Belfast OutReach

INTRODUCTION Crucifixion may be defined as a method of execution by which a person is hanged, usually by their arms, from a cross or similar structure until dead. It has been used in many parts of the world and in many time periods; but is perhaps best known today as a cruel method of social control and punishment in the Roman Empire around 2000 years ago 1 (pp 22-3). In modern times, the medical profession has shown considerable interest in crucifixion. The typical aim of articles by this group has been to determine how crucified individuals actually died; and they often focus on the case of Jesus of Nazareth. Since Stroud's book of 1847, 2 at least 10 different theories have been proposed ( Table 1 ), and many more articles have been published suggesting various combinations of these theories. The 10 examples referenced in Table 1 have been chosen merely as representing the wide difference of opinion in the published literature: it is not an exhaustive lis...

"Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior" Fanny J. Crosby The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 351 Fanny J. Crosby Pass me not, O gentle Savior, here my humble cry; while on others thou art calling, do not pass me by. Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915) “set the standard for the ‘successful’ writing of gospel hymns,” according to UM Hymnal editor Carlton R. Young. She was the author of over 8,500 gospel songs. Blind at six weeks of age, Crosby began composing texts at age 6. She began her study at age 12 at the New York School for the Blind, a school she later served as a teacher. A friend of several presidents, Crosby became one of the most important advocates for the cause of the blind in the United States, addressing a session of Congress on the topic. Her texts were set to the compositions of some of the most prominent gospel composers of the day including William Bradbury, William ...

       “The Roman's Road” is popular method of presenting the Gospel using only Scriptures from the Biblical Book of Romans. It is certainly an effective soulwinning tool which every believer should be well familiarized with. It is called the “The Roman's Road” because it uses Scriptures from the book of Romans, the sixth book in the New Testament. Before I say another word let me WARN YOU that the Roman's Road is a false plan of salvation if you leave out the Gospel, which according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4 is the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ. I realized recently that many versions of the Roman's Road tract does not even mention the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am not against using the “The Roman's Road,” but you need to understand that it is not the Gospel unless you include Christ's death on the cross, His burial and bodily resurrection three days later. ...

1. A public execution assured His death. During the Jewish feast of Passover, Jesus was swept away by an angry crowd  into a Roman hall of justice. As He stood before Pilate, the governor of Judea, religious leaders accused Jesus of claiming to be the King of the Jews. The crowd demanded His death. Jesus was beaten, whipped, and sentenced to a public execution. On a hill outside of Jerusalem, He was crucified between two criminals. Brokenhearted friends and mocking enemies shared in His deathwatch. As the Sabbath neared, Roman soldiers were sent to finish the execution. To quicken death, they broke the legs of the two criminals. But when they came to Jesus they did not break His legs, because from experience they knew He was already dead. As a final precaution however, they trust a spear into His side. It would take more than resuscitation for Him to ever trouble them again. 2. A high official secured the grave site The next day, religious leaders again met w...

   At one minute past eleven o'clock on the morning of Wednesday 15th October 2014, a tragic car accident on a small country road just outside Coleraine claimed the life of Emma Scott. She was just 17 years old.  This is her story of eternal hope the result if getting onto the road to Heaven! It is a story which Emma would wanted you to know.      The Downward Road    Emma started along the road if life on Wednesday, 28th May 1997, in Ballymoney, when she was born into the family of Richard and Sally Scott. As her parents are Christians, they were keen that Emma and their two older children, Christopher and Victoria, should hear the Gospel. This message of the love of God has transformed many lives and changed eternal destinies. Although Emma lived a good life and never caused any trouble, The Bible teaches that she was born a sinner and needed her sins forgiven in order to be in Heaven. God's Word states that 'there sha...

"Now I am making known to you, brethren, the evangel which I bring to you, which also you accepted, in which also you stand, through which also you are saved, if you are retaining what I said in bringing the evangel to you, outside and except you believe feignedly. For I give over to you among the first what also I accepted, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was entombed, and that He has been roused the third day according to the scriptures." "For not ashamed am I of the evangel, for it is God's power for salvation to everyone who is believing -- to the Jew first, and to the Greek as well. For in it God's righteousness is being revealed, out of faith for faith, according as it is written: 'Now the just one by faith shall be living.'" "In Whom you also -- on hearing the word of truth, the evangel of your salvation -- in Whom on believing also, you are sealed with the holy spirit of promise ...