Discussion Thread_More Than A Carpenter_CHPL655
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Apr 3, 2024
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Discussion Thread: More Than A Carpenter
After completing the Learn items for this Module: Week, submit a thread answering the 2 following questions.
1.
According to McDowell, Jesus was not a liar and was not a lunatic (insane); therefore, He must be the Son of God. Explain how you would respond to an individual claiming Jesus was a lunatic. Support your position using Scripture, and you may reference McDowell’s text.
When addressing the assertion that Jesus was mentally unstable, it is vital to examine the direct source of truth, God’s Word, and provide solid answers to questions such as who does Jesus claim to be, what is his purpose, and whether his claims are true. “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are
in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20, English Standard Version).
In More Than a Carpenter
, Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell emphasize that the New Testament clearly presents Christ as God.
1
Considering McDowell’s perspective, he contends that Jesus cannot be regarded as insane due to the profound wisdom, compassion, and moral integrity evident in his teachings and the transformative impact he had on
people’s lives. In Matthew, the Holy Spirit descends as a dove and the Father declares Jesus as his beloved Son (Matt. 3:16-17). God directs all individuals to listen to his Son (Matt. 17:4-6).
Furthermore, it is important to note that Jesus addresses himself as Son of man. For even the Son
of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The term “Son of Man” is used by Jesus throughout Scripture, approximately 80 times, with variations across different gospel narratives. For example, in Matthew, Jesus uses it 32 times, in Mark 14 times, in Luke 26 times, and in John’s Gospel, 10 times, although in a qualitatively different way compared to the Synoptic Gospels. Moreover, Jesus’ claims of being the Son of God is supported by his miraculous acts, the fulfillment of prophecies, and his resurrection from the dead (Deut. 10:21; Luke 9:16-17, 18:27, 24:6-7, 43:48; Acts 3:16; 4:29-31;
Rev. 1:5-6). These extraordinary occurrences provide compelling substantiation for his divine nature. Consequently, based on the analysis of Scripture and McDowell's insights, a rational conclusion can be drawn that Jesus was not a lunatic but rather the Son of God.
2.
Using Scripture and McDowell’s text, respond to the following question: If God is such a loving God, why will He not accept all people just the way they are?
Undoubtedly, God’s love knows no bounds; however, his holiness and justice also hold significant importance in comprehending why he cannot accept all individuals as they are. Scripture affirms that God's holiness precludes the coexistence of sin in his presence (1 Peter 1:14-16; Rom. 6:22). As a consequence of the fall, humanity lost its inherent holiness and became estranged from God. Nonetheless, God's love and mercy provide a pathway for reconciliation (1 Cor. 1:30; Heb. 12:14). According to McDowell, this reconciliation is made possible through Jesus Christ, who embodies both full humanity and full divinity. Through his sacrificial death on the cross and the shedding of his blood, Jesus triumphed over sin and 1
Josh McDowell and Sean McDowell, More Than a Carpenter
(Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2005).
extended forgiveness to all who place their faith in him (John 14:6, 2 Tim. 3:15). By accepting Christ and cultivating a personal relationship with him, believers receive the Holy Spirit and are justified through their faith (Gal. 2:16, 3:26, 5:6). God perceives believers through the lens of Christ’s redemptive work, enabling them to dwell in his presence and partake in eternal communion with him (John 3:16). Therefore, while God’s love is unconditional, accepting all individuals in their sinful state would contradict his holiness. Through Christ, God offers a means for all to be reconciled to him and encounter his love and grace (Rom. 3:23-24, 5:8).
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