In this week’s class we are focusing on making a case for Christianity by taking a look at how it would fare in a court of law. J. Warner Wallace makes a compelling argument for the reliability of Christianity from the standpoint of criminal law. As jurors, and when judging a case, we are to look at the evidence “beyond a reasonable doubt” not just all possible doubt, because anything is possible, but not everything is reasonable. If the evidence is compelling enough to make the “beyond a reasonable doubt” claim then we can take confidence that what we are judging is true.

Watch J. Warner Wallace’s presentation on this topic from about the 15:35 to 33:18 mark from the hour and half total presentation:

After viewing Wallace’s presentation, you can view Part 1 of this class session below on this topic from the beginning to the 36 minute time mark for this week, and we will view the second part of this video presentation next week. Then take a self examination on the levels of certainty in the notes below, and see where you fall in your journey of faith!

All sessions include a time for prayer and reflection, an “apologetics” presentation, and a Bible study piece. You will also find the presentation notes, Bible study survey questions and additional resources below and here on the website. Example answers to the Bible study questions will be posted the week following the homework for your review, and or to use as a future leader’s guide.

View our class presentation on this topic (notes below) from the beginning to about the 36 minute mark:

Presentation Notes

A Case for Christianity

Session Two, Part 1: Beyond A Reasonable Doubt – How Does Christianity Fare In A Court Of Law?

REVIEW AND DISCUSS

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card provided, and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

At your table groups, do the following:

1. What are the four important areas of Christian growth (from our ministry statement), and why should we make them life skills?
2. Practice memorizing (reciting) the 39 books of the Old Testament and their categories.
3. Recite the Memory Verse(s):

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”

Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV)

Making a Case for Christianity:
How does it fare in a court of law?

• Simon Greenleaf (1783-1853), PhD Royale, Chair of Harvard’s Department of Law, and an “enlightened atheist” was challenged by some of his students to apply the rules of what he taught to the claims of the four Gospels of the New Testament, and he did.
• After careful investigation, he found that the rules of legal evidence thoroughly bore out the Gospels.
• The result was his conversion to Christianity and his book “The Testimony of the Evangelists: The Gospels Examined by the Rules of Evidence.”

LEGAL LEVELS FOR BURDEN OF PROOF
(and their approximate % of certainty)

Take the test:
At what level do you fall in your journey of faith?

If you were on the jury, for the case for Christianity, what would your verdict be?

Hunch: 0%

Something rings true about the statements but you have no evidential support.

Example: A gut feeling.

Everyone has that gut feeling that there is something beyond self. What we do with that feeling varies in belief systems from atheism to theism. For those who worry about loved ones who have passed, the thief on the cross only had time to begin at this level. He responded and is with Jesus in Heaven today. (Luke 23:32-43)

Reasonable Suspicion: 15-25%

Defined as a common-sense conclusion upon which people are entitled to rely. This requires facts or circumstances that give rise to more than a bare, imaginary or purely conjectural suspicion. It is a hunch based on a few objective facts.

Example: The level needed to warrant a search in a criminal investigation.

At this level a person has at least a clue about the existence of something beyond, and a sense that things are not the way they are supposed to be. What we attribute this to either begins a journey towards belief in God, or ends here with agnosticism.

Probable Cause: 35-40%

In criminal law, where known facts and circumstances of a reasonably trustworthy nature, are sufficient to justify a man of reasonable caution or prudence in the belief that a crime has been or is being committed.

Example: The level of certainty required for an arrest.

This level of knowledge requires a reaction or decision to be made. A person at this level might claim to be a theist (believer in a god) but has not completely accepted the truth claims of Christianity. This is not a level where we should want to stay, further investigation is of eternal importance.

Preponderance of Evidence: 51% +

The trier of fact is convinced the truth of the fact asserted is more likely true than not. This is a minimal need for certainty at an intellectual level.

Example: The standard for most civil cases.

At this point you are justified in making a commitment. You are open to a rebuttal, but you can argue a case, at least to a subjective point. Most people of faith are at this level. They think that what they believe is more likely true than not, but cannot necessarily articulate their reasons for this belief beyond personal reasons.

At this point we might pray like the man whose son was demon possessed in Mark 9:21-24:

“Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!””

And with that Jesus went on to heal his son.

Clear and Convincing: 70-80%

The trier of fact is convinced the truth of the fact asserted is highly probable.

Example: The standard used in probate cases. It requires more than the preponderance, but less than reasonable doubt.

At this level you have some confidence that what you believe is really true. We may need a little more knowledge and evidence to help us articulate it, but we are convinced that we are right.

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: 80-90%

The trier of the fact is fully satisfied, entirely convinced, or satisfied to a moral certainty that the fact is true. Practically, this standard represents a high level of conviction in an individual that causes him to act in accordance therewith.

Example: The level or standard for criminal cases.

At this point all reasonable objections have been satisfied. This is the level we want to be at concerning our faith and belief about God, Jesus, and eternity. There is no way any evidence in the other direction would turn us, but there may be times we struggle with answering every question like John the Baptist from his prison cell (see Matthew Ch. 11).

Note: The last two levels are not places we spend live our daily lives worrying about, and they are not requirements in a court of Law…

Psychological Certainty: 90-95%

The individual holding the view has no doubt about some state of affairs and does not have to consider doubt. It is something taken for granted.

Example: Gravity, the sun will rise tomorrow, 2+2=4…

Few people get to this level when it comes to their faith. At this level we would be able to face death if we confess that Jesus is our LORD and Savior. We can only be here if we commit time to the study of God’s Word (and in today’s culture this includes Apologetics). The Apostles, disciples, and other martyrs would have to have been at this level.

Absolute Certainty: 95-100%

The proposition is impossible to doubt. This is also known as Tautological Certainty or Axiomatic Certainty.

Example: A triangle has 3 sides—things that are true by definition. (There are not too many things that fit this category).

Jesus models this level of certainty for us. He had absolute certainty in God’s purpose and plan. We can have confidence because of that and we can know for certain that we have an eternal home with Him (John 14:1-14).

We can trust Jesus’ Words

“Jesus said: For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.”  

John 17:8

“Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”  

John 14:11-12

“Christianity has so much evidence, it is like death by a 1000 paper cuts!”
-J. Warner Wallace

The Christian Worldview has the best evidential answers, beyond a reasonable doubt, to life’s most important questions…

1. Why are you a Christian (and not of some other belief)?
2. What is a Christian Worldview (and does it affect your daily life)?
3. What is the importance of Truth in a worldview (versus relativism)?
4. Does God exist, and where did I come from? (The origin question)
5. If God exists, then why is there Evil and Suffering in the world? (The problem of evil)
6. Who am I, and what is my purpose in life? (The question of identity)
7. Are miracles possible (versus naturalistic explanations)?
8. How do we know the Bible is the Word of God? (Reliability and Transmission over time)
9. Who is Jesus (who do I say Jesus is)?
10. What is my destiny (what happens after we die)?

The Importance of Study

OWN YOUR FAITH!

KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY YOU BELIEVE IT!!

THEN SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!!!

BIBLE STUDY

Bible Study Survey Format

Old Testament

Category:         Torah               

Book:               Numbers         

1. Author: Who wrote the book and when?(Include anything you can find about the author and when it was written)

2. Audience: Who was it written to?(Include anything you can find about the people, the culture or societal norms, of that time period)

3. Purpose: Why was it written?(Include anything you can find about their circumstances and what was, or had been, going on)

4. Content: What is in each chapter?Basic:  Write out chapter by chapter titles.Going Deeper: Add a short summary under your titles, 3-5 sentencesAdvanced: Look for these things to put in your summary notes: a.  Is there anything in this chapter that relates to one of the Covenants (Adamic, Abrahamic or Mosaic)? b.  Where’s Jesus? Is there anything in this chapter that foreshadows/pictures Jesus? c.  The Shelf: Note any questions or a’has you have about the chapter.

LET’S PRACTICE!

Review and Discuss your homework from this past week:

Discuss your study in the book of Numbers chapters 3-11, based on what level you worked from: This would continue #4 – Content from the Bible survey format…

• Basic: Write a title for each chapter (could include more than one depending on topics in that chapter).
• Going Deeper: Take notes to summarize the chapter (no more than three to five sentences). However, you can add to your summaries if you glean something important from your study partners.
• Advanced: Look for these things to put in your summary notes:

a.Is there anything in the chapter that relates to one of the Covenants (Adamic, Abrahamic or Mosaic)?

b.Where’s Jesus? Is there anything in the chapter that foreshadows/pictures Jesus?

c.The Shelf: Note any questions or a’has you have about the chapter.

The following are example answers you can use to add to your own work, or use as a leader’s guide:

Chapter 3: The Role of the Levites; Levites to Be Priesthood; Duties of the Priests; Firstborn Redeemed

In the first part of this chapter, we get a review of Aaron’s family and their assigned duties as “Priests” to the LORD, and of the Levites. The tribe of Levi (Levites) were to then be under the authority of Aaron’s line, and then God says in verse 12 “I have taken the Levites from among the sons of Israel instead of every firstborn” as they would now represent what God did in Egypt, thus showing the importance of the firstborn to God. God also showed them the importance of redemption as He had Moses number the firstborn of all Israel, along with the cattle of the Levites and thus redeemed them.

Note: All priests were to be Levites, but not all Levites were priests, they had to train and be of certain ages to serve, however, the Levites became the substitute for the firstborn males of Israel.

JF = Now that Jesus is our high priest, our intermediary with God, anyone who follows Him can also be called a priest in the service of the LORD. We are all redeemed under the blood of Christ and now all Christians can come into God’s presence without fear because God’s own Son encouraged His followers to do so.

Chapter 4: Duties of the Kohathites; Duties of the Gershonites; Duties of the Merarites; The Numbering of the Levite Clans

In this chapter we get specific duties that are assigned to each of the descendants of the families of Levi: Kohath, Gershon, and Merari. For these specific duties they had to be between the ages of 30 and 50. They were expected to carry out their duties as described in every detail, to not do so meant death (v. 20). Worshipping our holy god must not be taken lightly.

Note: We learn a lot about God’s desire for responsibility, lines of authority and accountability, and He makes it very clear in His Word – God’s communication to His people is always clear, and we can see that He is a just, holy and righteous God who loves His people so much that He wants to make sure they don’t die unintentionally as they approach or work in His presence.

C = Anytime we get specific rules and laws as to how to carry out God’s commands we can categorize it under the Mosaic Covenant (also because there are usually consequences for disobedience versus obedience because this is a conditional covenant that carries God’s protection if followed).

JF = Jesus has now made it possible for us to come near to God without the fear of death, or strict rules and regulations. We can come before the throne of God through Jesus, because He shed His blood to make that final, once and for all, atonement possible.

Chapter 5: The Purity of the Camp; Restitution for Wrongs; Laws on Defilement; The Adultery Test

In this chapter we read about the law of separation of “lepers” from the main camp; and the process for restitution of sins committed against an individual. There is also a test for a woman who is accused of committing adultery (this protected both the man and woman from potential sin).

Note: In today’s thought these types of laws are strange, but were common in other cultures of that day. However, in the case of God’s Law this was a purifying (most likely miraculous) way of judging whether or not the woman was lying. Remembering that women were basically property in these ancient cultures, God gave a fair and impartial way to determine truth.

C = Anytime we get specific rules and laws as to how to carry out God’s commands we can categorize it under the Mosaic Covenant (also because there are usually consequences for disobedience versus obedience because this is a conditional covenant that carries God’s protection if followed).

Chapter 6: Law of the Nazirites; The Priestly Blessing

This section gives specific requirements for a person who makes a vow to the LORD. They are dedicating themselves by physically performing certain things that would be apparent to everyone, like not cutting their hair and abstaining from certain foods or drink. This law also gives specific guidelines for when the vow of the Nazirite was ended.

A-ha: We also get a special priestly blessing by Aaron in verses 24-26, that is often still used today in Church services and worship songs: “The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace.”

Note: We see this vow of a Nazirite play out in other characters in Biblical history later on such as Sampson and John the Baptist.

JF = Jesus is now our eternal High Priest and this prayer of blessing is now available for all those who believe and follow Him. From the Jesus’ Bible: “Jesus offered a similar prayer to Aaron’s (Nu. 6:24-26) in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his crucifixion (Jn. 17:1-26).”

Chapter 7: Offerings of the Leaders; Dedication of the Tabernacle

This chapter reports on Moses’ anointing and consecration of the Tabernacle. We read how the leaders of each tribe brought gifts and offerings to the LORD at the Tabernacle, and the LORD told Moses to accept them so that they may be used in the service of the tent of meeting. The main part of this chapter describes each tribe’s leader and what they brought.

Note: Moses was hearing the voice of God throughout his time in Exodus through Deuteronomy, and we have the privilege of reading the recorded Word of God through the Bible.

JF = We note that the tribe of Judah (Jesus’ lineage) goes first in the offering, on the first day – Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah. (See notes for chapter one).

(From the Jesus’ Bible) We have a picture of Jesus in 7:1 with the anointing of the Tabernacle = “At the opening of Jesus’ ministry he was also anointed by God the Father, who poured out nothing less than the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ life and work on earth (Acts 10:37-38). This unique anointing was beyond any anointing witnessed thus far in Scripture. God himself proclaimed the blessing over Jesus (Mt. 3:17), emphasizing his pleasure in the Son as Moses alluded to in the Aaronic benedictions (Numbers 6:22-27) Thus Jesus is the archetypal anointed one – the Christ. This anointing of Christ still has lasting effects for the people of God today. Christians, because of their relationship with Jesus, also receive anointing for their commission to spread the fame of God to the nations. Just as the Holy Spirit descended on Christ, so he swells within believer today. (2 Co. 1:21-22)”

Chapter 8: The Seven Lamps; Cleansing and setting Apart of the Levites; Retirement

Here we read about the importance of setting up the seven lamps to specifically light up the area in front of the lampstand. We also read about the purification and setting apart of the Levites for the service of the LORD. God specifically set the age of service between 25 and 50 years old. After retirement they may assist those doing the work, but they themselves may no longer be the workers.

C = Anytime we get specific rules and laws as to how to carry out God’s commands we can categorize it under the Mosaic Covenant (also because there are usually consequences for disobedience versus obedience because this is a conditional covenant that carries God’s protection if followed).

JF = Jesus said He is the light of the world (Jn. 8:12). This is an important concept in Scripture because it was through Him creation happened (Gen. 1), this included the first light, and we know that Jesus will be the light in the New Heaven and New Earth (Rev. 22:5).

From the Jesus’ Bible: “The purification and dedication of the Levites pictured the love of the Father and the sacrifice of the Son. First, in order to bring the Levites into God’s presence a sacrifice was necessary. Then the Levites were dedicated to God’s service as living sacrifices in order to bring the whole nation into fellowship with God. Jesus gave himself as the great sacrifice for sin (Col. 1:14, 20). He is the one who restores, not just a tribe or nation, but the entire cosmos to a relationship with God and He is the final sacrifice, the best God has to satisfy the demand of his Law.”

Chapter 9: The Passover; The Cloud Above the Tabernacle; Receiving Guidance for the Journey

In this chapter we read about God’s command being reinforced to observe the Passover at the specific appointed time as it was originally given. We also see how the law is adjusted for those who truly want to observe it, but may have become unclean or are on a distant trip. There is also a penalty for those who choose to ignore the Passover. We also read about the cloud above the Tabernacle that guided the Israelites by day and by night. This was God’s cloud of presence and protection, as well as a guide for when to set out or to encamp.

Note: The Passover is one of the most important events in Israel’s history as God “passed over” the homes where the blood of the lamb was painted, just before their exodus and deliverance (salvation) from slavery in Egypt.

JF = The picture/foreshadow of Jesus, and what He would do, is seen in the Passover event (see notes in the book of Exodus). In summary: Jesus was and is the final Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of believers who look to Him as their final sacrifice and deliverer from death. One of the important pictures we see, concerning the Passover Lamb, is in verse 11 where they are told not to break a bone of the sacrificial Lamb, and as we know, Jesus did not have His bones broken on the Cross.

Chapter 10: The Silver Trumpets; The First Approach to the Promised Land; The Tribes Leave Sinai

We read in this chapter about God’s command of making the two silver trumpets that were to be used in calling the community together, when to leave, when to stay and during times of battle. We also read about God’s calling them to leave Mount Sinai towards the Promised Land with Judah leading the way. Note: Moses’ father-in-law Reuel the Midianite’s son Hobab was encouraged to go with them as a scout who knew the land and the best places to camp.

JF = From the Jesus Bible: “A Day will come when the last trumpet will sound, Jesus will return and he will declare to the entire world that he is the victor (1Co 15:50-57).” God made it clear how to follow Him in the Old Testament, through the sound of the trumpets and by the leading of the tribe of Judah (Jesus’ lineage); Jesus made it clear by giving the simple command: “Come follow me.”

Chapter 11: The People Complain; Fire From the LORD; Quail From the LORD; The Complaint of Moses; Seventy Elders to Assist

In this chapter we begin to see the people complain about their hardships in the hearing of the LORD, and the LORD was angry and rained fire down upon them and some died. The people complained about the Manna the LORD had provided and that they wanted meat. The Spirit of the LORD came upon 70 of the leaders for a short period so that they could prophecy to the people. Now at this point God rained down quail for all the people to eat, more than they could consume, but God’s anger against them was such that He caused a plague among them and many died because of their sin against the LORD. Note: “The rabble with them” in verse 4 indicates that these would have been Egyptians and others who were not real followers of the God of Israel, and there were instrumental in stirring up the people against Moses and God.

HOMEWORK:

Read Numbers chapters 12-21 and do the following: This would continue #4 – Content from the Bible survey format…

• Basic: Write a title for each chapter (could include more than one depending on topics in that chapter).
• Going Deeper: Take notes to summarize the chapter (no more than three to five sentences). However, you can add to your summaries if you glean something important from your study partners.
• Advanced: Look for these things to put in your summary notes:

a.Is there anything in the chapter that relates to one of the Covenants (Adamic, Abrahamic or Mosaic)?

b.Where’s Jesus? Is there anything in the chapter that foreshadows/pictures Jesus?

c.The Shelf: Note any questions or a’has you have about the chapter.