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Can we actually trust the New Testament as historical evidence? In Week 3 of Counterfeit, Copycat, or Christ?, we examine the case from the ground up—starting with some of Christianity’s earliest creedal traditions, which preserve testimony about Jesus that circulated before the New Testament books themselves were written. We then tackle the manuscript evidence, the famous claim of “400,000 textual variants,” and the accusation that the Gospels were originally anonymous. From there, we examine the internal and external evidence for Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, including manuscript attribution and testimony from early Christian writers such as Papias, Irenaeus, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, and others. The question isn’t whether Christians simply believe the traditional authorship of the Gospels. The question is: What does the historical evidence actually say? 📜 Don’t just read the New Testament—learn why you can trust it. #CounterfeitCopycatOrChrist #NewTestament #ChristianApologetics #UrbanApologetics #BibleEvidence #GospelAuthorship #HistoricalJesus #DefendingTheFaith #BibleStudy Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentional education, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.   Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you!  For more information visit: - Website: www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com - Discipleship Training: ⁠https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/⁠- Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

In Night Two of Counterfeit, Copycat, or Christ?, we examine Gnostic and archaeological sources that contribute to the historical case for Jesus of Nazareth. We explore writings such as the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Truth, Apocryphon of John, Treatise on the Resurrection, Gospel of Peter, and Papyrus Egerton 2—asking what these noncanonical sources reveal about the historical memory of Jesus, his teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection claims. We also evaluate archaeological evidence connected to the New Testament world, including the Nazareth Inscription, the James Ossuary, and the Shroud of Turin. While these sources differ in reliability and interpretation, together they demonstrate that the debate in antiquity was not primarily about whether Jesus existed, but about who he was and what his life, death, and resurrection meant. Ultimately, the evidence brings us back to the most important question: “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” — Matthew 16:15 CSB Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentionaleducation, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.  Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you! For more information visit: -       Website:www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -       DiscipleshipTraining: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/-       Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

Before we can answer the theological question of whether Jesus is the Christ, we must first answer the historical question: Was Jesus a real person? In this opening session of Counterfeit, Copycat, or Christ, we begin laying the foundation by examining the evidence for Jesus through the lens of history—not simply faith. We explore why virtually every major religion and worldview has an opinion about Jesus, why His identity remains the most important question in history, and why Christianity invites investigation rather than blind belief. In this session we discuss: Why the question of Jesus matters to every worldviewHow historians investigate ancient figures through historiographyThe difference between historical and theological claimsThe criteria historians use to determine whether someone from antiquity actually existedWhy the historical existence of Jesus is accepted by the overwhelming majority of scholars—even many who are not Christians Coming Next Week:We will continue the investigation by examining: The Gnostic writings and why they are not considered reliable historical sourcesThe archaeological evidence surrounding Jesus and first-century JudeaAncient non-Christian sources that testify to Jesus' life and crucifixionWhy the cumulative historical evidence points to Jesus as a real historical personWhether you're a believer, skeptic, or simply curious, this series is designed to help you understand not only what Christians believe, but why they believe it, and how the historical evidence supports the case for Jesus. Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentional education, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. Youcan follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.   Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you!   For more information visit: -       Website: www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -       Discipleship Training: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/ -       Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship -       AllMy Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

Is the Book of Enoch supposed to be in our Bible? And is the Ethiopian Bible really the oldest and most complete Bible in the world? In this teaching, we separate fact from internet fiction by looking at the Book of Enoch, its connection to Genesis 6 and Jude, why it is accepted in some Ethiopian traditions, and why most Christians do not recognize it as inspired Scripture. We also unpack the difference between the ancient Garima Gospels and the broader Ethiopian Orthodox canon so we can honor Ethiopian Christian history without repeating bad claims. The question isn’t “Is Enoch interesting?” It is. The question is: “Is it Scripture?” Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentionaleducation, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.  Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you!   For more information visit: -       Website:www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -       DiscipleshipTraining: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/-       Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship -       AllMy Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

On a recent episode of the Dr. Daf show a young Muslim woman named Korra makes the claim: "The Crucifixion Is Not A Well Established Event." In this video I will present empirical evidence that demonstrates that the crucifixion of Jesus is one of the most well-established historical events in history! Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentionaleducation, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.   Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you!   For more information visit: -       Website:www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -       DiscipleshipTraining: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/ -       Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship -       AllMy Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

In this episode of the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast we interview two amazing female Christians and apologist, Kaleea Honey and Chinasa Emeneha, also known as "Just Two Girls." They have an amazing new podcast that you can catch here:    / @just-two-girls-pod  In this interview we'll discuss their approach to contending for the faith as they are often seen doing on the Dr. Daf show. We'll also discuss strategies on how to have live conversations with non-christians and they're upcoming "Debate League."

Long before colonial powers ever touched African soil, African Christians were preaching, writing, translating, and theologizing in their own indigenous languages. From Ethiopia to Egypt, believers were preserving the Gospel within their own cultures — not adopting someone else’s. In this conversation with Dr. Vince Bantu, we confront the myth that Christianity in Africa was merely imported or colonized. What we uncover instead is something deeper — a faith already planted, already flourishing, already African. Not secondhand. Not foreign. Rooted. Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentionaleducation, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.   Please don’t forget to share thisbroadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you!  For more information visit: -       Website:www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -       DiscipleshipTraining: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/-       Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship - All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

Is Christianity a “white man’s religion”? What role did Africa play in the formation of the Christian faith? In this powerful teaching, The Black Presence In The Bible explores the undeniable biblical and historical evidence of Africa and people of African descent throughout Scripture and early church history. From Hagar and Moses to Simon of Cyrene and the Ethiopian eunuch, this presentation highlights the rich, often overlooked contributions of Africa to Christianity. Discover how the gospel has always been global—and how God’s redemptive story has included every nation, tribe, and people from the very beginning.To receive a copy of this presentation visit www.greaterworksstore.comThanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries broadcast. Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentional education, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. For more information visit: - Website: www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com - Discipleship Training: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/ - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship- All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

On today's episode of the Greater Works podcast, weinterviewed Michael Pagano about his newest book, "Life In The Light: A Study Companion to 1 John."  Life in the Light takes readers through every verse of 1 John, unpackingthe Apostle’s message with theological depth and approachable clarity. Michael Pagano equips believers to grow in knowledge, confront doubts, and strengthentheir faith, offering guidance that leads to assurance in salvation and confidence in daily life. To purchase his book visit: ⁠https://a.co/d/6qWA09k⁠ Thanks for listening to the Greater Works DiscipleshipMinistries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentional education, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of  Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.   Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us andplease give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you! For more information visit: -   Website: www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -  Discipleship Training:  https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/⁠ - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship - All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

In this continuation of Thursday's podcast on Bible Study Techniques and Methodologies, we covered all 5 steps of the Interpretive Journey! 1. Grasping The Text In Their Town - Understand the passage's significance for the original biblical audience. 2. Measuring The Width Of The River To Cross - Identify differences between the original biblical audience and contemporary readers regarding culture, language, situation, time, and covenant. 3. Crossing The Principlizing Bridge - Determine the core theological principles, ensuring they are timeless, culturally relevant, and consistent with Scripture. 4. Consulting The Biblical Map - Cross-reference the theological principle with other Scripture passages to ensure consistency and gain additional insights. 5. Grasp The Text In Our Town - how do we live out the theological principle in our town. Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries podcast.  Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentionaleducation, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. You can follow us on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Podcasts, or any other major podcast platforms.    Please don’t forget to share this broadcast, rate us and please give us 5 stars…if you give us 4 stars I am inclined to believe that you are a hater and the altar is open for you!  For more information visit: -       Website: www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com -       Discipleship Training: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/-       Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship -       All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

In this weeks podcast episode I discuss effective bible study techniques and methodologies that help us to read and understand the Bible in its proper historical, cultural, literary and linguistic context. Here are the Key Concepts we discussed. Biblical Interpretation and Context Discipleship: Emphasizes that learning is often more caught than taught, highlighting the importance of context in biblical preaching. Pericopes: Sections of Scripture read as lessons, derived from the Greek word meaning "section." Significant for understanding the oral tradition of Jesus' teachings before the gospels were written.Examples of Pericopes in the Gospels Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7): Illustrates core teachings of Jesus. Instructions for Ministers (Matthew 10:5-42): Guidance for ministry. Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-52): Illustrates the nature of God's kingdom.The Bible's Purpose The Bible is not primarily about the individual; rather, it serves as God's self-revelation, showcasing His character and attributes. It is written "for" us but not directly "to" us.Communication Styles God uses diverse genres to communicate: narrative history, poetry, laws, parables, and letters, ensuring effective transmission of His message across different human conditions.Basic Principles of Interpretation - God’s Overall Plan: Spanning from creation to the consummation of redemption, demonstrating a cohesive narrative.Understanding Background: Employ the "Five W’s" (Who, What, Where, When, Why) to grasp the context of biblical books. Exegesis and HermeneuticsExegesis: Analytical study of biblical texts for interpretation. Hermeneutics: The science of interpreting texts accurately, avoiding eisegesis (reading into the text personal biases).Importance of Context - Historical and cultural contexts are essential for accurate interpretation, ensuring that meanings align with the original audience's understanding. Linguistic Nuances Different meanings of terms like "flesh" in Scripture illustrate the complexity of biblical language and the need for careful interpretation.Thanks for listening to the Greater Works Discipleship Ministries broadcast. Our mission at Greater Works is to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) and the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37) through the intentional education, equipping, and empowering of healthy disciples of Jesus the Christ. For more information visit: Website: www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com - Discipleship Training: https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/ - Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/greaterworksdiscipleship- All My Socials: greaterworks.poplme.co/kevinlurrell

People claim that books were taken out the Bible, the Church hid the truth, or that the *real* Bible is the Ethiopian one with the Book of Enoch 😳. So what’s facts and what’s just internet noise?In this video, we break it all down in plain talk:* How the Bible was written and preserved 📝* Why some books were included—and others weren’t ❌* What’s the deal with the Apocrypha and Book of Enoch 👀* Is the Ethiopian Bible more legit? 🇪🇹* Can we actually trust what’s in the Bible today? 🙏🏾If you've got questions or if your faith’s ever been challenged—this is the video for you.#BibleFacts #UrbanApologetics #BookOfEnoch #Apocrypha #HowWeGotTheBible

In today's Bible Study we looked into the origins and authenticity of the Bible, focusing on the concepts of inspiration, canonicity, and the historical context of biblical manuscripts. We also explored the significance of the Old and New Testament texts, the role of prophets, and the authority of scripture, emphasizing the importance of understanding the translations and manuscripts that shape biblical interpretation. For more information or to obtain of copy of the slides, please visit www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com To take courses with Greater Works please visit https://greaterworksdiscipleship.thinkific.com/

Summary This conversation explores the origins, compilation, and interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of understanding its revelation, inspiration, and the processes involved in its transmission through history. The discussion covers key concepts such as canonicity, textual criticism, and the significance of various translations, while also addressing the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating scripture for believers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Group Dynamics 08:41 Canonicity and Textual Criticism 14:26 Interpreting the Bible: Hermeneutics and Application 20:17 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Scripture 30:01 Materials Used in Ancient Scriptures 37:31 The Importance of Manuscripts 46:54 Comparing Bible Translations If you would like to obtain a copy of the PowerPoint used in this video, please visit the shop at www.greaterworksdiscipleship.com

In this weeks Unit Bible Study we explored the origins of the Bible, focusing on the processes of revelation, inspiration, and canonicity. We discussed the significance of manuscripts, the role of scribes and the Masorites in preserving biblical texts, and the historical context of the New Testament. We also highlighted the importance of textual criticism and the insights provided by the Dead Sea Scrolls, emphasizing the dedication of early church figures in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the scriptures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Bible's Origins 06:02 The Process of Canonicity 12:07 The Languages of the Bible 17:48 The Importance of Scribes and the Masoretes 23:52 The Dead Sea Scrolls and Their Significance