Was Jesus Really Who He Claimed to Be?

My topic has shifted from what I originally decided to write about in this series of Bible Study blogs. Before we can talk about how the Bible speaks to certain issues in our culture, we first have to look at the Bible itself. What authority does it have to speak to our culture?

These days, most people are not convinced that the Bible is anything other than a collection of myths, legends, exaggerated history and man's idea of how things should be. This is tragic not only because of the eternal implications of such a belief, but also because when viewed properly (as a document inspired by an all-knowing and all-powerful God), the Bible is truly the greatest book of history, wisdom and practical instruction, as well as being the greatest and truest love story of all time.

And so, I am endeavoring to convince the unconvinced in this series. No small task, I know...but a worthy task nonetheless. It is a topic that I am intensely passionate about. The Bible is the basis of my entire life-because and only because I believe it is inspired by The almighty God. 

More about that later...

Let's talk about Jesus. Who was he, really? Was he God? Just a man? A good moral teacher perhaps?

Jesus of Nazareth truly did live. He is not a fictitious character, not a myth or a legend. There is more than enough historical evidence to support the claim that he was a real man who walked upon the earth, had a following, was crucified and somehow rose from the dead. 

Many people believe that Jesus did live, but are skeptical as to whether or not he was really God. I've heard many people say in my own life that they believe Jesus was a good man, an advocate for social justice, a great teacher. Nothing more, nothing less. 

What many of them don't understand is that Jesus intentionally left no room for this assumption. C.S. Lewis said it this way on page 52 of his book "Mere Christianity."

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic-on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonesense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to."

In another great book, "The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell, the author presents to us the "Trilemma," or the three alternatives we have for consideration. Either Jesus was a lunatic, a liar or He is Lord and God: 

Jesus claimed to be God in the flesh. Either his claim is true or false. If it is false, he either didn't know they were false and was therefore a lunatic, or he knew they were false and was deliberately lying-in which case he was a complete fool for dying for something that wasn't true. On the other hand, if his claim was true, then he is God! The choice is yours, whether you wish to accept Him or reject Him. Either way, your choice does not affect the truth of His claim. 

Because of time restraints (I am after all a senior in college) and because of the sheer volume of research and information available on this topic, I just can't cover it all. But I would like to leave you with a few resources if you would like to consider doing more of your own research on this topic. 

Most of the research for this blog came from "The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict" Josh McDowell. It's a wonderful resource to have. I refer to it often.

"Mere Christianity" by C. S. Lewis is another great resource. It is considered one of his greatest works. 

Also: "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel.

In this blog, I briefly dealt with Jesus' claims about himself. In the next I will hopefully be dealing with claims the Bible makes about Jesus and the historicity of the Resurrection. Stay tuned! God bless! :)

Coming Soon!

It's been almost 2 full years since I last blogged. *Lowers head in shame*

But I'm back (for a little while, anyway). I'm now a Senior at Indiana Bible College and as a requirement for a class, I have been asked to complete an online Bible Study in a series of 10 entries. I'm very excited about this assignment because of two things. First-I'm a horrible slacker when it comes to this blog and this will force me to revive it and second-I love studying the Bible. So stay tuned!

My topic (should it be approved by my wise and gracious instructor Chris Henderson) will be Biblical stances on modern, hard-hitting issues.

Possible topic for next entry: Abortion. What does the Bible say about it and how does it apply to us directly.

Can't wait! God bless!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! :D

For Thanksgiving this year, I thought I’d try to sit down and count my blessings. I soon realized that putting a number on them was going to be completely impossible. So I just decided to list them instead. So here is a list of some of the things for which I'm thankful.

I suppose I should start at the beginning…

I’m thankful that I know truth and that I have a desire to pursue truth. Even if you know truth, if you don’t have a desire to pursue it and obey it, it does nothing for you. I’m thankful that God allowed me to know it and gave me a love for it as well. If I didn’t have the rest of the things and people on this wonderful list, but I just had truth and a passion for it, I would still be blessed beyond anything I could ever deserve.

I’m thankful for my parents. My dad works harder than anyone I know to provide for us financially, emotionally and spiritually. My mom is a prayer warrior and also a hard worker. I’m thankful that they didn’t leave it up to others to teach their children, but they sat down with us and taught us Bible studies. They worked with us on our Bible quizzing scriptures. They prayed with us and for us. They lead by example and that’s the reason my brothers and I are in church today.

I’m thankful for my crazy brothers. They keep me laughing constantly. I’m thankful that they’re all living for God. One day when I have children of my own, they’re going to have godly uncles and aunts that will provide stability and love and support for them. I’m thankful that Jay has found Jenny, that Caleb has found Brittany and that Josh will one day find a godly young lady who will be perfect for him as well. I’m thankful for all the midnight viewings of Robin Hood with Jay. I’m thankful for the randomness that Caleb brings to my life. I’m thankful for every Totino’s Crisp Crust Pizza that I’ve shared with Josh. I’m thankful that they taught me how to shoot a basketball, swing a bat and throw a football. I’m thankful that they let me play with them and didn’t exclude me because I’m a girl.

I have wonderful childhood memories. I have the best family anyone could ask for. I don’t know why God allowed me all of these wonderful things, but He did and I’m so thankful.

I’m thankful that I grew up attending First United Pentecostal Church of Raleigh (now the Temple of Pentecost). I’m thankful for the leadership of wonderful men of God like Wayne Huntley and Bryan Ballestero. I’m thankful for the wonderful godly examples of their wives, Patsy Huntley and Christy Ballestero. I’m thankful that they instilled in me a love for truth and holiness and led me by their example.

I’m thankful that God called me to IBC. It was my dream since I was a child and God miraculously provided a way for me to go. Now that I’m here, it’s more than I ever dreamed it would be. I’m thankful for the call of God on my life and honored that he would choose me. 

I'm thankful for every staff member at IBC who gives of themselves unselfishly. They pour their passion, their knowledge and their burden into us daily. I've never known a group of harder working people for the Kingdom of God. 

And of course I’m thankful for all of my wonderful friends:

Heather and Korey: My sisters. I don’t just have one best friend, I have two. They’re beautiful inside and out. They love God and they love me. They’ve provided endless hours worth of listening ears, sound advice, supportive hugs, prayers and just plain old good times.

My Raleigh folks: My childhood best friends Courtney and Amber who are still my good friends today, Timothy, Zack, Caleb, Stephanie, Brittany, Kendrik and so many more.

My IBC “family”: Abby Thompson, my first IBC friend who was my Starbucks buddy, my Christmas music buddy, my grocery shopping buddy and my lifeline my freshman year.

Greta Shraufnagel, for the countless hours I spent in her room just hanging out and talking, for all the wonderful hugs, the prayers and the laughs.

Michael Mast for being my first Christmas banquet date, for all the MSAs, the Starbucks runs, the good times.

Toby Elsey for being someone I can count on, someone who encourages me and someone who can pretty much always make me laugh.

Andrew Herbst, my “little brother” for being a trustworthy and understanding friend. 

Candra Poitras for being a beautiful person with a caring heart and an encouraging word, and also for being hilarious. ;)

Melinda Poitras for being the most passion-filled person I know, and for painting pretty pictures with her words that can make me nostalgic for times in which I have not lived, places to which I have never been and people whom I have never met.

Erin Yancy for being talented, yet humble, for being a living, breathing testimony of the grace of God and for allowing God to use her to be blessing to so many people.

Ashton Pace, my sweet roommate who is basically my own personal cheerleader and who puts up with my occasional messiness.

Gideon Assefa for giving of himself and being the most unselfish person I know. And for being a theology major who is also an amazing Praise musician. ;)

Dustin Moore for being quite possibly the most compassionate, encouraging and sweet friend I have and for every IBC dinner at the table by the window which have come to mean so much to me.

Kari Martin, my friend, my suitemate, my mentor, my prayer partner, my MSA boss of sorts and soon to be my co-worker.

Hannah Troxal, for being unafraid to answer the call of God on her life and for being wonderful example of holiness.

There are so many more wonderful people in my life and if I have left you out, it’s not because I’m not thankful for your friendship. God has placed us all in each other’s lives and I’m truly thankful for everyone who has touched mine.

I’m also thankful that I was born and raised in the United States of America, specifically in the beautiful state of North Carolina. I’m thankful for the freedoms I enjoy everyday. I’m thankful for the city of Indianapolis and the fun times I’ve had here. I’m thankful for every sunrise and every sunset I’ve been privileged to see. I’m thankful for my health, for a sound mind, for the ability to learn. I’m thankful for the gift of music and all it adds to my life. I’m thankful for technology and the ability to keep in touch with all of my favorite people no matter where I am on this globe. I’m thankful that I have an education. I’m thankful for books and the endless amount of information and entertainment they provide. I’m thankful that I never have to go to bed with an empty stomach. I’m thankful for coffee. I’m thankful for Christmas and times of celebration with my family and friends. I’m thankful for Nutella. I’m thankful for nature and it’s beauty. I’m thankful for every season, for the beauty of snow, the phenomenon of rain, the peacefulness of a blue sky and a sunny day. I’m thankful for every nap I’ve taken on the beach and for the constant crashing of the waves. I’m thankful for every hike I’ve taken through the woods, every pile of fall leaves I have ever jumped into, every bonfire I’ve roasted a marshmallow in on a chilly night. I’m thankful for every time that my favorite song has come on the radio unexpectedly. I’m thankful for every birthday I’ve ever had and for every present from a loved one. I’m thankful for a warm bed, hot water and a full closet. I’m thankful for every roadtrip I have ever taken (there have been several). I’m thankful that I have never been pulled over and that I’ve never been in a wreck (it’s only by the grace of God!) I’m thankful for every sermon that has convicted me and challenged me to change. I’m thankful for every sermon that has encouraged and uplifted me. I’m thankful for every worship service, altar call and prayer meeting where I have felt the presence of God. I’m thankful for every youth camp, youth rally and youth Bible study that have helped me to grow spiritually.

I’m sure you get the picture. I could go on and on for hours just listing things. Little things, big things…it never ends. What right do I have to complain? What right do I have to feel sorry for myself. I’m literally living my dream and I could never express my gratitude to my God for His blessings on my life.

I challenge everyone who reads this blog: find a quiet place this Thanksgiving, sit down with a pen and paper, or your laptop, and start listing. You'll be overwhelmed. I certainly am.

James 1:17 Every good and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

More Book Reviews

Here are a few titles I've read recently or am currently working on:

Order My Steps: The life of missionary Paul A. Dennis

I think I devoured this book in about 2 days. It's the story of Paul Dennis who was a missionary to Japan and who happens to be the grandfather of one of my friends and classmates here at IBC. It's an amazing story about how God brought this man out of a sinful lifestyle and gave him a ministry that changed thousands of lives. It goes to show how anyone can be saved and used of God-no matter their past-if they're willing to surrender their life to Him.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

I know that this is not a new find but the series is new to me. I've never read them before and I found the entire set at Goodwill for $5.00. I figured I had to buy them and read them all. I've completed the first one (this one) and am currently in the middle of Prince Caspian. They are a fun and easy read as well as being interesting in a spiritual aspect. C.S. Lewis is a genius. Just sayin'. 

Creation vs. Evolution

This was one of my textbooks last year for my Science in the Bible class and I found it fascinating. It's a book that scientifically refutes the evolutionary theory (annihilates it, actually) and gives overwhelming evidence for the creation story and the flood of Noah's day as described in the book of Genesis. I recommend this book to students who want to be able to defend their faith and be grounded in truth in the face of the lies being taught to them everyday in public schools and universities. I would also recommend this book to any scientifically minded person who maybe wants to understand why Christians believe the way we do about the Creation of the world. It's interesting, insightful and faith affirming. And it's a pretty easy read. :)

My Utmost for His Highest

This is a little devotional book that I try to read from everyday. Oswald Chambers is one of my favorite devotional writers. He deals a lot with subjects in a much deeper way than most modern Christian writers. He addresses things such as suffering, total surrender to God, complete trust in God. I would recommend adding this into your daily devotional routine for a little extra insight on becoming a more effective Christian.

Benjamin Franklin: the autobiography and other writings

Okay, I know what you're thinking. I picked this book up at Goodwill for 99 cents and surprisingly enough it is very interesting. To me at least. It's a detailed word portrait of this important figure in our nation's history. He tells about his life in great detail, reviewing decisions he made as good or bad and giving practical advice to the reader on how to avoid the bad decisions and make good ones. He speaks in depth about the importance of frugality, temperance and many other virtues and how to practically apply them to your own life. It's also interesting to me because he deals with a variety of subjects such as personal relationships, business endeavors and his religious inquiries. Maybe it wouldn't be interesting to most people but I am thoroughly enjoying it. :)

Reading is awesome. I've been trying to read more and I've quite enjoyed rediscovering my love affair with the written word. Challenge yourself to read something new. Whether it be educational or a novel, it's beneficial to your brain. :)

Not All Consequences Are Bad

I took a three hour nap today. Normally, I would feel guilty about that but I'm pretty sure I earned it. :)


Consequently, I cannot sleep. Consequently, I am blogging. 


So, here's the lowdown: Life at IBC continues to be amazing. The first two and a half weeks have flown by as if someone somewhere has pushed a cosmic fast-forward button on my life. So far, every chapel service has been amazing, every class has been inspirational, every prayer meeting powerful and every social event epic. This coming Thursday and Friday, Calvary Tabernacle will be hosting the annual MARC (mid-America renewal conference) at which my amazing Senior Pastor Brother Wayne Huntley will be preaching as well as five other amazing speakers. It's sure to be legendary!


I'm so blessed to be here at IBC at this particular time. There's a unity here that is, I feel, unprecedented. There are young people stepping into their callings and their ministries like never before. It's a wonderful feeling and an amazing opportunity of which I hope and pray that I can take full advantage. 


Twitter is being stupid, but if it weren't, this is what I would post: 


"No weapon formed against me shall prosper. NO. WEAPON." 


In all that I face, I must never forget this. I have been bought with a price. I have obeyed the Word of God. I have done my part. Now it is His turn to fulfill His promises in my life. And, of course, He is coming through for me. Like He has always done for me. Like He will always do for me and you and everyone else who has obeyed His Word.


So there's that. Have a blessed day. XOXO

Back in Indy!

I realize that I have been THE BIGGEST SLACKER when it comes to updating my friends and family on what's happening in my life and for this I am sorry. This is me attempting to make it up to you all.


So...picking up where I left off...


My last blog was posted from DeKalb, IL where I spent the summer interning. It was a great experience for me. I was able to participate in various facets of ministry including things that I normally would not have participated in. I was able to sing, play piano, speak, preach (yes, there's a difference), put together some outreach concerts, take a home missions trip, teach the youth and lots of other small things here and there. I would highly recommend to any young minister, no matter what you're called to do, to complete some type of internship like that if you are ever given the chance. Experience is the best teacher.


Right before leaving DeKalb, I got to attend North American Youth Congress 2011, which, I'm sure you heard, was life-changing! Every service was apostolic. That's the best way I can describe the entire congress. It was completely and totally apostolic. And also, I learned that I'm a Giant. :)

Melinda, me, Candra and Kari at NAYC 2011

Greta, Toby and me. Partial "family" reunion. :)

My new friend Adrian and myself at Canes in Columbus

Me and the little bro being silly

Anointed worship services led by Kristin Keller

An anointed and timely message preached by Brother Jimmy Toney.
 WE ARE GIANTS!

After a 15 hour drive home (which I broke up over 2 days. Thank you Candra and Melinda for letting me crash at your place at 2 am.) I turned right around the next day, picked up one bestie from the airport, hit up Bojangles and we drove to Virginia Beach to see the other bestie. I'm so thankful that I got to see them for a few days. They are a great strength to me and I miss them both dearly.

Heather, me and Korey. Love them!

I then returned home only for a night and then packed up with the family and we headed to the coast. We spent three nights on Ocracoke Island. We all returned home looking like lobsters. But we had a blast and I'm thankful that I got to spend four days with my wonderful family. 

Josh and I attempting to amuse ourselves during the 5 hour car ride

Getting ready to get on NC 12!

Mom and Dad. :)

Daddy and me on the ferry

Traditional feet picture

Ocracoke lighthouse. Taken from the South side of the island.

The next day was spend doing laundry and packing. So much laundry. So much packing. Then, I got up bright and early the next morning and set out for Indy. And I've been here ever since. It's been a week and a half since I got here and already I have gotten back into the IBC groove. I've reconnected with my friends from last year and made some new freshman friends. :) I have some added responsibility this year as I am now the new Music Director for MSA (Ministerial Student Association). Candra, who did this job last year, is now serving as our Student Body Secretary and so for the next few weeks she will be training me to take over her job. I'm excited and nervous about it, but mostly excited. I can feel that this year is going to be awesome. More awesome than last year, which was pretty awesome. :) 

Part of the group that went to the IMA the first Saturday of school.

My new friend Grace.

The lovely Jana. I'm so glad she came back this year!

My hilarious, beautiful, sweet Poitras girls.

Bottom line: God is good. 

Love to you all. Goodnight. <3

Salt and Light

With NAYC 2011 on the horizon, I feel that there are some things that need to be revisited, and that is why I am writing this blog.

We are called to be "Salt" and "Light" to this world.

Salt does two important things. 1. It gives flavor. In a bland generation of sameness, we are called to stand out. 2. Salt makes people thirsty. With our words, our actions, our appearance, our lives, we are called to create in this apathetic world a thirst for Jesus Christ who is the living water that they need.

Light is self-explanatory. This world is in darkness. Jesus Christ is the light. We are to reflect His light, to be like Him, in effect pointing them toward Him.

That being said, a week from today, thousands of us will gather together in one city for 3 days of worship, learning and a unified renewal of our purpose on this earth. But, perhaps the most important things we do will take place outside of the arena.

We will be invading their restaurants, hotels, malls and food courts. They will see us walking down the street, driving in our cars, shopping, eating, etc., and they will know who we are. We will have an impact on the city of Columbus, OH and I hope and pray that it will be a positive one. In order for that to happen, there are some things that we need to work together to do.

1. Behave civilly in restaurants. I know we like food and fellowship and we love to combine the two. But we have to remember that there are lots of other people in those restaurants and we don't want them to view us as loud and obnoxious. If a waiter or manager asks you to be quiet, be respectful. Apologize and obey.

2. Don't get angry at a waiter or waitress when your food is wrong, late, or cold when you get it. They are dealing with bigger crowds than they're used to and they're probably in panic mode. Be kind and polite. If there's a problem with your food that you can't just deal with, kindly explain the problem with a smile on your face. They'll appreciate your kindness and be more willing to work with you, and you've just treated them like a human being (which they're not used to) and that will impact them positively. Win-win situation.

3. TIP!!! I don't care if you have 20 different problems with your meal. They still had to serve you, put up with your large, boisterous group as well as all of the other large boisterous groups in the restaurant. They will be working hard and they deserve to be tipped and tipped well. I'm talking at least 15 % if not 18 or 20. And, please, if all you order is a $1 cup of coffee, still leave them a couple dollars. Remember, we are supposed to be different!

4. Do not be loud and obnoxious when returning to your hotel at midnight. There are other guests there besides you need to respect that. They need to think that we are the most respectful and well behaved group of young people they have ever seen.

5. Please take a long, detailed look in the mirror before you leave the hotel. Do you look like a Christian trying to be like the world? Girls, just because you're wearing a skirt doesn't mean you're dressed modestly. Ask yourself "Is this too tight? Too short? Too low?" Sadly enough, this goes not only for the girls but also the guys. Ask yourself what image you are trying to project to the outside world. I know that we all want to be caught up to the current fashions at these meetings, and that's ok, as long as we're not compromising the Biblical principles of holiness and modesty.

NAYC is a wonderful life-changing event. Just make sure that while you're getting your blessing, you're not hindering the salvation of someone else by turning them off to Apostolic Pentecostalism. Be different. And let's all be a blessing while recieving all that God has for us in Columbus, OH at NAYC 2011! Can't wait to see you all there! :D