**EJ has entered the room.**
Matthew: That’s why I think it’s real.
Mark: But you aren’t taking the historical context of the verse into account.
Luke: Hi, EJ. Welcome back!
Matthew: I’m not talking about history. Don’t start altering the scripture to fit your own needs.
EJ: Hey, Luke. What’s tonight’s topic?
Mark: Hardly. But context is of utmost importance here. I don’t think those references are meant to be taken literally.
Matthew: And it probably wasn’t a real virgin birth then either. Or he didn’t really rise again. In historical context, it was all figurative and politically motivated.
John: And what would be wrong with that if it accomplished the ministry of Christ?
Matthew: Hello! He wouldn’t be the son of God!
Mark: He wouldn’t be our savoir!
Luke: EJ, tonight’s topic is the begots and whether or not several Old Testament individuals lived hundreds of years.
John: Christ’s message was one of self-control and respect. Who cares how we get that message spread.
EJ: Seriously, Luke?
Mark: OMGosh, John! The end does not justify the means. What are you saying, man?!
Matthew: Lie, cheat, kill as long as it makes Christians?!!
John: No! But if metaphor were spoken as truth, that his words would indeed live forever and he could not be slain because his teachings are immortal.
Mark: You can’t just create a savior from stories and parables passed man to man. If there is no truth it wouldn’t carry to modern times.
John: And Christianity is just thriving right now? We need an infusion of the living word. I don’t care if Christ appears on YouTube, if it coverts nonbelievers I’m for it!
Matthew: John, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Do you believe that he is the son of God, our eternal father?
Mark: That he was crucified for our sins, washing them away, and then rose again?
John: You are both missing the point.
Luke: Most seriously, EJ.
Mark: There is no point, John, only Jesus Christ.
Matthew: Amen, Brother. Amen.
EJ: Looks like they’ve got it handled, Luke. I’ll check you later.
Luke: God bless, EJ. Surf safely.
**EJ has left the room.**
