We're on Judaism in my World Religions class this week. Many people are claiming (probably because the book gave them the wrong idea) that Judaism teaches that we just have to be more good than bad to gain forgiveness, or to have more good deeds than bad in order to be fine with God and get into the afterlife.
But if that's the case, why were Adam and Eve removed from Eden? Surely they did more good than bad, yet God punished them for one act of disobedience. God seems a little too intolerant of evil to let someone get away with it just because they did a little more good than bad.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Two things fill me with constantly increasing admiration and awe, the longer and more earnestly I reflect on them: the starry heavens without and the Moral Law within."
Immanuel Kant
Immanuel Kant
Evangelism in the Early Church.
All the information I got for this post came from the excellent history book, Evangelism in the Early Church by Michael Green.
Back in the first century there were many obstacles to proclaiming the "Gospel." When Jesus told the apostles to "go and make disciples of all nations," they must have felt almost overwhelmed by how difficult that would be. Here are some of the things that made it difficult.
The stumbling-block of Christ
First of all the men proclaiming the "good news" were nobodies. They were men with no formal rabbinic training who were trying to correct the theology, belief, and religious practices of qualified, professional religious leaders.
Next, they were proclaiming that Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah. Jews were offended by this. A carpenter-teacher is the summit of Israel's development? Get out of here! Someone so recent is wiser than Moses himself? No way! An unordained rabbi who came into conflict with the official exponents of the Torah was a divinely authenticated teacher of Israel? Can't be! The Jews were waiting for someone who was a deliverer and conqueror. A political leader that would overthrow the Roman empire and reestablish the throne of David. Jesus didn't bring this. These things made it difficult enough to preach it to the Jews, but what made it nearly impossible was Christ's execution. Only lowly criminals were crucified. The Old Testament made it clear that anyone hanged on a "tree" was cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:23). How could God's chosen one have been cursed in this way? This was a big stumbling block for the Jew.
Pathways for Evangelism
However, as Michael Green says, "probably no period in the history of the world was better suited to receive the infant Church than the first century A.D., when, under the Empire which was literally worldwide, the scope for the spread and understanding of the faith was enormous," (1.29). Jesus entered the world in a time of unparalleled peace. The road system made it possible for Christians to move around quickly and easily to spread the Gospel everywhere. The Greek language was an almost universal language spoken by everyone, so everyone could understand it. Also, many people back then were appalled by the immoral behavior of the gods they worshiped. It wasn't Christians who first attacked the gods of Greek myth. It was exposed by Greek philosophers long before that. This made the Christian God look more attractive to the communities who were impatient of the worthless deities they had traditionally worshiped. These things and many others made it possible for Christianity to spread far and wide at a fast pace. It is as if God chose the perfect time to send His Son down to the earth.
Back in the first century there were many obstacles to proclaiming the "Gospel." When Jesus told the apostles to "go and make disciples of all nations," they must have felt almost overwhelmed by how difficult that would be. Here are some of the things that made it difficult.
The stumbling-block of Christ
First of all the men proclaiming the "good news" were nobodies. They were men with no formal rabbinic training who were trying to correct the theology, belief, and religious practices of qualified, professional religious leaders.
Next, they were proclaiming that Jesus Christ was the long-awaited Messiah. Jews were offended by this. A carpenter-teacher is the summit of Israel's development? Get out of here! Someone so recent is wiser than Moses himself? No way! An unordained rabbi who came into conflict with the official exponents of the Torah was a divinely authenticated teacher of Israel? Can't be! The Jews were waiting for someone who was a deliverer and conqueror. A political leader that would overthrow the Roman empire and reestablish the throne of David. Jesus didn't bring this. These things made it difficult enough to preach it to the Jews, but what made it nearly impossible was Christ's execution. Only lowly criminals were crucified. The Old Testament made it clear that anyone hanged on a "tree" was cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:23). How could God's chosen one have been cursed in this way? This was a big stumbling block for the Jew.
Pathways for Evangelism
However, as Michael Green says, "probably no period in the history of the world was better suited to receive the infant Church than the first century A.D., when, under the Empire which was literally worldwide, the scope for the spread and understanding of the faith was enormous," (1.29). Jesus entered the world in a time of unparalleled peace. The road system made it possible for Christians to move around quickly and easily to spread the Gospel everywhere. The Greek language was an almost universal language spoken by everyone, so everyone could understand it. Also, many people back then were appalled by the immoral behavior of the gods they worshiped. It wasn't Christians who first attacked the gods of Greek myth. It was exposed by Greek philosophers long before that. This made the Christian God look more attractive to the communities who were impatient of the worthless deities they had traditionally worshiped. These things and many others made it possible for Christianity to spread far and wide at a fast pace. It is as if God chose the perfect time to send His Son down to the earth.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Justification by Sanctification?
I never knew how to describe my spiritual struggle for the longest time. Fortunately, God shed some light on it in a conversation with my good friend, Ryan Stoll. We have this tendency to think that by continuing sanctification we are justified before God. Because humans are always inclined to want or think they need "a little more," we're never satisfied with what we have done to justify ourselves before God. We're just not good enough. There's always a little more that could be done. "I should help more of the poor." "I should volunteer at church more." "I should renounce marriage, own nothing but a robe and a walking stick, and go around preaching about the Second Coming while serving widows and orphans!" This is a sin that can lead us to depression, anger, and even rebellion because we might think that if we're not seeing enough of a change then we must not be saved. What a terrible feeling! Questioning our salvation because we realize that we cannot work our way to Heaven. Well the Bible does teach that! We can't work our way to Heaven because we aren't good enough.
They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
Psalm 53:3
That's why our hearts rejoice because the good news, the gospel, is that Jesus died for us!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
You see that? However believes shall not perish. This is one of the things Paul emphasized quite a bit in his writings.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God...
Ephesians 2:8
I have probably stressed this truism multiple times in my blog, but it's something we have to continually remind ourselves of lest we forget. Believe in Christ and do good works to show your gratitude towards God.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
Psalm 53:3
That's why our hearts rejoice because the good news, the gospel, is that Jesus died for us!
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
You see that? However believes shall not perish. This is one of the things Paul emphasized quite a bit in his writings.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God...
Ephesians 2:8
I have probably stressed this truism multiple times in my blog, but it's something we have to continually remind ourselves of lest we forget. Believe in Christ and do good works to show your gratitude towards God.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
Truth is Relative?
"I believe truth is relative to the individual." says Sally.
"Really? Is that true for everyone?" replies Bob.
"Yes... Oh... Wait a minute..." says Sally.
"Really? Is that true for everyone?" replies Bob.
"Yes... Oh... Wait a minute..." says Sally.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Glory of God's House.
"This is what the Lord Almighty says, 'In a little while, I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake the nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the Lord Almighty. 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the Lord Almighty. 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house.' says the Lord Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the Lord Almighty."
Haggai 2:6-9
In case you're wondering what's going on, the first temple has been destroyed by the Babylonians. They are currently being told to build a new one for the Lord. This new one isn't quite as big and majestic as the old one, but God declares that "the glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house." Now, when God says that he will fill it with glory, that can only apply to His presence. Then Malachi, who lived later, made this prophesy concerning the temple...
"I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 3:1
Now, the second temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans, so it couldn't have happened after that. Hmm. Who, I wonder, could it have been then? I'm guessing his name starts with a "Jes" and ends with an "us"!
Haggai 2:6-9
In case you're wondering what's going on, the first temple has been destroyed by the Babylonians. They are currently being told to build a new one for the Lord. This new one isn't quite as big and majestic as the old one, but God declares that "the glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house." Now, when God says that he will fill it with glory, that can only apply to His presence. Then Malachi, who lived later, made this prophesy concerning the temple...
"I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 3:1
Now, the second temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans, so it couldn't have happened after that. Hmm. Who, I wonder, could it have been then? I'm guessing his name starts with a "Jes" and ends with an "us"!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Trinity
Sorry about all these link posts.... I'll write my own material at some point later.
Found this good blog post about the doctrine of the Trinity and why it matters. Really good. Check it out!
http://www.revkevindeyoung.com/2009/09/most-important-doctrine-many-never.html
Found this good blog post about the doctrine of the Trinity and why it matters. Really good. Check it out!
http://www.revkevindeyoung.com/2009/09/most-important-doctrine-many-never.html
Monday, September 21, 2009
Just don't know how to think about this.
I've been taking an American history class from 1865 onward. I came upon a shocking passage in chapter 19 of my book, The American Journey. In the 1860's a Methodist minister, John Chivington, led a militia force to the Sand Creek camp of the Cheyennes. Chivington ordered his men to "kill and scalp all, big and little." They attacked the village without warning. One white trader later described the battle: "They were scalped, their brains knocked out; the [white] men used their knives, ripped open women, clubbed little children, knocked them in the head with their guns, beat their brains out, mutilated their bodies in every sense of the word."
We would rightly say that that minister wasn't following Christ when he did this. Perhaps most of the men in the militia weren't Christian either. It never gives us details about the men. Most of us will read this in disgust and see it as a great act of evil. However, I also think about the times when Israel was freed from Egypt by God and was fighting for the Promise Land. They were ordered to kill everyone in the lands they attacked; men, women, and children. When I think about the Israelis doing this, the picture that comes to mind looks a lot like the description of the massacre at Sand Creek. I see children crying as their mothers are killed right in front of them before being mercilessly killed themselves. God ordered the Israelis to do this. What am I suppose to make of this? I know God has the right to do what He wants with His own creation and that He Himself is Holy, but I see nothing but evil in these acts. If a non-Christian were to bring that up, and they often do, I wouldn't know what to say. I pray that God helps me understand, cause I don't right now.
We would rightly say that that minister wasn't following Christ when he did this. Perhaps most of the men in the militia weren't Christian either. It never gives us details about the men. Most of us will read this in disgust and see it as a great act of evil. However, I also think about the times when Israel was freed from Egypt by God and was fighting for the Promise Land. They were ordered to kill everyone in the lands they attacked; men, women, and children. When I think about the Israelis doing this, the picture that comes to mind looks a lot like the description of the massacre at Sand Creek. I see children crying as their mothers are killed right in front of them before being mercilessly killed themselves. God ordered the Israelis to do this. What am I suppose to make of this? I know God has the right to do what He wants with His own creation and that He Himself is Holy, but I see nothing but evil in these acts. If a non-Christian were to bring that up, and they often do, I wouldn't know what to say. I pray that God helps me understand, cause I don't right now.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Why, God? (pt. 2)
How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk 1:2-4
Lord, are you not from everlasting?
My God, my Holy One, you will never die.
You, Lord, have appointed them to execute
judgment;
You, my Rock, have ordained them to
punish.
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than
themselves?
Habakkuk 1:12-13
Suffering and hardship are things that the authors of Biblical texts were well acquainted with. Jesus Himself was well acquainted with it, "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..." (Isaiah 53:3). We see it consistently throughout our lives and even throughout the Bible. People crying to the Lord because suffering has become so unbearable. Why does He not intervene if He is all powerful? Why does He let bad things happen to good people? All throughout the Bible you see questions like this almost as if the question is invited. Believers should come to God with these questions. To me it shows that there's an acknowledgment of His existence, power, and sovereignty. How has suffering played a role in your relationship with God, whether it's suffering you've gone through or suffering you see around the world? In what ways has it strengthened your love for Him? I want to make this something readers talk about. I'd like to hear what you have to say.
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.
Habakkuk 1:2-4
Lord, are you not from everlasting?
My God, my Holy One, you will never die.
You, Lord, have appointed them to execute
judgment;
You, my Rock, have ordained them to
punish.
Your eyes are too pure to look on evil;
you cannot tolerate wrongdoing.
Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?
Why are you silent while the wicked
swallow up those more righteous than
themselves?
Habakkuk 1:12-13
Suffering and hardship are things that the authors of Biblical texts were well acquainted with. Jesus Himself was well acquainted with it, "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief..." (Isaiah 53:3). We see it consistently throughout our lives and even throughout the Bible. People crying to the Lord because suffering has become so unbearable. Why does He not intervene if He is all powerful? Why does He let bad things happen to good people? All throughout the Bible you see questions like this almost as if the question is invited. Believers should come to God with these questions. To me it shows that there's an acknowledgment of His existence, power, and sovereignty. How has suffering played a role in your relationship with God, whether it's suffering you've gone through or suffering you see around the world? In what ways has it strengthened your love for Him? I want to make this something readers talk about. I'd like to hear what you have to say.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Angry at God?
Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias and a clinical psychologist talks about being angry at God. Is it okay? Is it a sin? Is it healthy? See what they have to say!
http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Listen/LetMyPeopleThink.aspx
http://www.rzim.org/USA/Resources/Listen/LetMyPeopleThink.aspx
Forgiven in Christ
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indeptedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:13-14
What sent Jesus to the Cross? Was it Judas, out of greed? Was it Caiaphas, out of envy? What is Pilate, out of cowardice? It was your sin, and my sin, that sent Jesus there. Every sin that we have ever committed and ever will commit is what sent Jesus to the cross, because God "so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life," (John 3:16). Our sins were nailed on the cross that day. Jesus took the punishment so that we those who believe in Him wouldn't have to. "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation," (Colossians 1:22). This is the good news! This is why Paul was able to say, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1). And now we can truly say that there is, as this song says, "No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me."
"At the cross in holy love God through Christ paid the full penalty of our disobedience himself. He bore the judgment we deserve in order to bring us the forgiveness we do not deserve. On the cross divine mercy and justice were equally expressed and eternally reconciled. God's holy love was 'satisfied.'" John Stott.
Colossians 2:13-14
What sent Jesus to the Cross? Was it Judas, out of greed? Was it Caiaphas, out of envy? What is Pilate, out of cowardice? It was your sin, and my sin, that sent Jesus there. Every sin that we have ever committed and ever will commit is what sent Jesus to the cross, because God "so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life," (John 3:16). Our sins were nailed on the cross that day. Jesus took the punishment so that we those who believe in Him wouldn't have to. "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation," (Colossians 1:22). This is the good news! This is why Paul was able to say, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1). And now we can truly say that there is, as this song says, "No guilt in life, no fear in death. This is the power of Christ in me."
"At the cross in holy love God through Christ paid the full penalty of our disobedience himself. He bore the judgment we deserve in order to bring us the forgiveness we do not deserve. On the cross divine mercy and justice were equally expressed and eternally reconciled. God's holy love was 'satisfied.'" John Stott.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Mark Driscoll: Gospel of Luke
I'm pretty excited about the new sermon series Mark is doing on the Gospel of Luke. It's going to be three years long, but Mark and his family traveled around the locations mentioned in Luke to learn more about it and to bring the viewers into the world of Jesus like we've never been before. It starts this Sunday. Check it out!
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/preview
http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/luke/preview
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
"They Will All Know Me"
"This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the Lord.
"I will put my laws in their minds.
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,"
declares the Lord.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.
Jeremiah 31:33-34
There are undoubtably many differences between Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic theology. It can be unsettling to see that different interpretations can be taken out of the same written Revelation from God (though not all are accepted as valid). But like God says, "No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest..." It seems that on this side of Heaven we won't be absolutely sure and we'll draw different conclusions from the same book/event/etc., but for those who trust in Christ Jesus, God promises us eternal life with Him in the new Heavens and new Earth. When we are there, when we are with the living God, we will all know Him. There will not be this abstract theology, there will not be these disagreements, there will be God and there will be his children. May we persevere until that day.
after that time," declares the Lord.
"I will put my laws in their minds.
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,"
declares the Lord.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more.
Jeremiah 31:33-34
There are undoubtably many differences between Protestant, Orthodox, and Catholic theology. It can be unsettling to see that different interpretations can be taken out of the same written Revelation from God (though not all are accepted as valid). But like God says, "No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest..." It seems that on this side of Heaven we won't be absolutely sure and we'll draw different conclusions from the same book/event/etc., but for those who trust in Christ Jesus, God promises us eternal life with Him in the new Heavens and new Earth. When we are there, when we are with the living God, we will all know Him. There will not be this abstract theology, there will not be these disagreements, there will be God and there will be his children. May we persevere until that day.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Quote of the Day
"Nothing that we despise in the other man is entirely absent from ourselves. We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or don't do, and more in light of what they suffer."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Why, God?
But I cry to you for help, Lord;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why, Lord, do you reject me
and hide your face from me?
Psalm 88:13-14
Doesn't it feel like this with all of us? Everyone asks the question of why. Why all this suffering? Why all this evil? What is interesting about the Judeo-Christian worldview is that it invites us to ask God these questions. Why, God? In Hinduism and Buddhism, suffering happens because of Karma. It's universal cause and effect. In Islam, it's all the will of Allah and to question his will would be bordering blasphemy. The question of why in naturalism isn't even justified. Richard Dawkins, an Oxford professor and the author of The God Delusion, says quite eloquently that, "The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is at the bottom no design, no purpose, no evil, and no good; nothing but blind, pitiless indifference." There's no one to ask "why" to. The Bible, however, is full of questions from Godly people. David cried out to God,
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2
Those very words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" were uttered by our very own Lord and Savior, Jesus, when He was hanging on the tree. Those questions are invited. It shows that these things that cause suffering, misery, and our imperfect community with God ought not happen and deep down inside we know it. Christianity may not be able to actually answer the problem of suffering, but it at least justifies it.
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why, Lord, do you reject me
and hide your face from me?
Psalm 88:13-14
Doesn't it feel like this with all of us? Everyone asks the question of why. Why all this suffering? Why all this evil? What is interesting about the Judeo-Christian worldview is that it invites us to ask God these questions. Why, God? In Hinduism and Buddhism, suffering happens because of Karma. It's universal cause and effect. In Islam, it's all the will of Allah and to question his will would be bordering blasphemy. The question of why in naturalism isn't even justified. Richard Dawkins, an Oxford professor and the author of The God Delusion, says quite eloquently that, "The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is at the bottom no design, no purpose, no evil, and no good; nothing but blind, pitiless indifference." There's no one to ask "why" to. The Bible, however, is full of questions from Godly people. David cried out to God,
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
Psalm 22:1-2
Those very words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" were uttered by our very own Lord and Savior, Jesus, when He was hanging on the tree. Those questions are invited. It shows that these things that cause suffering, misery, and our imperfect community with God ought not happen and deep down inside we know it. Christianity may not be able to actually answer the problem of suffering, but it at least justifies it.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Recommended Reading (pt. 6)
The Case for the Real Jesus by Lee StrobelToday, the traditional picture of Jesus is under an intellectual onslaught from critical scholars, popular historians, TV documentaries, Hollywood movies, bestselling authors, Internet bloggers, Muslim debaters, and atheist think tanks. They're capturing the public's imagination with a radical new portrait of Jesus that bears scant resemblance to the picture historically embraced by the church.
How persuasive is this new image of Jesus? Is it based on well-supported facts and arguments- or does it fade away when exposed to the hot light of scrutiny?
In this dramatic investigation, award-winning writer and former legal editor Lee Strobel explores such controversial questions as: Did Christianity suppress "alternative gospels" that portray Jesus more accurately than the New Testament? Did the church distort the truth about Jesus by tampering with early biblical texts? Have fresh insights and explanations finally disproved the resurrection? Were the essential beliefs about Jesus stolen from earlier mythology? Have new objections disqualified Jesus from being the Messiah?
Evaluate the evidence for yourself as leading experts grapple with the latest objections from today's foremost critics. Then reach your own verdict in The Case for the Real Jesus.
In The Case for Christ, Lee gives us the overwhelming evidence that the Gospels give the most accurate picture of Jesus and that they are records of historical fact. However, over the years many more critics have come with their objections and alternate explanations. Lee continues the Case for tradition by interviewing the top scholars in the field to answer the objections he's heard from atheists, Muslims, Jews, and other historians. An excellent book with a lot of information for people who may have heard these objections and are looking for answers.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Praying for Others
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
Ephesians 1:17
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
Ephesians 6:18
We tend to pray for ourselves all the time. While it is not bad to ask God for things (we are commanded to afterall), we should also show concern for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should pray for their growth, sanctification, and perseverance. We are all part of one Body. We are all children of God. Let us pray and be thankful for one another.
Ephesians 1:17
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
Ephesians 6:18
We tend to pray for ourselves all the time. While it is not bad to ask God for things (we are commanded to afterall), we should also show concern for the spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should pray for their growth, sanctification, and perseverance. We are all part of one Body. We are all children of God. Let us pray and be thankful for one another.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Slaves to Sin
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God- or rather are known by God- how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Galatians 4:12
Most people don't want to follow God because they feel that their freedom will be restricted. They don't want to be some kind of slave with few rights. However, Paul gives us the opposite view. Anyone who does not follow God and indulges himself in his sinful desires is a slave to sin. He's not free. His lust controls him. His anger controls him. His addictions control him. He does not have the power to say "no" to them. He bows to their will and cannot refuse. Only through the love of Christ can we be liberated from our slavery.
Galatians 4:12
Most people don't want to follow God because they feel that their freedom will be restricted. They don't want to be some kind of slave with few rights. However, Paul gives us the opposite view. Anyone who does not follow God and indulges himself in his sinful desires is a slave to sin. He's not free. His lust controls him. His anger controls him. His addictions control him. He does not have the power to say "no" to them. He bows to their will and cannot refuse. Only through the love of Christ can we be liberated from our slavery.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
The Old Testament Law
Someone asked Gregory Koukl, "What is a general principle to determine what in the Old Law applies to Christians under the New Covenant?" His answer is kinda hard to follow, but I think I get it.
http://str.typepad.com/weblog/2009/08/old-testament-law.html
http://str.typepad.com/weblog/2009/08/old-testament-law.html
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Dangers of Basing Your Faith in Your Mind
The Apostles make it clear that having faith in Christ is a spiritual thing and is also an intellectual thing. I find that as Christians we tend to focus too much into just one of those aspects. Most believe in Jesus as a purely spiritual thing based on feelings. Perhaps my assumption is an impoverished view of how some believe in Him, but that's what I gather from my viewing. People like that are doing right, but I think there can be issues with not using your intellect with the truth of Christianity. However, what I want to emphasize is the problems with being too intellectual about it. I'm not an intellectual myself. Heck, I don't know that much at all, and the more I learn the more I realize that. However, many people attest to the fact that I have learned a lot in the year that I've lived here. It certainly has strengthened my faith in Christ. I know He's my Lord not just cause it's a personal experience of mine that some other people share, but also because of objective evidence that I've learned from philosophy, history, and archeology. The problem comes when I soak my mind too much into this evidence stuff. When I spend so much time and effort soaking my mind on theology and apologetics, it gets so cold, so mechanical, and so lifeless that it can numb me to the warmth of Christs love. How do I know Christ is alive? I'd like to say it's because He "lives in my heart" as the old hymn says. While that's true, I might put more stock into facts like "It's the best explanation for how Christianity came about the way it did." I'm not saying that it's not good to know facts like that. It is good to know that stuff these days because that's what the skeptics are asking, but if that is the ultimate reason why I believe it then we have problems. In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in Heaven." It was my Father in Heaven that revealed who Jesus is to me. It is Jesus whom I put my faith in. It is the Holy Spirit who guides me, ministers to me, and helps me persevere. I don't want to know one hundred facts about God. I want to know God! I pray that the Lord renew the spiritual fullness and freedom that comes only from a relationship with Him! I pray for wisdom in what I've been learning, but I ask that God help me keep my heart centered on Him as the ultimate reason why I believe in Him. I also pray this for my brothers and sisters in Christ. That they may grow in wisdom and love the Lord because they know He loves them.
Pantheism
Pantheism is the belief that all is God and God is all. This includes us humans. Hinduism and Buddhism are the most well-known religions part of this worldview, but there's something that scares me about it. I know that these religions have the karma system, but I'm not sure how it works out logically (probably due to my lack of understanding). My problem is this: if everything is God, then that means that life, death, good, and evil, all come from the same source. Where is the line that separates good and evil? It disappears. Christianity actually gives me a point of reference by which to justify my question of good and evil. There's a boundary between the two and I can know both pragmatically and logically the difference between Mother Teresa and Hitler.
We Want a Sign!
The Pharisees and the Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.
He replied,"When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
Matthew 16:1-4
Jesus has already done many signs by this time, but still people keep asking Him to do more and more. Some people say that their faith would be better if they could just see these signs, yet the Bible says otherwise. Exodus explicitly tells us about the acts of idolatry the people of Israel committed even after seeing all the wonderful miracles God did in order to free them from Egypt. Human beings are so hard-hearted that even seeing miracles continuously won't produce in them a love, fear, and faith in God that He desires. There can be a danger in putting too much emphasis on seeing miracles in your own life too. A Christian might unknowingly put his own faith in the miracles rather than in God. If he were to see a miracle, great faith! If God doesn't do one for a while, faith withers! God wants us to love Him and to put our faith in Him, not in the wonders that He does.
He replied,"When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah." Jesus then left them and went away.
Matthew 16:1-4
Jesus has already done many signs by this time, but still people keep asking Him to do more and more. Some people say that their faith would be better if they could just see these signs, yet the Bible says otherwise. Exodus explicitly tells us about the acts of idolatry the people of Israel committed even after seeing all the wonderful miracles God did in order to free them from Egypt. Human beings are so hard-hearted that even seeing miracles continuously won't produce in them a love, fear, and faith in God that He desires. There can be a danger in putting too much emphasis on seeing miracles in your own life too. A Christian might unknowingly put his own faith in the miracles rather than in God. If he were to see a miracle, great faith! If God doesn't do one for a while, faith withers! God wants us to love Him and to put our faith in Him, not in the wonders that He does.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
John Lennox
A series of interviews with Oxford professor of pure mathematics, John Lennox, at the Center for Public Christianity. An incredibly smart man with a triple doctorate in science, philosophy, and math, and a deep devotion to the Lord. He talks about faith and science, atheism, morality, and God's goodness.
http://www.publicchristianity.com/lennoxvids.html
http://www.publicchristianity.com/lennoxvids.html
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