Now in light of such claims by Jesus, consider what informed and great men historically and today—believers and unbelievers alike—have said about Jesus. Could all of them, down to the last man, be mistaken? Certainly if men and women, as those listed below, felt it was vital to be informed on Jesus Christ, perhaps we should also become informed. Can you read all of the statements in the following chart and still believe investigating Jesus is not a worthwhile endeavor?
“Jesus Christ is the centre of everything and the object of everything, and he who does not know Him knows nothing of the order of nature and nothing of himself.”
-Blaise Pascal, French philosopher and scientist, author of the classic work, Pensées
“The unique impression of Jesus upon mankind—whose name is not so much written as ploughed into the history of the world—is proof of the subtle virtue of this infusion.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson, American poet and transcendentalist
“Christ is not valued at all unless He be valued above all.”
-Augustine of Hippo, church theologian and philosopher
“I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.” and “There is not a God in heaven, if a mere man was able to conceive and execute successfully the gigantic design of making Himself the object of supreme worship, by usurping the name of God. Jesus alone dared to do this.”
-Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France
“Christ is absolutely original and absolutely unique.
-Pope John Paul II
“When Christ came into my life, I came about like a well-handled ship.”
-Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist and poet
“The Lord from Heaven born of a village girl, carpenter’s son, Wonderful, Prince of Peace, the mighty God.”
-Alfred Lord Tennyson, English poet
“After six years given to the impartial investigation of Christianity, as to its truth or falsity, I have come to the deliberate conclusion that Jesus Christ was the Messiah of the Jews, the Savior of the world, and my personal Savior.”
-Lew Wallace, American lawyer, soldier, and author of Ben Hur
“The Galilean has been too great for our small hearts.”
-H. G. Wells, English novelist and historian, author of The Time Machine, War of the Worlds, and An Outline of History
“The coming of Jesus into the world is the most stupendous event in human history.” and “What is unique about Jesus is that, on the testimony and in the experience of innumerable people, of all sorts and conditions, of all races and nationalities from the simplest and most primitive to the most sophisticated and cultivated, he remains alive. That the Resurrection happened seems to be indubitably true. Either Jesus never was or he still is. ”
-Malcolm Muggeridge, English novelist and critic
“I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene.”
-Albert Einstein, American physicist who originated the theory of relativity
“I have spent more than forty-two years as a defense trial lawyer appearing in many parts of the world....I say unequivocally the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming that it compels acceptance by proof which leaves absolutely no doubt.”-Sir Lionell Luckhoo, listed in the Guiness Book of Records, the world’s “most successful lawyer,” knighted twice by the queen of England
“The example of Christ is supreme in its authority.”
-George Barlow
“Jesus was the most disturbing person in history.”
-Vance Havner
“He who thinks he hath no need of Christ hath too high thoughts of himself. He who thinks Christ cannot help him hath too low thoughts of Christ.”
-John M. Mason, American educator; provost, Columbia College
“Everything that is really worthwhile in the morality of today has come to the world through Christ.”
-G. Campbell Morgan, British preacher, author
“Jesus Christ is the outstanding personality of all time....no other teacher—Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Mohammedan—is still a teacher whose teaching is such a guidepost for the world we live in....He became the Light of the World. Why shouldn’t I, a Jew, be proud of that?”
-Sholam Asch, Polish novelist and playwright
“A man who can read the New Testament and not see that Christ claims to be more than a man, can look all over the sky at high noon on a cloudless day and not see the sun.”
-William E. Biederwolf, American educator and evangelist
“I know of no sincere enduring good but the moral excellency which shines forth in Jesus Christ.”
-William Ellery Channing, Unitarian leader and abolitionist
“Jesus was the greatest religious genius that ever lived. His beauty is eternal, and His reign shall never end. Jesus is in every respect unique, and nothing can be compared with Him. All history is incomprehensible without Christ.” and “Whatever may be the surprises of the future, Jesus will never be surpassed....all ages will proclaim that among the sons of men there is none born greater than
-Joseph Ernest Renan, French nationalist, and skeptic, humanist historian of religion
Jesus.”
“The face of Christ does not indeed show us everything, but it shows the one thing we need to know—the character of God. God is the God who sent Jesus.”
-P. Carnegie Simpson
“That Christ should be and should be Christ appears the one reasonable, natural, certain thing in all the universe. In Him all broken lines unite; in Him all scattered sounds are gathered into harmony.”
-Phillips Brooks, Harvard-educated preacher and bishop of Massachusetts who preached before Queen Victoria
“Whatever motives Jesus Christ might have had against calling Himself God, He did call Himself God; such is the fact.”
-Jean Baptiste Lacordaire, French prelate and revolutionary
“This calm assumption of Jesus that He is not a sinner will take hold of the wrists of any thoughtful mind and twist them till it must come to its knees.”
-Bishop William Quayle
“Either Jesus was and knew what He was, what He proclaimed Himself to be, or else He was a pitiable visionary.”
-Leonce De Grandmaison
“The Christian Church stands or falls with this simple proposition: that Jesus is nothing less than God’s self-communication to men, and the only certain source of our knowledge of God.”
-W. A. Visser’t Hooft, Dutch ecumenical, grand secretary of the World Council of Churches
“If we are to find the secret of His Timelessness—the simplicity of His Wisdom, the transforming power of His Doctrine, we must go out beyond time to the Timelessness, beyond the complex to the Perfect, beyond Change to the Changeless, out beyond the margins of the world to the Perfect God.”
-Fulton J. Sheen, Roman Catholic bishop and broadcaster
“Christ is God or He is the world’s greatest liar and imposter.”
-Dorothy Day, American writer and social reformer
“The witnesses for the historical authentication and for the proofs of the Divinity of Jesus, from the earliest days, are far more comprehensive than the testimonies for the existence of many famous historical characters we accept without question.”Herbert E. Cory
“An undogmatic Christ is the advertisement of a dying faith.”
P. T. Forsyth, Congregationalist theologian who rejected his earlier liberalism and according to E. Brunner, became the greatest British theologian of his day
“If Shakespeare should come into this room, we would all rise; but if Jesus Christ should come in, we would all kneel.”
Charles Lamb, English essayist and critic, author of Tales from Shakespeare
“The supreme miracle of Christ’s character lies in this: that He combines within Himself, as no other figure in human history has ever done, the qualities of every race.”
C. F. Andrews, Anglican missionary to India
The Humanist suggestion that Jesus was morally right, but religiously mistanken’ defies all psychological probabilities.”
F. R. Berry
All this is no mean testimony, but it could be multiplied many times over. Still, there are many people and groups today claiming false things about Jesus, and many others who reject or oppose Him. This includes liberal theologians who reject His deity, religious cults like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses who claim to honor Him and accept His teachings but do not, and those in other world faiths who reinvent His message to conform to their own.8 Because such misinformation is widespread today, even the one who names the name of Christ needs to be thoroughly versed on what history and Scripture teach about Him and why contrary views are invalid.
Taken from: https://www.jashow.org/free_downloads/ready-with-an-answer/
January 1-3, 2015
www.contend2015.com [3]
Bring a Group or Just Bring Your Own Student
Point of Action: We need your help in getting out the word. Will you e-mail this letter to your family and friends? Will you post the information on your Facebook page or tweet out the URL: www.contend2015.com [3] and let everyone know it is free as a ministry of www.worldviewweekendfoundation.com [4]
As a parent or grandparent would you like the opportunity to bring the high school or college students in your family to a Biblical worldview conference that is specifically for them? Have you ever thought about sending your student to a worldview camp but the $1,400 or more in tuition, plus transportation, was a barrier? Colossians 2:8 tells us to:
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Are you concerned that the students in your life may not be fully equipped and Biblically prepared to resist and refute the man-centered philosophies and empty deceit of this age? Can the students in your life destroy every argument raised up against the principles of the Lord as we are called to do in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5?
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
Being a parent and grandparent today that is seeking to encourage the students in your life to follow the Lord and love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength presents challenges not even comprehended by your parents and grandparents. Sometimes the questions your students ask may frustrate you because you wish you had an answer for them. Perhaps you are worried about your students being included in the nearly 80% of young people that are walking away from the faith?
If the questions I have asked you have you concerned then I think you are going to be encouraged by the free Contend 2015 conference we are hosting January 1st starting at 6pm and ending at 12 noon on January 3, 2015. We are bringing in some of the premier Biblical worldview speakers to address the major issues facing today’s high school and college students.
A sweet family from Iowa sent us this e-mail last year. I will share it with you in a moment in hope it will challenge other adults to take the leadership and ministry opportunity as did this family. The January 1-3, Contend 2015 conference will have an eternal, life-changing impact on countless young people for the gospel and church.
Why would you not take advantage of a free Biblical conference like this and organize a group of young people? Why not? We are doing our part but are you? As an adult will you partner with us by sponsoring and organizing a group of young people and hosting them? If you cannot bring a group then just bring your own student with you parent! Here is the testimony from this family and I hope it is a challenge to you and inspires you to follow their example. They wrote:
Brannon,
So excited to be bringing 11 young people to your conference in January! Thanks for the hotel discounts - my husband and I are renting a van and paying for three hotel rooms with our Christmas cash. Cannot think of a better use for that money! The college-age youth that are coming are really looking forward to the conference also. Thank you...thank you...thank you!
Here is a link to the conference for complete details, topics and speaker bios: www.contend2015.com [3] The conference is free but you must register online so we can save everyone a seat and have the free resources waiting for each student when they arrive. Some parents have asked if they can also attend the conference with their students and the answer is an enthusiastic YES!
A Short List of Some of the Topics to be Covered at Contend 2015:
- Why the Prosperity Gospel is a False Gospel
- The Jesus of the Cults Versus the Jesus of the Bible
- The Danger of Mysticism
- A Biblical Look at Pot, Gambling, Pornography, Abortion, & Doctor-Assisted Suicide
- The Dangers of Moralizing: Why Christians Should Not Attempt to Force Christian Values on Unbelievers But Share the Gospel With Them By Which They Can Change Their Values
- How Hannah in I Samuel 2 Understood and Trusted in God’s Total Control, Rule, and Goodness and Why You Can Too
- Growing up in the Church but Not Saved: A Biblical Study of True and False Converts Through the Eyes of Samuel in I Samuel Chapter 3.
- A Rocket Scientist Debunks Evolution (by Test-Pilot and Real Rocket Scientist Jason Pratt)
- Testimony of a Backslidden Atheist (by former atheist Jason Pratt)
- How To Study The Bible in Context
- Critical Thinking Skills That Disarm Evolutionists
- The Bible Versus Millions of Years
- Plenty of Question and Answer Time with the Speakers
Let’s not just complain about the state of modern Christianity but let’s do something about it. Join us January 1-3, 2015 for Contend 2015 in Memphis, TN, which is centrally located. Check the map and you will see that Memphis is a day’s drive from about half the population in the United States. Parents, if you want to bring your student or a group of students and attend the conference that would be great. If you just want to bring them and then you spend the time exploring Memphis, then that is fine as well. Either way, please partner with us through this ministry opportunity.
Finally in closing, if you agree with our stepping out in faith to host this free Contend 2015 conference please consider helping us with the cost by making a tax deductible contribution on our website at www.worldviewweekendfoundation.com [4] At the very least, please join us in praying for a great weekend of ministry that will have an eternal impact on the life of these young adults.
Sincerely,
Brannon Howse
Worldview Weekend
Worldview Weekend Foundation
Worldview Weekend Foundation
1016 West Poplar Ave #106-228
Collierville, TN 38017
Testimonials From 2014 Attendees:
-
Contend was a truly encouraging and edifying conference, where adults
and young adults alike were able to hear the Word of God accurately
taught and proclaimed to equip the saints in contending for the faith
and glorify God. All speakers brought a unique and dynamic contribution
to the conference, varying topics with in depth study of God’s Word with
available resources to continue learning. I really enjoyed hearing from
Brannon about contending against the “ISMS” of the day, which threaten
our society as well as true biblical theology.Jesse Johnson contributed a
humbling and edifying message on the Christians life from Philippians
1:21. Jared Carlson contended for the validity of the Bible and the
infallible Word of God, as well as clarifying the issue of homosexuality
in light of the Gospel. And finally Jason Carlson taught on the lie of
evolution. These speakers were my favorite and the notes I have taken I
will surely share with others. I thank everyone who made it possible for
the Contend 2014 conference and I hope that this conference will be
able to happen again to continue to equip believers to contend earnestly
for the faith.
College Student
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I attended Contend this past weekend and had an absolutely great
time! My only complaint would be that it didn't last long enough! Haha. I
loved all of the speakers. The topics from you six were so different
that they are kind of hard to compare… It's uncommon for there to be a
event for teens that is full of facts like Contend was. Normally it
would be directed more towards having fun and building up self-esteem,
which is fine, but getting meaty facts was a really nice change! Thanks
again for all that you have done. see you next year!
High school student from Arkansas
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The conference has been so important to me because the speakers have
directly addressed so many lies that I have been taught during my first
semester in college. The worldview that I am being taught and which my
professors attempt to convince me are right are not Biblical and it is
so important that I and others in my position learn what is right
according to God and how to defend truth.
Susan
High School student
Birmingham, Alabama
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I enjoyed Jason and Jared Carlson the most. I loved that they talked
about the problems that Christian college and high school students have
going against them almost every day, such as homosexuality and
evolution. This was the best Christian student conference I’ve ever been
to. Thank you for bringing this together Brannon Howse.
Rachel
High school student
Birmingham, Alabama
-
I want to thank Brannon Howse for giving a good summary of feminism,
mysticism and the other confusing issues of the day. I am looking
forward to reading further information. All of the speakers communicated
their messages with a degree of frankness and candor that was
refreshing and remarkable. Their commitment to truth inspired me to live
more truthfully. Also Mr. Johnson’s discussion about the purpose of the
church was very compelling…Thanks to everyone who put this together.
Claire
College Student
Des Moines, Iowa
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I can’t thank you enough for hosting the Contend 2014 conference.
While I thoroughly enjoyed all of the speakers, I would have to say that
my favorite part of the conference was watching my 16 year old daughter
take it all in. As she herself may tell you, she did not want to
attend.I had to pull out the “Dad” card to get her to attend. But by the
end of the first night, she was soaking it all in, taking notes, and
asking me questions about the various topics the speakers discussed. She
has not shown this much interest in Biblical worldview issues for some
time. She is already looking forward to Contend 2015, and plans on
inviting some of her friends to join her. Thanks again, and may God
continue to bless you, your family, and your ministry.
Memphis TN
-
I have loved my time at Contend 2014! I love the fact that I am
treated as a young adult instead of an immature kid. Contend has been a
great experience because everything has been focused on Christ, versus
keeping us entertained with fluffy messages. I have enjoyed the straight
forward facts. Thank you to all of the speakers and behind the scenes
workers for all of your time, teaching and work for us youth. Looking
forward to Contend 2015!
High School Student
Arkansas
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The biggest thing for me that I’ve learned thus far is understanding
all the ISMS of today…this is crucial for my generation and being a
student in a top public university.
Molly
College Student From Georgia
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A few of the speakers stuck out to me most. 1. Jesse Johnson: He
stuck out to me when he spoke on contending with purpose because my
youth pastor always tells us we have a purpose. So this topic always
captures my interest. 2. Brannon Howse: He just has a pleasant way about
the way he talks. It makes it easy to listen and follow what he is
speaking about. 3. The Carlson brothers have humor and some good stories
of how God has worked in their lives. 4. Michael Furchert: His story is
incredible. It amazes me that he did everything he did for God and his
family was the outcast for it…5. Usama Dakdok: You will love his voice!
The truth he revealed was amazing.
-
I liked the way everything was said…It was not like my church. We
were treated like the young adults we are. Repentance was taught. My
church doesn’t have a pastor, but only an interim. He doesn’t preach
much about repentance. This conference was so refreshing to me. I don’t
have any real Christian friends outside of church so the only
encouragement I get is on Sundays and Wednesdays and whenever I read
God’s Word. It was nice to have half a week full of Christ! Thank you!
High school student
Birmingham, Alabama
-
This weekend has supplied me with evidence that has bolstered my
faith. I feel more confident in my beliefs and I have gained an insight
into the scriptures that I previously did not have.
Student did not put name or state on letter
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One thing I have always struggled with is wanting to conform. The
testimony of Michael Furchert was a big encouragement to me in my stand
not to conform to society and its norms.
Audrey
High School Student
Michigan
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This is a really life changing experience. A growing experience so we
grow in our faith in God and learn not to be fooled by Satan and false
prophets.
Yami
State unknown
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This was my first Worldview Weekend conference. I’ve been to many
conferences over the years and I must say this is by far the most
informative Biblical conference I’ve been to. I appreciate the sound
Biblical teaching. Every speaker had me on the edge of my seat. Contend
2014 has given me more confidence to bodly stand up for Christ and the
gospel.
James
Arkansas