"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
I recorded this video on 2/26/2016
There are four truth known to every human being:
(Biblical reference: Romans 1:18-32 / Romans 2:14-15)
I am inspired by some marriages I have seen since I came to Alaska. My job takes me into homes where I see wives taking care of their husbands and husband taking care of their wives. 30, 40, and fifty plus years after they said “I do”, after facing the challenges of marriage, some overcoming even adultery, alcohol abuse; some facing the challenges of dementia, diverse disabilities and many other challenges. I have been able to see, with my own eyes, examples of people that actually took serious the words, “For better and for worst, in sickness and in health, in riches and in lack.”
The Apostle Paul spoke plenty in First Corinthians 7 concerning marriage; on verse 28 he stated, “But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.” (NKJV) That word trouble is the Greek word Thlípsis, meaning, “To crush, press, compress, squeeze, which is from thláō (n.f.), to break. Tribulation, trouble, affliction.”[1] I heard folks say that love never hurts; nothing can be further from the truth. The Bible tells us in First Corinthians 13:4 that “Love suffers long…” (NKJV)
I take the liberty to say that either suffering is multiplied by second, third marriages and beyond or, the tolerance for suffering decreases in a significant way. What we know for sure is that the statistics for divorce increase dramatically. The divorce statistics for first marriages are already alarming; they are in average at 45% to 50%; second marriages 60% to 67% and third marriages 70% to 73%.
I have noticed that there is a level in marriages that is very rare. It is what I like to call, the Cross Over Level; this is the Agape love level; this is the level where marriages do not talk about divorce and separation with every single argument. As long as divorce and separation still comes up in every argument, your marriage is still in the infant stage, the selfish stage and the foolish stage. Marriages that are mature still argue; it still difficult! As we can clearly see in First Corinthians 7:28, pain is a biblical reality. Marriage is not cookies, milk, flowers and butterflies. However, the cross over level in marriages rise above all that, it is the commitment that establishes, you are my wife and I am your husband no matter what. Even as you get on my last nerves I will always be there for you, in the good times, the bad times and the ugly times. These are marriages that can only be destroyed by continual adultery, domestic violence and death itself.
I pray for a marriage that is filled with the Philadelphia love (Friendship). I pray for a marriage that is fill with the Romantic love. But neither one of these kinds of love is strong enough to survive the tough times. For the tough times, the Agape love is the only force that will help us cross over. Show me a marriage that end up in divorce and many reasons could be given for such failure; but there is really one reason, they never learn to love each other with the Agape love. Show me a long marriage and, without a doubt, they were transformed by the Agape love. The Agape love never fails.[2]
[1] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).
[2] First Corinthians 13:8
Perhaps if you have the reputation of calling things for what they are, you will be inevitably accused of judging. The forces of this liberal society are twisting and suppressing the truth like never before. It is an open season on rebelliousness against God’s truth.
If you take a moment to Read Romans 1:18-32 and Romans 2:14-15 you will quickly realize that:
So by having this information we should not be compromising the truth of God. We, as God’s people, have the responsibility to take God’s Word as the ultimate truth and not be afraid of proclaiming such. The Prophet Isiah has some strong words for those who compromise God’s truth;
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV)
I say we love hard and with great compassion, but we must tell it like it is!
Marriage is difficult, very difficult! The Apostle Paul tells us in First Corinthians 7:28, “…Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.” (NKJV) I go as far as to say that marriage is overrated, Paul backs me up when he states, “But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.” First Corinthians 7:36-38 (NKJV) These verses are referring to fist marriages, when you add second and third marriages with children it gets even more difficult.
Paul even sees marriage as a distraction for ministry, “There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.” First Corinthians 7:34-35 (NKJV)
So then, why do we get marry? Two main reasons: 1) It still not good for a man to be alone.[1] And 2) It is better to marry than to burn.[2] My mom also gave me a good reason. My dad is a great man now, but he used to drink a lot, committed adultery several times and was not the easiest guy to get alone with. I asked her, why did you stay? She told me, because I considered the alternative; you guys growing up without a dad, me raising you guys as single mom, etc.” I am so grateful that my mom considered the alternative! Have you considered the alternatives?
There is a strong spirit of divorce that is taking over our society and even our churches. Seems like with every argument divorce comes up; as long as that is so, the spirit of divorce is in your house. Beloved, unless there is continual adultery, domestic violence, any kind of child abuse and things of that matter, stop whining, grow up from your teenage little fantasies and make up your mind to consider the alternative. That man or that woman is not there to complete you; only God can do that. If you are going into your second marriage it is going to get harder. If there are children involved even harder. With every divorce and every marriage is going to get harder.
So now that you are marry, it will do you well to understand your role as a husband and your role as a wife.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Ephesians 5:22-33 New King James Version (NKJV)
[1] Genesis 2:18
[2] First Corinthians 7:9
One of the biggest ways that Satan tries to get at us all is with regret. It is so easy to go back and relive memories that we aren’t proud of. Satan will do anything possible to get at us mentally. Regret can be a devastating monster if we don’t keep it in check. The Bible has many verses to read and study on this issue. Some verses are from people feeling regret; some are for battling against regret.
Here are 18 verses from the Bible that you may relate to and that can help you in this struggle.
Jesus’ death for us all on the cross covers all of the sins that lead us to regret.
Combating Regret
Philippians 3:13 “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Psalm 34:4-5 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”
Godly Regret
2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
David’s Regret
Psalm 6:6-7 “I am weary with my moaning; every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows weak because of all my foes.”
Psalm 51:8-9 “Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.”
David’s response in Psalm 51 is appropriate. This is how we should come to the throne of God in our regrets over sin.
Job’s Regret
Job 3:3, 11 “Let the day perish on which I was born, and the night that said, ‘A man is conceived.’ Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire?”
Job’s regret brought him to utter ruin.
Peter’s Regret
Luke 22:61-62 “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.”
Peter’s regret was deserved. He denied Christ before his fellow man.
God’s Own Regret
Genesis 6:6 “And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him to His heart.”
I sometimes wonder if God still feels this way today. Look at how chaotic our world is. It is full of sin in every corner. I am so thankful that God holds back His own wrath so that another person might come to Jesus.
Ultimate Regret/Judas Iscariot
Matthew 27:3-5 “Then when Judas, His (Jesus) betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, ‘I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!’ They said, ‘What is that to us? See to it yourself.’ And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself.”
Please if you are feeling thoughts like Judas did, seek help immediately! There is no sin that is too big for God to handle! Suicide is never the right answer to your problems.
Persistence To The End/No Regrets
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. “
Consequences Of Regret
Proverbs 15:13 “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.”
Regret From Adultery
Proverbs 5:11 “And at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed.”
Proverbs 6:32-34 “He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away. For jealousy makes a man furious, and he will not spare when he takes revenge.”
Proverbs 7:24-27 “And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn aside to her (the adulteress) ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.”
Other Verses
Proverbs 10:5 “He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.”
Psalm 34:21 “Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned”
There will be regret for those who hate righteousness in the end. They will see the shame of their actions.
Conclusion
Regret can be a pain. Look at what David, Peter and Job experienced above. They were in misery and anguish. However, Jesus’ death for us all on the cross covers all of the sins that lead us to regret. 1 John 1:9 from above is the way for us to move past our sins, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” So, if you have regrets, give them to God in prayer. Ask Him to walk with you as you move through these regrets and most importantly, if you have not repented, wait no longer! God bless you as you live a life worthy of the calling!
Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/18-helpful-bible-verses-about-regret/#ixzz40RRrPxm5
http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/18-helpful-bible-verses-about-regret/
It is getting increasingly challenging for me to deal with apologetics; that is because I can’t do apologetics and ignore Biblical truth. As I study for this class and as I watch videos of Atheist vs. Christian Apologist debating God’s existence, I can’t help but to appreciate the power of God to save and transform a soul.
Nobody, absolutely no one, will come to the feet of Jesus via intellect. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (NKJV)
I look at these atheists arguing against God and I am left with a sense of anger, sadness and frustration. I honestly question why we even go further with the discussion. Romans 1:18-20 tells me that every human being knows of God existence.[1] Not only that God has made himself known, but God has written his laws in the heart of every human being according to Romans 2:14-15.[2] God has a name for those that argue against his existence; he calls them fools.[3]
So what do we do with the new argument against God? What do we do with the Worldview of the Advancement? I say they have the right to think what ever they want and in this country we are free, we even have the right to go to hell if that’s what we chose. But are we called to ignore these demonic ideas? Not according to First Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (NKJV) Surely this verse is not encouraging us to go around initiating debates with folks, but rather to be ready to give an apology when they ask us concerning the reason we believe what we believe. I will expand of this later.
What is the Worldview of the Advancement?
The Worldview of the advancement is another “high thing” that is attempting to exalt itself against the knowledge of God.[4] Bush defined this worldview as, “The idea of inevitable progress.”[5] This worldview is in total contrast to what the Bible states; in Matthew 24:35 the Jesus tells us, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (NKJV) Everything is dying, that is including us.
What is Wrong With the Worldview of the Advancement?
To whom am I answering this question? Without the supernatural intervention of God, who can intellectually convince these folks that their worldview is not only wrong, but also foolish? Who can stop a man and his love for sin and self-worship? That is what we learned from the story of the Tower of Babel, the start of this Babylonian secular system.
God himself made a statement that should help us in our apologetic endeavors. Genesis 11:6 tells us, “…now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” (NKJV) There is something in the heart of men that is unstoppable.
These worldviews of today are not science anymore; they are not hungry for truth; they are an open expression of their hate and rebelliousness against God. I have heard so many atheist position themselves as if they are in a journey of pursuing truth; they say they can’t believe in God because they have found no evidence. However, what are they really searching for? Are they searching for God? Are they searching for the truth? or are they searching for more ways to suppress the obvious truth of God’s existence? My Bible tells me the latter.
Embracing this worldview is indeed a slap in the face to the Gospel. If everything is evolving and if everything is getting better then, why the need for a Savior? Why the need for Jesus? But the reality is that everything is not getting better, the only thing on this earth that is noticeably improving is technology; but at what cost? Bush states,
“The twentieth century saw the greatest advance in scientific knowledge ever known by mankind, together with an unparalleled rise of existential despair. Existentialists themselves often attributed the rise of their viewpoint to the rapid growth of technology and the accompanying depersonalization of modern life.”
These modern worldviews insist in ignoring spirituality, absolutes, un-changing laws; not only spiritual, but also natural laws. The more I listen to these guys the more they make it obvious that they are not really atheist, but people that are angry with God and His established righteousness.
What Could Be the Christian Response?
If they care for our response, then we should be ready to give them one. However, our focus should be on what the Bible tells us our response should be, not on whatever system they have in place. They can mock our faith, which is a Biblical truth. Is it not our message foolishness to those who are perishing?[6] What make us think that we, on our own power, can change their minds? These are the days where the words of Isaiah the prophet have become truth, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20 (KJV). These are the days the Apostle Paul spoke about, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;” 2 Timothy 4:3 (NKJV)
First Peter 3:15[7] is about when to present our apology, what are we defending and how. 1) When do we present our apology? When they ask. It is not about us running looking to debate folks; is them coming to us with questions and we be found ready by sanctify the Lord God in our hearts. If we don’t get our hearts straight with God we have no business exercising any apologetic ministry; we will end-up doing more damage than God.
There is a certain way God wants us to live; He wants us to be holy, to pray to study and so on. 2) What are we defending? We are defending the reason for the hope that is in us. I can only defend the reason for my hope based on my testimony and the Word of God, two things that are openly and aggressively rejected by the atheist community. That is because they will never accept our testimonies and the Word of God as science. And 3) How do we present our apology? With humility and reverence to God; that is why our hearts need to be ready. How are we going to react when our faith is disrespected, when we are insulted and when people talk about our God any kind of way?
So what is the alternative? To engage in a never-ending intellectual argument? Like I say before, is not longer about science and the pursue of knowledge, is about an open suppression of God’s truth and about an open rebellion against God.
Many scientists like Albert Einstein, never found the need to surrender to God, they never gave their life to Christ and so on, but they where hungry enough for the truth to, at least recognize, the obvious existence of God.[8] That is not what we see today; in this modern environment it is virtually impossible to do any serious apologetics. This is just my opinion; I welcome insight!
Which of Bush’s Ideas are more Significant to Me?
Bush gives us the four basic beliefs of modern thinkers: “
“First, mankind evolved from animals. Second, the human mind and human behavior are therefore directly influenced by our animal ancestry. Third, all of reality is subject to naturalistic scientific investigation. Fourth, truth is discoverable or at least confirmable by and only by the naturalistic scientific method of research.”[9]
To this central way of modern thinking Bush offers five very strong objections. If I have to choose one, I choose the second objection. The fact that these atheist’s theories have not being proven in control environments should be an eye-opener for them, not necessarily to become Christians, but to be honest with themselves and to either admit that there is a “Designer” or, that they are indeed suppressing the truth.
Conclusion
I found it very appropriate to end this paper with some direct words by Bush,
“History rides on time, and the past is God’s reality, as is the future. The Bible warns that support for truth will decline as we near the final judgment, but God’s faithful, the elect, will always be able to recognize the essential truth as God has revealed it. May there be many others who are not ashamed to proclaim allegiance to the name above every name, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, our Savior. He alone deserves the title, Sovereign Lord.”[10]
[1] “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Romans 1:18-32 New King James Version (NKJV)
[2] “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)” Romans 2:13-15 New King James Version (NKJV)
[3] Psalm 14:1
[4] 2 Corinthians 10:5
[5] Russ L Bush, The Advancement: Keeping the Faith in an Evolutionary Age, Nashville, TN: B&H, 2003.
[6] “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV)
[7] “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)
[8] Rich Deem, Did Albert Einstein Believe in a Personal God?, http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/einstein.html
[9] Russ L Bush, The Advancement
[10] Russ L Bush, The Advancement
Liberalism is an ideology that has rapidly taken over our nation. A basic definition of liberalism goes as follow, “A movement in modern Protestantism that emphasizes freedom from tradition and authority, the adjustment of religious beliefs to scientific conceptions, and the development of spiritual capacities.”[1] Liberalism, we can say, is anti-religion, anti-faith, anti tradition and basically anything that is consider orthodoxy.
That liberal spirit is consuming our churches. We must understand that our faith has some foundational and un-negotiable beliefs that must be protected. The original apostles gave us sound doctrine and spend a great deal of time defending that sound doctrine.
The world constantly attacks our faith. That should not be a surprise for we know who the god of this world is.[2] For the first three hundred years of the church, we were indeed… one church! After three hundred years, with Emperor Constantine declaring Christianity the official religion in Rome; the true church went into hiding. The visible church was Christianity according to Constantine. That pattern of secular Christianity went on for over a thousand years.
Two thousand years later, the church is no longer one; everybody has their version of the truth manifested in the form of thousands of denominations. Many do not see the need to study. In the name of, “All I need to learn I learned it from the Holy Ghost”, we have seen a generation of pastors, teachers, prophets and self-proclaim apostles, who are preaching and teaching their own ideas of what the Gospel looks like. There is no such a thing as letting every Word (Rhema) be established by two or three witnesses.[3] We are entering a time where we are embracing a Gospel with no responsibility and no accountability.
Some denominations go as far as stating that they have something nobody else has: The little Christians (Non-Baptize with the Holy Ghost) and the Big Christians (Those who are Baptize with the Holy Ghost). Some others go as far as saying that unless you are baptize in water under their denomination, hell is your final destination. Further, some are teaching that unless you are justify, baptize in water in Jesus name only, sanctify and them Baptize in the Holy Ghost you are not save. Many are listening to these atrocities without saying a word as if is not an important thing to point out or to discuss.
With all of these stuff going on, how do we know who is teaching the truth? The answer is actually a very simple one. We must go back to the Word (Logos). The answers are in God’s Word… it is that simple! In God’s Word we find truth and confirm that what we are following is indeed truth.
We then look at four things: 1) Theology: The study of God. 2) Doctrine: The teachings set forth by the apostles and prophets. 3) Dogma: “An official system of principles or tenets concerning faith, morals, behavior, etc., as of a church.”[4] And, 4) Orthodoxy: “Sound or correct in opinion or doctrine, especially theological or religious doctrine. Conforming to the Christian faith as represented in the creeds of the early church.”[5]
By now, if you are a liberal, you are having a hard time reading this article. It is hard for a liberal to hear words such as, theology, doctrine, dogma and orthodoxy. As a matter fact, a good way to know your liberal condition is by your rejection of these words.
As Christians we are aware that we know in part, but we should also be aware that we have a foundational and un-negotiable theology, doctrine, dogma and orthodoxy attached to our faith. Not only that, but we are called to be ready to defend our faith according to First Peter 3:15 tells us,
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” (NKJV)
So what do we do, where do we start? The following is a list of some of our basic doctrines as Christians.[6]
Can you take one of these 40 teachings of our faith out, without stepping into heresy or in the teaching of a different Gospel? The Apostle Paul told us in Galatians 1:8,
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (NKJV)
If Paul was so passionately coming against heresy; if the Word tells us what to do with such false teachers, why are we insisting in being so docile? The word accurse here is the Greek Word anáthema, meaning, “Given up or devoted to destruction for God’s sake”[7]
The Bible tells us that in the last days people will not tolerate sound doctrine.[8] It seems like we are there now. Folks get upset with the truth; folks want to add a “But” after you read them the Scripture, folks want to accuse us of being arrogant, of lacking love, compassion, etc.
Good theology, a heart for sound doctrine, defenders of our dogmas and pastors and leaders who humbled themselves before the orthodoxy established by our fathers in the faith, are hard to find. They are not as visible and, perhaps that is the key. The real church is never as visible. The problem is that we insist in becoming friends with the world and have very little understanding that when we do, we become enemies of God.[9]
The problem is that we insist in changing the world, in turning America back to God and in changing the secular system around us. Beloved, Babylon will never change! God will take care of that secular system by destroying it in one hour.[10]
What is then, our job? Jesus gave us our job description in Matthew 28:19-20,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” (NKJV)
The Apostle Paul also added to our job description by telling us in 2 Timothy 4:2
“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (NKJV)
We are not called to change the world, as awesome as that concept may sound; we are called to evangelize (Bring them into the family of God) which by the way, this is the work of the Father, only He can provide the increase.[11] We are just vessels of clay.[12] At the end of the day, is God adding brothers and sisters to the great family of God.[13] Even in the Old Testament as we look at Joseph and his relationship with Egypt and at Daniel and his relationship with Babylon, these mighty men did not change the system around them nor did they try to. They were respectful of the system without ever compromising their faith. Many lessons to be learn from these two!
But this itching ears generation continues to insist in doing things their own way, they continue to be wise in their own opinion contrary to God’s mandate.[14] Beloved, I encourage you to be discerning of what is going on and the way the enemy is attacking and infiltrating his lies. At this hour, more than ever, I encourage you to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”[15] I also know that there is a great campaign of ignorance in the Body of Christ, many insists and can’t let go of man-made traditions, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”[16]
[1] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberalism?s=t
[2] 2 Corinthians 4:4 King James Version (KJV)
“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
[3] 2 Corinthians 13:1New King James Version (NKJV)
“This will be the third time I am coming to you. “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”
[4] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dogma
[5] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/orthodox
[6] https://carm.org/basic-christian-doctrine
[7] Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000).
[8] 2 Timothy 4:3-4 New King James Version (NKJV)
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
[9] James 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
[10] Revelation 18:10
[11] First Corinthians 3:5-6
[12] 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
[13] Acts 2:47
[14] Proverbs 3:7
[15] 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
[16] 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)
We need a skillful President that can put a stop to this wave of liberalism and socialism that has taken over this country. We need a President that will honor our constitution and bring down our national debt for the sake of our children and grand children.
We need a skillful President who know his stuff as President from day one. Obama was given a mess; the worst mess since the great depression, but he made it worst and that was the change we could not count on.
We need a President who will put a stop to this tsunami of lies and immorality in Washinton. The game is over; thank you for the entertainment, but is now time to get down to business. We heard your terrible communication skills referring to Mexicans as rapist, we heard you insulting a war hero because he was capture; we see the derogatory and childless things you said about a Fox female reporter; we heard your ridiculous statement about no need for repentance, your 2 Corinthians, your refusal to debate over people not being nice to you… are you serious? Have you seen what they did to Bush? Have you seen what they are doing to Obama? It comes with the territory. We have also seen lied on several occasions; perhaps you need to repent for that.
I say, if we give this nation to Hillary as President we, as a nation, have lost our minds and, if we give this nation to a socialist, get ready for this nation to truly and fundamentally change.
Now are these doctors running for President ready? Is this business lady ready to jump straight up to the top office? Does this nation want another Bush in the white house? Is this nation ready for a Hispanic President? or are we going to give in for more of the same; spectacular, charismatic candidates, like the one we elected seven years ago, that get away with saying outrageous things, but with no real plan to get things done and worst of all, no accountability. I submit this question to america, what is worst, another celebrity as president or another establishment-like president?
All elections are important, but because of the crisis we are in, socially, financially, terrorism, 18 trillion dollars in debt, an embarrassing budget, etc. this is one is perhaps the most important one ever. This one is either the manifestation of God’s mercy over this nation or the beginning of His judgment over us; the end of another empire!
Three hundred years of persecution was not able to stop the spiritual and physical growth of the church. Who does not get excited when reading the book of Acts? The sound doctrine, the power, the signs, the wonders, the love and the sense of family! As a pastor I prayed many times to see these characteristics manifesting in our local churches.
The history of the church shows us that the enemy came up with a very effective system; a system that was able to do what persecution did not. That system is the mixing of the church with secular things, concepts, philosophies, ideologies and yes apologetics.
I believe we need Christian apologetics today like never before. Our core belief are being challenged and mocked by friendly fire; a fire from within. I believe the focus should be internal apologetics for we are consumed with much confusion. The minimizing of the authority God’s Word is rampant. It seems like we have enter the season of, what I like to call, the Hippie Gospel.
So I look at our apologetic ministers who fearlessly and humbly defend our dogmas and I look for our pastors and teachers in our local churches to dig deep and explain those core values through the uncompromising teaching of the sound doctrine of the apostles.[1] But what do I see? Many of us, from within, have embrace the demonic trap of mixing God’s truth with the devils lies. The Babylonian system is alive and well today, but God’s cry continue to be the same, “Come out of her…”[2]
Why should I even attempt to convince a lost soul of God’s truth through reasoning? This was the devils successful attempt to deeply affect the ministry of apologetics. This approach opened door for the era of The Enlightenment and we allow that worldview to deeply affect us. The seventh and eight century was an era of great apologetics, as explained by Beilby. However, look at the results of mixing with worldly ideas;
“Nevertheless, this period is known as a time when the opponents of orthodox Christianity belief began to get the upper hand on Christian apologist.”[3]
Why was this taking place? How did the opponents of orthodox Christianity were able to start turning the tide? Beilby gave us the answer in a very clear fashion. Beilby tells us that the first thousand years apologetics was between Judaism and Islam. However, for the first time we had skeptics and freethinkers in our camp. We now have a group of very smart people who recognized the existence of God, but rejected, and continue to so today, any divine revelation. This group is known Deist.[4] These folks were and are the worst, because they openly recognize the existence of God, still rebel against Him; his plan of salvation and their conditions as sinners.
We are lost without God; we are lost without salvation and salvation will never be achieved through reason. Salvation is not an intellectual thing. We are save by grace alone; through faith alone.[5] We are dead in our sin.[6] John Locke goes as far as stating that “reason is the sole arbiter of truth and that faith is unnecessary when rational arguments are present.”[7]
As of this point in my life I don’t have the time nor the intelligence to go back to school and study the cosmos, physics, mathematics, philosophy, history and all of these wonderful disciplines that are able to equip us to defend the faith against the enormous wave of skepticism we have in our society today. The reality is that it will take me too many years to be able to compete with these highly educated atheist and deist. But is God requiring from every believer to be highly educated on these different fields in order to be able to fulfill First Peter 3:15? Is that is so, we are greater trouble.
As I look at the evidentialist strategy and as it seems like C. S. Lewis is their best ambassador[8]; I am trouble by the idea that we must present a well-reasoned and well-supported response. The trouble that I have with C. S. Lewis is that after you finish being mesmerized by his great presentations and arguments and you look deeply into his theology you are left with a very disturbing theology. I believe strongly in Lewis’s contemporary theologian, Karl Barth when he states, “The best apologetics is good theology.”[9] The Scripture tells us that God’s attributes are clearly seen; God has left mankind without excuse; we all know that He exists.[10] Using evidence is a good approach, but it cannot be the main approach of my apologetics.
I find the experientialist strategy noble, but ineffective. Our experiences with God have a place when addressing the lost and as a tool of encouragement for one another. It is a powerful tool indeed that helps us overcome the discouragement of this sinful world.[11] But as a formal strategy for apologetics it can be easily dismissed. The reality is that when faced with unbelievers in general, especially skeptics, atheist, etc., we are dealing with folks that want nothing to do with God.[12] Like us before we got saved, they need a personal encounter with Jesus.
Does this means that I don’t believe in the ministry of apologetics? I do believe in this ministry, but I will personally embrace the presuppositionalist strategy. I strongly believe that God will confirm His Word[13], not my reasoning, my knowledge or how good of an argument I was able to present. This goes in great harmony with what Beilby states concerning the presuppositionalist strategy,
“Consequently, the authority of Scripture and of Jesus Christ must be presupposed before sense can be made of arguments for the truthfulness of Christianity”[14]
Some evangelists today are preaching a different Gospel; a gospel that does not require repentance or even believe. Preachers are reading one Bible verse and then go on for an hour talking about thinks that have nothing to do with Scripture. Teachers are introducing appealing teachings, making outrageous statement with no Biblical backing. The apologetic ministry is the backbone that brings us back to the core, to the center, to what sustain our belief. The apologetic ministry is not afraid of the tough questions; they study, they read and show themselves approve as they rightly divide the Word of truth[15] and, most importantly, the apologetic ministry goes the extra mile by standing strong and ready; defending the hope that is in us to whomever ask.[16]
[1] 2 Timothy 4:3
[2] Revelation 18:4
[3] James K. Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: What it is and Why We Do it, (Downers Groove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2011) 61
[4] Ibid. 62
[5] Ephesians 2:8-9
[6] Ephesians 2:5
[7] James K. Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: 88
[8] James K. Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: 96
[9] James K. Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: 76
[10] “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,” Romans 1:18-20 (NKJV)
[11] Revelation 12:11
[12] James K. Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: 99
[13] Mark 16:20
[14] James K. Beilby, Thinking About Christian Apologetics: 99
[15] 2 Timothy 2:15
[16] But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
