Josephus does not tell us that Christianity is true, and Christians do not need Josephus to tell them that Christ is risen. But Christianity makes claims about things that happened in public history under identifiable rulers, priests, and governors. For that reason, testimony from outside the church matters.
Today, the longing for cultural Christianity on both the left and the right hearkens back to an older version of Christendom that was a mixed blessing for the church in the western world. The cultural mediation of Christian views on created order has certainly benefitted the civilization we’ve inherited. But the gospel itself isn’t something that can be reduced to cultural mediation either. Instead, the gospel as a message stands apart from all human accomplishments and achievements, no matter how beneficial they might be.
The student of Scripture should always have a map open next to their Bible as they read. If possible, they should also travel to Israel, not to make a pilgrimage, but to see the context of the land in which these stories took place. These are not fairy tales made up about fictional fantasy lands; these are stories about real people in real places interacting with a real God.

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When we believe in Jesus as the true and better fulfillment of every promise made to Abraham, we, too, are counted as righteous in the same way that he was — by faith.
Do our petitions move God?
Yes, Christmas brings joy, but no less danger
What’s the big deal about Jesus’ name?
An Analysis of Galatians 5:1-6
An Anglo-Saxon poem gives fresh insight to the cross
Any message other than "Christ for you" is not good news.
Every Christian should understand what it means to have a Great High Priest
How Leviticus 17 is a key passage for understanding atonement
God sees true beauty
The legacy of Jonah is troubled with most remembering him not for what he said but for what he did: run away.
The Lord assures Jeremiah he has not forgotten him. He is there and will rescue him.