Welcome

[Mikelesar]

Hi. My name is Mike Lesar and I live in Amanzimtoti which is just south of Durban, South Africa. I have been preaching for around 40 years and was in full time ministry until God called me to minister to a wider community, namely those infected with TB and AIDS. I started doing this in the Eastern Cape and have been doing it in KWAZULU-NATAL since 2009. My first marriage gave me 2 children from whom I have 5 grandchildren, and my second marriage added one step daughter who has given me 2 grandchildren.

 

My staff are mainly ministers/pastors from the rural areas whose churches are too poor to pay them a living wage, and they have joined me in ministering both the Gospel and the knowledge of TB and AIDS to the far reaches of KZN.

 

God has been good to me all my days, protecting me from myself in bad times and from others whenever needed. He is the Faithful One and I love Him more than any other.

 

I am extremely concerned over what is happening in the world right now, the violence, corruption and crimes against humanity, but also against Israel. I have faith that God Who sees all and knows all, will act in favour of those who love Him and I look forward to the Resurrection of believers. Mike Lesar

[rakovsky]

I am Hal from America.

I saw the discussion on evidence of the Resurrection here:

http://www.jesuswalk.com/resurrection/3_resurrection-proofs.htm

The resurrection is fascinating for me. I believe in God and love Jesus and can feel my heart connect to Him, which is a major component of what is called faith.

My problem is that at the mental level if I try to think objectively about it, I am inclined to think that the Resurrection did not physically occur. Without time travel or remote viewing of course I think it can't be proved 100% either way, but at least the narrative stretches realistic credibility.

The reason is that it seems to me that the early Christians could have been like the Charismatics today, and I don't believe in most of their "gifts" and group visions. In one case, a charismatic church filmed Jesus appearing in their worship and healing someone, and the church went on tour with the tape. But when a Christian investigator asked for the tape to research it, the pastor said he lost the tape. I think the Charismatics often have a mix of fabrication and delusion. But I don't know how you can easily disprove he Charismatics other than to say that they stretch credibility.

The same thing is said by skeptics about the Resurrection.

I will discuss the issues here:

Q1. Differences between Resurrection Accounts

http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/571-q1-differences-between-resurrection-accounts/page-3#entry102222(My entry)

Q2. The Theft Theory

http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/577-q2-the-theft-theory/page-3#entry102223 (My entry)

Q3. The Disciples' Psychological State

http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/578-q3-the-disciples-psychological-state/page-3#entry102227(My entry)

Q4. Compelling Proofs

http://www.joyfulheart.com/forums/topic/579-q4-compelling-proofs/page-3#entry102224(My entry)

[Yolanda]

Hello everyone, looking forward to learning and hearing how the spirit of God move. 

[Bianca]

Hello,

My name is Bianca and I am from South Carolina in the United States. I'm looking forward to this study.

[RedRose]

Blessings from Tampa Florida.

I am married and recently celebrated our 10th Anniversary. Combined we have 2 sons, 1 daughter, 1 daughter-in law, 2 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, 1 granddaughter-in-law, and 1 great grandson. 

We belong to a Baptist church and are blessed to have Pastors that boldly preach the truths of the Bible.

My husband and I are quite active in our church and facilitate two classes: one for new believers and one for discovering the participants' spiritual gifts to equip them for service. 

We enjoy traveling especially going on mission trips. 

I enjoy knitting, reading, and spending quality time with my husband and family.

I look forward to studying God's Word with you.