Cornerstone

Matthew 1:18

This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
God without embarrassment or excuse gave an explanation of the birth of Jesus which had to sound fantastic and suspect. “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise . . . “

From the very first, faith is required to believe in Jesus. Faith is necessary as the messianic prophesies are read. Faith is necessary as the virgin birth is considered. The requirement of faith follows the life of Jesus step by step past the cross, through the resurrection morn to the mount as He ascends into heaven.

Millard Erickson says, “Next to the resurrection, the most debated and controversial event of Jesus’ life is the virgin birth.” A Newsweek Poll found that 84% of American adults call themselves Christian, 82% see Jesus as the son of God, and 79% believe in the Virgin Birth. (Newsweek 12/13/04) Faith is the issue. Even some who call themselves Christians have difficulty with faith when it comes to the Virgin Birth. And yet, God did not given an uncertain answer to the question about Jesus’ birth. Before Mary and Joseph came together, “ . . . she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”

Dr. Gayle Woods

1 Cor 1:1-20

Luke stated Acts 1:3 that the risen Lord “shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” KJV

A student at the University of Uruguay one day asked Josh McDowell, author of “Evidence for the Resurrection”, “Professor McDowell, why can’t you refute Christianity?” “For a very simple reason,” I answered. “I am not able to explain away an event in history–the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” He states, “After more than 700 hours of studying this subject, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either one of the most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted on the minds of human beings–or it is the most remarkable fact of history.” There are many infallible proofs that will convince any person of faith but probably the final evidence that we all must embrace is discussed in the following poem:

He Is Risen!
How do I know that Christ is risen?

What proof have I to give?

He touched my life one blessed day

And I began to live.

How do I know He left the tomb

That morning long ago?

I met Him just this morning

And my heart is still aglow.

How do I know that endless life

He gained for me that day?

His life within is proof enough

Of immortality.

How do I know that Christ still lives

Rich blessings to impart?

He walks with me along the way

And lives within my heart.

–Author Unknown

Dr. Gayle Woods