I found this blog post by Rev. John Samson on the Reformation Theology website: "Is Jesus Really the Only Way?"
"Why is Jesus the Only Way?" by Greg Koukl
"Are We Saved by Grace or Works?" Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM)
Why didn't God just forgive us? Why did Jesus have to be crucified? The Atonement
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Jesus' Focus
I just read this article in the Salina Journal and had to post it. It is certainly some food for thought and ties directly into the topic of evil. It was first published in the Salina Journal, Saturday, November 17, 2009.
A Kingdom that isn't Part of this World by Steven Carrier
Jesus didn't focus on the evil of this world, but on saving souls
As the master traversed the nation he loved, he knew and beheld all. Nothing was hidden—all was fully known. With each new disciple, he once again reminded all: “Follow and learn of me.” Where he went and where he avoided. What he did and from what he abstained. All his actions, if written, could fill the world with books—even his inactions and silence spoke volumes.
Throughout Israel, newborn babes cried out for mothers who callously abandoned their own offspring on the rocky shores of the sea. Brutal soldiers slaughtered whole village over suspicions of harboring zealots. Idolatrous statues lined the streets and sat in the homes of those who had abandoned the God of their fathers. When the sun set, moral decencies were set aside by many, thinking their perversions were hidden by the darkness. Idolatrous worship, corrupt politics, blatant immortality and burdensome taxes permeated the country—and the response from Jesus? Not a word.
Did these atrocities exist? Absolutely. Even his disciples’ expressed bewilderment at the master’s political inaction.
“…wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6
Absent was the heat of passion against immoral acts, depravity, corruption and violence occurring everywhere he traveled. Why? Jesus’ mission wasn’t a course change for the world, but a transformation of eternal souls. Jesus never attempted to stem the tide of the downward flow of civilization by swaying the masses to rally, but petitioned multitudes and individuals alike to overthrow the kingdom within, clearing the way for the King of kings. Jesus preached the conversion of the heart and soul—the law written on the heart rather than stone, altering the eternal destiny of souls.
When were fervent and angry words and actions expressed by the master? When he observed the hypocritical words and actions of men blocking the path of truth-seekers. When honest-hearted men and women ascended to the house of God in hopes of establishing a relationship with God instead witnessed the greed and unconcern of the self-righteous, making merchandise out of their ordained position. In place of ushering in the hungry and thirsty, they blocked the door with their misdirected passions. As a result, Jesus methodically braided a whip—anger channeled into action due to infringements upon his kingdom.
Jesus came “…to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19-10
“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight,” John 18:36
For Jesus, the fight wasn’t over earthly dominance or diminishing the encroachment of evil. His passion was preaching deliverance for the salvation of souls. Redemption that results only by hearing and followed obedience to the good news—the awesome creator descending into hearts of humanity when they melt in his presence, are washed in his blood and empowered by his spirit. Here was Jesus’ heartbeat.
“If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth in me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe in him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” John 7:37-39
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35
Christians will not prevent the course of the world from continuing downward. Corruption will not be expunged, violence will not be tempered. The prophecies of the end time will not be assuaged by political rallies. Cry out the trend, but the Mark will be given, on e world government will be established, the anti-Christ will appear, and nations will rise and fall. No more than one can stop the sun from kissing the horizon—darkness will come.
Jesus didn’t ask, “Will I find political involvement? Will I find those attempting to stem the tide of America’s slide? Will I find protests and rallies demanding laws enforcing morality?” His concern was “Will I find faith?”
The light of Christianity isn’t the ability to stand on the mountain as Moses and shout down condemnation.
It is the awesome power of the Spirit-filled facing condemnation, oppressions, persecution, even death—yet crying up to heaven on behalf of their enemy—revealing unearthly love.
The true witness is shining the light of peace that passes understanding and joy unspeakable while in the midst of a world slipping further from any harbor of safety with no sense of direction. Souls cry out from weariness of this world’s carousel, and when they cry, are they heard by soul-searching saints and shepherds? Or are they handed a pamphlet on the importance of the next vote?
Look to the fields. Those that truly care for humanity will follow the admonition of Peter after preaching a passionate message.
“Save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40
The testimony of redemption set the example, encouraging others to follow the witness of a soul’s conversion—his kingdom come. And when his kingdom comes, it makes it so easy to silently let this world’s go.
A Kingdom that isn't Part of this World by Steven Carrier
Jesus didn't focus on the evil of this world, but on saving souls
As the master traversed the nation he loved, he knew and beheld all. Nothing was hidden—all was fully known. With each new disciple, he once again reminded all: “Follow and learn of me.” Where he went and where he avoided. What he did and from what he abstained. All his actions, if written, could fill the world with books—even his inactions and silence spoke volumes.
Throughout Israel, newborn babes cried out for mothers who callously abandoned their own offspring on the rocky shores of the sea. Brutal soldiers slaughtered whole village over suspicions of harboring zealots. Idolatrous statues lined the streets and sat in the homes of those who had abandoned the God of their fathers. When the sun set, moral decencies were set aside by many, thinking their perversions were hidden by the darkness. Idolatrous worship, corrupt politics, blatant immortality and burdensome taxes permeated the country—and the response from Jesus? Not a word.
Did these atrocities exist? Absolutely. Even his disciples’ expressed bewilderment at the master’s political inaction.
“…wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6
Absent was the heat of passion against immoral acts, depravity, corruption and violence occurring everywhere he traveled. Why? Jesus’ mission wasn’t a course change for the world, but a transformation of eternal souls. Jesus never attempted to stem the tide of the downward flow of civilization by swaying the masses to rally, but petitioned multitudes and individuals alike to overthrow the kingdom within, clearing the way for the King of kings. Jesus preached the conversion of the heart and soul—the law written on the heart rather than stone, altering the eternal destiny of souls.
When were fervent and angry words and actions expressed by the master? When he observed the hypocritical words and actions of men blocking the path of truth-seekers. When honest-hearted men and women ascended to the house of God in hopes of establishing a relationship with God instead witnessed the greed and unconcern of the self-righteous, making merchandise out of their ordained position. In place of ushering in the hungry and thirsty, they blocked the door with their misdirected passions. As a result, Jesus methodically braided a whip—anger channeled into action due to infringements upon his kingdom.
Jesus came “…to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19-10
“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight,” John 18:36
For Jesus, the fight wasn’t over earthly dominance or diminishing the encroachment of evil. His passion was preaching deliverance for the salvation of souls. Redemption that results only by hearing and followed obedience to the good news—the awesome creator descending into hearts of humanity when they melt in his presence, are washed in his blood and empowered by his spirit. Here was Jesus’ heartbeat.
“If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth in me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe in him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” John 7:37-39
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” John 4:35
Christians will not prevent the course of the world from continuing downward. Corruption will not be expunged, violence will not be tempered. The prophecies of the end time will not be assuaged by political rallies. Cry out the trend, but the Mark will be given, on e world government will be established, the anti-Christ will appear, and nations will rise and fall. No more than one can stop the sun from kissing the horizon—darkness will come.
Jesus didn’t ask, “Will I find political involvement? Will I find those attempting to stem the tide of America’s slide? Will I find protests and rallies demanding laws enforcing morality?” His concern was “Will I find faith?”
The light of Christianity isn’t the ability to stand on the mountain as Moses and shout down condemnation.
It is the awesome power of the Spirit-filled facing condemnation, oppressions, persecution, even death—yet crying up to heaven on behalf of their enemy—revealing unearthly love.
The true witness is shining the light of peace that passes understanding and joy unspeakable while in the midst of a world slipping further from any harbor of safety with no sense of direction. Souls cry out from weariness of this world’s carousel, and when they cry, are they heard by soul-searching saints and shepherds? Or are they handed a pamphlet on the importance of the next vote?
Look to the fields. Those that truly care for humanity will follow the admonition of Peter after preaching a passionate message.
“Save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40
The testimony of redemption set the example, encouraging others to follow the witness of a soul’s conversion—his kingdom come. And when his kingdom comes, it makes it so easy to silently let this world’s go.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Satan
One of the topics that came up through our discussion last week was Satan. How much power does he have in this world? Why does God allow him to exist? How could a loving God create a place like Hell? These questions led me to do some research in this area.
Satan: What are the powers he does and doesn't have?
I really like this article in the Apologetics Press: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/112. In the section on Satan's powers, it says: As powerful as he is, however, Satan is not omnipotent—a fact that even he recognized. During his temptation of Christ, he admitted that his earthly reign “hath been delivered unto me” (Luke 4:6). When the devil robbed Job of his family and earthly possessions, and even when he afflicted Job physically, he did so only with the expressed permission of God (Job 1:12; 2:6). When he sought to “sift” Christ’s apostles as wheat, he first had to “ask” for them (Luke 22:31). It is evident, therefore, that his powers do have limits.
In the same artcle, it lists powers that we know he possesses due to scripture: Among Satan’s powers are these. He perverts the Word of God (Genesis 3:1-4). He instigates false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1-3). He blinds men to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). He sows tares among God’s wheat (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43). He steals the Word of God from human hearts (Matthew 13:19). He lays snares for men (2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Timothy 3:7). He tempts (Matthew 4:1; Ephesians 6:11). He afflicts (Job 2:7; Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 12:7). He deceives (Revelation 12:9; 20:8-10). He undermines the sanctity of the home (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). He prompts both saints and sinners to transgress the laws of God (1 Chronicles 21:1; Matthew 16:22-23; John 13:2; Acts 5:3). He hinders the work of God’s servants (1 Thessalonians 2:18). And he even makes accusations against God’s children before Heaven’s throne (Job 1:6-11; 2:3-6; 21:1-5; Zechariah 3:1-4; Revelation 12:9-10).
Hell
Ravi Zacharias' description of Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw4YkpzEVg4
The concept of Hell seems very ambiguous to me. Is it because it isn't described fully in the Bible or are we just unable to understand this concept. It seems so unfair. Yet, I know that God is just. This article shares the scripture that we have to help us understand the concepts of eternity, heaven, and hell. http://bible.org/article/what-bible-says-about-hell
Satan: What are the powers he does and doesn't have?
I really like this article in the Apologetics Press: http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/112. In the section on Satan's powers, it says: As powerful as he is, however, Satan is not omnipotent—a fact that even he recognized. During his temptation of Christ, he admitted that his earthly reign “hath been delivered unto me” (Luke 4:6). When the devil robbed Job of his family and earthly possessions, and even when he afflicted Job physically, he did so only with the expressed permission of God (Job 1:12; 2:6). When he sought to “sift” Christ’s apostles as wheat, he first had to “ask” for them (Luke 22:31). It is evident, therefore, that his powers do have limits.
In the same artcle, it lists powers that we know he possesses due to scripture: Among Satan’s powers are these. He perverts the Word of God (Genesis 3:1-4). He instigates false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1-3). He blinds men to the truth (2 Corinthians 4:4). He sows tares among God’s wheat (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43). He steals the Word of God from human hearts (Matthew 13:19). He lays snares for men (2 Timothy 2:26; 1 Timothy 3:7). He tempts (Matthew 4:1; Ephesians 6:11). He afflicts (Job 2:7; Luke 13:16; Acts 10:38; 2 Corinthians 12:7). He deceives (Revelation 12:9; 20:8-10). He undermines the sanctity of the home (1 Corinthians 7:3-5). He prompts both saints and sinners to transgress the laws of God (1 Chronicles 21:1; Matthew 16:22-23; John 13:2; Acts 5:3). He hinders the work of God’s servants (1 Thessalonians 2:18). And he even makes accusations against God’s children before Heaven’s throne (Job 1:6-11; 2:3-6; 21:1-5; Zechariah 3:1-4; Revelation 12:9-10).
Hell
Ravi Zacharias' description of Hell: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw4YkpzEVg4
The concept of Hell seems very ambiguous to me. Is it because it isn't described fully in the Bible or are we just unable to understand this concept. It seems so unfair. Yet, I know that God is just. This article shares the scripture that we have to help us understand the concepts of eternity, heaven, and hell. http://bible.org/article/what-bible-says-about-hell
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pain and Suffering
Here are some good explanations that I have found to explain the pain and suffering that are in the world.
ChristianAnswers.net: Why Does God Allow Innocent People to Suffer?
CERC: Based on C.S. Lewis' The Problem of Pain
Zacharias, Ravi: Problem of Evil
Keller, Tim: The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 1
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 2
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 3
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 4
Koukle, Greg: Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering?
ChristianAnswers.net: Why Does God Allow Innocent People to Suffer?
CERC: Based on C.S. Lewis' The Problem of Pain
Zacharias, Ravi: Problem of Evil
Keller, Tim: The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 1
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 2
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 3
The Problem of Evil and Suffering, Part 4
Koukle, Greg: Why Does God Allow Evil and Suffering?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Reflection on Doubt
"I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" Mark 9:24 NIV
What a relief that Jesus didn't turn away from this man...this father.
We talked tonight about doubts/questions that we have with our faith. Some of the questions that arose were:
Also, if you have other resources that you would like to bring to our attention, please comment and list them.
If you are uncomfortable sharing your questions/comments publicly, I have set this blog to allow anonymous posts but I will moderate all comments to make sure that our conversation stays appropriate and respectful. After all, this is a public blog and others may be curious to see what we are discussing. You can also email me directly if you would like me to find research to address a specific question/topic anonymously.
What a relief that Jesus didn't turn away from this man...this father.
We talked tonight about doubts/questions that we have with our faith. Some of the questions that arose were:
- Why does God allow so much pain and suffering?
- What about the "type" of baptism that I had?
- Why doesn't God answer my prayers?
- How do I know that I'm saved? I don't always have confidence in my salvation.
Also, if you have other resources that you would like to bring to our attention, please comment and list them.
If you are uncomfortable sharing your questions/comments publicly, I have set this blog to allow anonymous posts but I will moderate all comments to make sure that our conversation stays appropriate and respectful. After all, this is a public blog and others may be curious to see what we are discussing. You can also email me directly if you would like me to find research to address a specific question/topic anonymously.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Introduction
According to Wikipedia, Christian Apologetics is defined as a field of Christian theology that aims to present a rational basis for the Christian faith, defend the faith against objections, and expose the perceived flaws of other world views.
This field has grabbed my attention over the last year and led me on a journey to explore my faith, my beliefs, and even my doubts. As one friend put it, God gave you a mind and expects you to use it.
This blog is intended to be a discussion venue for my current Midweek Manna class: Defending Your Faith. Please feel free to ask questions, provide your own insights and perceptions, and browse for resources.
I will continue to check it regularly and post resources for our continued growth.
This field has grabbed my attention over the last year and led me on a journey to explore my faith, my beliefs, and even my doubts. As one friend put it, God gave you a mind and expects you to use it.
This blog is intended to be a discussion venue for my current Midweek Manna class: Defending Your Faith. Please feel free to ask questions, provide your own insights and perceptions, and browse for resources.
I will continue to check it regularly and post resources for our continued growth.
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