The student television station at Imperial College London (stoictv.com) conducted an interview with World renowned Philosopher Dr. William Lane Craig who speaks to us about how his interest in Philosophy began, his work on a rational defense of the Christian Faith, and his debates with the world's leading atheists...Click Here
Who is Bill Craig? He's the guy that Richard Dawkins avoids...even more than going to church.
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
God’s Way Of Peace: A Book For The Anxious
Barry Horner, author of Future Israel has graciously made this booklet by Horatius Bonar available. It's well-worth reading:
There seem to be many, in our day, who are seeking God. Yet they appear to be but “feeling after him, in order to find him,” as if he were either a distant or an “unknown” God. They forget that “he is not far from every one of us” (Acts 17:27); for “in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
That He is not far; that he has come down; that he has come nigh; this is the “beginning of the gospel.” It sets aside the vain thoughts of those who think that they must bring Him nigh, by their prayers and devout performances. He has shown himself to us, that we may know him, and, in knowing him, find the life of our souls...keep reading
There seem to be many, in our day, who are seeking God. Yet they appear to be but “feeling after him, in order to find him,” as if he were either a distant or an “unknown” God. They forget that “he is not far from every one of us” (Acts 17:27); for “in him we live, and move, and have our being.”
That He is not far; that he has come down; that he has come nigh; this is the “beginning of the gospel.” It sets aside the vain thoughts of those who think that they must bring Him nigh, by their prayers and devout performances. He has shown himself to us, that we may know him, and, in knowing him, find the life of our souls...keep reading
Thursday, October 14, 2010
John MacArthur - The Narrow Gate
I've posted this before but it's worth repeating.
There is only one way....
There is only one way....
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Truth and Control
Here's a great post from a friend.....
Something some of us have been pondering lately-How does Satan diminish the believer’s effectiveness in this world and how do we assist him in this? Two thoughts...continue reading
Something some of us have been pondering lately-How does Satan diminish the believer’s effectiveness in this world and how do we assist him in this? Two thoughts...continue reading
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Misquoting Jesus?
Best selling author Bart Ehrman has written a book called Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why
Here are a few sources that challenge Ehrman's assertions:
The Gospel according to Bart
The Bible, the Qur'an, Bart Ehrman, and the Words of God
Misanalyzing Text Criticism--Bart Ehrman's 'Misquoting Jesus'
Bart Ehrman Answered (Interview with Mike Licona)
Bart Ehrman Again
And finally William Lane Craig discusses Ehrman's assumptions:
Here are a few sources that challenge Ehrman's assertions:
The Gospel according to Bart
The Bible, the Qur'an, Bart Ehrman, and the Words of God
Misanalyzing Text Criticism--Bart Ehrman's 'Misquoting Jesus'
Bart Ehrman Answered (Interview with Mike Licona)
Bart Ehrman Again
And finally William Lane Craig discusses Ehrman's assumptions:
William Lane Craig - Response to Bart Ehrman - Gracepoint Berkeley (2010) from Gracepoint Berkeley on Vimeo.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Nature of the Bible
The Bible contains 66 books written by about 40 different authors over a period of around 1,600 years.
What’s so remarkable about that?
The authors came from a variety of different professions and backgrounds and spoke languages ranging from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek yet none of them contradicted each other over an array of issues and topics.
Even though the last book was written around 90 AD, so many Greek manuscripts and fragments of the New Testament are still available that we can be assured that accuracy has been preserved. Moreover, in 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery produced fragments of every Old Testament book except Esther and they all attest that what we have today is virtually unchanged from the original. Despite many attempts throughout history to destroy the Bible, it has survived intact.
No other book on faith – or anything else for that matter – can match these achievements.
You can read much more on The Nature of the Bible HERE and it is the first lesson of an Ariel Ministries Discipleship Course.
Dr Arnold Fruchtenbaum of Ariel Ministries has put together a fantastic and free teaching resource for people interested in knowing more about the Bible and God’s ultimate plans for this world. There is a wealth of solid information in written printable format backed up by hours of audio lessons with a quiz after each subject is completed. It takes some time to complete but you can go at your own pace and it is well worth the effort.
You can learn more about the Discipleship Course HERE.
And you can commence it HERE.
What’s so remarkable about that?
The authors came from a variety of different professions and backgrounds and spoke languages ranging from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek yet none of them contradicted each other over an array of issues and topics.
Even though the last book was written around 90 AD, so many Greek manuscripts and fragments of the New Testament are still available that we can be assured that accuracy has been preserved. Moreover, in 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery produced fragments of every Old Testament book except Esther and they all attest that what we have today is virtually unchanged from the original. Despite many attempts throughout history to destroy the Bible, it has survived intact.
No other book on faith – or anything else for that matter – can match these achievements.
You can read much more on The Nature of the Bible HERE and it is the first lesson of an Ariel Ministries Discipleship Course.
Dr Arnold Fruchtenbaum of Ariel Ministries has put together a fantastic and free teaching resource for people interested in knowing more about the Bible and God’s ultimate plans for this world. There is a wealth of solid information in written printable format backed up by hours of audio lessons with a quiz after each subject is completed. It takes some time to complete but you can go at your own pace and it is well worth the effort.
You can learn more about the Discipleship Course HERE.
And you can commence it HERE.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Are you here by accident?
Here is a great article by Tony Garland:
Are you here by accident?
Why I believe...
…we are here by design, not chance
...the Bible is the reliable message of God
...Israel demonstrates the existence of God
...Christianity is unique among all religions
…You should ask yourself these questions
…You should seek God
Are you here by accident?
Why I believe...
…we are here by design, not chance
...the Bible is the reliable message of God
...Israel demonstrates the existence of God
...Christianity is unique among all religions
…You should ask yourself these questions
…You should seek God
Monday, February 1, 2010
Walking trees …
Modern science helps us understand a puzzling miracle
by Russell Grigg
In the Gospel of Mark, there is an intriguing account of how Jesus healed a blind man in a two-step process:
‘And He came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Him and begged Him to touch him. And He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spat on his eyes and had put His hands on him, He asked Him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, I see men as trees, walking. And after that He put His hands again on his eyes and made him look up. And he was restored and saw all clearly’ (Mark 8:22–25).
Bible-believing Christians have no problem with this miracle, as the Bible presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who, in the beginning, created the universe and all things in it, including human life, by the power of His Word (Genesis 1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16). The Lord who could do one could certainly do the other. The only question that arises is why the cure was in two stages rather than just one...continue reading
by Russell Grigg
In the Gospel of Mark, there is an intriguing account of how Jesus healed a blind man in a two-step process:
‘And He came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Him and begged Him to touch him. And He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spat on his eyes and had put His hands on him, He asked Him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, I see men as trees, walking. And after that He put His hands again on his eyes and made him look up. And he was restored and saw all clearly’ (Mark 8:22–25).
Bible-believing Christians have no problem with this miracle, as the Bible presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the One who, in the beginning, created the universe and all things in it, including human life, by the power of His Word (Genesis 1; John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16). The Lord who could do one could certainly do the other. The only question that arises is why the cure was in two stages rather than just one...continue reading
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The real Jesus?
I had just watched my fiancé go through the Departure Gate at Melbourne airport and was feeling miserable. Not wanting to go home to an empty house I wandered around the airport almost hoping that – for some reason – there would be a problem with her papers and she would have to stay with me a little longer. I found a book shop to browse in and kill some time. One title stood out and caught my eye. It was Deepak Chopra’s fictional “Jesus: A Story of Enlightenment”.
I know a little about Chopra’s views because I spent a lot of time reading the sorts of New Age materials he writes. Chopra’s Christ isn’t God. This Christ wasn’t born of a virgin and did not die on the Cross to save those who would place their faith in Him for salvation. Chopra’s Christ is no more God than I am. Chopra is only one of many self-styled gurus who claim to know more about Christ than what can be found in Scripture.
What gives these people the TRUTH about Christ that Christian Biblical scholars seem to miss? I remember comparing a plethora of New Age and Gnostic materials supposedly detailing who Jesus Christ was, is and what He did. Much of their information was apparently gleaned from visions derived in meditation.
The late former Beatle George Harrison once made this statement in an INTERVIEW:
"If there’s a God, I want to see Him. It’s pointless to believe in something without proof, and Krishna consciousness and meditation are methods where you can actually obtain God perception."
Interestingly, my New Age sources all purported to be enlightened yet they all differed in most details and aspects of Christ’s life. Many claimed He was the reincarnation of a series of historical individuals but none of them ever substantiated each other. How can this be reconciled?
But whether it was Chopra, Yogananda, Edgar Cayce or any one of the many gurus from India – they ALL unanimously DENIED that Christ was the Son of God who died for the sins of the world. They ALL imagined God and Christ in their own image.
In that same interview, Harrison made another interesting comment:
My idea in "My Sweet Lord," because it sounded like a "pop song," was to sneak up on them a bit. The point was to have the people not offended by "Hallelujah," and by the time it gets to "Hare Krishna," they’re already hooked, and their foot’s tapping, and they’re already singing along "Hallelujah," to kind of lull them into a sense of false security. And then suddenly it turns into "Hare Krishna," and they will all be singing that before they know what’s happened, and they will think, "Hey, I thought I wasn’t supposed to like Hare Krishna!"
Chopra has claimed that Christians have hijacked the real Christ. He points out that out of so many gospels only four were chosen. There was a logical reason for this. The four chosen were written by eye-witnesses and corroborated each other. The later Gnostic gospels weren’t eye witnesses and often contradicted each other.
I thought about my fiancé and her trip back home. She had to place her trust in a system and a host of individuals to get her home safely. The pilot had to be accredited and approved and the airplane had to be air worthy. Our journey in this world and through eternity is like her plane flight. We have to ask questions, engage our intellect and put our faith in the Right System and Person. The next time you have to take a flight, would you be prepared to trust your taxi driver or check out person to fly the plane for you?
Jesus Christ Questions and Answers
Can I Trust the Bible?
Christian Answers for the New Age on Deepak Chopra’s New Age Jesus.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Mat 16:15-16 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
John 20:27-28 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
1Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Mat 10:33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
I know a little about Chopra’s views because I spent a lot of time reading the sorts of New Age materials he writes. Chopra’s Christ isn’t God. This Christ wasn’t born of a virgin and did not die on the Cross to save those who would place their faith in Him for salvation. Chopra’s Christ is no more God than I am. Chopra is only one of many self-styled gurus who claim to know more about Christ than what can be found in Scripture.
What gives these people the TRUTH about Christ that Christian Biblical scholars seem to miss? I remember comparing a plethora of New Age and Gnostic materials supposedly detailing who Jesus Christ was, is and what He did. Much of their information was apparently gleaned from visions derived in meditation.
The late former Beatle George Harrison once made this statement in an INTERVIEW:
"If there’s a God, I want to see Him. It’s pointless to believe in something without proof, and Krishna consciousness and meditation are methods where you can actually obtain God perception."
Interestingly, my New Age sources all purported to be enlightened yet they all differed in most details and aspects of Christ’s life. Many claimed He was the reincarnation of a series of historical individuals but none of them ever substantiated each other. How can this be reconciled?
But whether it was Chopra, Yogananda, Edgar Cayce or any one of the many gurus from India – they ALL unanimously DENIED that Christ was the Son of God who died for the sins of the world. They ALL imagined God and Christ in their own image.
In that same interview, Harrison made another interesting comment:
My idea in "My Sweet Lord," because it sounded like a "pop song," was to sneak up on them a bit. The point was to have the people not offended by "Hallelujah," and by the time it gets to "Hare Krishna," they’re already hooked, and their foot’s tapping, and they’re already singing along "Hallelujah," to kind of lull them into a sense of false security. And then suddenly it turns into "Hare Krishna," and they will all be singing that before they know what’s happened, and they will think, "Hey, I thought I wasn’t supposed to like Hare Krishna!"
Chopra has claimed that Christians have hijacked the real Christ. He points out that out of so many gospels only four were chosen. There was a logical reason for this. The four chosen were written by eye-witnesses and corroborated each other. The later Gnostic gospels weren’t eye witnesses and often contradicted each other.
I thought about my fiancé and her trip back home. She had to place her trust in a system and a host of individuals to get her home safely. The pilot had to be accredited and approved and the airplane had to be air worthy. Our journey in this world and through eternity is like her plane flight. We have to ask questions, engage our intellect and put our faith in the Right System and Person. The next time you have to take a flight, would you be prepared to trust your taxi driver or check out person to fly the plane for you?
Jesus Christ Questions and Answers
Can I Trust the Bible?
Christian Answers for the New Age on Deepak Chopra’s New Age Jesus.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Mat 16:15-16 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
John 20:27-28 Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
1Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Mat 10:33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
2 John 1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
MARILYN MANSON: THE OUTCAST APPEAL
This is an article written by Marcia Montenegro of Christian Answers for the New Age.
Although there are rock groups in the past and present that used satanic lyrics and symbols, none have seemed to have actually created a cult following among teenagers and young people as has Marilyn Manson. Named Best New Artist of 1996 by Rolling Stone magazine, Manson's third album, "Antichrist" Superstar," which sold more than 1 million copies, reached No. 3 on Billboard magazine's survey....Continue Reading
Christians should not miss this very important part at the end of Marcia's article:
What is needed is outreach, not protest.
Although what Manson often declares is at odds with Christian belief, we Christians must be careful not to self-righteously condemn him, nor should we turn our heads away when we see teens dressed in bizarre outfits. What kind of message does this send? It only seems to prove Manson right in what he says about Christians. This attitude is alienating. What good is it to reject those who already feel rejected, or alienate those who feel alienated?
Instead, we should ask teens why they like Manson. Is it just the music or is it also the attitude and message Manson has? Be willing to address the issue of hypocrisy. There is hypocrisy in society and in the church. Why? Discuss this and listen. Be willing to admit some of what Manson says is true, because it is.
For anyone ready to put down Manson or the kids who like him, read First Corinthians 13. All your knowledge, words and faith mean nothing without love; you are as a "clanging cymbal." Keep in mind that Jesus hung out with all kinds of people when He was on earth, including many that were treated as outcasts by the culture of that day. Would not Jesus maybe be hanging out and talking with these teens who are Manson followers, if He were here today? I think so.
Although there are rock groups in the past and present that used satanic lyrics and symbols, none have seemed to have actually created a cult following among teenagers and young people as has Marilyn Manson. Named Best New Artist of 1996 by Rolling Stone magazine, Manson's third album, "Antichrist" Superstar," which sold more than 1 million copies, reached No. 3 on Billboard magazine's survey....Continue Reading
Christians should not miss this very important part at the end of Marcia's article:
What is needed is outreach, not protest.
Although what Manson often declares is at odds with Christian belief, we Christians must be careful not to self-righteously condemn him, nor should we turn our heads away when we see teens dressed in bizarre outfits. What kind of message does this send? It only seems to prove Manson right in what he says about Christians. This attitude is alienating. What good is it to reject those who already feel rejected, or alienate those who feel alienated?
Instead, we should ask teens why they like Manson. Is it just the music or is it also the attitude and message Manson has? Be willing to address the issue of hypocrisy. There is hypocrisy in society and in the church. Why? Discuss this and listen. Be willing to admit some of what Manson says is true, because it is.
For anyone ready to put down Manson or the kids who like him, read First Corinthians 13. All your knowledge, words and faith mean nothing without love; you are as a "clanging cymbal." Keep in mind that Jesus hung out with all kinds of people when He was on earth, including many that were treated as outcasts by the culture of that day. Would not Jesus maybe be hanging out and talking with these teens who are Manson followers, if He were here today? I think so.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Repent And Be Saved! I Said, REPENT!!!
From Jack Kinsella:
I believe that the Bible calls us to be witnesses of Christ, and that there is no more perfect expression of God's will in the life of a Christian than when he works to lead others to Christ,
That said, what does one do, as one of our readers related recently in one of our forums, when somebody is clearly not interested in hearing the Gospel?
The forum comment describes an experience we've all shared in some variation. You strike up a conversation, and somehow, Jesus comes up in the discussion.
Your conversation suddenly stalls, and when you try to revive it, you meet a wall of stony silence.
Eventually, you come to recognize the signals and past experience tells you its time to say something cheery and take your leave.
But then it bothers you all the way home. . . "why didn't I press the issue? Am I a coward for Christ? Jesus endured the collective hatred of the human race. Am I so weak I can't bear a little rejection?"
You are convinced you failed Him. You had a chance to share the Gospel, and you blew it.
Maybe if you had tried a little harder, they might have listened. But no, you were too chicken!
It isn't like you don't know what is at stake -- especially if you have been an OL member for any length of time at all.
You know that every person you meet is destined to spend eternity somewhere. You already know that they will either spend eternity in the joyful presence of Christ.
Or they will spend a Christ less eternity alone, tormented by the punishments of hell and their memory of rejecting their chance to escape it.
You know it because I remind you of it every chance that I get to do so. The redemption of a single sinner is worth the whole world, the Scriptures say. When one sinner repents, the angels rejoice.
Nothing in our walk though this world is of greater eternal value than leading a lost sinner to Christ.
But instead of pressing the issue, you walked away.
Knowing all that you know, you gave up without a fight. What kind of soldier are you?
If that is your story, or you have one like it, then the answer is, a smart one. A smart soldier would not press a battle against the odds -- just so he could say he was in the fight.
Once you've used up all your resources in an unwise and ill-prepared assault, then those resources are no longer available to be deployed elsewhere where they can be of greater tactical value.
You offered Jesus, the offer was rejected. But in making the offer, you planted a seed. What you do next will affect the probability that your seed will take root.
You can continue to pour water on it until it drowns. Or you can plant it, give it as much water as conditions demand, give it a chance to germinate, and let nature take its course.
Planting the Gospel is sometimes like that. You plant it by sharing the Gospel, but sometimes, like planting in saturated ground, you can overwater and drown the seed.
Sometimes, just planting the seed is all that is necessary, and then its time to let the Holy Spirit take care of the nurturing.
Instead of drowning the seed in your eagerness to get it to take root, sometimes its better to let it germinate, even if it means somebody else will get to reap the harvest.
If your concern is for the health of the seed rather than your profit from the harvest, then it is not such a big deal if somebody else gets to harvest it.
Should you have pressed that person who clearly didn't want to be pressed?
Ask yourself how you react when a salesman keeps pestering you after you tell him you'll think about it.
Not only won't you buy from that salesman, odds are that you won't buy that brand, either, even though the salesman had nothing to do with the quality of the product.
Jesus knows whether or not you've done the job He sent you to do. How does He tell us to handle rejection? Does He tell us to press the issue until it comes to blows?
No. He says: "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." (Matthew 10:14)
"And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them." (Luke 9:5)
"He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me." (Luke 10:16)
When Paul and Barnabas attempted to preach the Gospel, "the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."
Paul and Barnabas did their best. They preached the Word, the offered the salvation of Christ, and the Word was rejected. What did they do next?
"[T]hey shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium." (Acts 13:50-51)
"And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ."
Notice that Paul and Timothy were moved by the Holy Spirit to witness to the Macedonians. Notice also what happened when the Macedonians didn't want to hear it.
"And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles." (Acts 18:6)
This was the Apostle Paul, and the Bible says it was the Holy Spirit moved him to preach. But the Macedonians were free to choose.
Paul and Timothy didn't browbeat them, but rather, Paul said, "I've done what the Lord sent me to do. From here on out, it is up to you."
Paul was not a bad Christian. He wasn't weak, he wasn't wishy-washy, he wasn't uncaring. Paul was God's chosen evangelist to the Gentiles.
But Paul understood that the seeds he planted would grow unto the Lord, or they would NOT grow unto the Lord.
There is an old saying to the effect that "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
And if you try, you'll probably drown the horse.
It wasn't up to Paul to do more than the task that God put before him. Neither is it up to you.
It is our duty and our solemn responsibility to make sure everyone we meet has a chance to choose whom they will serve in this life and where they will spend eternity.
But it is not up to them to make the choice for them. Or to feel responsible when they choose badly. It's not we that we failed Him.
The seed we plant may not germinate for decades, but that's up to God, not us. That's where the 'trust' part takes over.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)
Don't beat yourself up. Your job is to take the stand as a witness. It's up to the Holy Spirit to obtain a conviction.
"Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it." (1st Thessalonians 5:24)
There are times when its our job to plant the seeds, then get out of the way and let Him take it from there.
I believe that the Bible calls us to be witnesses of Christ, and that there is no more perfect expression of God's will in the life of a Christian than when he works to lead others to Christ,
That said, what does one do, as one of our readers related recently in one of our forums, when somebody is clearly not interested in hearing the Gospel?
The forum comment describes an experience we've all shared in some variation. You strike up a conversation, and somehow, Jesus comes up in the discussion.
Your conversation suddenly stalls, and when you try to revive it, you meet a wall of stony silence.
Eventually, you come to recognize the signals and past experience tells you its time to say something cheery and take your leave.
But then it bothers you all the way home. . . "why didn't I press the issue? Am I a coward for Christ? Jesus endured the collective hatred of the human race. Am I so weak I can't bear a little rejection?"
You are convinced you failed Him. You had a chance to share the Gospel, and you blew it.
Maybe if you had tried a little harder, they might have listened. But no, you were too chicken!
It isn't like you don't know what is at stake -- especially if you have been an OL member for any length of time at all.
You know that every person you meet is destined to spend eternity somewhere. You already know that they will either spend eternity in the joyful presence of Christ.
Or they will spend a Christ less eternity alone, tormented by the punishments of hell and their memory of rejecting their chance to escape it.
You know it because I remind you of it every chance that I get to do so. The redemption of a single sinner is worth the whole world, the Scriptures say. When one sinner repents, the angels rejoice.
Nothing in our walk though this world is of greater eternal value than leading a lost sinner to Christ.
But instead of pressing the issue, you walked away.
Knowing all that you know, you gave up without a fight. What kind of soldier are you?
If that is your story, or you have one like it, then the answer is, a smart one. A smart soldier would not press a battle against the odds -- just so he could say he was in the fight.
Once you've used up all your resources in an unwise and ill-prepared assault, then those resources are no longer available to be deployed elsewhere where they can be of greater tactical value.
You offered Jesus, the offer was rejected. But in making the offer, you planted a seed. What you do next will affect the probability that your seed will take root.
You can continue to pour water on it until it drowns. Or you can plant it, give it as much water as conditions demand, give it a chance to germinate, and let nature take its course.
Planting the Gospel is sometimes like that. You plant it by sharing the Gospel, but sometimes, like planting in saturated ground, you can overwater and drown the seed.
Sometimes, just planting the seed is all that is necessary, and then its time to let the Holy Spirit take care of the nurturing.
Instead of drowning the seed in your eagerness to get it to take root, sometimes its better to let it germinate, even if it means somebody else will get to reap the harvest.
If your concern is for the health of the seed rather than your profit from the harvest, then it is not such a big deal if somebody else gets to harvest it.
Should you have pressed that person who clearly didn't want to be pressed?
Ask yourself how you react when a salesman keeps pestering you after you tell him you'll think about it.
Not only won't you buy from that salesman, odds are that you won't buy that brand, either, even though the salesman had nothing to do with the quality of the product.
Jesus knows whether or not you've done the job He sent you to do. How does He tell us to handle rejection? Does He tell us to press the issue until it comes to blows?
No. He says: "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet." (Matthew 10:14)
"And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them." (Luke 9:5)
"He that heareth you heareth Me; and he that despiseth you despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me despiseth Him that sent Me." (Luke 10:16)
When Paul and Barnabas attempted to preach the Gospel, "the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."
Paul and Barnabas did their best. They preached the Word, the offered the salvation of Christ, and the Word was rejected. What did they do next?
"[T]hey shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium." (Acts 13:50-51)
"And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ."
Notice that Paul and Timothy were moved by the Holy Spirit to witness to the Macedonians. Notice also what happened when the Macedonians didn't want to hear it.
"And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles." (Acts 18:6)
This was the Apostle Paul, and the Bible says it was the Holy Spirit moved him to preach. But the Macedonians were free to choose.
Paul and Timothy didn't browbeat them, but rather, Paul said, "I've done what the Lord sent me to do. From here on out, it is up to you."
Paul was not a bad Christian. He wasn't weak, he wasn't wishy-washy, he wasn't uncaring. Paul was God's chosen evangelist to the Gentiles.
But Paul understood that the seeds he planted would grow unto the Lord, or they would NOT grow unto the Lord.
There is an old saying to the effect that "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."
And if you try, you'll probably drown the horse.
It wasn't up to Paul to do more than the task that God put before him. Neither is it up to you.
It is our duty and our solemn responsibility to make sure everyone we meet has a chance to choose whom they will serve in this life and where they will spend eternity.
But it is not up to them to make the choice for them. Or to feel responsible when they choose badly. It's not we that we failed Him.
The seed we plant may not germinate for decades, but that's up to God, not us. That's where the 'trust' part takes over.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)
Don't beat yourself up. Your job is to take the stand as a witness. It's up to the Holy Spirit to obtain a conviction.
"Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it." (1st Thessalonians 5:24)
There are times when its our job to plant the seeds, then get out of the way and let Him take it from there.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Unlocking God's Secrets
Bob Morley has written a great book. Here's what Alesia has to say....
This book, by Bob Morley, is by far one of the best books I've read. If you want to know the answer to why we exist, why we are here, what is our purpose, read this book to find the answer...read more
Monday, September 14, 2009
More on "Defending the Bible"
I thought I'd post some salient points that jumped out at me as I read through John Whitcomb's article in the last post.
If the Biblical picture of man's enmity against God and control by Satan is correct, then how can Christians ever persuade men to turn from sin and Satan to the true and living God? The Biblical answer, of course, is that they cannot. The Scriptures do not say that it is difficult for the unbeliever to accept spiritual truth. They say that it is impossible. "A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised" (1 Cor. 2:14). When our Lord once made a similar pronouncement concerning an entire segment of society, His disciples "were very astonished and said, 'Then who can be saved?'" His answer provides for us the key to all truly effective Christian apologetics today: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26)....
The Biblical method of winning men to Christ (including the intellectuals of our day) is to lovingly, patiently and prayerfully present the true Gospel "according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4) from the context of a godly life (1 Thess. 1:5, 2:3-12). Only the "living and powerful" Word of God can penetrate the unbeliever's shield of defense and pierce into his heart (Heb. 4:12), and thus only God may receive the glory for the genuine conversion of sinful men. Once converted by God's Holy Spirit, a man for the first time in his life enjoys the proper perspective and frame of reference for analysing his intellectual problems concerning Christian doctrines, even if he never finds the complete answers this side of heaven. As the Apostle John described it, "you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know . . . And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for any one to teach you . . . as His anointing teaches you about all things" (1 John 2: 20, 27).
If the Biblical picture of man's enmity against God and control by Satan is correct, then how can Christians ever persuade men to turn from sin and Satan to the true and living God? The Biblical answer, of course, is that they cannot. The Scriptures do not say that it is difficult for the unbeliever to accept spiritual truth. They say that it is impossible. "A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised" (1 Cor. 2:14). When our Lord once made a similar pronouncement concerning an entire segment of society, His disciples "were very astonished and said, 'Then who can be saved?'" His answer provides for us the key to all truly effective Christian apologetics today: "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26)....
The Biblical method of winning men to Christ (including the intellectuals of our day) is to lovingly, patiently and prayerfully present the true Gospel "according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3-4) from the context of a godly life (1 Thess. 1:5, 2:3-12). Only the "living and powerful" Word of God can penetrate the unbeliever's shield of defense and pierce into his heart (Heb. 4:12), and thus only God may receive the glory for the genuine conversion of sinful men. Once converted by God's Holy Spirit, a man for the first time in his life enjoys the proper perspective and frame of reference for analysing his intellectual problems concerning Christian doctrines, even if he never finds the complete answers this side of heaven. As the Apostle John described it, "you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know . . . And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for any one to teach you . . . as His anointing teaches you about all things" (1 John 2: 20, 27).
Friday, September 11, 2009
Defending the Bible - CONTEMPORARY APOLOGETICS AND THE CHRISTIAN FAITH
I stumbled across Part 1 of this article by Dr John Whitcomb in the book “DISPENSATIONALISM tomorrow & beyond”. Now I realize that that ugly word “Dispensationalism” will be enough to immediately turn a lot of people off. But this article is well worth reading if, like me, you have had reservations and frustrations about your personal witness and wondered what you could do to improve it.
How much do Christians have to know to successfully witness to the unsaved? What are Christians really up against? Is it just the other person's lack of faith or unwillingness to accept the Truth? Or are there other factors and obstacles involved in this drama?
Here are the titles Dr Whitcomb covers:
Part I: Human Limitations in Apologetics
Part II: Christian Apologetics and the Divine Solution
Part III: Proof Texts for Semi-Rationalistic Apologetics
Part IV: The Limitations and Values of Christian Evidences
The full version of John Whitcomb’s essay can be found HERE.
How much do Christians have to know to successfully witness to the unsaved? What are Christians really up against? Is it just the other person's lack of faith or unwillingness to accept the Truth? Or are there other factors and obstacles involved in this drama?
Here are the titles Dr Whitcomb covers:
Part I: Human Limitations in Apologetics
Part II: Christian Apologetics and the Divine Solution
Part III: Proof Texts for Semi-Rationalistic Apologetics
Part IV: The Limitations and Values of Christian Evidences
The full version of John Whitcomb’s essay can be found HERE.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Nativity: Fact or Fiction?
From Creation Ministries International:
In Genesis 3:15, God says to Satan ‘And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on your head and you shall bruise him on the heel.’ Numerous Christian and Jewish Bible scholars have interpreted this verse as the first prophecy of the Messiah (see documentation). Known as the Protevangelium, it is the first gospel promise made to sinful mankind, whose willful rebellion in the Garden of Eden brought forth death, suffering, and a corruption of God’s perfect creation.
This verse makes two implicit promises. First, it hints at the virginal conception, as the Messiah is referred to as the seed of the woman. This is contrary to the normal biblical practice of naming the father, and not the mother, of a child. Second, it hints at the Messiah’s suffering and ultimate victory... The Nativity: Fact or Fiction?
In Genesis 3:15, God says to Satan ‘And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on your head and you shall bruise him on the heel.’ Numerous Christian and Jewish Bible scholars have interpreted this verse as the first prophecy of the Messiah (see documentation). Known as the Protevangelium, it is the first gospel promise made to sinful mankind, whose willful rebellion in the Garden of Eden brought forth death, suffering, and a corruption of God’s perfect creation.
This verse makes two implicit promises. First, it hints at the virginal conception, as the Messiah is referred to as the seed of the woman. This is contrary to the normal biblical practice of naming the father, and not the mother, of a child. Second, it hints at the Messiah’s suffering and ultimate victory... The Nativity: Fact or Fiction?
Sunday, August 30, 2009
What Makes a Christian Martyr Differ from Other Faiths’ Martyrs?
Have you ever wondered how much persecution and pain you would tolerate for your faith if put into the situation? Are you prepared to face death? I’ve often wondered these things about myself. Here's an insightful article from Answers In Genesis:
“He was a martyr for a good cause.” A person is put to death (often quite brutally) because he refuses to recant his beliefs and teachings when he is demanded to do so by angry opponents. So, we have Muslim martyrs, Jewish martyrs, communist martyrs, Christian martyrs, Buddhist martyrs, Hindu martyrs, etc. They are all the same, right? Not really.
The English word “martyr” is an almost direct transliteration from the New Testament Greek word, martus, which originally meant a “witness.” It was especially used in the early church to signify those who were witnesses of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (e.g., Acts 1:22), and consequently many of those apostles died giving testimony of their Lord. In current usage it usually means one who is killed for refusing to renounce their religious faith, practices, and beliefs. The unspoken assumption is that if the person would renounce his beliefs, then he would not be put to death—and thereby avoid martyrdom. History is replete with tales of martyrs: from Old Testament believers, to the Apostles, to the early Church fathers, down to our time, especially in areas like the Sudan, the Middle East, the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of South America. For the most part, these have been either Jewish or Christian martyrs, and the logical question to ask would be why. Why not Buddhists or Taoists or Hindu martyrs to the same extent? We will consider that question in due course...Read More
“He was a martyr for a good cause.” A person is put to death (often quite brutally) because he refuses to recant his beliefs and teachings when he is demanded to do so by angry opponents. So, we have Muslim martyrs, Jewish martyrs, communist martyrs, Christian martyrs, Buddhist martyrs, Hindu martyrs, etc. They are all the same, right? Not really.
The English word “martyr” is an almost direct transliteration from the New Testament Greek word, martus, which originally meant a “witness.” It was especially used in the early church to signify those who were witnesses of Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (e.g., Acts 1:22), and consequently many of those apostles died giving testimony of their Lord. In current usage it usually means one who is killed for refusing to renounce their religious faith, practices, and beliefs. The unspoken assumption is that if the person would renounce his beliefs, then he would not be put to death—and thereby avoid martyrdom. History is replete with tales of martyrs: from Old Testament believers, to the Apostles, to the early Church fathers, down to our time, especially in areas like the Sudan, the Middle East, the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of South America. For the most part, these have been either Jewish or Christian martyrs, and the logical question to ask would be why. Why not Buddhists or Taoists or Hindu martyrs to the same extent? We will consider that question in due course...Read More
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Defend the Front Line!
Jan Markell’s latest update is must read for all Christians.
Article by Heidi Swander
Excerpts:
I was stunned recently by the story of a pastor from Brazil. One day in the not-too-distant past he was airborne and seated next to a lady who, at 6 p.m., began praying fervently. When an opportune moment presented itself, he asked her if she was a Christian. Much to his chagrin she said, no, that she was praying to her father, Satan, for the demise of pastor so-and-so.
As the conversation progressed, this Brazilian pastor found out that the Church of Satan worldwide has set aside the 6 p.m. hour every day to pray for the demise of the Christian church, and most specifically for its pastors. It would also appear that they assume or are assigned specific Christian leaders to pray against....
Until we reach our heavenly home, we are all in a fierce, spiritual battle. In that battle, our pastors and other spiritual leaders would be considered the front line against Satan and his minions. How to fight against the forces of evil? God says the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh (II Cor 10:4). We must PRAY.
Pastor John MacArthur in his message, A Plea to Pray for Pastors, says, "We need to remember that prayer is battle; it wages war not against God but against the status quo, against sin and fallenness and the flesh and devils." In Rom 15:30, 31, Paul directs the Christians to "strive together with" him in prayer. In Col 4:2 he admonishes the church to "continue earnestly in prayer." The word "continue" says that he took for granted their prayers; the word "earnestly" means to be "courageously persistent" or "to hold fast and not let go." This praying is hard work. But we are commanded repeatedly to do it...Read more
Also, here’s another great website for people seeking answers:
Confident Christians
Article by Heidi Swander
Excerpts:
I was stunned recently by the story of a pastor from Brazil. One day in the not-too-distant past he was airborne and seated next to a lady who, at 6 p.m., began praying fervently. When an opportune moment presented itself, he asked her if she was a Christian. Much to his chagrin she said, no, that she was praying to her father, Satan, for the demise of pastor so-and-so.
As the conversation progressed, this Brazilian pastor found out that the Church of Satan worldwide has set aside the 6 p.m. hour every day to pray for the demise of the Christian church, and most specifically for its pastors. It would also appear that they assume or are assigned specific Christian leaders to pray against....
Until we reach our heavenly home, we are all in a fierce, spiritual battle. In that battle, our pastors and other spiritual leaders would be considered the front line against Satan and his minions. How to fight against the forces of evil? God says the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh (II Cor 10:4). We must PRAY.
Pastor John MacArthur in his message, A Plea to Pray for Pastors, says, "We need to remember that prayer is battle; it wages war not against God but against the status quo, against sin and fallenness and the flesh and devils." In Rom 15:30, 31, Paul directs the Christians to "strive together with" him in prayer. In Col 4:2 he admonishes the church to "continue earnestly in prayer." The word "continue" says that he took for granted their prayers; the word "earnestly" means to be "courageously persistent" or "to hold fast and not let go." This praying is hard work. But we are commanded repeatedly to do it...Read more
Also, here’s another great website for people seeking answers:
Confident Christians
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Necessity of the Cross
What do Buddha, Muhammad, Ghandi, Karl Marx, John Lennon and Joseph Smith have in common? If signs marked their grave-sites, theirs would read “Occupied”. Christ’s grave would read “Vacant”.
Act 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
1Co 15:12-18 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
Christianity is an exclusive religion. It claims to have the ONLY truth and, as such, it is intolerant to any other belief system claiming the way to Salvation. In today’s progressive society, the word - intolerant - has negative connotations. Yet intolerance is necessary to our daily lives. Most people would not tolerate an inept pilot flying their airplane. Making a decision that affects our eternity demands that we do not tolerate deception.
It has often been said that there are many paths to God and that all religions are equally valid. This is a logical fallacy. I suspect that those who claim this are either not being entirely honest for various reasons or they haven’t thought through the implications of that statement:
1) Religions cannot all be valid because most contradict each other’s Salvation system.
2) Some deny any need for Salvation.
3) Buddhism is atheistic.
4) Hinduism teaches multiple gods.
5) Islam; the New Age and certain cults claiming to be Christian, deny that Christ was anything but a great man, master or prophet.
6) The New Age teaches that we are gods – we only have to arrive at that realization.
7) Christianity teaches that God became man and was crucified on a wooden cross to redeem mankind and the universe. There is no other way.
Given the contradictions above, there can only be two possibilities (despite claims by Oprah & co) - either all the belief systems are wrong, or only one of the systems is correct. If this world is the by-product of an accident then this article is worthless and so is Christianity. Simple as that.
In my personal search, I had to first deal with the prevailing attitude that this universe was the result of an explosion and life on earth began in a pond of primordial soup, or brought here via meteor from a pond elsewhere in the universe - and somehow evolved through a mechanism that is still not understood. This is basically what is being taught as fact in schools, universities and propagated by practically every media outlet. The evolutionary view has become so pervasive and repetitious that not many (if any) secular individuals dare question it publicly. Those who do are treated with derision.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
It’s not my intention to turn this into an apologetic for Creationism, but please refer to the links below as they will help anyone who is genuinely and objectively searching for answers. You can use the search engines to research particular subjects or you can contact these websites with specific questions no matter how complicated they are. These people are bona-fide scientists well able to hold their own in debates and many have even published secular peer-reviewed scientific articles and books. And, yes, I have challenged and tested them.
Answers In Genesis
Creation Ministries International
True Origin
Having satisfied myself that there was a God and that evolution was problematic, I spent years reading New Age materials and chasing the “truth” down rabbit holes. The New Age isn’t exactly a structured system per se. What it does do very well is obfuscate the truth by presenting a smorgasbord of appealing options for a fastidious seeker not wanting to be offended by blood spilled on wood. Those astute enough will quickly realize how contradictory its varied teachings are. Ironically, some see this as an advantage. In fact – and this is very significant – the only consistent teaching I found throughout the New Age and in other religions is that Jesus was just a human being – not God.
That’s not what the Bible teaches. When Adam and Eve fell, garments of skin were supplied as a covering for them by God (Gen 3:21). This idea of covering by sacrifice is a thread woven throughout Scripture. The myriad idioms and rituals used for priestly intercession and sacrifice were all designed to point to Christ’s substitutionary provision on the Cross for all who place their faith in Him (John 3:16). The testing lesson of Abraham in Gen 22:1-14 points directly to the Cross. God never intended for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and, furthermore, Abraham knew this because of the covenant promises God had made regarding Isaac’s future (Gen 17:1-7; Gen 21:1). Even though Abraham was distressed, he knew well enough to trust God:
Gen 22:7-8 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together.
Numbers 21:7-9 is also a prophetic foregleam of the Cross as Christ points out to Nicodemus in John 3:14, 15. And the manna from heaven (Exo 16:14-35); the smiting of the rock by Moses (Exo 17:6) and Jonah’s three days in the belly of the beast are only the most commonly recognized pointers to Christ – there are far too numerous similar examples to account for here. Finally, in Revelation, we read:
Rev 5:5-7 and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
Rev 22:13-14 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.
The Bible is an unparalleled, integrated system of sixty six books, written by forty different authors, spanning about 3,500 years that affirms Christ’s divinity and the ABSOLUTE necessity of the Cross. This truth is sprinkled throughout the book from beginning to end. No other literature purporting to be spiritual can match the Bible for consistency, integrity and critical scrutiny – leaving aside prophetic considerations. The message it contains is not about restrictions – it is about Freedom and Incredible Joy. Put it to the test for yourself.
What you do, or don’t do, will impact your eternity.
Further reading in no particular order:
Christian Answers for the New Age
A Brazen Epitaph
Aleph Tau
The Resurrection and Genesis
Jesus Christ Q & A
Can I trust the Bible?
Is Jesus Really God?
Evidence for the Resurrection
Ankerberg Theological Institute Apologetics
Act 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
1Co 15:12-18 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.
Christianity is an exclusive religion. It claims to have the ONLY truth and, as such, it is intolerant to any other belief system claiming the way to Salvation. In today’s progressive society, the word - intolerant - has negative connotations. Yet intolerance is necessary to our daily lives. Most people would not tolerate an inept pilot flying their airplane. Making a decision that affects our eternity demands that we do not tolerate deception.
It has often been said that there are many paths to God and that all religions are equally valid. This is a logical fallacy. I suspect that those who claim this are either not being entirely honest for various reasons or they haven’t thought through the implications of that statement:
1) Religions cannot all be valid because most contradict each other’s Salvation system.
2) Some deny any need for Salvation.
3) Buddhism is atheistic.
4) Hinduism teaches multiple gods.
5) Islam; the New Age and certain cults claiming to be Christian, deny that Christ was anything but a great man, master or prophet.
6) The New Age teaches that we are gods – we only have to arrive at that realization.
7) Christianity teaches that God became man and was crucified on a wooden cross to redeem mankind and the universe. There is no other way.
Given the contradictions above, there can only be two possibilities (despite claims by Oprah & co) - either all the belief systems are wrong, or only one of the systems is correct. If this world is the by-product of an accident then this article is worthless and so is Christianity. Simple as that.
In my personal search, I had to first deal with the prevailing attitude that this universe was the result of an explosion and life on earth began in a pond of primordial soup, or brought here via meteor from a pond elsewhere in the universe - and somehow evolved through a mechanism that is still not understood. This is basically what is being taught as fact in schools, universities and propagated by practically every media outlet. The evolutionary view has become so pervasive and repetitious that not many (if any) secular individuals dare question it publicly. Those who do are treated with derision.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
It’s not my intention to turn this into an apologetic for Creationism, but please refer to the links below as they will help anyone who is genuinely and objectively searching for answers. You can use the search engines to research particular subjects or you can contact these websites with specific questions no matter how complicated they are. These people are bona-fide scientists well able to hold their own in debates and many have even published secular peer-reviewed scientific articles and books. And, yes, I have challenged and tested them.
Answers In Genesis
Creation Ministries International
True Origin
Having satisfied myself that there was a God and that evolution was problematic, I spent years reading New Age materials and chasing the “truth” down rabbit holes. The New Age isn’t exactly a structured system per se. What it does do very well is obfuscate the truth by presenting a smorgasbord of appealing options for a fastidious seeker not wanting to be offended by blood spilled on wood. Those astute enough will quickly realize how contradictory its varied teachings are. Ironically, some see this as an advantage. In fact – and this is very significant – the only consistent teaching I found throughout the New Age and in other religions is that Jesus was just a human being – not God.
That’s not what the Bible teaches. When Adam and Eve fell, garments of skin were supplied as a covering for them by God (Gen 3:21). This idea of covering by sacrifice is a thread woven throughout Scripture. The myriad idioms and rituals used for priestly intercession and sacrifice were all designed to point to Christ’s substitutionary provision on the Cross for all who place their faith in Him (John 3:16). The testing lesson of Abraham in Gen 22:1-14 points directly to the Cross. God never intended for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and, furthermore, Abraham knew this because of the covenant promises God had made regarding Isaac’s future (Gen 17:1-7; Gen 21:1). Even though Abraham was distressed, he knew well enough to trust God:
Gen 22:7-8 Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, "My father!" And he said, "Here I am, my son." And he said, "Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" Abraham said, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." So the two of them walked on together.
Numbers 21:7-9 is also a prophetic foregleam of the Cross as Christ points out to Nicodemus in John 3:14, 15. And the manna from heaven (Exo 16:14-35); the smiting of the rock by Moses (Exo 17:6) and Jonah’s three days in the belly of the beast are only the most commonly recognized pointers to Christ – there are far too numerous similar examples to account for here. Finally, in Revelation, we read:
Rev 5:5-7 and one of the elders said to me, "Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals." And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.
Rev 22:13-14 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.
The Bible is an unparalleled, integrated system of sixty six books, written by forty different authors, spanning about 3,500 years that affirms Christ’s divinity and the ABSOLUTE necessity of the Cross. This truth is sprinkled throughout the book from beginning to end. No other literature purporting to be spiritual can match the Bible for consistency, integrity and critical scrutiny – leaving aside prophetic considerations. The message it contains is not about restrictions – it is about Freedom and Incredible Joy. Put it to the test for yourself.
What you do, or don’t do, will impact your eternity.
Further reading in no particular order:
Christian Answers for the New Age
A Brazen Epitaph
Aleph Tau
The Resurrection and Genesis
Jesus Christ Q & A
Can I trust the Bible?
Is Jesus Really God?
Evidence for the Resurrection
Ankerberg Theological Institute Apologetics
Friday, May 1, 2009
Gay Marriage and Homosexuality
Gen 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh...
Why shouldn’t loving homosexual couples marry?
Any discussion about gay marriage is really a question about the legitimacy of homosexuality itself. If homosexuality is wrong then so is gay marriage. From a homosexual and atheistic perspective, there would probably be no question about either the right to marry a person of the same gender or engage in sexual activity. There are several arguments and claims commonly proposed by both gays and their apologists to defend these activities. Here are some:
1) There is no God; the Bible is irrelevant; there is no reason why I shouldn’t pursue what I want.
The first argument is commonly used to justify whatever pursuit the believer desires and is not restricted to the subject of this article. If God does not exist and this world is a result of a cosmic accident, then there is no moral law and no good or evil. If such is the case, then the only law is that which is agreed upon by those who can impose it or those who can get away with it. The inherent danger of this view is that moral law is then determined by those in control at any given time and, therefore, is in constant flux. Eventually, any action can be justified under this scheme – eugenics, bestiality, group marriage, mass murder etc.
It’s not uncommon for those who want freedom of sexual expression to be actively involved in opposition against belief in a God, Christianity and Biblical inerrancy. Scott Bidstrup is one example of a homosexual journalist who has attempted a rebuttal to Lee Strobel’s book. Notwithstanding these attacks, Christian apologists are well able to RESPOND to any rebuttal or debate. How have you justified your belief to yourself? Have you diligently checked all the arguments pro and con?
Morality and Ethics Questions and Answers
The Holocaust and evolution
Answering the ‘new atheists’
2) I was born gay. God made me this way, therefore it’s OK.
The second argument is problematic on the basis that some people are born with both physical and mental disabilities. Given this view, if a baby has a congenital heart disease, are we then acting contrary to God’s wishes if we provide medical assistance? If a man is born with a proclivity to violence or an attraction to children; is it justifiable for him to act upon this God-given impulse? There isn’t any scientific data that conclusively shows there is a gay gene, but even if this were the case it would not automatically make it right. We live in a fallen world where disease and accidents occur and this is not necessarily the will of God.
My genes made me do it!
Death and Suffering Questions and Answers
3) I’m not hurting anyone.
Contrary to the assertion of the third argument, certain homosexual activities are, in fact, dangerous and diseases and violence within the gay community are prevalent. Unfortunately, the mainstream media will not readily make this sort of data available and it is politically incorrect to mention it. Ironically, governments legislate to minimize smoking, accidents in cars, drug usage etc because of the financial and human mortality costs they incur on society, yet the practise of homosexuality is treated as sacrosanct.
Homosexuality Statistics
Homosexuality and health
Homosexuality and Murders
Gay Bowel Syndrome
4) People who speak out on, or disagree with, the practise of homosexuality and gay marriage are homophobic.
The expansion of the Hate Crimes law to supposedly protect gays actually enforces this view. The phobia label is an effective apparatus utilized by activists and, sometimes, well-intentioned legislators to shame and frighten dissenters from expressing opinions about homosexuality. That I disapprove of a certain conduct does not directly follow that I fear or hate the individual practising it, yet the law will soon prosecute me for expressing that opinion. Pastors and priests will soon risk breaking the law if they refuse to marry gay couples, even if it contravenes their own fundamental religious beliefs and despite the fact that gay couples have alternative options.
A genuine Christian will not hate an individual as this is against our faith. We are directed to witness to, love, and pray for all. So when Christians vote against legislation to permit gay marriage or express an opinion against it – what they are doing is practising their faith in God, freedom of speech and right to vote – not hating gays. Someone who wants to remove a crucifix or Nativity Play from a public place might just as easily be classified as Christophobic. Someone who speaks out against stealing could be labelled kleptophobic, and the list goes on.
Gay Agenda
Matthew Shepard
5) The Bible does not condemn homosexuality.
Finally, there are “Christian” ministers and pastors who teach that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality. Often the book of Leviticus is invoked – specifically Lev 18:22 and Lev 20:13 where the Bible condemns that practise. It is then argued that because the intricate rituals in that book are no longer observed and not applicable to modern Christians that, therefore, references to homosexual behaviour are also now irrelevant. Yet the following verse is quite clear:
Lev 18:22 'You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.
Furthermore, in chapter 20 there are also a number of commands against adultery, incest, cursing, bestiality, offering children to Molech etc. Using the above logic one could then argue that these could also now be permissible. But the reason that Leviticus had so many purifications and rituals was because the offerings and sacrifices were meant to vividly point to Christ’s Perfect Future Sacrifice on the Cross as our Saviour. In other words, the book is symbolically prophetic. The whole process had to be exact because God is exact. Christ’s sacrifice had to be perfect to pay for ALL of humanity’s sins and Leviticus reflected this truth. The rituals are no longer necessary because Christ’s redemptive work was accomplished at His death but the essence of the commands and warnings are all still relevant. I suggest reading Herbert Lockyer’s “All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible”. This book helps to show how the Bible is a unique integrated system that points to Christ.
The problem of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is usually explained away by the suggestion that God was punishing the people because of inhospitality based on Eze 16:49-50. But apart from inhospitality, verse 50 clearly tells us that Sodom also committed abominations - “They were haughty and practiced abominable deeds before me. Therefore when I saw it I removed them.” (NET)
That this is the case is corroborated by Jude 1:7 - “just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” Rom 1:18-27 and 1 Cor 6:9-10 also support the truth that Scripture, taken as a whole and in context, condemns homosexuality. Another tactic employed by some is to imply that David and Jonathon, and even Christ and John the beloved disciple were engaged in homosexual activity. But all these claims can be easily shown to be erroneous.
There are very clear Scriptural warnings for those who would lead the flock astray (Mat 7:15, Mat 18:6, Jas 3:1) and God’s relationship with the church is often compared to a Holy and Pure Marriage between a husband and a wife (2 Co 11:2, Eph 5:25-27, Rev 19:7-9, Rev 21:9).
Ultimately it gets down to this - if there is no God then none of this matters. But if God really does exist then our decisions will have Eternal Consequences. Do we serve and please ourselves or God? It's not just homosexuality that displeases God - it's all sin regardless of how small. All of us have failed but the good news is that Christ has provided for us by His work on the Cross. Please visit the following links that further discuss Salvation:
Salvation Issues
The Pearl
Further reading:
God's Plan for the Gay Agenda
The Sin of Sodom--Genesis 19
The Book of Leviticus
Studies on Leviticus
Why shouldn’t loving homosexual couples marry?
Any discussion about gay marriage is really a question about the legitimacy of homosexuality itself. If homosexuality is wrong then so is gay marriage. From a homosexual and atheistic perspective, there would probably be no question about either the right to marry a person of the same gender or engage in sexual activity. There are several arguments and claims commonly proposed by both gays and their apologists to defend these activities. Here are some:
1) There is no God; the Bible is irrelevant; there is no reason why I shouldn’t pursue what I want.
The first argument is commonly used to justify whatever pursuit the believer desires and is not restricted to the subject of this article. If God does not exist and this world is a result of a cosmic accident, then there is no moral law and no good or evil. If such is the case, then the only law is that which is agreed upon by those who can impose it or those who can get away with it. The inherent danger of this view is that moral law is then determined by those in control at any given time and, therefore, is in constant flux. Eventually, any action can be justified under this scheme – eugenics, bestiality, group marriage, mass murder etc.
It’s not uncommon for those who want freedom of sexual expression to be actively involved in opposition against belief in a God, Christianity and Biblical inerrancy. Scott Bidstrup is one example of a homosexual journalist who has attempted a rebuttal to Lee Strobel’s book. Notwithstanding these attacks, Christian apologists are well able to RESPOND to any rebuttal or debate. How have you justified your belief to yourself? Have you diligently checked all the arguments pro and con?
Morality and Ethics Questions and Answers
The Holocaust and evolution
Answering the ‘new atheists’
2) I was born gay. God made me this way, therefore it’s OK.
The second argument is problematic on the basis that some people are born with both physical and mental disabilities. Given this view, if a baby has a congenital heart disease, are we then acting contrary to God’s wishes if we provide medical assistance? If a man is born with a proclivity to violence or an attraction to children; is it justifiable for him to act upon this God-given impulse? There isn’t any scientific data that conclusively shows there is a gay gene, but even if this were the case it would not automatically make it right. We live in a fallen world where disease and accidents occur and this is not necessarily the will of God.
My genes made me do it!
Death and Suffering Questions and Answers
3) I’m not hurting anyone.
Contrary to the assertion of the third argument, certain homosexual activities are, in fact, dangerous and diseases and violence within the gay community are prevalent. Unfortunately, the mainstream media will not readily make this sort of data available and it is politically incorrect to mention it. Ironically, governments legislate to minimize smoking, accidents in cars, drug usage etc because of the financial and human mortality costs they incur on society, yet the practise of homosexuality is treated as sacrosanct.
Homosexuality Statistics
Homosexuality and health
Homosexuality and Murders
Gay Bowel Syndrome
4) People who speak out on, or disagree with, the practise of homosexuality and gay marriage are homophobic.
The expansion of the Hate Crimes law to supposedly protect gays actually enforces this view. The phobia label is an effective apparatus utilized by activists and, sometimes, well-intentioned legislators to shame and frighten dissenters from expressing opinions about homosexuality. That I disapprove of a certain conduct does not directly follow that I fear or hate the individual practising it, yet the law will soon prosecute me for expressing that opinion. Pastors and priests will soon risk breaking the law if they refuse to marry gay couples, even if it contravenes their own fundamental religious beliefs and despite the fact that gay couples have alternative options.
A genuine Christian will not hate an individual as this is against our faith. We are directed to witness to, love, and pray for all. So when Christians vote against legislation to permit gay marriage or express an opinion against it – what they are doing is practising their faith in God, freedom of speech and right to vote – not hating gays. Someone who wants to remove a crucifix or Nativity Play from a public place might just as easily be classified as Christophobic. Someone who speaks out against stealing could be labelled kleptophobic, and the list goes on.
Gay Agenda
Matthew Shepard
5) The Bible does not condemn homosexuality.
Finally, there are “Christian” ministers and pastors who teach that the Bible does not condemn homosexuality. Often the book of Leviticus is invoked – specifically Lev 18:22 and Lev 20:13 where the Bible condemns that practise. It is then argued that because the intricate rituals in that book are no longer observed and not applicable to modern Christians that, therefore, references to homosexual behaviour are also now irrelevant. Yet the following verse is quite clear:
Lev 18:22 'You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination.
Furthermore, in chapter 20 there are also a number of commands against adultery, incest, cursing, bestiality, offering children to Molech etc. Using the above logic one could then argue that these could also now be permissible. But the reason that Leviticus had so many purifications and rituals was because the offerings and sacrifices were meant to vividly point to Christ’s Perfect Future Sacrifice on the Cross as our Saviour. In other words, the book is symbolically prophetic. The whole process had to be exact because God is exact. Christ’s sacrifice had to be perfect to pay for ALL of humanity’s sins and Leviticus reflected this truth. The rituals are no longer necessary because Christ’s redemptive work was accomplished at His death but the essence of the commands and warnings are all still relevant. I suggest reading Herbert Lockyer’s “All the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible”. This book helps to show how the Bible is a unique integrated system that points to Christ.
The problem of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is usually explained away by the suggestion that God was punishing the people because of inhospitality based on Eze 16:49-50. But apart from inhospitality, verse 50 clearly tells us that Sodom also committed abominations - “They were haughty and practiced abominable deeds before me. Therefore when I saw it I removed them.” (NET)
That this is the case is corroborated by Jude 1:7 - “just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” Rom 1:18-27 and 1 Cor 6:9-10 also support the truth that Scripture, taken as a whole and in context, condemns homosexuality. Another tactic employed by some is to imply that David and Jonathon, and even Christ and John the beloved disciple were engaged in homosexual activity. But all these claims can be easily shown to be erroneous.
There are very clear Scriptural warnings for those who would lead the flock astray (Mat 7:15, Mat 18:6, Jas 3:1) and God’s relationship with the church is often compared to a Holy and Pure Marriage between a husband and a wife (2 Co 11:2, Eph 5:25-27, Rev 19:7-9, Rev 21:9).
Ultimately it gets down to this - if there is no God then none of this matters. But if God really does exist then our decisions will have Eternal Consequences. Do we serve and please ourselves or God? It's not just homosexuality that displeases God - it's all sin regardless of how small. All of us have failed but the good news is that Christ has provided for us by His work on the Cross. Please visit the following links that further discuss Salvation:
Salvation Issues
The Pearl
Further reading:
God's Plan for the Gay Agenda
The Sin of Sodom--Genesis 19
The Book of Leviticus
Studies on Leviticus
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