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Fake News and the Resurrection

3/23/2017

7 Comments

 
​Friends,
This is my first official blog post! Be patient - this dinosaur faces a difficult learning curve.  Nevertheless, here I am!

As I was reading through the resurrection accounts, this encounter struck me. It’s a fake news story – how timely I thought.  The story begins at Jesus' tomb with an earthquake. Then an angel comes and rolls away the stone sealing the tomb. The guards posted to secure the tomb witness these events. Filled with fear, they make their way back to the chief priests to give a report of what happened.  What happens next is this: a plot is planned, money given, and promises made in an effort to spread an alternate story. The chief priests offer an alternative fact: the disciples simply stole the body. This easily explains away the empty tomb.
Didn’t know that fake news is part of Easter! It is. 
I have preached Easter sermons that make the point that an empty grave proves nothing. I know that some will say it is shocking that a preacher would say this. Still, though an empty tomb can be explained away by grave robbers. An alternate story, with alternate facts, and all very plausible.

So I ask the question, “How can we smell out a fake news story?”  Simple. Motive. Look to those who are protecting or hiding something. Fake news is a means to cover up the Truth, which in this case, is Jesus who reveals himself to be the Messiah.
How did Jesus’ followers handle this fake news story?  Presence and Witness. 
What cannot be explained away, is the risen presence of Jesus with his church. The Risen Jesus stands and knocks at doors of human hearts. To those who open the door, the presence of Christ is real. The proof - a transformed life! 
It’s easy for skeptics to explain away an empty tomb. Any fake news story will do. A transformed life, however, is impossible to explain away. And that is a powerful witness.
Your thoughts?
Blessings,
Doug
7 Comments
Ed Johns
3/23/2017 08:16:16 pm

Pastor Doug! Great Job. This is an excellent view on how to relate the life and death of Jesus to current events. I may use this in conversation if you don't mind.

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Manisha lad link
3/28/2019 10:11:30 am

Would you support AUTISM
Please accept this as an invitation for our Walkathon we need permission to spread the word in the school.

https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Piscataway/AAFWalk2019

Please also support our Walkathon in any possible way
Join My Team: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/RaceGroup-582493?raceId=73170
Akhil Autism Foundation’s Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, May 11th 2019 in Johnson Park , Piscataway NJ 08854.
Akhil Autism Foundation (AAF) is a NJ-based non-profit organization whose dedicated mission is to Educate, Treat, Support, and Research Autism worldwide. Since 2008, AAF has provided critical resources to 1000 children, over 500 hours of online education, and over $50,000 in donations towards autism research, professional training, and parent education. To learn more about our group programs and activities, please visit our website (www.akhilautismfoundation.org)

Our Vision: Help an autistic individual lead an independent and functional life
Mission : Every Autistic individual deserves treatment and every parent needs education.
our story:

An organization that advances the worldwide autism community by providing online/onsite educational programs, latest treatments, and support for parents. Envisioning a vibrant, thriving community where parents realize their highest aspirations and get hope in life for autistic child/individual. AAF ensures that the latest information is available to both parents and the medical profession.

At AAF our goals as AWARENESS – EDUCATION – TREATMENT – RESEARCH – SUPPORT

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Doug link
3/24/2017 07:12:09 am

Yes Ed- and thanks!

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Kenneth J Maser
4/15/2017 09:51:38 pm

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Kenneth Maser
4/30/2017 08:53:56 pm

Pastor, I enjoyed reading about being a child, and hearing what Jesus spoke about. I have been told several times, I should grow up and stop acting like a 2 year old! I always told that person, I am 2 1/2. Maby its good to feel like a child, every now and then. Maby thats what Jesus was talking about. Thanks for the incourging words.

Reply
Doug
5/1/2017 07:52:40 am

Thanks Ken for your comments. Being young at heart is a good thing. Life is exciting, fresh and new each day- approach it with curiosity and faith!

Reply
Drain Service Connecticut link
12/19/2022 03:54:49 am

Hi thanks for sharing this.

Reply



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    Pastor Doug Rea
    Wesley United Methodist Church, Edison NJ

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  • Lead Servant - Pastor Hyungkoo Kang