read this book several years ago. It is interesting how many decisions we do make without investigating the whole story. thank you for sharing so much.
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Thank you, Judi. Where Christianity is concerned, I really believe most people don’t investigate it because they have so many preconceived ideas that they don’t believe investigation is necessary. This was my mindset before becoming a Christian.
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Wow, this was pretty incredible :,) praise God!
Now, if Dawkins would turn to Christ, he would be a modern day Paul. 😀
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Yeah, Dawkins becoming a believer would qualify as a great miracle – he is one angry atheist!
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Amen to that! The resurrection changes everything… I’m so grateful for Lee Strobel’s research, and the way God has worked in his life to in turn bless others.
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That’s right, Ali, the resurrection changed and is still changing EVERYTHING!
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I am so glad you stopped by my blog I loved your entry on The Greatest Event in History so many Christians can become apathetic toward a Holiday that they have celebrated so many times. The church I am in did nothing special to mark this Easter. There was no Good Friday service when I asked why I was told it was something that the church never did . The pastor went on to remark that if they did anything to celebrate that day they would only be celebrating Jesus being beaten up. I could not believe my ears, talk about missing the point. He went on to remark that no one wanted to put in the work to make an Easter Breakfast and they even cancelled the normal refreshment time after church so people could get home to their families. Reading your article re-assured me that there are still a few of us that remember why Easter is so special. Take care and God Bless
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Thank you for your comments, Jennifer. I think I’d be looking for another church if I were you. We don’t celebrate “Jesus being beaten up,” we celebrate grace, which Jesus demonstrated by “being beaten up” and dying in our place. Do you take communion in your church? Communion represents the “beaten” body and spilled blood of Jesus – on our behalf. We celebrate Good Friday every time we take communion and Easter is the celebration of life over death – it’s the ultimate comeback story! Easter is our hope; if the resurrection isn’t worth celebrating, NOTING IS!
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You are doing a great work here. Thank you for sharing, and may God continue to bless you as He use you for His glory and the building of His Kingdom.
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Thank you very much, Pastor.
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I agree! Yes, you’re doing a great work! Glad I found your blog by you stopping by mine and liking my post! I’m following!
Blessings!
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Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
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I was looking for a new book to read as I just finished one. Will look for it. Sounds compelling and faith-building. Thanks Bill.
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The book will strengthen your faith, Chaz. Please let me know what you think when you finish it.
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What a wonderful share. Thank you!
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Thank you.
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Bill, You are incredible. You faithfully reply to all your comments. Funny how I just noticed that. I love that so many have found you. They need the vessel that you are and your message! Hope your Easter was blessed!
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Thank you, Diane. I try to respond to every comment, but sometimes I overlook some – never intentionally. We had a great Easter – I hope you did too.
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I really liked this! More than that though it is so important to give good examples of people who doubted and then found faith. Lee is one of the best examples for that!! Good job! hehe…like you need me to say “good job”, you have 100 comments already…but seriously…good job! Thanks for swinging by my page…I am a noob to all this, and have not been on wordpress very long. I also can’t seem to write very steadily…but I am working on it. In any case I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
In Him,
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Thank you so much for your comments and encouragement!
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Absolutely! It was my pleasure! I really love Strobel, so it was easy! Have you read how Ann Rice came to faith in Jesus? That’s another really incredible example of how research into history can bring about the best change in hard hearts!
Peace!
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Yes, I saw an interview with Ann Rice when her first Christian book came out.
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How lovely! A terrific post! Blessings to you & Happy Easter!
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Thank you. Happy Easter!
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Reblogged this on gracestories and commented:
Why Easter? Read on!
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Thank you for the re-blog! Happy Easter!
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Hi Bill, Thank you for dropping by my post today. Happy Easter to you and yours!
Sue
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Happy Easter, Sue!
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reblogged over at: http://www.Shandra Harris.wordpress.com
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“it was IMPOSSIBLE that the apostles could have persisted in affirming the truths they had narrated, had not JESUS CHRIST ACTUALLY RISEN FROM THE DEAD, . . .”
(Simon Greenleaf, An Examination of the Testimony of the Four Evangelists by the Rules of Evidence Administered in the Courts of Justice, p.29).
“Greenleaf [law professor from Harvard] concluded that according to the jurisdiction of legal evidence the resurrection of Jesus Christ was the best supported event in all of history!”
http://www.av1611.org/resur.html
Joseph Sittler, professor of theology, School of Divinity, University of Chicago – “Christianity has outlived, out-thought, out-died the pagan world. The history of the people of God is the strongest reality of God.”
Good stuff, indeed.
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Thank you for your informative comments, Georgette. Happy Easter!
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Reblogged this on A New Day Dawns and commented:
Today I’m sharing a post from Bill at Unshakable Hope regarding Easter and the resurrection–The Greatest Event in History. Please pay him a visit, good stuff.
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Thank you for the re-blog, Patti. Happy Easter!
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I, too, find Lee Strobel’s testimony encouraging and his books enthralling. Such a great idea, Bill, to introduce others to his writings!
Have a glorious Easter — HE IS RISEN!
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Thank you, Nancy. Happy Easter!
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Happy Easter! Blessings to you and your family.
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Happy Easter to you and yours too!
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What an incredible testimony! Thanks for sharing, thoroughly enjoyed reading this article! The greatest event in history! I have to agree!!!! Bless you 🙂
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Thank you, Geraldine. Happy Easter!
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Thank you, enjoyed your post! Be blessed and Happy Easter! Lori
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Happy Easter, Lori!
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Thank you for the follow 🙂
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Wow – I hadn’t heard that story about Lee Strobel. What an encouragement. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you, Barb. Happy Easter!
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Very inspirational! Because He Lives, there is hope!!
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Amen! Happy Easter!
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Bill,
Have you ever thought about writing a book with all of your posts? Perhaps in Devotional form? Everything you write should be shared with as many as possible!
Have a wonderful Easter!
XOXO
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You’re always so encouraging, Diane – thank you! Mary suggested something like that, but I don’t know anything about writing, let alone writing a book:-) But, I should learn to write because it’s the only thing I’m physically able to do.
Happy Easter, Diane!
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Thanks for posting this, Bill. That’s quite a story about conversion. Blessings to you this Easter weekend–Peg
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Thank you, Peg. Happy Easter!
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Amen! Indeee he is the resurrection, the life and the way! Praise be to God.
Yes I have read several of Lee Strobel’s books. He takes a very methodical approach to his quest and therefore makes it very easy for the reader to follow his investigation. Good reads.
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Thank you, Stephen. I agree with your comments. Happy Easter!
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What a wonderful post. You just reminded me why I need to read “The Case for Christ.” It is now officially on my to-do list. Thank you! Happy Easter to you, too!
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Thank you, Jessica. I think CS Lewis’ “Mere Christianity” and Strobel’s “The Case for Christ” are must reading for Christians, skeptics and genuine truth-seekers. Ironically both authors were once atheists – former atheists seem to make the best Christian apologists. Happy Easter, Jessica!
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” . . . former atheists seem to make the best Christian apologists.” That’s the truth! I’ve read “Mere Christianity” but it’s been years. Time to go back and look at it again, too.
Happy Easter, again. 🙂
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I try to read or listen to the audio version of Mere Christianity once a year, but didn’t get to it last year. Hope you have a great Easter, Jessica.
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Have a blessed Easter with your love ones.
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Thank you. Happy Easter to you and yours also!
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Blessed Easter to you, Bill. Thank you for declaring such glorious truth.
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Thank you, Diane. Happy Easter!
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Thanks Bill. Good stuff!
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Thank you. Happy Easter!
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Great post… Happy Easter to you my brother and friend…
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Thank you, Walter. Happy Easter!
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He is risen!
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Happy Easter, Ann!
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Happy Easter!
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Amen!! \(^_^)/
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Happy Easter, Rene!
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Thank you, Bill! Happy Easter to you and your family!
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That book was a good read. I love how Lee actually sought out experts in their fields and was open to their answers. I think some people go out on a journey like him but have already made up their mind beforehand what they’re going to think with a closed mind. They might not even realize they’re doing this.
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“I think some people go out on a journey like him but have already made up their mind beforehand what they’re going to think with a closed mind.”
You are so right. A lot of people are on a journey to find evidence for what they already believe. Happy Easter!
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This is a great book by Strobel and a great summary and post by you. Happy Easter!
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Thank you, Dan. Happy Easter!
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Reblogged this on mypathtowalk and commented:
Amazing words. A must read for all.
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Thank you for the re-blog.
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Amazing words. Thank you. As a new believer (One Month), I have already been baptized. I know in my soul that it is real but still love to see it written this way. Will have to get the book.
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Thank you. So glad to hear that you’re committed to following Christ! Happy Easter!
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Happy Easter. THe last month of my life has created an inspiration that will last forever. I feel so humbled and blessed. God bless you.
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Awesome! God bless you!
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Loved the graphic – amen to the message
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Thank you, Pat. Happy Easter!
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Happy Easter, and thank you so much for sharing the powerful Gospel message of the resurrection. Where would we be without Jesus? Very, very lost. Blessings to you and yours!
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Thank you, Carolyn. Happy Easter!
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An awesome post! Thank you, and Happy Easter to you : )
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Thank you, Teresa. Happy Easter!
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What a lovely story. Thanks for sharing!! Wish my sort of maybe maybe partner who is also an angry atheist would read this. Can I ask you to do a prayer for him tonight please?! His name is Max. Thank-you..God bless.:-)
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Thank you. Maybe you should buy Max the book. God bless you and Happy Easter!
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Whenever I read Hebrews 11:39,40-12:1 I get goose bumps as it so powerfully reflects the dramatic turning point in the history of mankind: “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Happy Easter Bill!
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That’s good, Kathie! Happy Easter!
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YES!
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Happy Easter, Eileen!
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Reblogged this on servehiminthewaiting.
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Thank you for the re-blog. Happy Easter!
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Great post. I just love how God doesn’t require that we suspend our intellect to believe in Him. He’s just Boss like that.
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That’s so true, Lori. Happy Easter!
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Thank you, Bill. This was a very persuasive and enlightening article. I always enjoy reading your blogs. I never knew the story behind Lee Strobel’s book.
God bless and have a wonderful Easter 🙂
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Thank you, Carol. If you haven’t done so already, check out the short Youtube link I provided in the post; click on Lee’s name. Happy Easter!
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That was awesome. Thanks Bill 🙂
Have a blessed Easter!
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Thanks be to God
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Amen, Melissa. Happy Easter!
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Well said! Lee Strobel’s books are excellent for proof of the reality. Fortunately we don’t need that proof since we live by faith. Marie
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Thank you, Marie. Happy Easter!
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Awesome post, Bill! We have several of Strobel’s books in our home. His words are easy to read and deeply inspiring – like your blog!
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Thank you, Wendy. I agree with you, Lee is good at making the complicated easy to understand. Happy Easter!
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You continue to amaze me. Happy Easter to you! Love, Ellen
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Happy Easter, Ellen! Love you!
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Amen and amen, I linked this on my blog. What a wonderful reflection of Christ. Thank you.
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Thank you, Correna. Happy Easter!
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Hi Bill,
I gave the book, “The Case for Christ,” as a gift years ago to my brother-in-law. At the time, he believe that the Bible was a bunch of fairy tales. However, after much prayer and reading that book, he is now a believer and even got baptized at his church!
I enjoyed reading your post. Happy Easter! Christ is risen!
Blessings,
Danielle
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That is such a great testimony, Danielle! (You have a lot of great testimonies). Lee Strobel is so easy for people to relate to; he has “been there” and doesn’t come off as some preacher talking down to people – even after 30+ years as a well-known Christian, he is still very humble. Happy Easter!
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Reblogged this on ibeatovca and commented:
Loved this! Happy Easter
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Thank you for the re-blog, Connie.
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Beautiful, Bill. Thanks so much for sharing your heart and your life. Happy Easter to you, as well. Want to reblog this on my site. God bless. Connie
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Thank you, Connie. Happy Easter!
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Hey Bro! Do you not want me to feature you on my blog? I think your story is incredibly inspirational. But I am waiting for pics… Are you mad at me? yours, Mike
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Ha! You’re funny, Mike; email me and give me more details about what you want me to send you…
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I might read ‘the case for Christ’ thank you x
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You should read it, Lucy, it’s a good book. Happy Easter!
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Thank you for the re-blog, Correna.
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Thank you for the re-blog!
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