Bible Teaching on Romans 6

Yesterday I taught a group of approximately 15 men for ~45 minutes over lunch at Mimi’s Café in Chandler, Arizona on the subject of Romans chapter 6. The session went very well and we had some great discussion over the 4 embedded questions in the teaching! Below is the content of what I taught (note – starting with end of Romans 5, since the first verses of Romans 6 seem to be referring back to Romans 5):

Romans 5:20-21

20 The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:1-23

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin.

8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  NASB

Here is where we’re at in the context of Romans:

Chapter 6 is transitioning from the topic of Justification (3:21-5:21) to Sanctification.

Verses 1-2

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2 May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?

Paul starts by referring back to chapter 5:15-21 and anticipates the objection of his audience by asking a rhetorical question in v1-2:  “Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase?”  He quickly dispatches that idea, using the phrase “May it never be”:

“May it never be” (me ginomai) is the strongest Greek idiom to indicate repudiation and outraged indignation. It is translated in the KJV as “God forbid” but the Greek does not contain “God”. This expression usually carried the connotation of impossibility.  Paul uses this phrase frequently in Romans to denote an instant, even horrified rejection of a conception. (Other uses in Romans 3:4, 6, 31; 6:15; 7:7, 13; 9:14; 11:1, 11).

He goes on to explain (by way of another rhetorical question) that it is a contradiction to claim to be dead to sin and yet to continue living in it. 

Some professing Christians think that once a person is saved, they can go on living in sin, a belief best known as antinomianism. The origin of the word ‘Antinomian’ (or anti-Law) goes back to the Reformation itself. In fact, it was Martin Luther who coined the word, in a book published in 1539 titled “Against the Antinomians”. In this work, Luther smashed together two Greek words to create a new derogatory nickname: ἀντί (anti ‘against’) + νόμος (nomos ‘the Law’).

1 John 1:6 – If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth

1 John 3:9 – No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

Q: What does it mean to practice sin as stated in 1 John 3:9?

However, it is foolish to believe that the Christian can be completely free of sin in this life.  The Apostle John states as much in his 1^st epistle:

1 John 1 – 8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.

It is important to remember that Christians are saved from:

1. The penalty of sin (justification – at a point in time, when we trust in Christ)
2. The power of sin (sanctification – over time as we’re conformed to the image of Christ)
3. The presence of sin (glorification – future state in heaven)

Verses 3-10

3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Paul teaches that, our “old self” has really died (been crucified) with Christ when He died on the cross and we were raised in newness of life with Him when He rose again!

Q: If the old self is dead, why do Christians still struggle with sin?

Though the Greek word for baptized (baptizo) can refer to water baptism that is likely not what is in view here.  The following is from James Montgomery Boice:

When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. E.g. Mark 16:16. ‘He that believes and is baptised shall be saved’. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989.

Verse 11-14

11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, 13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Though the sanctification process is being enabled by the Holy Spirit, we’re told here to exercise our biblically informed wills to “not let sin reign” in our mortal bodies and to not let sin be our master.  Here are a few quotes from John Owen on mortification (killing) of sin:

“It is the Spirit alone who can mortify sin—He is promised to do it, and all other means without Him, are empty and vain. How shall he, then, mortify sin—who has not the Spirit? A man may easier see without eyes, and speak without a tongue—than truly mortify one sin without the Spirit! All attempts to mortify any lust without the Spirit, are vain.”

“Without a sincere and diligent effort in every area of obedience—there will be no successful mortification of any one besetting sin.”

“Sin carries on its war by entangling the affections and drawing them into an alliance against the mind. Grace may be enthroned in the mind, but if sin controls the affections—it has seized a fort from which it will continually assault the soul. Hence, mortification must chiefly be directed to the affections.”

“The vigor, and power, and comfort of our spiritual life—depends on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh. …Believers … ought to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin. Do you mortify sin—do you make it your daily work? Be killing sin—or it will be killing you.”

The theme of mortification animated Owen’s pastoral heart because killing sin is a necessary tool in our pursuit of communion with God. Owen’s approach does not imply any sort of legalism or negative self-concept, although some have read him that way. On the contrary, he knew that, while God’s love for us, his people, is never contingent upon our faithfulness, our experience of communion with God can be helped or hindered by how we deal with our sins. (Kelly M. Kapic, professor of theological studies at Covenant College)

Verses 15-23

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul summarizes it all in this famous verse that everyone should have memorized!

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Wages” is what we deserve to be paid for our sins – that is death.  Note the phrase “in Christ Jesus”, used liberally in Paul’s writings (“in Christ” 85 times).  This is critical – the free gift of God is not just eternal life (heaven) for everyone, but “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.

A Barna survey explored peoples’ views of Heaven and Hell. 76% of Americans believe that Heaven exists, and 71% believe Hell exists. Only 0.5% of Americans expect to go to Hell upon their death. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (64%) believe they will go to Heaven. One in 20 adults (5%) claim they will come back as another life form, while the same proportion (5%) contend they will simply cease to exist.  Nearly half of those who say they are Heaven bound (43%) believe they will go to Heaven because they have “confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.” Others felt they will get to Heaven because “they have tried to obey the 10 Commandments” (15%) or because “they are basically a good person” (15%). Another 6% believed their entrance to Heaven would be based upon the fact that “God loves all people and will not let them perish.”

So most people think there is a Heaven and that they’re going there, whether they’re “in Christ Jesus our Lord” or not.  Most believe in Hell, but almost no one thinks they’re going there!  This is completely opposite of Jesus’s assessment:

Matthew 7:13-14 – Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Q: Have you talked with any non-Christians who think they’re going to heaven after death?

Verse 23 is used as part of the “Romans Road”.  Following is from ChatGPT:

The Romans Road to Salvation is a method used by some Christian evangelists to explain the basic concepts of salvation through a series of verses found in the New Testament book of Romans. The Romans Road typically consists of a sequence of verses that outline key theological points regarding sin, salvation, and faith. The purpose is to present a clear and concise message about how individuals can be saved according to Christian belief.

Here is a typical sequence of verses used in the Romans Road:

1. Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This verse highlights the universal condition of humanity, emphasizing that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s perfect standard.
2. Romans 6:23a: “For the wages of sin is death…” This verse explains the consequence of sin, which is spiritual death or separation from God.
3. Romans 6:23b: “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Here, the verse contrasts the negative consequence of sin with the positive gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
4. Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse emphasizes God’s love and the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on behalf of humanity, demonstrating God’s willingness to reconcile us to Himself despite our sinfulness.
5. Romans 10:9: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This verse outlines the response required for salvation: confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection.
6. Romans 10:13: “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'” This verse assures that salvation is available to all who sincerely call upon the name of Jesus.

The Romans Road provides a systematic way to share the Gospel message, emphasizing humanity’s need for salvation, God’s provision through Jesus Christ, and the response of faith required for salvation. It’s often used in evangelism and personal witnessing to communicate these fundamental truths of the Christian faith.

Q: Do you have a method or way of witnessing to people that you favor?

Resources Used in Preparing this Teaching

1. MacArthur Study Bible
2. Romans 3:5-10 commentary: https://www.preceptaustin.org/romans_35-10
3. Romans 6:1-3 commentary: https://www.preceptaustin.org/pdf/61416/
4. What is Antinomianism?  https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-is-antinomianism-and-who-teaches-it/
5. ChatGPT (only regarding the summary of the “Romans Road”)
6. What is the Romans Road to salvation?  https://www.gotquestions.org/Romans-road-salvation.html
7. Americans Describe Their Views About Life After Death: https://www.barna.com/research/americans-describe-their-views-about-life-after-death/
8. Bible Study Tools – definition of Baptizo: https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/baptizo.html
9. On the Mortification of Sin: A Readers Guide to a Christian Classic:  https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/on-the-mortification-of-sin

Verses to memorize for help combatting sexual temptation

Whenever, Christian, you have achieved a victory over your lusts–whenever after hard struggling, you have laid a temptation dead at your feet–you have in that hour a foretaste of the joy that awaits you when the Lord shall shortly tread Satan under your feet, and you shall find yourself more than conqueror through him who has loved you. – Charles Spurgeon (modernized language)

It is a fact of life that most men (and many women) battle against sexual temptation.

God has prescribed the way that He wants His children to live. He tests each of our hearts (not just what is on the outside). Here is what He expects to find:

1 Chronicles 29:17a

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity

Not only is He pleased with integrity, but Jesus even said several times in the Scriptures, that He expects anyone who follows Him (Christians) to deny themselves, rather than to “give-in” to themselves:

Luke 9:23

Then He said to them all: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.“

He wants us to put Him first, not our own evil desires. We need to have the attitude of John the Baptist:

John 3:30

He must become greater; I must become less.

So, to help us along in our quest for holiness, I have listed some verses for you to memorize to help you resist sexual temptation. The Psalmist stated the benefits of memorizing Scripture:

Psalms 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

The benefit is clear: “that I might not sin against” God.

I have memorized each of these passages myself and have found them to be of great benefit

Let’s start off the list with one that states God’s mandate very clearly and directly:

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

Let me provide a very simple definition of sexual immorality:

Any sexual gratification one gets from a source other than your spouse (in a biblical marriage consisting of one man and one woman).

Therefore, sexual immorality may include, among other things, pornography (or even feature films that portray sex between people on screen), masturbation, roving eyes / looking with lust at those in your eyesight, adultery, pre-marital sex (A.K.A. fornication), co-habitation which includes pre-marital sex, homosexuality, impure thoughts, flirting, fantasizing about the possibility of sex with someone other than your spouse, etc.

So, the passage above (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) tells me that I am not my own. I can’t just do whatever I want with my body. My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. He is living in me and sees everything I do. Which leads me to the next verse:

Hebrews 4:13

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

He sees all and we will have to give account for all He sees. As Ray Comfort commented, “What happens in Vegas stays in God’s mind until Judgment Day.”

Ecclesiastes 12:14

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Romans 14:12

So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Am I saying that you’ll be thrown into hell for committing an act of sexual immorality? No. When you were saved, you were justified. All sins, past, present and future were paid for by Jesus’ shed blood on the cross. Yet, we as believers are expected to behave in a way that is “worthy of our calling” (Eph. 4:1). Sexual immorality is definitely not worthy of our calling!

God takes sexual immorality – especially the physical act of adultery – very seriously. So seriously, in fact in the Old Covenant with Israel, the penalty was the death sentence for both involved parties:

Deuteronomy 22:22

If a man is found sleeping with another man’s wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die. You must purge the evil from Israel.

However, sexual immorality is not an external, behavioral issue only (such as adultery). This sin starts in the mind with our own evil desires (James 1:13-14). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raised the standard of purity so that no one can escape the charge of guilt in this matter:

Matthew 5:27-28
You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus is seeking obedience from those that call Him Lord:

Luke 6:46

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?“

Don’t be a hypocrite, one day calling Jesus Lord and then another day, committing sexual sin.

Job was a godly man and was certainly aware of this standard as he strove to avoid lust in this way:

Job 31:1

I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a young woman.

Apparently, Job was successful in this covenant if you look at the way v9-11 of chapter 31 are worded:

Job 31:9-11

If my heart has been enticed by a woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door, then may my wife grind another man’s grain, and may other men sleep with her. For that would have been shameful, a sin to be judged.

Daniel was also a godly man, living in exile, in the midst of a vile, wicked, depraved and idolatrous culture. In the beginning of the account, we see his resolution:

Daniel 1:8-9

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel

Have you resolved not to defile yourself by what your eyes consume? Daniel’s strong resolution here ought to challenge and inspire us to do the same. By resolving, he had made up his mind what he was going to do when he was put in that situation. Don’t just wait until that moment of temptation comes to decide what you’re going to do. If that is your approach, you will fail. Rather resolve ahead of time what steps you’re going to take to avoid defiling yourself in sexual sin.

David, a man after God’s own heart, a man acquainted with moral failure (see 2 Samuel 11), resolved not to let sin come through his eyes:

Psalms 101:3

I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them.

We need our minds renewed by Scripture so that we no longer conform to the pattern of this world, which is so full of sexual temptation:

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is –his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Many of these passages can be summed up in this wise counsel from the Apostle Paul:

Romans 13:14

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

What have you done to “make no provision” for your flesh? There are many practices and safeguards that one can implement, but the one thing we should all be doing is putting on the Lord Jesus Christ daily – that is the number one strategy in this battle. Don’t make it easy for your flesh to gratify its evil desires!

And, yes, this is absolutely a battle! It is not a battle against flesh and blood, but at the core it is a spiritual battle:

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

And since it is a spiritual battle, it needs to be fought with spiritual weapons from God:

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We are human, but we don’t wage war with human plans and methods. We use God’s mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil’s strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ.

Have you ever considered that when we are committing sexual sin, at that moment, we don’t fear God? Think about that… Even one of the thieves on the cross next to Jesus asked the other thief if he feared God, because it was evident by the way he was talking that he didn’t:

Luke 23:40

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?“

Unknowingly, the first thief was affirming a great truth of Scripture, often repeated:

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

And:

Isaiah 8:13

Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else.

Jesus told His disciples to fear God because of His ability to throw them into hell:

Luke 12:4-5

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him.“

So, yes, the fear of God is a healthy attitude to have and can keep us from committing sexual sin!

Scripture also states that sin will hinder your prayers:

Psalms 66:18

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;

Do you stumble into sin? Or do you cherish sin? Our goal should be to avoid both, but worse by far is the one who cherishes (or relishes) sin.

Isaiah echoes the same sentiment about our sin causing separation from God. In the context of the following passage, God was speaking to His “people and to the house of Jacob” (Isaiah 58:1):

Isaiah 59:1-2

Listen! The LORD is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. But there is a problem — your sins have cut you off from God. Because of your sin, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.

But God gave us the solution for having our prayers heard again:

2 Chronicles 7:14

If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

The essence of that phrase “seek My face and turn from their wicked ways” is the concept of repentance! There is no change and no transformation without repentance – and God commands it!

Acts 17:30

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

By the way, after reading this blog, you can no longer claim ignorance.

In the midst of admonishing believers not to argue over foolish and stupid things, the apostle Paul talked about people who are held captive by the devil to do his will:

2 Timothy 2:26

and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

As believers, we ought not be held captive by anyone or anything except Jesus Christ (since we are His slaves). We are told specifically:

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Additionally, we as believers ought to be discerning enough and acquainted enough with our own depravity to know what situations, places and people put us into temptation, and that we need to avoid those:

Proverbs 4:26

Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.

We ought to be able to see the danger ahead and take refuge:

Proverbs 27:12

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

In addition to pondering where you go and what situations you put yourself into, you need to be intentional about your thoughts:

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

And:

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Sexual temptation requires much more than casual action, it requires drastic action on our parts! Though we may be “pondering the path of our feet” and thinking about “whatever is pure”, we are still “in the world” (John 17:14-16) and therefore it is possible, with the best of intentions, that we may find ourselves in a tempting situation. The following verse tells me what to do when I encounter anything that stimulates lust – RUN!!!

2 Timothy 2:22

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts

It is also encouraging me who to hang out with – that’s really important too.

As usual, Jesus ratchets up the response even more with His teaching on how to deal with sin:

Matthew 18:8-9
If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.

The eye and the hand are are certainly used to commit much sexual sin… Jesus is not advocating self mutilation here, but this is to be understood as instructing us to take whatever actions are necessary to limit our access to those people, places, situations and technologies that give us opportunities to sin.

Another passage that is terrifying when you consider what is being said in it is this:

Hebrews 10:26-27

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received a full knowledge of the truth, there is no other sacrifice that will cover these sins. There will be nothing to look forward to but the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.

Does that mean that if we continue to sin at all after having been saved, there we will experience the wrath of God? Well, it depends. One who is truly saved will not continue in an unrepentant pattern of sin for an extended period of time. I consider this a warning for us as believers to examine ourselves:

2 Corinthians 13:5a

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.

This should be a regular practice of all believers, to examine your life critically and see if it represents the life of a true born again Bible believing Christian.

The following passage is one of the key passages when it comes to sexual immorality:

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God

Not many places in Scripture tell you explicitly what God’s will is – the above passage is one of them. This passage tells me that I need to learn to control my own body. That tells me that it is not “natural” to control my body. I have to go against what feels natural and control my body. Likewise, Paul says:

1 Corinthians 9:27

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Yes, this requires discipline. It is a spiritual battle and therefore demands your daily and even hourly attention so that you do not get caught off guard! In fact elsewhere Paul reminds us to be on our guard:

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

The Scriptures contain many other such warnings. For example, the apostle Peter warns us to be on our guard, using different words:

1 Peter 5:8

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself even strongly admonished His disciples to keep alert, but added prayer as a way to gain victory over temptation:

Matthew 26:41
Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!

So, how much sexual immorality is acceptable for the child of God?

Ephesians 5:3-6

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person–such a man is an idolater –has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

The above passage even speaks of God’s wrath as a consequence of these type of behaviors. You don’t want to go there…

The passage below has really helped me. It tells me that as a regenerated follower of Jesus Christ, I do in fact have the power and ability to not let sin reign in my body or to obey my body’s evil desires. What an encouragement that is!

Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

The above passage raises the question about who you’re letting reign, in other words, who are you serving? Jesus told us you can’t serve two masters:

Luke 16:13

“No servant can serve two masters ; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.“

While the above verse is about money, the same principle applies to your illicit sexual desires.

You know that if you ask some people about why they continue to fall into sexual temptation, they’ll claim that that’s just the way God made them. They have these desires and they were meant to be fulfilled. That is human logic – that’s the way of thinking that “seems right”:

Proverbs 14:12 (&16:25)

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

But that way of thinking really leads to death.

The following verse from Proverbs teaches that our behavior is a visible manifestation of our relationship with (and thoughts about) the LORD:

Proverbs 14:2

He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, But he who is perverse in his ways despises Him.

This directly ties “upright” behavior to fearing the LORD and “perverse” behavior to despising Him.

Next are some words from Jesus that hit me like a ton of bricks:

John 3:19-20
This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

These words are powerful because, in this passage the “light” which has come into the world IS JESUS. So, when it says “everyone who does evil hates the light”, its saying that everyone who does evil hates Jesus! Wow.

Here is a good one from Paul:

Titus 2:11-13

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

This one tells us that God’s grace actually teaches us to “just say no!” to “ungodliness and worldly passions” – that would certainly include lust and sexual sin. But it doesn’t only tell us what to say no to, but it also tells us how to live: “self-controlled, upright and godly lives”. That is a picture of holy living. Notice the phrase “self-controlled”. According to this passage, you have the ability to control your participation in these forms of behavior.

Then, there is the most concentrated teaching on worldliness in all of God’s word:

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

Notice – this passage talks about 2 things that are directly related to lust and sexual sin: “the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes”. If anyone “loves” this kind of stuff, the love of the Father is not in him. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, we need to distance ourselves and reject these kind of worldly affections!

John MacArthur, in his excellent sermon on Romans 7:14-25 says that one of the categories of sin is the “sin of remembrance”. Sometimes, the mind of the believer will wander back to ponder some past sin. We must not allow ourselves to fall into that trap. Peter admonishes us:

1 Peter 1:14

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

Later on in the same letter, he encourages with the example of Christ Jesus’ suffering:

1 Peter 4:1-5

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do–living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

Notice, that we are not to live the rest of our earthly lives for “evil human desires” – this includes many things. He goes on to list some of those evil human desires: “debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry“. He ends up the passage by indicating that those who live like this will “have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead“. If these behaviors are the impenitent, pattern of your life, it indicates you are not saved.

Then, this one from the author of 1 Kings regarding the prophet Elijah’s challenge to the people to “get off the fence“!

1 Kings 18:21

Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” But the people said nothing.

How is this applicable to illicit sexual desire? Just replace the phrase “if Baal is God, follow him” with “if [your sexual desire] is God, follow [it]”. That is what we’re doing when we’re giving in to sexual sin – we’re making it our God. Don’t do that!

Did you know that whenever you’re tempted to sin sexually, God will show you a way out? This is an iron-clad promise – you can take it to the bank. The following passage tells us not to be over confident when you’re in a season of strong obedience, but that we should be careful. Then it explains that we’re in the same boat with others:

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

Praise the Lord that He is faithful, and that He will not let the temptation become too strong!

Jesus was once asked what was the essential or most important teaching in the old testament:

Matthew 22:36-40

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.“

Notice that He summed up all the expectations of the believer into 2 concepts – Love God and Love others. We cannot do those 2 things while committing sexual sin!

The following verse may not seem to be related to sexual temptation:

Romans 1:25

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised. Amen.

But if you think about it. Your sexual desire is a created thing. If you worship and serve it (especially in an illicit manner), you are exchanging the truth of God for a lie…

Sometimes, you’ve gotta follow Jesus’ example and just tell Satan to “get lost” if you’re being harassed:

Matthew 4:10

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’“

But notice – we not only should be telling Satan to get lost, but we need to be worshiping the Lord our God and serving Him only!

There is a favorite verse of many people that says:

Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Again, what does this have to do with sexual immorality and sexual temptation? Well, if you think of it, you’ll realize that your behavior in the world affects God’s reputation in the world, either positively or negatively. But your behavior does not change whether He exists or whether He is glorious or good. So, if you are behaving in an immoral way you are bringing God into disrepute. Then it can be said of you, as in Romans 2:24 – “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Serious stuff! Don’t do it – you love God too much for that!

Finally, the passage that has been most helpful to me in battling sexual temptation is:

Matthew 23:24-28
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

The reason this passage is so powerful for me is that, as a Christian leader and teacher, I receive those words from Jesus as directly applying to me. Especially the finishing line which says “on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness”. That one cuts to the heart. Jesus knows what’s “on the inside” – no one else does. I may be able to fool other people, but I can never fool Jesus. Jesus hated hypocrisy with a holy hatred – probably more than anything else. This chapter records the greatest rebuke he ever delivered regarding sin – the sin of hypocrisy. And sexual sin in the life of a believer makes that person a hypocrite, professing one thing with your lips, but thinking and behaving in opposition to that. So, when I hear Jesus’s rebuke directed at me, my unrighteous desires immediately melt away – its like pouring cold water over me. Paul gives us some very good counsel about how we should be viewing our Christian walk:

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Notice that we already have these promises (that he’d been talking about in the prior chapters – especially chapter 5). So, we are not avoiding sexual sin in order to get saved, but rather, now that we are saved (we have these promises), we are to live in a holy manner. Why? “Out of reverence for God”.

Brothers and sisters, I pray that you are convicted and cut to the heart like I am and that you would memorize each one of these passages so that you might be led away from sin when you’re at the moment of temptation. Remember God always provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13) if we are willing to take it. He is faithful and will protect you from the evil one:

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Appendix

Additional Verses

Psalms 119:9

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalms 141:4

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.

Psalms 86:11

Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

Psalms 119:37

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Psalms 23:3

he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalms 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Titus 1:15-16

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Galatians 5:19-21

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:8

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars –their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Titus 3:3-7

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

John 8:31-32

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Acts 3:19

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Romans 7:18-19, 7:24-25a,

For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing…Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Hebrews 4:15-16

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Peter 2:24

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Hebrews 2:18

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

mid-week apologetics booster (2-15-2024)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2700) from Nuggets:

Evil is the absence good. We can have good without evil, but we cannot have evil without good. Dr. Frank Turek explains it by saying that if you take all the rust out of a car you have a better car, but if you take all the car out of the rust you have nothing. In the same way, evil is the privation of good. It is the mistake in something, and if gone, if you have something better. – Ryan Pauly

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Christians may think they are marrying another Christian. But many are merely nominal. And after getting married, nominal evangelical men test out as the most toxic men–worse than secular men. Nominals are men who, in a survey, might check the Baptist box because of their family and cultural background, but they don’t actually attend church very often, if at all.: https://twitter.com/NancyRPearcey/status/1755302553061892344
2. IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT THIN MINTS: GIRL SCOUTS AND PLANNED PARENTHOOD – Intercessors for America: https://ifapray.org/blog/speak-now-girl-scouts/
3. 𝟏𝟎 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞: 1. The evidence for the resurrection of Christ is incredibly compelling, historically grounded, and well documented. 2. …¦ : https://twitter.com/darwintojesus/status/1755967872554144241
4. What is Hell, & is it Compatible with a Loving God? Dr. William Lane Craig | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3JgsS9MyGW/
5. Jesus wrestled us free from Satan’s grasp. We are born again, redeemed, free, and righteous in him! Greg Koukl | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3GqtJ0hsem/
6. Are you following Jesus? Not just his commandments, but his worldview? ¦ Greg Koukl | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C28JzjVKSt8/
7. Bad assumptions lead to bad arguments. Gain a biblical perspective on transgenderism and how to respond to transgender friends and family | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2dygdmKQTm/
8. 5 Discouraging Trends in Global Christianity – Lifeway Research: https://research.lifeway.com/2024/02/05/5-discouraging-trends-in-global-christianity/
9. Scott Klusendorf discusses right to life, assisted reproduction, and end of life | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2024/02/10/scott-klusendorf-discusses-right-to-life-assisted-reproduction-and-end-of-life-2/
10. There’s a new small group curriculum for churches available, and you’re probably going to hear a lot about it this year because it’s both very timely and being produced and promoted by some big Christian names. It’s called The After Party, and according to its creators, it’s designed to counter the “dangerous trend” of Evangelicals having their political identity formed by “partisan forces, not by true Biblical faith.” The curriculum was developed by David French (who’s a New York Times columnist), Russell Moore (the Editor-in-Chief of Christianity Today), and Curtis Chang. Natasha and Alisa did an episode on their concerns about the After Party last March when the curriculum was first announced. The reason they’re talking about it again today is that it’s now been released and it’s getting high profile promotion with churches and pastors nationwide. In fact, they’re making it available for free through the 2024 election. Tune in to today’s episode for some things you should be aware of before your church considers rolling this out.: https://blubrry.com/1470671/130794860/31-russell-moore-david-french-and-the-after-party-curriculum-why-the-church-should-be-concerned/
11. Why Attending a Homosexual “Wedding” is Unbiblical, Part II: Implicit Endorsement of Sin and Compromise of Witness: https://disntr.com/2024/02/09/why-attending-a-homosexual-wedding-is-unbiblical-part-ii-implicit-endorsement-of-sin-and-compromise-of-witness/
12. This One Verse Contains Six Keys to Overcoming Lust: https://livingwaters.com/this-one-verse-contains-six-keys-to-overcoming-lust/
13. The First Thousand Years: Christendom from Pentecost to the First Millennium – Christian Research Institute: https://www.equip.org/hank-unplugged-podcast-and-shorts/the-first-thousand-years-christendom-from-pentecost-to-the-first-millennium/
14. Are There Over 300 Messianic Prophecies? – THINKAPOLOGETICS.COM – When I was a new Christian, I read several Christian apologetic books that stated there are over 300 Messianic prophecies that are all fulfilled in Jesus. At the time I thought this was a convincing evidential apologetic for the truth claims of our faith. But as the years have gone by, I have realized this approach to Messianic prophecy is not as effective as one might think. Now please let me clarify I do think there is Messianic prophecy. Prophecy was one of the primary ways the apostles spread the faith in the first century. However, I think we need to tweak our approach. I have taught on this subject on several occasions. In my opinion, here are some helpful tips: https://chab123.wordpress.com/2024/02/11/are-there-over-300-messianic-prophecies-6/
15. What’s the best explanation for the origin of life for atheists? | WINTERY KNIGHT – The challenge for naturalists posed by the origin of life makes it well worth your time to learn and understand. I used to explain this argument to my entire IT department on white boards when I was a young man. It’s fascinating, and more convincing than personal testimonies or abstract philosophical arguments. Although I read books on the origin of life, I learned how to present the information as an argument by watching the interviews above over and over. People sometimes ask me how I was able to survive 22 years in IT with my theism intact. It turns out that there are no shortcuts to a theistic worldview. You have to support it with evidence. You have to be able to show your work about how you reached your conclusions. I’m a theist today because I never found a single atheist in any software development job who could even begin to challenge the evidence that I collected from listening to all those lectures and debates that I started from in my early 20s. It was as easy to defeat them as taking candy from a baby. If only Christian parents and Christian leaders understood the importance of scientific facts when they talk to young people about Christianity. We need to be less worried about hurting the feelings of young people by making them “feel dumb”. Christianity isn’t supposed to be easy.: https://winteryknight.com/2024/02/11/whats-the-best-explanation-for-the-origin-of-life-for-atheists/
16. Taylor Swift’s Dangerous Descent into Witchcraft Sorcery & Casting Spells – YouTube – Taylor Swift seemed like a sweet professing Christian pop country singer. So what happened to her? During her Eras tour as you’ll see in this video, Taylor is clearly dancing witches’ coven ceremonies during her Willow song, and she is posting about witchcraft, sorcery and casting spells. A witch school even welcomed Taylor into their tribe. Tragically though – even if Taylor genuinely doesn’t believe she’s a witch – she is glorifying witchcraft and is influencing audience members toward witchcraft. You’ll also see and hear about Taylor’s bizarre post about sorcery and the video of an airplane appearing as she sang about a plane during her Labyrinth song. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nm-gVYbvsE8
17. Are the Galapagos finch beaks evidence of Darwinian evolution? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2024/02/12/are-the-galapagos-finch-beaks-evidence-of-darwinian-evolution-5/
18. How did the apostle Peter die? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/apostle-Peter-die.html
19. 3 Ways to Misunderstand the Trinity – Lifeway Voices: https://voices.lifeway.com/bible-theology/3-ways-to-misunderstand-the-trinity/
20. Contend for the Faith | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/contend-faith
21. “The Most Reluctant Convert in all of England”: Why Former Atheist C.S. Lewis Became a Christian | Reasons for Jesus: https://reasonsforjesus.com/the-most-reluctant-convert-in-all-of-england-why-former-atheist-c-s-lewis-became-a-christian/
22. Tacitus – Ancient Roman Historian – Reports on Jesus: https://crossexamined.org/tacitus-ancient-roman-historian-reports-on-jesus/
23. The Most Common Objection to God’s Existence on a College Campus – THINKAPOLOGETICS.COM: https://chab123.wordpress.com/2016/09/23/the-most-common-objection-to-gods-existence-on-a-college-campus/
24. 5 Proofs For The Existence of God | finding truth matters: https://www.findingtruthmatters.org/articles/apologetics/5-proofs-for-the-existence-of-god/
25. Can There Be Any Meaning in a Universe without God?: https://www.str.org/w/can-there-be-any-meaning-in-a-universe-without-god-#.Woq9LajwaUk
26. An Atheist Feminist Converts to Christianity, Nicole Cliffe. – Bishop’s Encyclopedia of Religion, Society and Philosophy: https://jamesbishopblog.com/2017/06/06/an-atheist-feminist-converts-to-christianity-nicole-cliffe/
27. When sceptics convert: 3 former atheists walking the path of CS Lewis | Testimonies | Premier Christianity: https://www.premierchristianity.com/stories/when-sceptics-convert-3-former-atheists-walking-the-path-of-cs-lewis/224.article
28. Parents Are Still the First Line of Defense | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/parents-are-still-the-first-line-of-defense/
29. Origin of Saint Valentine’s Day – American Minute with Bill Federer – AmericanMinute.com-William J. Federer – When Emperor Claudius demanded that Christians worship pagan idols and statues of deified Emperors, Saint Valentine refused. The name Valentine is derived from the word “valor,” which means, strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness and personal bravery. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to die. While awaiting execution, he preached to guards and other prisoners. His jailer, Asterius, asked Saint Valentine to pray for his blind daughter. When she miraculously regained her sight, the jailer converted and was baptized, along with his entire family. Right before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a note to the jailer’s daughter, encouraging her in the faith, signing it, “from your Valentine.” Saint Valentine was beaten with clubs and stones, and when that failed to kill him, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate on FEBRUARY 14, 269 A.D.: https://americanminute.com/blogs/todays-american-minute/origin-of-saint-valentines-day-american-minute-with-bill-federer
30. Lectures on science apologetics for a general audience | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2024/02/14/lectures-on-science-apologetics-for-a-general-audience/

and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. Genesis 39:7-10

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (1-25-2024)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2700) from Nuggets:

Parents need to prepare their kids for the college years or just the post-high school years. There will be skeptics that will get in their faces and ask them questions they have never heard before, challenging their faith. Unsurprisingly, they’ll return home after the first or second semester declaring, “Mom and dad, I don’t believe in God anymore.” What’s worse is that some of their “challengers” will be their own professors, since sixty percent of secular university professors are atheists.  Here’s the irony; parents send their kids to college to learn about truths. Those same professors will be the ones telling your kids, “There is no truth,” and parents are paying for that! – Claudia Kalmikov

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. How Do I Know I’m a Christian? Short clip from John MacArthur: https://www.facebook.com/reel/218169414693852
2. How to Evangelize Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses – Cross Examined: https://crossexamined.subspla.sh/ph875x7
3. Did Pope Francis Authorize Priests to Bless Same-Sex Couples? – Christian Research Institute – “Orthodox Christians at this point will search the document looking for explicit exhortation that the couple repent and cease their sexual union, but no such exhortation exists.” “At the same time, almost the entirety of Africa and much of Eastern Europe has instructed their clergy and diocese not to implement these blessings.” “Lest you read FS and wonder whether it is really the case that same-sex couples in a sexual relationship might receive the blessing of the Church, your eyes are not deceiving you. “Notice that not only sinful persons are blessed here,” writes Cardinal Mueller, ‘but that by blessing the couple, it is the sinful relationship itself that is blessed.'”: https://www.equip.org/articles/did-pope-francis-authorize-priests-to-bless-same-sex-couples/
4. What criteria do historians use to get to the minimal facts about the historical Jesus? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2024/01/20/what-criteria-do-historians-use-to-get-to-the-minimal-facts-about-the-historical-jesus-15/
5. What is replacement theology / supersessionism / fulfillment theology? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/replacement-theology.html
6. How the Cosmological Evidence Points to the Existence of God (Video) | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/videos/how-the-cosmological-evidence-points-to-the-existence-of-god-video/
7. Are there Guidelines for doing Apologetics? | carm.org: https://carm.org/defending-the-faith/are-there-guidelines-for-doing-apologetics/
8. A Christian Rebuttal to Kaimatai, an Atheist – Christian Apologist – “I came upon the timeline of an atheist who calls himself Kaimatai on Twitter where I found a link to a blog he had created entitled “Ten reasons why I’m not a Christian.” The intention of this blog is to write a rebuttal to his ten reasons.”: https://christian-apologist.com/2017/04/13/a-christian-rebuttal-to-kaimatai-an-atheist/
9. Teaching Apologetics to the Next Generation – Christian Research Institute (article from Sean McDowell): https://www.equip.org/articles/teaching-apologetics-next-generation/
10. How Can We Be Pro-Life and Pro-Death Penalty at the Same Time? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/how-can-we-be-pro-life-and-pro-death-penalty-at-the-same-time/
11. 5 Regrets You Don’t Want to Have If Your Kids Walk Away from Faith: https://natashacrain.com/5-regrets-you-dont-want-to-have-if-your-kids-walk-away-from-faith/
12. The Trinity is Not A Problem, It’s A Solution | Cold Case Christianity – Some would say that the Bible presents an irreconcilable dilemma. Both the New and Old Testament declare that there is only one God. Verses like Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Isaiah 43:10, James 2:19, 1 Corinthians 8:4, 6 and 1 Timothy 2:5-6 make it rather clear; the writers of Jewish and Christian scripture proclaimed the existence of a single, solitary God. While this is the consistent message of the Bible, another thorny truth is also proclaimed: the Bible teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are all God: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/the-trinity-is-not-a-problem-its-a-solution/
13. You might wish to ignore the great trans social experiment on our kids, but it’s not ignoring you – LifeSite: https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/you-might-wish-to-ignore-the-great-trans-social-experiment-on-our-kids-but-its-not-ignoring-you/
14. A Sober Warning from the Earliest Christians | Tim Challies – The unifying principle that has risen to the top is tolerance-a new kind of tolerance centered around modern sexual ethics and mores. Where tolerance once called for respect despite disagreement, today it calls for far more. We are considered tolerant only when we advocate and celebrate new understandings of marriage, sexuality, and gender. Those who refuse to celebrate what they believe God forbids are seen as disloyal to the unifying principle of society. They are seen to be hindering rather than helping the strength and growth of this great new “empire.” People today are perfectly willing to tolerate the Christian faith as long as it doesn’t disrupt the unifying principle of tolerance. Christians in the early church were welcome to continue to worship Jesus, to sing their songs, and to preach their Scriptures, as long as they added just that one tiny nod to the Emperor. Likewise, we are free to continue to worship Jesus, to sing our songs, and to preach our Scriptures, as long as we accept these new definitions of marriage, gender, and so on…Those first Christians knew better and bore the consequences. We, too, know better, and may be forced to bear consequences.: https://www.challies.com/articles/a-warning-from-the-earliest-christians/
15. Astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez lectures on intelligent design and habitability | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2020/01/05/astronomer-guillermo-gonzalez-lectures-on-intelligent-design-and-habitability-6/
16. How Not to Teach Your Kids the Bible – JOHN WELLS – Though cheap gospel substitutes take many forms, they often revolve around misinterpreting narratives in four ways: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-not-to-teach-your-kids-the-bible/
17. I Only Believe in What I Can See! | Whattaya Do? – New York Apologetics: https://www.newyorkapologetics.com/i-only-believe-in-what-i-can-see-whattaya-do/
18. If God Exists, Why Does He Allow Evil? 48 minute video lecture | Watermark Community Church – Frank Turek joins us for part of the Apologetics series and builds the case that the existence of evil in the world does not disprove the existence of God but rather reinforces it.: https://www.watermark.org/message/2231-if-god-exists-why-does-he-allow-evil
19. Ben Affleck opens up about becoming a Christian later in life, finds beauty in Jesus’ message | Entertainment News: https://www.christianpost.com/news/ben-affleck-opens-up-about-becoming-a-christian-later-in-life-finds-beauty-in-jesus-message-235551/
20. How to Overcome and Prevent Sexual Sins – Seeing God’s Breath – Good reminders…: https://godsbreath.net/2008/04/03/how-to-prevent-and-overcome-sexual-sins/
21. Irreducible Complexity | Biblical Science Institute – One of the many scientific lines of evidence against neo-Darwinian evolution involves the concept of irreducible complexity. Microbes, plants, fungi, animals, and human beings all have bodies that are composed of extremely complex microscopic machinery. The different parts of a biological cell are interdependent. That is, each part of the cell depends on all the other parts of the cell in order to function properly. Remove any one essential part, and the cell dies. Hence, the cell is not just complex; it is irreducibly complex. That is, it cannot be reduced to a simpler functioning cell by removing any essential component. Yet, neo-Darwinian evolution requires that all life came about from simpler forms, with new components added over the course of time by mutations. Hence, neo-Darwinian evolution is incompatible with irreducible complexity.: https://biblicalscienceinstitute.com/origins/irreducible-complexity/
22. Study: the early Earth’s atmosphere contained oxygen | WINTERY KNIGHT – So here’s where we stand. If you are a materialist, then you need a reducing environment on the early Earth in order to get organic building blocks (amino acids) from inorganic materials. However, the production of these organic building blocks (amino acids) requires that the early Earth atmosphere be oxygen-free. And the problem with this new research, which confirms previous research, is that the early Earth contained huge amounts of oxygen – the same amount of oxygen as we have today. This is lethal to naturalistic scenarios for creating the building blocks of life on the Earth’s surface: https://winteryknight.com/2014/04/28/study-the-early-earths-atmosphere-contained-oxygen/
23. Frank Turek lectures on the case against same-sex marriage | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/02/05/frank-turek-lectures-on-the-case-against-same-sex-marriage-7/
24. Hell Interrupted – Part 1 – there was more unanimity in the ancient church on Hell’s eternal torment than there was on Trinitarianism… …To sharpen the point, 24 verses into chapter 26 Jesus makes a dark appraisal of the fate of His betrayer: “It would have been good for that man if he had not been born” (Matt. 26:24). How does Jesus’ comment square with annihilationism? If Judas had not been born, then he would not exist. If he were annihilated in judgment, then he would not exist. The last condition would be the same as the first. How could the first be “good,” then, by comparison? No, nonexistence can only be good compared to the everlasting torment of eternal judgment.: https://www.str.org/w/hell-interrupted-part-1

When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge–to the great amazement of the governor. Matthew 27:12-14

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (1-4-2024)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2700) from Nuggets:

Mount St. Helens’ remarkable post-eruption recovery surprised conventional biological thinking. Counter to evolution-based assumptions, it appears that living things have the innate ability to colonize desolate areas. The way animals and plants worked together to repopulate Mount St. Helens demonstrates God’s design for them to multiply and fill the earth.  – BRIAN THOMAS, Ph.D (Acts and Facts August 2020 article “Biological Bounceback at Mount St. Helens”)

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Dr. Walter Bradley lectures on scientific evidence the creation and design of the universe | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/12/30/dr-walter-bradley-lectures-on-scientific-evidence-the-creation-and-design-of-the-universe-6/
2. Video: Answers in Genesis: Evolutionists, you support systemic racism: https://patriotandliberty.com/video-answers-in-genesis-evolutionists-you-support-systemic-racism/
3. Once Again, TGC’s “Best Movies” of 2023 is Filled With Sex, Foul Language, and Blasphemy: https://disntr.com/2023/12/30/once-again-tgcs-best-movies-of-2023-is-filled-with-sex-foul-language-and-blasphemy/
4. Which country is the most dangerous for Christians? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2024/01/02/which-country-is-the-most-dangerous-for-christians/
5. Who Has the Burden of Proof When Discussing God? https://strangenotions.com/who-has-the-burden-of-proof-when-discussing-god/
6. When Does God Identify “You” As “You”? Your identity, according to science and the Bible, began the moment you were conceived: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/when-does-god-identify-you-as-you/
7. Self-Discipline Is the Gateway to Christian Maturity – If you want to grow as a Christian, you must learn discipline. Because self-discipline is the gateway to Christian maturity. In the next article I will talk about how we can practically cultivate self-discipline and dispel some common misunderstandings about it: https://redeemingproductivity.com/self-discipline-is-the-gateway-to-christian-maturity/
8. Gen Z (born anywhere between 1995 and 2015) is spiritually illiterate and abandoning church: How did we get here? Our society is in the midst of a massive cultural shift. According to the Barna Group, “rates of church attendance, religious affiliation, belief in God, prayer and Bible-reading have been dropping for decades. Americans’ beliefs are becoming more post-Christian and, concurrently, religious identity is changing.”  This is the environment in which Generation Z is growing up: https://www.kentuckytoday.com/baptist-life/gen-z-is-spiritually-illiterate-and-abandoning-church-how-did-we-get-here/article_ea994828-6cd4-5fbd-8352-496ef3eb9c8e.html
9. Why People Misunderstand the Old Testament – When you skip Old Testament scripture, you miss beautiful truths pointing to Jesus!  https://www.a-life-inspired.com/why-people-misunderstand-the-old-testament/
10. Evidence of Design in the Biological Realm – The body is vastly complex and highly engineered.  It is not a “god of the gaps” argument to infer design when looking at this marvelous system, with many irreducibly complex, interdependent, sub-systems: https://1peter41216.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/evidence-of-design-in-the-biological-realm/
11. Does Religion Really Matter in America?  The latest Gallup poll shows a continuing decline of religious influence in America. A dramatic shift has taken place in America related to the way we view religious beliefs. Hidden in the data from the Gallup research lies a clue to the reason for this change in public opinion. Why do fewer Americans think religion matters? Listen to the podcast to hear the answer to this question. Frank Turek and Detective J. Warner Wallace tackle this issue and others in this episode: https://subsplash.com/crossexamined/media/mi/+hx2v9pw
12. How I Can Believe in a God Who Sends People to Hell? If the God who says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, he sent his son not to condemn the world, but to save the world,” we have no one to blame but ourselves if we turn away from trusting in this good and gracious Father and in his son, Jesus Christ. You have all these questions. At the end of the day, here’s the thing: the God who tells you that this is what lies up ahead for those who don’t trust in Jesus, is also the One who so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. There really is no one else to blame but yourself if you don’t turn to him in faith right now: https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/how-i-can-believe-in-a-god-who-sends-people-to-hell
13. Stephen Meyer Shatters the Myth of the Multiverse – Is our universe just an accident? Or does it display exquisite evidence of fine-tuning and intelligent design? This episode of Science Uprising investigates claims by scientific atheists like Lawrence Krauss and Bill Nye that our universe is nothing special and that the fine-tuning scientists observe can be explained away by the existence of multiple universes: https://evolutionnews.org/2020/06/stephen-meyer-shatters-the-myth-of-the-multiverse/
14. How Psalm 113 Changed My Life – By Rosaria Butterfield who is a former tenured professor of English at Syracuse University and author of The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert, Openness Unhindered, and The Gospel Comes With a House Key. She is a member of First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Durham: https://www.9marks.org/article/how-psalm-113-changed-my-life/
15. 5 Signs Your Church Might be Heading Toward Progressive Christianity: https://www.alisachildersblog.com/blog/5-signs-your-church-might-be-heading-toward-progressive-christianity

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (10-12-2023)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2600) from Nuggets:

He who affirms that Christianity makes men miserable, is himself an utter stranger to it. – Charles Spurgeon

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Why Sixty-Six Books? The Development of the Canon: Why We Trust the Bible with Stephen Nichols from Ligonier Ministries – YouTube.  Throughout history, some have questioned the Bible’s authority based on concerns about how its sixty-six books were recognized and compiled. Why are these specific books included in the Bible and not others? Who made these important decisions? In this message, Stephen Nichols explains the development of the canon of Scripture.  This message is from Dr. Nichols’ 6-part teaching series Why We Trust the Bible: https://youtu.be/W9gXNpWyizA?si=82q_yttBtJoKgRBR
2. Origin: Probability of a Single Protein Forming by Chance – Reasoned Cases For Christ: https://wp.me/pdW2q-6To
3. Why We’re Probably Alone in the Universe, Despite the Latest Planet Discovery | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-were-probably-alone-in-the-universe-despite-the-latest-planet-discovery/
4. RNA Virus Origins Fit Genesis Creation | The Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/rna-virus-origins-fit-genesis-creation/
5. A Singularly Christian View of the Transgender Problem – Daily Citizen: https://dailycitizen.focusonthefamily.com/a-singularly-christian-view-of-the-transgender-problem/
6. Darwin’s Doubt, the new New York Times bestseller by Cambridge-trained Ph.D., Stephen Meyer, is creating a major scientific controversy.  Darwinists don’t like it: https://crossexamined.org/darwins-doubt/
7. Darwin’s Doubt – Frank Interviews Stephen C. Meyer about is book of this title. Cross Examined: https://subsplash.com/crossexamined/media/mi/+4dda2bf
8. “I Thought Christians Were Stupid Bigots” | Core Christianity: https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/i-thought-christians-were-stupid-bigots
9. Student Asks TOUGH Questions About The Bible – In this video, Frank Turek is faced with a series of challenging questions regarding the Old Testament and the commandments of God therein. YouTube: https://youtu.be/MHx5tJE6F10?si=zNl25DFzJ9kRn2Dt
10. Yes, Bart Ehrman, Jesus is Yahweh: https://crossexamined.org/yes-bart-ehrman-jesus-is-yahweh/
11. Original animal protein fossils – I first learned about original soft tissue fossils from Creation magazine in 1997. What looked like red blood cells and blood vessels from inside Tyrannosaurus bone did not fit what I had been told about how fossils are millions of years old. I immediately understood that the fossil, and therefore the rock layer that held it, could be no older than thousands of years: https://creation.com/original-animal-protein-fossils
12. Is Polygamy Condoned In The Old Testament? –: https://tentmakingchristianity.com/is-polygamy-condoned-in-the-old-testament/
13. Is the Bible True? The Cumulative Case for the Reliability of the Gospels (Free Bible Insert) | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-the-bible-true-the-cumulative-case-for-the-reliability-of-the-gospels-free-bible-insert/
14. What If We Lost Every Copy of the New Testament?-An Invitation to Consider the Evidence… | Tim Challies: https://www.challies.com/sponsored/what-if-we-lost-every-copy-of-the-new-testament-an-invitation-to-consider-the-evidence/
15. Will Your Kids Faith Survive YouTube? – Jonathan Morrow: https://www.jonathanmorrow.org/29-will-your-kids-faith-survive-youtube/
16. The Christian Apologetics Mandate – Reasons to Believe: https://reasons.org/explore/blogs/reflections/the-christian-apologetics-mandate
17. What is the difference between Israel and Palestine? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/difference-Israel-Palestine.html
18. Can the Bible Be Reliable if It Had Human Authors?: https://www.str.org/w/can-the-bible-be-reliable-if-it-had-human-authors-
19. What Is Truth?: The Classic Collection with R.C. Sproul – YouTube: https://youtu.be/dCl66uRHmFI?si=SZzYv8bVwFA6bW8-
20. Can We Investigate the Universe Like A Crime Scene? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/can-we-investigate-the-universe-like-a-crime-scene/
21. 11 Reasons Most Biologists Accept Evolutionary Theory in Spite of the Evidence | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/10/11/11-reasons-most-biologists-accept-evolutionary-theory-in-spite-of-the-evidence-2/
22. Will God continue to forgive you if you commit the same sin over and over again? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/forgive-same-sin.html

If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.  1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (4-6-2023)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2600) from Nuggets:

Willing to appear openly to those who seek him with all their heart, and to be hidden from those who flee from him with all their heart, God so regulates the knowledge of himself that he has given indications of himself, which are visible to those who seek him and not to those who do not seek him. There is enough light for those to see who only desire to see, and enough obscurity for those who have a contrary disposition. – Blaise Pascal

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. If Jesus’ Resurrection Were A Hoax (The Babylon Bee – 5 minute video, great and hilarious!!!) – In an alternate universe, Peter, James, John, and the rest of the disciples get together to pull off the greatest hoax of all time. But does the plan have a flaw?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UNLLbOS3w
2. 3 More Logical Fallacies to Avoid (and How to Tell When Someone Else is Committing Them) Apologetics for the Church: https://apolotheo.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/3-more-logical-fallacies-to-avoid/
3. Internal Telomere-like Sequences Are Abundant and Functional | The Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/internal-telomere-like-sequences-are
4. 4 Reasons Why Christianity is True – Discover the Compelling Evidence – The reason why Christianity is true is because the answer to these 4 questions is, Yes.: https://notashamedofthegospel.com/apologetics/4-reasons-christianity-true/
5. Letters to a Mormon Elder (full book online), by Dr. James R. White. Nearly everyone likes to read someone else’s mail. James White allows us to look over his shoulder as he writes a series of friendly and penetrating letters addressed to a Mormon elder who might be any one of the many he has met. He draws upon hundreds of hours of discussions with Mormon missionaries and dedicated members of the Mormon Church encountered through his work with Alpha and Omega Ministries. We urge you to peek over James’ shoulder and follow the vital truths he presents.: http://www.novus2.com/alphamin/LETTERS/MAINPAGE.htm
6. Is God an Exalted Man? When I was meeting with Mormon missionaries, it was their view of God that was particularly grieving to me. I wanted them to know the God who is, was, and always would be God, who is not of the same species we are, who isn’t limited by a physical body, and who was always perfect, never sinned, and isn’t getting better (because such a thing wouldn’t be possible). But in this video by Aaron Shafovaloff, some Mormons explain why the very same LDS ideas about God that horrify me are actually encouraging to them. How can this be? The answer goes to the heart of the difference between the Mormon and Christian gospels.: https://www.str.org/w/is-god-an-exalted-man-#.W7Nmu2hKiUn
7. EPIC Debate on Sola Scriptura w/ Patrick Madrid & James White – YouTube: https://youtu.be/LlLlzDBHhhA
8. The False Doctrines of Bill Johnson Revisited Reasoned Cases For Christ: https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2022/06/18/the-false-doctrines-of-bill-johnson-revisited/
9. Which day is the Sabbath REALLY… Saturday or Sunday? – YouTube – Q&A with Frank Turek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaXQEKYOncM
10. Bringing Laughter to Everyday Life – Tim Hawkins – YouTube – this was VERY funny!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kng_FHPoTCo
11. Kirk Cameron: Hollywood Icon and a Child of God | Kirk Cameron on TBN – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k24uM-oJ3AA
12. How Can I Better Study a Bible Passage? Explanation of “Arcing” | Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-can-i-better-study-a-bible-passage
13. From the Movie God’s Not Dead… You got to see this explanation of the problem of Evil…: https://www.facebook.com/JJLEWIS01/videos/778899332122963/
14. Spirituality vs. Christianity – Creation Today – Are Religion, Christianity, and Spirituality all basically the same? If not, what’s the difference? Is there a pure form of Spirituality that can bring together all the religions of the world despite their differences? Or does the claim by Jesus Christ, I Am the Way make all other ways, including Spirituality, insufficient? Join Eric Hovind and a prior-devoted Hindu mystic and New Age philosopher, Atticus Carr for a thought-provoking discussion about the truth behind Spirituality and Christianity.: https://creationtoday.org/on-demand-classes/spirituality-vs-christianity/
15. What Does Gospel Really Mean? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/what-does-gospel-really-mean/
16. How to Receive Critical Feedback: https://www.str.org/w/how-to-receive-critical-feedback
17. Was religion invented to control people? | carm.org: https://carm.org/questions/was-religion-invented-to-control-people/
18. On the Origin of the Cosmos – An Interview with Dr. Michael Strauss – YouTube: https://youtu.be/I-5uyGaLYJM
19. Politics is becoming our new religion. God help us.: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2020/12/22/politics-becoming-our-new-religion-god-help-us-column/3926804001/
20. Should Christians Use the Argument from Martyrdom? A Reply to Bart Ehrman: https://crossexamined.org/should-christians-use-the-argument-from-martyrdom-a-reply-to-bart-ehrman/
21. Are Christian High School Students Really Ready for College?: https://crossexamined.org/are-christian-high-school-seniors-really-ready-for-college/
22. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of the mind? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/renewing-the-mind.html
23. Did Jesus appeal to evidence when reaching out to skeptics? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2018/09/23/did-jesus-appeal-to-evidence-when-reaching-out-to-skeptics-2/
24. How Should The Church Engage Those With Same-Sex Attraction Or Gender Dysphoria? | Cross Examined Official Podcast: https://crossexamined.org/how-should-the-church-engage-those-with-same-sex-attraction-or-gender-dysphoria/
25. How are we to live our lives in light of Christs return? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/live-lives-Christ-return.html
26. Atheism Doubles Among Generation Z – Barna Group: https://www.barna.com/research/atheism-doubles-among-generation-z/
27. That’s a Fact – The Fossil Record on Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/290548930
28. From Reliable to Divine: Fulfilled Prophecy in the Old Testament | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/from-reliable-to-divine-fulfilled-prophecy-in-the-old-testament/
29. Should Christians Get Involved With Politics Or Stay Out Of It? Straight Talk with Claudia K: https://straighttalkwithclaudiak.com/2018/10/23/should-christians-be-involved-with-politics-or-mind-our-own-business/
30. If a person’s best efforts to believe the Bible fail, do they still deserve to burn in hell?: http://www.provethebible.net/T2-Objec/G5-002.htm
31. Apologetics: An Alternative for the Next Generation – The Stream: https://stream.org/apologetics-alternative-next-generation/
32. Christians Face 2 Years in Prison for Evangelism in 8th India State to Pass ‘Anti-Conversion’ Law | World News: https://www.christianpost.com/news/8th-state-india-anti-conversion-law-christians-face-2-years-prison-for-evangelism-223463/
33. Let’s Stop Pretending Sex Is Merely A Private Act | Sean McDowell: https://seanmcdowell.org/blog/lets-stop-pretending-sex-is-merely-a-private-act
34. Why is Christianity true over and above all other religions? 1 Peter 4:12-16: https://wp.me/p4WCk1-kV
35. 4 Historical Facts that Prove Jesus Really Did Rise from the Dead – YouTube: https://youtu.be/RmKg62GDqF4
36. How Christian Case Making Impacts the Convinced, the Opposed, and the Undecided: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/how-christian-case-making-impacts-the-convinced-the-opposed-and-the-undecided/
37. Christian Nationalism and Christian Hope – Breakpoint: https://breakpoint.org/christian-nationalism-and-christian-hope/
38. Jesus Christ: Our Prophet, Priest, and King: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/jesus-christ-our-prophet-priest-and-king
39. Don’t All Religions Basically Say the Same Thing? – YouTube: https://youtu.be/bO_tmWPNf3w
40. I went on a date with a Christian woman who couldn’t defend the pro-life view | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2021/09/30/i-went-on-a-date-with-a-christian-woman-who-couldnt-defend-the-pro-life-view/
41. WLC Reacts! to Ricky Gervais on Why He Trusts Science – YouTube: https://youtu.be/R-j9FF3IbUQ
42. John Lennox Busts a Myth About Religion, Faith and Science Solas: https://www.solas-cpc.org/john-lennox-busts-a-myth-about-religion-faith-and-science/
43. Horrifying New Sex Ed Standards Mean You Need to Get Your Kids Out of Public School Now: https://www.westernjournal.com/horrifying-new-sex-ed-standards-mean-need-get-kids-public-school-now/
44. 3 Startling Truths about the Early Church from the Pre-New Testament Texts: https://crossexamined.org/3-startling-truths-early-church-pre-new-testament-texts/
45. Take Every Thought Captive – What 1 Corinthians 10:5 Means & How to Do It: https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/take-your-thoughts-captive-509888.html
46. Largest Canyons Were Formed by the Receding Flood | The Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/largest-canyons-were-formed-by-the-receding-flood/
47. Renewing Your Mind | Law of Causality | Mar 12, 2022: https://renewingyourmind.org/2022/03/12/law-of-causality

If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength! Proverbs 24:10

Blessings to you all

Scripture Memorization as a Spiritual Discipline

My quiet time with God occurs during my daily walk where I practice memory verses and meditate on them and pray through them.  If you have a similar Scripture memorization discipline, I wanted to share with you the software I wrote to assist me in this:

http://ps11911.com/bible-app/

You can easily sign up (no password or email required).  Just go to the above link and you will see a screen like this:

Just enter a user name (no spaces) and press “Remember me” checkbox and press “Login” button.

You can add your memory verses by viewing the chapter where the verse is contained:

Select book, chapter:

Then, chapter will be displayed and you can use the menu to add to memory verses:

Then select the verse (or verse range) that you would like to add:

Then, this is how you practice:

The tool also keeps track of your memory practice history.  For example, here is a sample from my memory practice history:

If you’re not memorizing Scripture, I believe you’re missing out on the benefits of an excellent spiritual discipline and I would highly recommend you start this.  I have attached my Scripture memory verse list which would give you a good list of verses/passages to select from.

memverses_03-30-2023Download

Note, the tool also does many other things, including:

1. Allows for a full bible text search
2. Includes a Bible reading plan with progress tracked
3. Allows you to store and search quotes

Let me know if you have any questions about it or problems with it.

Note – after you’ve established your account, if you clicked Remember me, it should log you in automatically.  If not, then just select your user name from the dropdown.

mid-week apologetics booster (3-30-2023)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2600) from Nuggets:

I converted from atheism to theism (specifically Christianity) because God sent two apologists and an evangelist into my life. Each one of the three men had different gifts and talents and used different apologetic methods, but they all had one important thing in common: they were responding to the Lord’s command to make disciples. – Mark McGee

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Kennedy Classics: The Spiritual Pulse of America – Dr. D. James Kennedy – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7ZxnjoHOXk
2. Christian Historian Bill Federer (Part 1) Faith of Founding Fathers – 8-18-14 – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1hOyDdM7yU
3. Does The Punishment Fit The Crime When It Comes To Hell? – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-zvdKF1kFU
4. When Making a Case for Christianity is Futile | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/when-making-a-case-for-christianity-is-futile/
5. Why Would Richard Dawkins Say That Aliens Created Life? – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDvaPzg32W8
6. Good Works Don’t Save. – YouTube – Ray Comfort shares with Jamie the claims of Jesus Christ. She turns out to be very open to the things of God.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7G2-FW-1C0
7. Dr. D. James Kennedy Sermons: Jesus Christ Myth or Messiah – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_z-taVoIlw
8. Case-Making 101: Christianity and Islam? Reasoned Cases For Christ: https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2017/09/02/case-making-101-christianity-and-islam/
9. Can Christians claim to have the One, True God?: https://crossexamined.org/can-christians-claim-to-have-the-one-true-god-2/
10. 7th Grader Argues The Case for Christianity – Blows the Doors Off Jesus Skeptics: https://faithit.com/7th-grader-makes-case-christianity/
11. Racism Is Incompatible With Christianity | Reasons for Jesus: https://reasonsforjesus.com/racism-is-incompatible-with-christianity/
12. The Debate on Apologetic Methodology Part 1 – Reasonable Faith – Dr. Craig listens to excerpts from a debate between a Classical and a Presuppositional apologist.: https://subsplash.com/reasonablefaith/media/mi/+fsrszlo
13. Why did the people in Genesis live such long lives? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Genesis-long-lives.html
14. The Quran, the Bible, and the Islamic Dilemma (David Wood) – YouTube – The Quran affirms the inspiration, preservation, and authority of the Christian scriptures (including the Torah and the Gospel). Yet the Quran contradicts the Christian scriptures on fundamental doctrines (e.g., Jesus’ death, resurrection, and deity). By affirming scriptures that contradict Islam, the Quran self-destructs. In this short video, David Wood (Acts 17 Apologetics) explains “The Islamic Dilemma.”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNAS0aaViM4
15. [J Warner Wallace] Getting to the Original Message through Multiple Copies with Errors – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNfp6M8kMDc
16. You MUST understand this…or else. Trinity with Lutheran Satire – St. Patrick’s Bad Analogies for the Trinity – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dADpSJan3Qc
17. The Dating of the New Testament – bethinking.org – When the New Testament was written is a significant issue, as one assembles the overall argument for Christianity. Confidence in the historical accuracy of these documents depends partly on whether they were written by eyewitnesses and contemporaries to the events described, as the Bible claims. Negative critical scholars strengthen their own views as they separate the actual events from the writings by as much time as possible.: https://www.bethinking.org/bible/the-dating-of-the-new-testament
18. Gospel Dates and Reliability – If we saw the text of a novel set in New York, and it straightforwardly mentioned the Twin Towers dominating the skyline, with no hint of their destruction by terrorists, it would be good evidence that it was written before 11 September 2001.: https://creation.com/gospel-dates-and-reliability
19. Why Parents Need to Become Good Christian Case Makers – YouTube – J. Warner Wallace speaks to Green Bay Community Church about the challenges facing young Christians when they enter college and how parents can help their students meet these challenges. Now is he time for parents to step up and prepare themselves so they can help their kids.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qxFlTY-2Pc
20. Racism countered by biblical creation: https://creation.com/racism-vs-biblical-creation
21. What do scientific studies show about the long-term effects of gender-affirming care? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/03/24/what-do-scientific-studies-show-about-the-long-term-effects-of-gender-affirming-care/
22. Why Are the Books of the Bible in the Order They’re In? | Crossway Articles: https://www.crossway.org/articles/why-are-the-books-of-the-bible-in-the-order-theyre-in/
23. High school football coach fired for praying with players rehired, awarded nearly $2 million – LifeSite: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/high-school-football-coach-fired-for-praying-with-players-rehired-awarded-nearly-2-million/
24. What a Biblical Worldview Looks Like: https://probe.org/what-a-biblical-worldview-looks-like/
25. Why Everyone Should Believe that the Gospels are Reliable – Capturing Christianity: https://capturingchristianity.com/why-everyone-should-believe-that-the-gospels-are-reliable/
26. What got me started on apologetics? William Lane Craig debate transcripts | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/03/26/what-got-me-started-on-apologetics-william-lane-craig-debate-transcripts-5/
27. Paper: Neo-Darwinism Must Mutate to Survive | Evolution News: https://evolutionnews.org/2023/03/peer-reviewed-paper-neo-darwinism-must-mutate-to-survive/
28. Answering Difficult Questions Non-Believers Ask – YouTube – message by Greg Laurie: https://youtu.be/GCwuOJt5gnM
29. Predestination: Do we have a choice? | Ep 132 – YouTube – Allie Beth Stuckey – look at the comments thread, great discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTU0yP3EH24
30. Evangelical Christian college fires professor for taking Biblical position on homosexuality | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/03/27/evangelical-christian-college-fires-professor-for-talking-biblical-position-on-homosexuality/
31. Scott Klusendorf discusses right to life, assisted reproduction, and end of life | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/03/29/scott-klusendorf-discusses-right-to-life-assisted-reproduction-and-end-of-life/
32. Explain the Gospel with simple preparation: https://www.evangelismcoach.org/you-want-me-to-explain-the-gospel/
33. What is the cost of discipleship? | Outline Notes on the Cost of Discipleship: https://carm.org/christianity/what-is-the-cost-of-discipleship/
34. How Apologetics Builds a Tougher Faith | A Well-Designed Faith: http://welldesignedfaith.net/2017/12/05/how-apologetics-builds-a-tougher-faith/
35. Movies – Award-winning. Inspiring. Convicting. Free. | Living Waters: https://livingwaters.com/movies/
36. Why Claiming Belief is a Psychological Crutch Backfires: https://apologetics-notes.comereason.org/2015/09/why-claiming-belief-is-psychological.html
37. A Beginners Guide to the Argument from Rationality: https://www.solas-cpc.org/a-beginners-guide-to-the-argument-from-rationality/
38. Mormonism Disproved – Book of Abraham: http://www.mormonismdisproved.org/book_abraham.html
39. How Can Jesus Be the Only Way? – YouTube: https://youtu.be/RRyq6RwzlEM

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (3-16-2023)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2500) from Nuggets:

Why does hell have to last forever? Biblical teaching does not allow for the two responses of annihilationism and universalism, which both run into conceptual difficulties. So if hell is forever (as Jesus taught), then why? How can someone sinning in a finite lifetime earn an eternity in hell? The punishment doesn’t seem to fit the crime. Two reasonable explanations have been offered. First, people continue to sin in hell. Their rebellion has not ceased; they still don’t want God and thus incur further punishment. Or second, their rebellion against an infinite God warrants an eternal debt to be paid. – Is God Just a Human Invention and 17 Other Questions Raised by the New Atheists

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. American Church History in 5 Movements | Ligonier Ministries: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/american-church-history-in-5-movements
2. What Should I Say to Someone Who Claims to Be a Christian but Doesn’t Live Like It? – Stand to Reason: https://subsplash.com/standtoreason/media/mi/+twycvs4
3. Study Finds 61% Of Christians Believe New Age Ideas | Reasons for Jesus: https://reasonsforjesus.com/study-finds-61-of-christians-believe-new-age-ideas/
4. Grounds for Belief in Biblical Inspiration | Reasonable Faith: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/grounds-for-belief-in-biblical-inspiration
5. Reasoned Musings: Animal Rights, Veganism & Abortion (Considering Abortion From The Perspective Of Veganism And Animal Rights): http://rajkumarrichard.blogspot.com/2019/02/animal-rights-veganism-abortion.html
6. The Dangers of “Jesus Calling” with Doreen Virtue – YouTube – On today’s Equipping You in Grace show, Dave and Doreen consider Sarah Young’s Jesus calling, how it contradicts the Bible, and the dangerous teaching in it, along with discussing the dangers of self-love and self-help books, the difference between false judgment and judging rightly according to Scripture, and why Christians need to be on guard against false teaching, What you’ll hear in this episode How Jesus Calling contradicts the Bible. The dangers of automatic writing. Why we as Christians need to be on guard against false teaching. The difference between false judgment and judging rightly according to Scripture. The danger of lawless living. The nature and purpose of putting our sin to death. The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. The danger of self-love and self-help.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Whije9sbjg
7. Biblical worldview ‘much closer to extinction’ after Covid-19 lockdowns – survey: https://www.christiantoday.com/article/biblical.worldview.much.closer.to.extinction.after.covid.19.lockdowns.survey/139919.htm
8. Chinese worshipers must register online for prayer meetings – UCA News: https://www.ucanews.com/news/chinese-worshipers-must-register-online-for-prayer-meetings/100588
9. 4 Things to Tell Parents of LGBTQ Kids – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzF2Xju-s4Y
10. John MacArthur on the Asbury Revival! | Shepherd’s Conference 2023 – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA95hM0mlo0
11. Stephen C. Meyer lectures on intelligent design and the origin of life | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2022/04/23/stephen-c-meyer-lectures-on-intelligent-design-and-the-origin-of-life-11/
12. Book Review: Human Freedom, Divine Knowledge, and Mere Molinism by Timothy Stratton Apologetics315: https://apologetics315.com/2021/04/book-review-human-freedom-divine-knowledge-and-mere-molinism-by-timothy-stratton/
13. Why Christians Must Continue to Guard the Truth of the Gospel | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-christians-must-continue-to-guard-the-truth-of-the-gospel/
14. What Is the Role of Apologetics In Evangelism? – YouTube: https://youtu.be/7umMcyW1R2I
15. Am I unloving for not affirming same sex behavior? – YouTube: https://youtu.be/438wl_11aJ0
16. Is Your Modern Translation Corrupt? – Christian Research Institute: https://www.equip.org/articles/is-your-modern-translation-corrupt/
17. The Challenge of Complex Adaptation for Evolution – YouTube: https://youtu.be/6_OTy4fYSwY
18. Is getting drunk a sin? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/is-getting-drunk-a-sin.html
19. Dennis Prager on Evolution: Stephen Meyer Turned Me Around | Evolution News: https://evolutionnews.org/2018/10/dennis-prager-on-evolution-stephen-meyer-turned-me-around/
20. Reasonable Answers for Honest Skeptics: I Don’t Believe in the Bible – YouTube: https://youtu.be/JEjO_rmZN00
21. A Proof of God from Reason: http://mannsword.blogspot.com/2017/11/a-proof-of-god-from-reason.html?m=1
22. Why Jesus? Part 1 – Greg Koukl focuses on Gods Rescuer – who He was and what He came to do – and answer the question, Why Jesus?: https://www.str.org/w/why-jesus-part-1
23. Has the Bible been corrupted, altered, edited, revised, or tampered with? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-corrupted.html
24. Witnessing to Hindus – what is the key? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/witnessing-Hindus.html
25. Michael Egnor: The Evidence against Materialism – Science Uprising Expert Interviews – YouTube: https://youtu.be/BqHrpBPdtSI
26. Transubstantiation: What Catholicism Teaches About the Supper | Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/transubstantiation
27. Isn’t the Christian View of Sexuality Dangerous and Harmful?: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/isnt-the-christian-view-of-sexuality-dangerous-and-harmful/
28. The Top 3 Apologetics Books Christian Philosophers Say You Should Read – Capturing Christianity: https://capturingchristianity.com/top-3-apologetics-books-christian-philosophers-say-read/
29. Apologetics Leads to a Resilient Faith | A Well-Designed Faith: http://welldesignedfaith.net/2019/05/21/apologetics-leads-to-a-resilient-faith/
30. Taking Jesus to Work – Christian Research Institute. – challenges to effective evangelism reflect the realities of the world in which we live – a world that is descending rapidly into a post-Christian morass. The earliest evangelists interacted with people who believed in the supernatural, who were all conscious of divine judgment, and who believed that the world had once been better than it now is. In 1946, C. S. Lewis observed that those whom we aim to evangelize share none of these predispositions.3 Today the situation is more pronounced. Many believe that only progress can make a better world and that the problems we have now can be rightfully attributed to religion in general, or Christianity in particular. That is the bad news. The good news is that the gospel reflects ultimate reality and promises a different ending.: https://www.equip.org/articles/taking-jesus-work/
31. California county used cell phone tracking, stakeouts to monitor churchgoers during COVID lockdown: report: https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/california-county-used-cell-phone-tracking-stakeouts-to-monitor-churchgoers-during-covid-lockdown-report/
32. Court rules against NY worker fired for refusing LGBTQ training: https://nypost.com/2023/03/15/court-rules-against-worker-who-was-fired-for-refusing-lgbtq-training/
33. (Video) Why I (Jillian) Quit Kundalini Yoga and Gave My Life to Jesus PatriotandLiberty: https://patriotandliberty.com/video-why-i-jillian-quit-kundalini-yoga-and-gave-my-life-to-jesus/

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalms 37:7

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (2-16-2023)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2500) from Nuggets:

Of course it is self-defeating for Ehrman at once to say we do not have the original words, and then to claim that the copies we have are incorrect or ridden with errors. How does he know any copies are incorrect if he doesn’t have the original by which to make a comparison? In fact, the only way he could judge that any copies were copied incorrectly, is if he assumes that the original is preserved in the copies, which he then uses as a standard of measure by which to measure specific instances of variation. – Thomas A. Howe, Ph.D., Professor of Bible and Biblical Languages, Southern Evangelical Seminary, 2006

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Voddie Baucham addresses the question Jesus never addressed homosexuality in the Bible. – nails it: https://twitter.com/i/status/1623375167207641088
2. Leading gender dysphoria expert says 80% of children grow out of gender confusion | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/02/09/leading-gender-dysphoria-expert-says-80-of-children-grow-out-of-gender-confusion/
3. New Testament Gods word – The NT authors understood that they were passing on the authoritative apostolic tradition.: https://creation.com/new-testament-gods-word
4. Tim Keller – We are pleased to announce the launch of a major new TGC initiative: The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. Inspired by the legacy of TGC co-founder Timothy Keller, The Keller Center will raise up and support a new generation of bold evangelists and effective apologists who will communicate the unchanging gospel for a changing world.: https://www.facebook.com/reel/751633359975347
5. Threat Alert: ISIS Calls for Muslims to Attack Christians Around the World, Especially in Europe PatriotandLiberty: https://patriotandliberty.com/threat-alert-isis-calls-for-muslims-to-attack-christians-around-the-world-especially-in-europe/
6. The long-awaited James Webb Space Telescope – Will the new space telescope find ET life?: https://creation.com/space-telescope-et
7. Only 28% of Gen Z attends church at least once a month: survey | U.S. News: https://www.christianpost.com/news/only-28-of-gen-z-attends-church-at-least-once-a-month-survey.html
8. What are Falun Gong and Shen Yun? Of course, we also oppose both atheism and belief in molecules-to-man evolution. But there is a wide gulf between the beliefs of this revived Eastern religion, and Christianity, which we should be aware of. If you have the opportunity and desire to see Shen Yun, then be cautious and mindful that you will be exposed to the carefully-organised promotion of a non-Christian Eastern mystical religion.: https://creation.com/falun-gong-shen-yun
9. Most Americans think cohabitation leads to a stable marriage, but what does the data say? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2023/02/13/most-americans-think-cohabitation-leads-to-a-stable-marriage-but-what-does-the-data-say-3/

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. Psalms 41:1

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (9-22-2022)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2300) from Nuggets:

What kinds of conclusions would people draw about our Lord after watching us closely for a week, a month, a year? – Marshall Segal

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Transubstantiation: What Catholicism Teaches About the Supper | Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/transubstantiation
2. Is it wrong for a Christian girl/woman to be a tomboy? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-girl-tomboy.html
3. How the presence and quality of fathers affects belief in God | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2022/09/18/how-the-presence-and-quality-of-fathers-affects-belief-in-god-7/
4. Do More Than Keep Your Cool in Todays Heated Topics (Dr. Sean McDowell): https://think-well.org/2022/09/19/do-more-than-keep-your-cool-in-todays-heated-topics-dr-sean-mcdowell/
5. June 2020 The Cross Newsletter Concerned Christians: https://concernedchristians.com/june-2020-the-cross-newsletter/
6. A Look at Jesus View of Scripture THINKAPOLOGETICS.COM: https://chab123.wordpress.com/2017/07/26/a-look-at-jesus-view-of-scripture/
7. New study: rising oxygen levels rejected as explanation of Cambrian explosion | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2017/07/28/new-study-rising-oxygen-levels-rejected-as-explanation-of-cambrian-explosion-2/
8. Why I Know the Story of Jesus Wasn’t Changed Over Time | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-i-know-the-story-of-jesus-wasnt-changed-over-time/
9. Is the Bible Reliable? Many see the Bible as irrelevant. They may commend it as literature or denounce it as folklore, but it’s merely one old text among many. This detail-rich series presents the powerful authority of Scripture. John MacArthur delves into the Bibles composition it’s inspiration and inerrancy and how science, history, and archaeology back its claim to be the Word of God. Gain confident answers to the question Is the Bible Reliable? and see why you can put complete trust in it.: https://www.gty.org/library/topical-series-library/65/is-the-bible-reliable
10. Is the Bible Reliable? | Explore God Article – Christians believe the Bible speaks truth about God. But is the Bible reliable?: https://www.exploregod.com/articles/is-the-bible-reliable
11. Christianity: Its Either Objectively True or Objectively False – Lately, I’ve begun to realize just how much relativism is ingrained in our culture, particularly when it comes to religion. In conversations with people about Christianity, I’ve found that sometimes I am literally unable to communicate the idea that I’m claiming Christianity is an objectively true description of reality. Unfortunately, I’ve even had a conversation or two like this with Christians.: https://www.str.org/w/christianity-it-s-either-objectively-true-or-objectively-false#.WXz68Xqp7qC
12. Refuting Evolution 2 chapter 11: Argument: Evolution of sex – creation.com – Evolutionists say, One of the so-called problems of evolution sexuality can easily be explained: https://creation.com/refuting-evolution-2-chapter-11-argument-evolution-of-sex
13. Supposed Bible Contradictions: Scripture Index | Answers in Genesis: https://answersingenesis.org/contradictions-in-the-bible/scripture-index/
14. Hell on Trial by John Blanchard (Ligonier) – The idea that untold billions of human beings, including many who would have seemed decent, law-abiding citizens, will spend eternity exposed to God’s unrelenting anger, is simply unacceptable to many people.: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/hell-trial
15. FACE the Facts about Evolution | Christian Research Institute: https://www.equip.org/articles/face-the-facts-about-evolution/
16. Please Don’t Tell Your Kids to Believe in God Just in Case He Exists: https://crossexamined.org/please-dont-tell-your-kids-to-believe-in-god-just-in-case-he-exists/
17. Did Jesus Rise From The Dead? – Stand to Reason – This talk was given at Praise Church (praisechurch.tv) in Beaumont, TX. Tim Barnett looks at some of the reasons why he believes Jesus resurrection is the best explanation of the historical evidence.: https://subsplash.com/standtoreason/media/mi/+mzeycxu
18. World Famous Atheist Illusionist, Andre Kole, Tried to Debunk Jesus & Converted Instead | Reasons for Jesus: https://reasonsforjesus.com/world-famous-atheist-illusionist-andre-kole-tried-to-debunk-jesus-converted-instead/
19. Zeitgeist Debunked: Jesus Is Not A Copy Of Pagan Gods | Reasons for Jesus: https://reasonsforjesus.com/zeitgeist-debunked-jesus-is-not-a-copy-of-pagan-gods/
20. Dilbert Comic Strip on 1993-05-30 – on free will and the brain: https://dilbert.com/strip/1993-05-30
21. So Many Religions–What Do We Do? – Tim Barnett – YouTube – In this short TED-style talk, Tim Barnett tackles the question, “So Many Religions What Do We Do?” This talk took place at the youth event, Big Deal Questions. : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSb2ae_mPaE
22. The Attitude of Apologetics – Ligonier.org – When people first hear the word apologetics, they typically think of our modern use of the word apology. They often conclude that the task of apologetics is apologizing for the Christian faith as if to say we are sorry for our faith. However, the word apologetics derives from the Greek word apologia, which means to give an answer or to make a defense. Apologetics is not an apology, it’s an answer – a defense of what we believe.: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/attitude-apologetics
23. Is the probability of getting a universe that supports complex life 100%? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2015/06/16/is-the-probability-of-getting-a-universe-that-supports-complex-life-100/
24. Why are Atheists Generally Smarter Than Religious People? – The Stream: https://stream.org/atheists-generally-smarter-religious-people/
25. Two More Ways Learning to Defend Your Faith Benefits You | Come Reason’s Apologetics Notes: https://apologetics-notes.comereason.org/2014/09/two-more-ways-learning-to-defend-your.html
26. When Youth Pastors Ought to Feel Responsible | Cold Case Christianity – As youth pastors, we aren’t responsible for some of the poor choices our students will make. But we are responsible for teaching them the complete and robust truth about the Christian worldview.: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/when-youth-pastors-ought-to-feel-responsible/
27. Communicating Biblical Worldview to Millennials and iGens: Taste and See Apologetics – drcone.com: https://drcone.com/2017/04/20/communicating-biblical-worldview-millennials-igens-taste-see-apologetics/
28. Should we expect to know what God’s reason is for allowing evil and suffering? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2016/12/11/should-we-expect-to-know-what-gods-reason-is-for-allowing-evil-and-suffering/
29. 4 Ways to become a better listener and a better Apologist: https://crossexamined.org/4-ways-become-better-listener-better-apologist/
30. How To Better Apply Apologetics When Talking to Non-Believers – YouTube – How can we efficiently use apologetics to reach the end goal? : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iArt_fe-EmM
31. Scientists associated with the Institute for Creation Research have finished an eight-year research project known as RATE, or Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth. For over a hundred years, evolutionists have insisted that the earth is billions of years old, and have arrogantly dismissed any views contrary to this belief. However, the team of seven creation scientists have discovered incredible physical evidence that supports what the Bible says about the young age of the earth. Learn about their discoveries and explore the scientific evidence that supports biblical truth here!: https://www.icr.org/rate
32. Stunning Protein Fossils Confirm the Flood | The Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/9940
33. 8 False Assumptions about Christianity | Cccdiscover: https://cccdiscover.com/8-false-assumptions-about-christianity/
34. Case-Making 101: Why Do Christians Need To Understand and Practice Apologetics? Truth, Faith and Reason: http://truthfaithandreason.com/case-making-101-why-do-christians-need-to-understand-and-practice-apologetics/
35. Notecard Answers for Why I Believe the Bible: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/notecard-answers-to-why-i-believe-the-bible/
36. Four Ways the Earth Is Fine-Tuned for Life | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/four-ways-the-earth-is-fine-tuned-for-life/
37. How does God relate to time? – creation.com – God exists without beginning or end; that much the Bible is clear on. But what does that mean about the nature of time and how God relates to it? Is He essentially timeless? Must He be in time? Or can God choose between being timeless and in time?: https://creation.com/god-and-time
38. 5 apologetics arguments Christians should avoid | Premier Christianity: https://www.premierchristianity.com/home/5-apologetics-arguments-christians-should-avoid/2615.article
39. Christianity is rejected because of dislike rather than rational reasons | Real Life Apologetics: https://reallifeapologetics.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/is-the-rejection-of-christianity-an-emotional-or-a-rational-decision/
40. Stop Using the Term Fetus | Cold Case Christianity – Language is important. When we allow the debate to embrace terms that objectify and dehumanize the unborn, we give ground unnecessarily to those who would deny the humanity of fetal humans. That’s why I’m doing my best to stop using the term fetus.: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/stop-using-the-term-fetus/
41. What does it mean to not be ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/not-ashamed-Gospel.html
42. Ten quick responses to atheist claims – You don’t have to read hundreds of books before you can discuss your faith with an atheist. Sometimes claims and questions that are just short soundbites can be answered just as quickly. At the London Evangelists’ Conference, Professor John Lennox offered some quick responses to some common claims from atheists.: https://www.christiantoday.com/article/ten.quick.responses.to.atheist.claims/41439.htm
43. Don’t All Religions Basically Say the Same Thing? – YouTube – Alisa Childers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO_tmWPNf3w
44. Let’s Make Jesus Less … Offensive! (Satire) – The Stream: https://stream.org/make-jesus-less-offensive/
45. The Absence Of A Papacy In Early Responses To Christianity – Men like Aristides and Tertullian wrote apologies in which they responded to objections to Christianity and anticipated potential objections. They address the deity of Jesus, his virgin birth, his resurrection, the second coming, the inspiration of scripture, how to interpret various passages of scripture, Christian moral standards, the apostles, Christian teachers, the nature of the church, and many other topics. But they say nothing of a papacy, to explain it, defend it, anticipate objections to it, or anything else.: http://triablogue.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-absence-of-papacy-in-early.html
46. Does James 1:5 teach about praying for a testimony? Mormonism Research Ministry: https://www.mrm.org/james-15-testimony
47. Cartoon Explaining Jehovah’s Witnesses – YouTube – This video is for the education of the saints. Jesus rules in Heaven and still exists as the Son of God and not as a created archangel. Jesus Christ always existed and was not created because He and the Father are one and God is eternal (has no beginning and no end): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVDPQq9EGtk
48. Code Of Ethics for SQLite database.  As a software developer, I use this database technology (SQLite) quite frequently.  According to the about page, “SQLite is the most widely deployed database in the world”.  I know this doesn’t seem like apologetics, but I like to take note when I see some distinctly Christian content in a secular context (look at #3 “The Rule“) – this is a set of rules, distinctly Christian that the SQLite founder strongly believes that one should live by: https://www.sqlite.org/codeofethics.html

“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse –the whole nation of you–because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit, ” says the LORD Almighty. Malachi 3:8-11

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (4-7-2022)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 2200) from Nuggets:

Pastors will need to play a role in shoring up those they are called to shepherd. But there is another group that can help take some of the weight off our already overly burdened ministers: lay apologists. Lay apologists are Christians not already in full-time or paid ministry, but have the interest and equipping to carry out the task of apologetics. As a former lay apologist myself, I know how capable they are of carrying out this task. Unfortunately, too many of them are wasting their talents in endless debates with internet-based atheists. If you’re a lay apologist, I hope you’ll heed this call: This church needs your skills and training. – Joe Carter (from, New Age Beliefs Are Common in America and in Our Churches)

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/bible-app/browseQuotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. Jesus Is the Only Cure – People will go to hell not because they merely had a theological point wrong, but because they had a real disease (sin) and never got the only effective cure.: https://www.str.org/w/jesus-is-the-only-cure
2. Jesus: The Antidote – Jesus is an antidote to a deadly disease. Some people have the symptoms of the disease more obviously or in a greater manner than others. But everybody is sick.: https://www.str.org/w/jesus-the-antidote
3. Are You Telling Me I’m Going to Hell Because I Don’t Believe in Jesus? | Thinking to Believe: https://thinkingtobelieve.com/2006/04/12/are-you-telling-me-im-going-to-hell-because-i-dont-believe-in-jesus/
4. A Ten Minute Witness – bethinking.org – I had a conversation today that I wish you could have eavesdropped on. It was that precious. I was preparing for the show about an hour ago at my home and I heard a knock at the door.: https://www.bethinking.org/apologetics/a-ten-minute-witness
5. Persuasion the Centre Piece of Effective Evangelism – bethinking.org – Persuasion is a pivotal word in understanding evangelism, but it has for a long time been overlooked. I have been to countless training sessions and read numerous books on evangelism, where neither the word nor even the idea have been mentioned at all. Even a Dictionary of Apologetics and an Encyclopedia of Apologetics on my shelves do not have entries under the P word. Yet, if you take persuasion out of evangelism, you are left with unpersuasive evangelism.: https://www.bethinking.org/apologetics/persuasion-the-centre-piece-of-effective-evangelism
6. New video series on intelligent design starts off discussing the Cambrian explosion | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2022/03/31/new-video-series-on-intelligent-design-starts-off-discussing-the-cambrian-explosion/
7. What if your science class contradicts the Bible? – YouTube – What if something you learn in science class seems to totally contradict something you read in the Bible? Does that mean either your professor or pastor can’t be trusted? Or is it better to separate the scientific data from our Biblical beliefs? So many questions! In this video, Frank breaks it all down and explains how we can believe both science and the Bible to be true.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjcQeBYmbhY
8. How Free Grace Theology Diminishes the Gospel – We can’t preach the full gospel without preaching repentance.: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/free-grace-theology/
9. What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple? | GotQuestions.org: https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-disciple.html
10. Disney Executives Admit: Of Course We’re Grooming Your Children: https://thefederalist.com/2022/03/30/disney-executives-admit-of-course-were-grooming-your-children/
11. What should parents think about Disney’s position on grooming children for sex? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2022/04/03/what-should-parents-think-about-disneys-position-on-grooming-children-for-sex/
12. What does it mean to take up your cross daily? Luke 9:23 commentary: https://activechristianity.org/what-does-it-mean-to-take-up-your-cross-daily
13. When Debating Biblical Inspiration, Let God Do the Heavy Lifting. A woman I once spoke with expressed frustration with a friend who had dismissed the Bible as only written by men. Her insistence that the words were inspired by God was no help. Instead, it led to a fruitless cycle: The Bible is God’s Word.  But it was just written by men. But God inspired those men. But men make mistakes. Round and round they went, going nowhere. Maybe you’ve encountered this problem, too. Here’s one way you might respond: Give specific reasons why it’s reasonable to believe the Bible is a supernatural book of divine authorship and not merely the musings of men.: https://www.str.org/w/when-debating-biblical-inspiration-let-god-do-the-heavy-lifting
14. Can We Trust the Bible? Brett Kunkle – Classically, Christians have defended their view of God not with mere appeals to subjective experience but from what they take to be Gods voice recorded in the Bible. Do Christians have good reason to think God has spoken through the Bible? Yes. Not only do we have overwhelming evidence the Bible has been reliably passed down for almost 2,000 years, but there is good reason to think it is covered with divine fingerprints.: https://www.str.org/w/can-we-trust-the-bible-
15. Can a Person Be Saved through General Revelation? Greg and Amy consider examples of salvation from the Old Testament next to what Paul writes about general revelation and salvation in Romans. (clip from the #STRAsk podcast – 12 min): https://www.str.org/w/can-a-person-be-saved-through-general-revelation-1
16. Has God Spoken? Evidence For The Bible pt1 – (Bible Thinker) – How could you prove that God has communicated to us? What would be a reasonable way to show that God has spoken? This video answers that question and deals with false prophecies in preparation for the next video in this series, where we will begin to look at fulfilled prophecy in the Bible as proof that God has spoken.: https://biblethinker.org/has-god-spoken-evidence-for-the-bible-pt1/
17. Building A Solid Christian Worldview – Focus on the Family – Greg Koukl helps listeners discover, develop, and nurture a Christian worldview by examining the story of the Bible. Based on his book The Story of Reality , Greg Koukl offers believers a glimpse of the bigger picture, along with their role in the overarching Christian Story.: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/building-a-solid-christian-worldview/
18. Sing a Little Louder – Pro-life Version on Vimeo – This well-done, 10-minute video makes a powerful pro-life point.: https://vimeo.com/144427221?embedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=45362802&fbclid=IwAR3H83oV8Dgfb0LNairYM-m6iVx989oo1Aw6tbfzuvkFLwtus7OOZgDaOzA
19. Kirk Cameron is joined by Greg Koukl and Allie Beth Stuckey to discuss the importance of discerning truth.: https://watch.tbn.org/videos/hd-kct0017?fbclid=IwAR10A5UVDgdThbMYp-UkCsO295nEIj9xKYxLxdUtlrZNulXSZIK1PeV2Xu4
20. How to Have a Conversation: Engaging Controversial Topics – YouTube – You’re in a conversation with a coworker and they’re pretty vocal about a controversial topic. You want to say something, but you’re having a hard time gathering the confidence to respond. What would you say? Questions are a risk-free way to engage in a conversation, giving you latitude, liberty and effectiveness, without assuming too much responsibility. They can be used to engage a close friend or a complete stranger. The next time you’re in a conversation and don’t know how to proceed. Here are three things to remember: First, don’t immediately try to answer the challenge or run from it. Second, gather Intel about the challenge. Third, always ask for clarification with some form of this question: What do you mean by that?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJSG6BOWiEI
21. How to Have a Conversation: Difficult Circumstances – YouTube – You’re in a conversation and someone keeps interrupting you or you’re in a conversation and someone complains it’s bigoted to think that Jesus is the only way to God or you’re in a conversation, and someone says, You’re a Christian because you live in America. If you lived in Iran, you’d be a Muslim. What would you say? Here’s some other tips to help you handle difficult circumstances you may run into as a follower of Christ. Number one: When someone keeps interrupting you, stop them gently and ask for equal time. Number two: When someone raises an issue that Jesus himself has spoken about, enlist him as your ally. Number three: When someone challenges Christianity based on something about you, ask So what? : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64dZhJGmBgg
22. Does Science Argue for or against God? – YouTube – Why are we here? Literally. The latest science says we shouldn’t be. It says that the chance life exists at all is less than zero. So, is science the greatest threat to the idea of Intelligent Design or is science its greatest advocate? Best-selling author and lecturer, Eric Metaxas, poses this intriguing question and comes up with a very unexpected and challenging answer.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjGPHF5A6Po
23. Does God Exist? 4 New Arguments – YouTube – Science tells us that the universe came into being via The Big Bang. But how do you get from energy and matter to a self-aware human being? That takes three additional Big Bangs that science can’t explain. Noted theologian, Frank Pastore, unravels this compelling mystery and, in the process, poses the ultimate question that every thinking person must face.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIorXcloIac
24. God and Suffering – YouTube – Isn’t human suffering proof that a just, all-powerful God must not exist? On the contrary, says Boston College Professor of Philosophy Peter Kreeft. How can “suffering” exist without an objective standard against which to judge it? Absent a standard, there is no justice. If there is no justice, there is no injustice. And if there is no injustice, there is no suffering. On the other hand, if justice exists, God exists. In five minutes, learn more.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNtz5wgnopQ
25. Suffering and Evil: The Logical Problem – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k64YJYBUFLM
26. Why does God let people suffer? Why is there so much evil in the world? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2022/04/05/why-does-god-let-people-suffer-why-is-there-so-much-evil-in-the-world-7/
27. How To Raise Kids When Leaving Public Schools Is Not An Easy Option: https://thefederalist.com/2022/04/06/how-to-raise-sane-kids-when-leaving-public-schools-is-not-an-easy-option/
28. Cambrian Explosion: More Woes and Dodges | Evolution News: https://evolutionnews.org/2022/03/cambrian-explosion-more-woes-and-dodges/
29. Monthly Report April 2022 – William Lane Craig: https://pages.e2ma.net/pages/1787618/34807?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=READ%20MORE&utm_campaign=April%20MR%20-%202022

For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21

Blessings to you all

JC Ryle – The Great Separation!

What a powerful piece this is…

The Great Separation!

J.C. Ryle, 1878

“His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly cleanse His threshing floor. He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!” Matthew 3:12

Wheat or chaff? You see my question — for whom do you think it is meant? Is it for corn merchants and farmers only, and for none else? If you think so, then you are much mistaken. It is meant for every man, woman, and child in the world. And among others, it is meant for you.

The question is drawn from the verse of Scripture which is now before your eyes. The words of that verse were spoken by John the Baptist. They are a prophecy about our Lord Jesus Christ, and a prophecy which has not yet been fulfilled. They are a prophecy which we shall all see fulfilled one day, and God alone knows how soon.

Reader, I invite you this day to consider the great truths which this verse contains. I invite you to listen to me, while I unfold them and set them before you in order. Who knows but this text may prove a word in season to your soul! Who knows but my question may help to make this day the happiest day in your life! Listen, before you begin once more your appointed path of duty. Listen, before you start once more on some round of business. Listen, before you plunge once more into some course of useless idleness and folly. Listen to one who loves your soul, and would sincerely help to save it, or draw it nearer to Christ. Who knows what a day may bring forth! Who can tell whether you will live to see tomorrow! Be still, and listen to me a few minutes, while I show you something out of the Word of God.

I. Let me show you in the first place, the two great classes into which the world may be divided.

There are only two classes of people in the world, in the sight of God — and both are mentioned in the text which begins this tract. There are those who are called the wheat — and there are those who are called the chaff.

Viewed with the eye of man, the earth contains many different sorts of inhabitants. Viewed with the eye of God, it only contains two. Man’s eye looks at the outward appearance — this is all he thinks of. The eye of God looks at the heart — this is the only part of which He takes any account. And tried by the state of their hearts, there are but two classes into which people can be divided — either they are wheat, or they are chaff.

Reader, who are the WHEAT in the world? Listen to me, and I will tell you.

The wheat means all men and women who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ — all who are led by the Holy Spirit — all who have felt themselves sinners, and fled for refuge to the salvation offered in the Gospel — all who love the Lord Jesus, and live to the Lord Jesus, and serve the Lord Jesus — all who have taken Christ for their only confidence, and the Bible for their only guide, and regard sin as their deadliest enemy, and look to Heaven as their only home. All such, of every church, name, nation, people, and tongue — of every rank, station, condition, and degree — all such are God’s wheat!

Show me men of this kind of people anywhere, and I know what they are. I know that they and I may not agree in all particulars — but I see in them the handiwork of the King of kings, and I ask no more. I know not whence they came, and where they found their religion — but I know where they are going, and that is enough for me. They are the children of my Father in Heaven. They are part of His wheat.

All such, though sinful, and vile, and unworthy in their own eyes — are the precious part of mankind. They are the sons and daughters of God the Father. They are the delight of God the Son. They are the habitation of God the Spirit. The Father beholds no iniquity in them — they are the members of His dear Son’s body — in Him He sees them — and is well pleased. The Lord Jesus discerns in them, the fruit of His own travail and work upon the cross — and is well satisfied. The Holy Spirit regards them as spiritual temples which He Himself has raised — and rejoices over them. In a word, they are the wheat of the earth — God’s wheat.

Reader, who are the CHAFF in the world? Listen to me once more, and I will tell you this also.

The chaff means all men and women who have no saving faith in Christ, and no sanctification of the Spirit — whoever they may be. Some of them perhaps are infidels — and some are formal Christians. Some are sneering Sadducees — and some self-righteous Pharisees. Some of them make a point of keeping up a kind of ‘Sunday religion’ — and others are utterly careless of everything except their own pleasure and the world. But all alike, who have the two great marks already mentioned — no faith and no sanctification — all such are chaff. From the atheists Paine and Voltaire — to the formal churchman who can think of nothing but outward ceremonies — to the unconverted admirer of sermons in the present day — all, all are standing in one rank before God all, all are chaff!

They bring no glory to God the Father. They honor not the Son, and so do not honor the Father who sent Him. They neglect that mighty salvation, which countless millions of angels admire. They disobey that Word which was graciously written for their learning. They listen not to the voice of Him who condescended to leave Heaven and die for their sins. They pay no tribute of service and affection to Him who gave them life, and breath, and all things. And therefore God takes no pleasure in them. He pities them — but He reckons them no better than chaff!

Yes — you may have rare intellectual gifts, and high mental attainments — you may sway kingdoms by your counsel, move millions by your pen, or keep crowds in breathless attention by your tongue — but if you have never submitted yourself to the yoke of Christ, and never honored His Gospel by heartfelt reception of it — then you are nothing but chaff in His sight. Natural gifts without saving grace, are like a row of ciphers without an unit before them; they look big — but they are of no value. The vilest insect that crawls in the filth — is a nobler being than you are! It fills its place in creation, and glorifies its Maker with all its power — and you do not. You do not honor God with heart, and will, and intellect, and members, which are all His. You invert His order and arrangement, and live as if time was of more importance than eternity, and body better than soul. You dare to neglect God’s greatest gift — His own incarnate Son. You are cold about that subject which fills all Heaven with hallelujahs. And so long as this is the case, you belong to the worthless part of mankind. You are the chaff of the earth.

Reader, let this thought be deeply engraved in your mind, whatever else you forget in this volume. Remember there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are wheat — and there are chaff.

There are many nations in Europe. Each differs from the rest. Each has its own language, its own laws, its own peculiar customs. But God’s eye divides Europe into two great parties — the wheat and the chaff.

There are many classes in England. There are nobles and commoners — farmers and shopkeepers — masters and servants — rich and poor. But God’s eye only takes account of two orders — the wheat and the chaff.

There are many and various minds in every congregation that meets for religious worship. There are some who attend for a mere form — and some who really desire to meet Christ; some who come there to please others — and some who come to please God; some who bring their hearts with them, and are not soon tired — and some who leave their hearts behind them, and reckon the whole service as weary work. But the eye of Jesus only sees two divisions in the congregation — the wheat and the chaff.

There were millions of visitors to the Great Exhibition of 1851. From Europe, Asia, Africa, and America — from North, and South, and East, and West — crowds came together to see what human skill and industry could do. Children of our first father Adam’s family, who had never seen each other before, for once met face to face under one roof. But the eye of the Lord only saw two companies thronging that large palace of glass — the wheat and the chaff.

Reader, I know well the world dislikes this way of dividing professing Christians. The world tries hard to fancy there are three sorts of people, and not two. To be very godly and very strict does not suit the world — they cannot, will not be holy. To have no religion at all does not suit the world — as that would not be respectable. “Thank God,” they will say, “we are not so bad as that!” But to have religion enough to be respectable — and yet not go into extremes, to be sufficiently good — and yet not be peculiar — to have a quiet, easy-going, moderate kind of Christianity, and go comfortably to Heaven after all — this is the world’s favorite idea! There is a third class, a safe middle class — the world imagines; and in this middle class — the majority of men persuade themselves they will be found.

Reader, I denounce this notion of a middle class as an immense and soul-ruining delusion! I warn you strongly not to be carried away by it. It is as vain an invention as the Pope’s purgatory. It is a refuge of lies, a castle in the air, a Russian ice-palace, a vast unreality, an empty dream! This middle class is a class of Christians no where spoken of in the Bible!

There were two classes in the day of Noah’s flood; those who were inside the ark — and those who were outside. There were two classes in the parable of the Gospel net; those who are called the good fish — and those who are called the bad. There were two classes in the parable of the ten virgins; those who are described as wise — and those who are described as foolish. There were two classes in the account of the judgment day; the sheep — and the goats. There were two sides of the throne; the right hand — and the left. There were two abodes when the last sentence has been passed; Heaven — and Hell.

And just so, there are only two classes in the world:
those who are in the state of nature — and those who are in the state of grace;
those who are in the narrow way — and those who are in the broad;
those who have faith — and those who have no faith;
those who have been converted — and those who have not been converted;
those who are with Christ — and those who are against Him;
those who gather with Him — and those who scatter abroad;
those who are wheat — and those who are chaff.
Into these two classes, the whole world may be divided. Beside these two classes, there is none.

Reader, dear reader, see now what cause there is for self-inquiry! Are you among the wheat — or among the chaff? Neutrality is impossible. Either you are in one class — or in the other. Which is it, of the two?

You attend church perhaps. You go to the Lord’s table. You like good people. You can distinguish between good preaching and bad. You think Popery false, and oppose it firmly. You think Protestantism true, and support it cordially. You subscribe to religious societies. You attend religious meetings. You sometimes read religious books. It is well — it is all very well. It is good — it is all very good. It is more than can be said of many. But still, this is not a straightforward answer to my question: Are you wheat — or are you chaff?

Have you been born again? Are you a new creature? Have you put off the old man, and put on the new? Have you ever felt your sins, and repented of them? Are you looking only to Christ for pardon and eternal life? Do you love Christ? Do you serve Christ? Do you loathe heart-sins, and fight against them? Do you long for perfect holiness, and follow hard after it? Have you come out from the world? Do you delight in the Bible? Do you wrestle in prayer? Do you love Christ’s people? Do you try to do good to the world? Are you vile in your own eyes, and willing to take the lowest place? Are you a Christian in business, and on week days, and by your own fireside? Oh, think, think, think on these things — and then perhaps you will be better able to tell the state of your soul!

Reader, I beseech you not to turn away from my question, however unpleasant it may be. Answer it, though it may prick your conscience, and cut you to the heart. Answer it, though it may prove you in the wrong, and expose your fearful danger. Rest not, rest not, until you know how it is between you and God! Better a thousand times find out that you are in an evil case, and repent in time — than live on in uncertainty, and be lost eternally!

Reader, remember my question. Begin to meditate on it this very day. Are you wheat — or chaff?

To read the rest, go to http://gracegems.org/Ryle/great_separation.htm

mid-week apologetics booster (6-11-2020)

Good morning friends,

Here is a random quote (of over 1600) from Nuggets:

“That you may be careful to do everything written in it.” (Joshua 1:8) This must be the dominating motive and object. God’s Word is to be appropriated and masticated–fed and meditated upon–not for the purpose of understanding its prophecies, or obtaining an insight into its mysteries–but in order to learn God’s will for myself, and having learned it–to conform thereunto. God’s Word is given to us chiefly–not to gratify curiosity or to entertain our imagination–but as “a lamp to our feet–and a light unto our path” (Psalm 119:105) in this dark world. It is a Rule for us to walk by–it is a heavenly standard for the regulation of all our conduct. It points out the things to be avoided–the things which would harm us. It tells of the things to be followed and practiced–the things which are for our good and our peace. It contains not only good advice–but is clothed with Divine authority, commanding implicit and unqualified obedience. – Arthur Pink

To view more of these quotes, visit:

http://www.ps11911.com/nuggets?dest=quotes

Now, here are your weekly links:

1. New Resurrection Book: Dr. Andrew Loke: Investigating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: A New Transdisciplinary Approach (Routledge New Critical Thinking in Religion, Theology and Biblical Studies).  At the present time, this book is FREE on Kindle. THINKAPOLOGETICS.COM: https://chab123.wordpress.com/2020/06/09/new-resurrection-book-dr-andrew-loke-called-investigating-the-resurrection-of-jesus-christ-a-new-transdisciplinary-approach-routledge-new-critical-thinking-in-religion-theology-and-biblical/
2. The Problem of the Unevangelized Once More | Reasonable Faith: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/writings/question-answer/the-problem-of-the-unevangelized-once-more/
3. Your Students Are Willing to Delay Gratification, If You Are | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/your-students-are-willing-to-delay-gratification-if-you-are/
4. Is It Reasonable to Believe in Minds Even If We Can’t Explain How They Interact with Brains? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/is-it-reasonable-to-believe-in-minds-even-if-we-cant-explain-how-they-interact-with-brains/
5. How Can You Trust Christianity Is True When There Are So Many Unanswered Questions? | Cold Case Christianity: https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/how-can-you-trust-christianity-is-true-when-there-are-so-many-unanswered-questions/
6. Human Zoos How Science Fueled the Racial Fire | Evolution News: https://evolutionnews.org/2020/06/human-zoos-how-science-fueled-the-racial-fire/
7. A Brief Defense of the Pro-Life Position: http://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-brief-defense-of-pro-life-position.html?m=1
8. How to Be ‘Salt of the Earth’ Kind of People: https://brandonacox.com/salt/
9. Why is the human brain so efficient? Over the past decades, engineers have taken inspiration from the brain to improve computer design.: http://nautil.us/issue/86/energy/why-is-the-human-brain-so-efficient-rp
10. Can we believe in God in the scientific age? | Is there a God?: https://www.is-there-a-god.info/blog/6reasons/can-we-believe-in-god-in-the-scientific-age/

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. Ecclesiastes 7:10

Blessings to you all

Apologetics Class 5/13/2018

What’s Down with Hell – James MacDonald

On Sunday in our Apologetics class, I plan to depart a bit from the Apologetics theme and show a sermon on the topic of Hell.  I believe that this is an important topic and that we don’t talk enough about this in the church.  This is one of my favorite preachers of the Word of God, James MacDonald

Here is the note-taking form (with discussion questions) that goes with the video:

What’s Down with Hell (James MacDonald) – 5/13/2018

1. The story of the R________ M_______ and L_____________ – Luke 16:19-31
2. What is Hell? That question cannot be answered as normal questions can be answered – there’s no reference point (except the word of God).
3. Charles Hodge – Princeton Theological Seminary – said regarding hell, “It is a doctrine which revolts the heart. It is a doctrine which the heart struggles against and to which the heart submits only under the stress of authority.  The church believes the doctrine of hell because it must believe it or renounce faith in the Bible and give up all the hopes founded upon its promises”.
4. Definition: Hell is a place of e________ t___________ for the impenitent (unrepentant people).
5. This is not a church full of righteous people, this is a church full of forgiven people, who have the righteousness of Christ, and by His grace are being changed.
6. Have you repented?
7. It is not a word we should use flippantly – hell is not a laughing matter…
8. Hell is so awful, that if you conceived even a fraction of it, you would not wish it on your worst enemy.
9. Purpose: Hell is a place for G______ w____________ to be poured out on the impenitent.
10. Wrath is God’s righteous response to sin.
11. God has made Himself known in the universe in 3 ways (Titus 2:11):
    1. In C___________ (Ps. 19:1-3; Rom. 1:18-20)
    2. In C___________ (Rom. 2:14-15)
    3. In the G____________ of Jesus Christ
12. Not “want to know and don’t hear”, but “don’t w__________ to know”.
13. Terms describing the place:
    1. Sheol – describing the state of d______________
    2. Gehena – used 12 times in the New Testament. It is like a dump – put their garbage there and burned it (diseased animals, etc).
    3. Hades – Luke 16:23 – used 10 times in the New Testament. It is the t_______________ abode of the u______________ (impenitent) d__________, until the final judgement.  No one is technically in “hell” yet.
    4. Hell – Matthew 5:22, 29-30. Used 14 times in the New Testament. Summary term describing the final place of eternal torment for the impenitent.
    5. Second Death – a spiritual death (Rev. 20:14; 21:8). If you’re born o__________, you die t______, if you’re born t_____, you die o________.  What dies at the second death?
       1. O____________ dies (Hebrews 9:27)
       2. G____________ dies – God’s not reaching out to people in hell and trying to reform them.
       3. V____________ dies (Matt. 11:28-30; John 7:17)
    6. The Lake of Fire – Revelation 20:10,14-15. Hell will be fire from “shore to shore”.  “The safest road to hell is the gradual one…” – C.S. Lewis.  There is life after death, and if I don’t know where I’m going it is not s________ to d______.
14. Jesus talked more about h________, by far, than He talked about h_____________.
15. Terms describing the punishment:
    1. F___________ – 27 times in the scripture. Is the fire in hell a literal fire?  “I see no reason to regard the fire as more literal than the worm” – Charles Hodge.  So many times flames are referenced – it’s the most common picture of hell.
    2. W__________ and g____________ of teeth (Matthew 8:11 and following) – describes the wicked and their vitriolic, violent hatred toward the righteous. If we picture people in hell as being repentant or regretful, that’s what the Scripture teaches.  The people in hell are not wishing they were in heaven, they’re shaking their fists at it.
    3. O_________ D___________ – intended to convey horror beyond imagination. Hell was originally prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt 25:41).  No one is together in hell – everyone is completely isolated and alone in hell.  Daniel 12:2 describes it as “the shame of everlasting contempt”.
    4. D____________ – 18 times. (e.g. Matt. 7:13-14, 2 Thess. 1:9)  Every person born into this world has the Imago Dei (the image of God) – Genesis 1:26-27.  This separates us from the animals (mind, emotion and will).  In hell, the soul is abandoned by God to its own destruction.  Some wrongly teach “Anni______________sm” (the belief that hell is a place where you’re punished for a period of time, then you cease to exist).  Destruction does not mean “cease to exist” – a better word is “ruined”.  Example of fruit thrown off building.
16. Modern objections to hell. Man has an amazing capacity to distort Scripture in the things that he wishes were not true:
    1. E_____________ – too long, therefore God is not just. How can a finite life of sin deserve infinite punishment?  Answer: The misnomer there is that people stop sinning in hell, which is not true.  Sin actually accelerates in hell.  People are not just punished in hell for the sins they’ve committed.  They’re also punished for the sinful nature that was not eradicated by the Gospel.  Example of a rabid dog – Pitbull.  This dog needs to be “put down”, hasn’t done anything wrong, but it will – its nature is corrupted.
    2. T_____________ – it’s too severe, therefore God is not merciful. Answer: God’s statement about the severity of sin is that 2,000 years ago, He sent His own Son and poured out His wrath upon Christ.  On Him, almighty judgment fell that would’ve sunk the world to Hell.
17. Implications of hell:
    1. I must be s_________ of my salvation. If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?  Admit that you’re a sinner, deserving of hell and expressing faith in the payment of Christ for your sin and for your forgiveness.
    2. I must be t____________ for my salvation.
    3. I must be at peace with i__________________.
    4. I must be b_________ in my w______________. This is not a day for subtlety, or silence.  We need to be loving, we need to be sensitive, but we need to be clear.  I need to have “the conversation”.  On this subject, I cannot be silent, but not obnoxious.

Discussion Questions

1. Have you struggled with hell?
2. Do you have any unanswered questions about hell?
3. I would recommend a small book that has been very helpful to me: “23 Questions About Hell”

mid-week apologetics booster (6-29-2017)

Good morning friends,

Here are your weekly links:

1. How can I overcome sin in my Christian life?: https://www.gotquestions.org/victory-over-sin.html
2. Tips for Studying the Bible – Cross Examined: http://crossexamined.org/tips-studying-bible/
3. The Scary World of Truth | Come Reason’s Apologetics Notes: http://apologetics-notes.comereason.org/2015/07/the-scary-world-of-truth.html
4. Why You Should Listen to Millennials in Your Church: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-you-should-listen-to-millennials-in-your-church
5. Do Your Kids Know Why They Should WANT God to Exist?: http://christianmomthoughts.com/do-your-kids-know-why-they-should-want-god-to-exist/
6. Revealing the One True God to the Polytheistic Shinto Culture | Answers in Genesis: https://answersingenesis.org/world-religions/revealing-one-true-god-to-polytheistic-shinto-culture/
7. Where did Cain find his wife? – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lucbO0AYH0k&feature=youtu.be
8. Nabeel Qureshi update – Vlog 35 – Bravery, Love, and Faith – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-asmXx0OfA
9. True Islam (by William Federer) – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALQI1ljlqk8
10. So Many Religions–What Do We Do? – Tim Barnett – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSb2ae_mPaE
11. Believing the Gospels Is Different Than Trusting the Gospel | Cold Case Christianity: http://coldcasechristianity.com/2017/believing-the-gospels-is-different-than-trusting-the-gospel/
12. Why Does Anyone Become a Christian? Discover: https://cccdiscover.com/why-does-anyone-become-a-christian/
13. The Attitude of Apologetics: http://www.ligonier.org/blog/attitude-apologetics/
14. Elizabeth Warren – Pro-Life Just Means You Hate Women: http://www.lifenews.com/2017/06/23/elizabeth-warren-pro-life-just-means-you-hate-women/
15. Is the probability of getting a universe that supports complex life 100%? | WINTERY KNIGHT: https://winteryknight.com/2015/06/16/is-the-probability-of-getting-a-universe-that-supports-complex-life-100/
16. The Birth of Jesus – Why was Jesus sent into the world as a baby? Today, R.C. Sproul considers the birth of Jesus as he continues his study of the New Testament: http://renewingyourmind.org/2017/06/26/the-birth-of-jesus
17. The Big Bang Is Broken | The Institute for Creation Research: https://www.icr.org/article/the-big-bang-is-broken
18. The Challenge of Islam: Does Early Testimony Matter to Muslims? THINKAPOLOGETICS.COM: https://chab123.wordpress.com/2017/06/28/the-challenge-of-islam-does-early-testimony-matter-to-muslims-2/

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Hebrews 11:35

Blessings to you all

Great Scriptures to Pray

There are some great verses of Scripture that you can use directly in your prayers.  Of course, the ability to use these in your prayers is greatly enhanced if you have them memorized, so I give you the suggestion to not only use these in prayers, but to first memorize them.  Here are the ones that are most effective in opening my heart to God and my conscience to the conviction of the Holy Spirit:

1. Psalms 141:3-4 – Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.
2. Psalms 139:23-24 – Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
3. Psalms 119:36-37 – Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
4. Psalms 86:11 – Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.
5. James 1:5-7 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord
6. Matthew 23:24-28 – You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

This last one (Matt. 23:24-28) is most effective for me as a Christian Teacher and Ministry Leader.  Whenever I become aware of a hypocritical attitude or a sinful pattern of thought that I cannot seem to get rid of, I will hear Jesus saying this to me.  I’m not a Pharisee, but I am a teacher and I really do want the inside of my cup to be as clean as the outside.  I don’t want to be like a white-washed tomb, appearing to people as righteous on the outside, but on this inside full of hypocrisy, wickedness, greed and self-indulgence.  Thank you Lord for these words of Jesus which are so convicting to me!  Praise His Holy Name!

mid-week apologetics booster (11-17-2016)

Good morning friends,

Here are some links to help you to contend for the faith (Jude 3) and encourage you to “be prepared” (1 Peter 3:15):

1. Yes, You Do Have Time to Learn Apologetics | CrossExamined.org: http://crossexamined.org/yes-time-learn-apologetics/
2. What Christian Parents Should Tell Their Kids About the Election: http://christianmomthoughts.com/what-christian-parents-should-tell-their-kids-about-the-election/
3. Why Do So Many People Misunderstand the Word “Faith” – THINKAPOLOGETICS.COM: https://chab123.wordpress.com/2016/11/08/why-do-so-many-people-misunderstand-the-word-faith-2/
4. A Christian view of economics: http://mbcpathway.com/2016/11/10/a-christian-view-of-economics/
5. Why did Jesus tell people to “go and sin no more” if sinlessness is impossible? https://www.gotquestions.org/go-and-sin-no-more.html
6. J.P. Moreland on Why God Won’t Force People Into Heaven: http://apologetics-notes.comereason.org/2014/08/jp-moreland-on-why-god-wont-force.html
7. OS Guinness, where is America headed: https://boxcast.tv/view/os-guinness-where-is-america-headed-274210
8. How Did Christianity Prevail in Ancient Rome and What Can We Learn from It? http://crossexamined.org/christianity-prevail-ancient-rome-can-learn/
9. Make Religious Freedom Great Again | Public Discourse: http://www.thepublicdiscourse.com/2016/11/18221/
10. Why we need to let Trump have a fresh start: http://www.premierchristianity.com/Blog/Why-we-need-to-let-Trump-have-a-fresh-start
11. Why I Voted for Donald Trump: https://1peter41216.wordpress.com/2016/11/11/why-i-voted-for-donald-trump/
12. 5 Misconceptions about the Bible | Sean McDowell Ph.D.: http://crossexamined.org/5-misconceptions-about-the-bible/
13. 4 Reasons We Know Humans Have a Soul – Jonathan Morrow: http://www.jonathanmorrow.org/4-reasons-know-humans-soul/
14. 3 Facts in Genesis 1 which confirms the Biblical Creation: https://samzlogic.wordpress.com/2016/10/29/3-facts-in-genesis-1-which-confirms-the-biblical-creation/
15. Why are the Gnostic Gospels non- Canonical ? https://samzlogic.wordpress.com/2016/09/30/why-are-the-gnostic-gospels-non-canonical/
16. Truth Is Narrow and Exclusive for Everybody. This is a fun little video from Impact 360 on relativism, tolerance, and Christianity’s claim to be objectively true: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt8bJyiUAhY
17. Five Apologetics Questions You Need to Think Through: http://www.str.org/blog/five-apologetics-questions-you-need-think-through
18. Deceit and Lies We Have Been Told on Homosexuality – REALity – scientific evidence not supportive of homosexual myths: http://www.realwomenofcanada.ca/deceit-and-lies-we-have-been-told-on-homosexuality-reality/
19. 7 Things You Should Know About Temptation ($0.99 on Kindle) – this is a REALLY good little book, filled with Scripture and practical advice: https://www.amazon.com/Things-Should-Know-About-Temptation-ebook/dp/B01FY45DVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479312971&sr=8-1

Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.  Romans 10:1-3

Blessings

mid-week apologetics booster (11-10-2016)

Good morning friends,

Considering the week we’ve had (and continue to have), here is a survey of verses from all over the Bible that speak about governments and nations:

1. But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain –and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  Exodus 18:21
2. For dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations. Ps. 22:28
3. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. Ps. 33:12
4. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. Ps. 47:8
5. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.  It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.  Ps. 118:8-9
6. The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Ps. 21:1
7. Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious, for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring?  Prov. 24:21-22
8. By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.  Prov. 29:4
9. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6
10. For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; it is he who will save us.  Isaiah 33:22
11. “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.” Daniel 2:20-21a
12. the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men. Daniel 4:17b
13. “Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, “Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:19-21
14. “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” John 19:10-11
15. On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ” ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. ‘ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.  Acts 4:23-28
16. Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!” Acts 5:27-29
17. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.  Romans 13:1-4
18. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone– for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  1 Timothy 2:1-2
19. Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good  Titus 3:1
20. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy  James 4:12a
21. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.  1 Peter 2:13-14
22. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17

Now, for your links:

1. What Trumps Trump and Clinton? What are the issues that should be important to Christians in the election? Democrats vision for America: In their own words. Republicans vision for America: In their own words. Why you are not voting for one person but thousands of people.  This is a great Frank Turek podcast (48 min) that gives a Christian perspective on the issues that were facing us in this election.  Even though the election is passed, I still think it would be a worthwhile listen for everyone.  If you have the Cross-Examined App, you can listen to it there as well: http://player.subsplash.com/80aae55
2. “Apologetics and RC Kept Me from Leaving Christianity” | Ratio Christi: http://ratiochristi.org/blog/post/apologetics-and-rc-kept-me-from-leaving-christianity/5080?tab=all_blogs_tab#.WBwE7MtlDqC
3. Was Jesus a Socialist? – The Revolutionary Act: http://therevolutionaryact.com/was-jesus-a-socialist/
4. Jen Hatmaker: Hermeneutics, Hurt, and Human Affection Part II | Joe Dallas Online: http://joedallas.com/blog/index.php/2016/11/04/jen-hatmaker-hermeneutics-hurt-and-human-affection-part-ii/
5. Are There Forgeries in the New Testament? (Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians) – A Clear Lens: https://clearlens.org/forgeries-new-testament-ephesians-colossians-thessalonians/
6. Q&A – God, Alien Life, Kepler-452b, & a Fictional Jesus? | James Bishop’s Theology & Apologetics.: https://jamesbishopblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/04/qa-god-alien-life-kepler-452b-a-fictional-jesus/
7. A Brief Meditation for Election Week – White Horse Inn: https://www.whitehorseinn.org/2016/10/a-brief-meditation-for-election-week/

Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.  Proverbs 10:14

Blessings to you all

mid-week apologetics booster (9-22-2016)

Good morning friends,

Another week has gone by, and we all need to ask ourselves, have we done anything this week to advance the kingdom of God and the Gospel?  The Apostle Paul said

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Philippians 1:12-14)

I suspect that you were not actually physically in chains for Christ this week, but there are other ways that you may’ve been advancing the Gospel.  Maybe you were at AWANA last night advancing the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.  May you gave money to a faithful ministry that is advancing the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.  Maybe you made a meal for brothers and sisters at Church, or did some cleaning or maintenance at the Church.  Maybe you served the homeless in our community at one of the many relief organizations.  Maybe you spoke up in a personal conversation, communicating and defending you faith in Christ.  I know of one of my brothers who led someone to Christ this week in a faraway land over the phone and internet (WeChat).  She prayed to receive Christ and her life was changed forever!  Praise the Lord.  This brother of mine was a faithful witness over several months of weekly calls, teaching and preaching the Word of God to her (after the business talk was finished).  He was advancing the Gospel into a country where she may not’ve heard it otherwise.

God has placed us where we are with our circle of influence.  Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”.  This is our chance in this lifetime to make a difference for the Kingdom of God in a dark and hurting world!  I like how Pastor James MacDonald phrases it – “we need to be shouldering weekly Kingdom responsibility”.  He stresses the fact that every born again, Bible believing, follower of Christ should be striving to:

1. Walk with Christ
2. Worship Christ
3. Work for Christ

I pray that you would all make a difference for Christ this week!

Here are you weekly links:

1. Watch “Catch The Light for Intelligent Design Audio Play – 8th Clip” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CAgobUvih5Q
2. Why Abortion Is Unjust Discrimination – A Clear Lens: https://clearlens.org/2015/12/11/why-abortion-is-unjust-discrimination/
3. The Complete Series: Ten Basic Facts About the NT Canon that Every Christian Should Memorize – Canon Fodder: http://michaeljkruger.com/the-complete-series-ten-basic-facts-about-the-nt-canon-that-every-christian-should-memorize/
4. Tom Gilson talks about how to have critical conversations about difficult topics with teens | Stand to Reason: http://www.str.org/node/42138
5. Watch “The Kalam Cosmological Argument” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6CulBuMCLg0
6. Open Biola: Free Educational Content Created & Curated by Biola University | Open Biola: http://open.biola.edu/
7. Watch “Are Beliefs the Result of Where One Is Born?” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VjHRqToHhCU
8. Watch “Understanding and Sharing Truth in our Culture” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5ODX5r3d_2I
9. New Video Destroys the False Claim That Abortion is Just 3% of What Planned Parenthood Does | LifeNews.com: http://www.lifenews.com/2016/09/14/new-video-destroys-the-false-claim-that-abortion-is-just-3-of-what-planned-parenthood-does/
10. Watch “29. Hasn’t Christianity done more harm than good?” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0bOyoAjhUc8
11. Watch “Was the New Testament Written Early?” on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pBxoNiTyfHw
12. Arguing, Quarreling, and Questioning | Think on These Things: https://jaredrabbot.wordpress.com/2015/01/29/arguing-quarreling-and-questioning/
13. What Is Postmodernism? | NAMB: https://www.namb.net/apologetics/what-is-postmodernism
14. Faith Actually: Definitions Matter: http://faithactually.blogspot.com/2016/07/definitions-matter.html?m=1
15. Pastor Andy Stanley says the Bible is too hard to defend – Evangelical pastor preaches that the Bible isn’t the foundation for the Christian faith: http://creation.com/andy-stanley-rebuttal
16. Cosmologist Luke Barnes answers 11 objections to the fine-tuning argument: https://winteryknight.com/2016/09/11/cosmologist-luke-barnes-answers-11-objections-to-the-fine-tuning-argument-4/

Blessings to you all!

Success In Life

A thought occurred to me before I went to bed last night… It occurred as I was thinking about my quest to lose weight. I realized that in order to have the long-term success that I was seeking, I needed to forego momentary pleasures of eating whatever delicious food I desired. This is the concept of “delayed gratification”. Then I began to think of just how many things in life require the same discipline. Here is s short list I thought of:

1. Weight loss (Prov. 23:1-3; 20-21)
2. Getting a college degree (Prov. 1:5, Prov. 9:9, Prov. 18:2, Prov. 4:7, Daniel 1:1-21)
3. Staying out of debt (Prov. 22:7)
4. Staying sexually pure (1 Corinthians 6:18-21)
5. Learning a skill such as a programming language, golf or a musical instrument (Prov. 22:29)
6. Scripture knowledge and memorization (Ps. 119:11)
7. Being well-read (having read many good books) and the knowledge and benefits that come from that. (Daniel 1:17)
8. After staying with a company a long time, achieving a high level of vacation benefits
9. Saving for retirement (Prov. 13:11)
10. Persevering under trials rather than just quitting (James 1:12)

I’m sure there are many more examples that could be given. “Delayed gratification” is a message young people need to hear and understand today. It is a great skill to be learned in life, and it is a proficiency you should master in order to be successful in life.

“Delayed gratification” is even pivotal in the greatest and most important pursuit in life, the pursuit of the Christ. Jesus said:

If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23

The Christian life is a life of self-denial – not as “a work” that will make you acceptable to God, but has a recognition that He is your Lord and Master. As Paul said:

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

If you’re not born-again, this is impossible. If you are born-again, this becomes possible and should be a natural inclination for you. Delay your gratification for something better later in this life, and ultimately in the life to come!

Difficult Situation

Last weekend, I found myself in a difficult social situation.  I was in situation where I had to attend.  There was a lot of partying and worldliness going on.  But I decided to just accept it and make the best out of it.  I don’t drink and continued in the same pattern that Saturday night.  Many of the people at the event know that I’m a Christian.  So, I socially participated fully with the people around me as they continued to get more and more inebriated throughout the night.  I will tell you that it was very difficult – one of the more difficult social situations I’ve ever been in.  The following morning, after 4 1/2 hours of sleep (my body just woke up at 5:30 am 🙂 ), I was contemplating what had happened the night before, the Holy Spirit brought several Scriptures to my mind which gave me great comfort and peace about the situation.  I would like to share these with you, my readers, hoping that as you face similar situations, you may be similarly comforted:

John 17:14-16 “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”

1 Corinthians 5:12-13a What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.

1 Corinthians 13:2-3 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 9:22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

Job 1:4-5 His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.

I thank God that He answered my prayer and showed me that I was faithful to Him at that event.  The Holy Spirit was able to use Scripture I had memorized to comfort me greatly.  As Jesus says in John 14:26:

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Praise His holy name!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will–to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.  Ephesians 1:3-8

Amen!

Profound Sequence in John 8:31-32

One of the things I love about Scripture memorization is the practice time, when I can meditate deeply on the meaning of the passage I’m practicing. One such passage is:

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

During a recent time when I was practicing this passage, something struck me that I’d never considered before. If you pay close attention to this passage, Jesus is communicating a profound sequence that takes place with his followers:

1. Faith – to the Jews who had believed in Him. This is not just a generic “gotta have faith” pep talk. This is belief in the Son of the Living God!
2. Obedience – “If you hold to My teaching”. Holding to His teaching rather than ignoring His teaching is obedience. Jesus wants obedience. He says “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Likewise, the half-brother of the Lord says “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)
3. Discipleship – “you are really My disciples.” True disciples follow and obey.
4. Knowledge – “Then you will know the truth”. Obedience to Jesus and His teaching result in the disciple knowing it is true.
5. Freedom – “the truth will set you free”. Following and obeying Jesus does not result in bondage, but rather in freedom. Jesus said “He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18b). That is freedom from bondage to sin. Romans 6:14 says “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace”.

It is a journey that begins with faith, continues in obedience and the end result is freedom! Praise God!