Rebutting Skeptics
Allegations against the New Testament range from denying Jesus’ existence (Robert Price) and Resurrection (John Dominic Crossan) to asserting that large parts of the New Testament are “myth and legend” and over 80% of the events never happened (Jesus Seminar).
Historical evidence refutes these allegations and we cannot let such allegations stand uncontested.
Witnessing to Non-Believers
Worldwide, over 1.9 billion people are unaffiliated non-believers (i.e., atheists, agnostics, or those with no religion at all).
Pew Research Center, Global Religious Landscape
For much of this “unaffiliated” population, New Testament historical evidence may serve an invaluable role in bringing Gospel testimony to them.
Strengthening Faith
Even the disciples had doubts and fears (Luke 24:38; John 20:19) to which Jesus responded with “many convincing proofs,” leading the disciples to carry out the Great Commission in spectacular fashion – 2.3 billion Christians today.
“To these [apostles] He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.” [Acts 1:3 (NASB) (bold added)]
Even strong believers have found that studying New Testament historical support not only strengthens their faith, but makes them better witnesses for the Great Commission’s call to “make disciples of all the nations.” Matthew 28:19.
Course Summary
To serve these missions, we offer an expanding array of training and advocacy to defend against skeptics, to bring non-believers to Jesus Christ, and strengthen those who are already believers.
Historical Proof for the New Testament
Scope. Applying the lessons from the courtroom, this 8-session training examines the massive evidentiary record underpinning the pillars of Christianity, including the ministry, miracles, Resurrection, and deity of Jesus Christ.
Verdict. No ancient work in history comes close to the depth and breadth of the New Testament’s historical record for reliability, authenticity, and verifiability.
Eyewitness Testimony & Gospel Reliability
Scope. Whether in ancient works or modern courtrooms, eyewitness evidence has always been an essential source for finding facts. The New Testament contains a treasure trove of eyewitness testimony meeting the toughest historical standards, as shown in the Scriptures, confirmed by early church leaders, analyzed by top legal experts, and found by leading scholars.
Verdict. The many eyewitnesses, the expansive record, and multiple layers of corroboration establish the New Testament as the best supported record among all ancient works.
Power of Eyewitness Testimony for the Resurrection
Scope. At the center of Christianity, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ stands upon a wealth of evidence, including hundreds of eyewitnesses, the earliest creeds and traditions, layers of corroborating proof, and the best experts. In one session, this course examines the eyewitness testimony, rebuts the skeptics and builds a powerful Resurrection case buttressed with this mountain of eyewitness testimony in the New Testament.
Verdict. For the Resurrection, the eyewitness testimony and evidentiary record establish a lopsided case against the skeptics and for those witnessing for this pivotal event in history.