(REVISED, BY TERRY R BURGESS)
Two prominent Englishmen, Gilbert West and Lord Littleton, had two things in common. Both men insisted that Jesus Christ was an imposter, and that Christianity was a harmful religion that should be destroyed. After discussing strategies to eradicate Christ and Christianity, they decided to focus on the alleged resurrection of Jesus, and the conversion of the apostle Paul. West agreed to disprove Jesus’ resurrection, while Littleton labored to debunk Paul’s conversion.
About a year later, the two men convened to compare notes. To their astonishment, they had not only failed in their objectives, but each had become a staunch believer. The overwhelming evidence of Christ’s resurrection and Paul’s conversion had withstood their hostile intentions and turned enemies into advocates.
This was not the first time that overpowering evidence compelled skeptics to become believers. Are you aware that virtually all of Jesus’ disciples were initially skeptical of His resurrection? Despite the fact that Jesus had repeatedly predicted that He would rise again, it seemed like an empty promise to His followers. After rising from His tomb on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared to a group of women. Had they come to congratulate Him on His resurrection? No, but to anoint His assumed LIFELESS body (Luke 24:1). When these ladies hurried to inform the apostles, they thought the women were telling tales, REFUSING to believe (Luke 24: 10-11). It was not until they saw the empty tomb, heard Jesus speak, noticed His scars and watched Him eat did they honestly believe that He HAD RISEN (Luke 24:36-49).
What about you? Do you believe that Jesus rose from the dead? If not, examine the evidence, as did West and Littleton. The result may astound you and even change your life!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis