I first became very interested in understanding Atheism and helping other Christians understand atheism in college, but have grown more interested in the issues at the rise of the popularity of the self proclaimed “evangelist of atheism”, Richard Dawkins. Dawkins and others like him have risen to popularity in a culture that is growing more and more skeptical. The Christian must always be concerned about truth and spreading truth. Jesus claims to be truth so we are continually seeking out how we can demonstrate and defend this message. I have taken a break from this discussion so I could step back and check my motivation. Unfortunately, I entered this discussion with dual intentions. I wanted to make a new friend, learn what he believed and maybe share what I believe in the process, but I also had some other motivations that led to some frustrations (Christian learn from my mistake) . Somewhere deep down I also wanted to elevate myself, under the shadow of saying I was elevating Christ. For this I apologize to my atheist friends and blog readers. There is something apart of each human that sneaks into every discussion if we are not careful and that is careless pride. I am convinced of the truth of Christianity, but that did not mean I did not have doubt, and still do not have questions about some things. Bottom line, I don’t know every answer, but I believe our believe system is the most reasoned out one. I don’t need to have every answer about how an atom works that makes up the chair I sit in, but I do need to know if it is sturdy enough to hold my weight. I have found that Christianity as a chair can hold my weight, and I can see how it is put together as dependable. I am a Graduate student of Theology & Church Ministries, and as I have continued my studies on atheism one person offered for me to personally interview him, “Mr.L”. It is important to note that “Mr. L” does not fit that “militant atheist” as such characters Dawkins who has declared that the belief in God is a virus that needs to be cured (or at least “Mr.L” did not seem that way to me). In my best estimation he is a fun loving guy who desires to love other people, but he is also a thinker and will not just believe Christianity because others do. We are talking about a really nice guy who loves tree climbing and repelling, and who I am hoping to take paintballing as soon as it gets warmer.  Christians believe in God, but do not want to be lumped with religious people like Catholics or with Muslims etc, But we should not lump all atheists together either. Some are angry, some are just searching, and some really just don’t care. Christians must learn they are not all the same. We can’t assume they all want to “get us” like a monster in the closet, rather we should approach all people as Jesus did, with love, understanding and truth.

THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW

This interview is expressed with the permission of “Mr.L” and is this not word for word because it was taken from my personal hand written notes. I did leave a couple brief comments out. But this is the main discussion that was covered in our interview, leaving off from out last blog “Interview with an atheist, Part 2”.

Q:  “do you believe in right and wrong?”

A: “Oh, by far, I believe in the commandments and the golden rule…don’t do wrong that effects people…respect life.”

Q: “Do you believe in an Absolute right and wrong or do people just make it up?”

A: “There are no absolute rights and wrongs.”

Q: “Who is Jesus Christ to you?”

A: “Just a character in a book…he may have existed…lots of stories have been about men …fake or real”

Q: “Do you think it is possible that Jesus of the Bible and history is actually God?

A: “It could be possible; I can’t fully deny that…I also feel that no one can prove that it is.”

Q: “Do you think it is possible that somehow Jesus paid for the sins of the world by his death, burial and resurrection as described in the Bible?

A: “That whole story has never made sense to me; its one of those things. I throw my hands up in the air and ask myself…who has there son killed for the greater good?” …”why not work about it a different way.”… “I tend to agree with the Jewish community on this one. Plus Jesus submitted himself to be killed. In Jewish law that is suicide”

Q: “What do you personally think of Christians?”

A: “Neutral”

Q: “What do you personally think of the church?”

A: “Churches have been the cause of a lot of death, misery and seem to collect a lot of money in the process.”

Q: What do you personally think of the Bible? Is it the Word of God or something else?

A: “It is a fictional story to me, to believe it literally seems much.”

Q: “Hypothetically, What would it take to convince you to believe in God?”

A: “Easy, an act of God”

Q: “Is there anything you would like to tell Christians?”

A: “The thought of an after life would be great”

As agreed with my interviewed friend I will answer some of these questions to the best of my knowledge in a upcoming blog, but this above information should help Christian readers understand where atheists are coming from. Therefore the above should promote frank discussion and honest investigation on both sides. Thank you for Reading! Thank you “Mr.L” for your help! If you would like to add to this discussion please email me at Steve@fwbc.us

GOOD SAM

A few months ago we took a tour of Good Sam and I was blown away by the staff and facilities. It was a great day except for the video of labor that scared me for life and the words said by our nurse/tour guide that have haunted me all the way til October 7, 2011 at 4:45 pm, which were…

“Gentlemen, at Good Sam husbands hold legs!

I responded, “What was that?” …While thinking “That’s what you think crazy woman!”

So when we get to the delivery room we are both excited and nervous, but I am mainly nervous about this leg holding business. Now our Nurse Vicky Minnick (who I love! Thank you so much!) asks me if I am going to cut the umbilical cord…I respond, “No I think the Doctor has that covered”… then enters Dr. Knipper. (who is awesome because I understand that some Doctors are all business, she was so kind and considerate)

Dr. Knipper asks me if I am going to cut the umbilical cord and I am thinking why would I cut the “unbiblical cord”? That’s unbiblical! I explain that long ago men delivered their wives babies and now we have progressed to use trained and gifted doctors for a reason. I explained that I do not need the doctor to let me cut the cord just to feel like I helped. I am secure in my relationship with Ally I thought. She says to me, “Your cutting it”!

Long story short I tried to make everyone laugh in delivery by talking about Dr. Huxtable from the Cosby Show. This got a laugh about 5% of the time. THEN THE LABOR CAME!

“it’s go time!”

You will be proud to know that I held that leg as instructed and cut that cord as instructed. This was the greatest experience of my life. I heard that in the 80′s they did not even want husbands in the room. I have to say although intimidating at first it is a move by our hospitals towards a Biblical perspective. “husbands love your wives a Christ loved the church!” Gentlemen, she has to be our best friend that we would do anything for including die for. I would not have missed that moment for the world. I loved being there with Ally to see 7 pound ninja Annabelle enter the world. She is the cutest, sweetest thing (other than her mother) I have ever seen. I love them both so much!

My impression of Good Sam is that it is a God -honoring place. They have prayer every morning and evening, nurses who went the extra mile for us and I will never forget walking into the hospital entrance and seeing at the highest point of the building a cross. This is a reminder that this place must be run in a manner that honor Christ who gave his life for us.

I also want to mention the great news that Annabelle came out a Baptist. I talked her through the Bible “Genesis to Maps” yesterday and she fell right asleep…And here is the proof of here denominational bias…she woke up ready to eat. Sleeping in church and eating the two things that set Baptists apart.

Special thanks to Dr. Knipper, Vicki Minnick and all the nurses at Good Sam. I want to thank the church for their prayers, love and support. We are so grateful to God for his unmerited favor towards us!

Greetings, I would like to thank everyone in the Fairfield West Family for the prayers and support for the teens this year at LIFT CAMP.

Too many times we Christians move from event to event without truly praising God for the work he has done among us. On one hand we always want more. We cry out to God exclaiming “We are hungry for  you Lord! Please save this generation!”, but on the other hand we move along too Quickly if we do not thank God and thank others around us for help. It is important to celebrate the wins and to rejoice in the day of rejoicing!  We took 86 with our group which is the largest group that we have taken in about 9 years and for sure the largest group I have had to manage in the 4 years since I have been youth pastor. I am so grateful for your prayers and financial support to send teens to camp and care enough to help see students saved.

Spiritual warfare is real!

The enemy is an outspoken killer (roaring lion) who is trying to destroy the lives of teens and this is why we are outspoken enthusiasts of Jesus who is the all powerful son of God who was dead, buried and rose again on the third day  and who offers life, life abundant and life eternal. He is a well that does not run dry the thirsty run to him and are quenched. In two weeks we have see two teen deaths effect this student ministry. Teens are hurting more than ever and I am so humbly grateful that they are coming to us for help because tragedies are inescapable, but the Bible says we are not without hope and we are never FORSAKEN. We can be salt and light to a culture that desperately needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 states that we are not “forsaken”…in fact it is impossible for the Christian to be forsaken. Things may get bad, but we are never without resource if we are in Christ. He was forsaken so we never have to be.

On behalf of every teen that this ministry and on behalf of the 11 saved this year at camp and the many who rededicated their lives and gave their lives to full time ministry…THANK YOU!!!!!!! With love and In Christ,

Pastor Steve

I recognize the importance of being a wise steward of every resource and possession that is given to me as the Bible outlines. I also can n0t pretend to give an answer to this topic which demonstrates what every Christian believes. I am not every Christian. There should be a unifying element of all professing Christians,  “the inspiration of the Bible” and “the person of Jesus Christ”, but this is being attacked and deteriorated even among Christians. So I humbly submit this reminder of who Jesus is in the modern context of “Earth- Day”.

1. Jesus is creator of the earth and all that exists (John 1:1, Colossians 1:15-16)

2. Jesus is Lord over the earth and sustainer of the earth (man will never stop or change this)

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

3. Man has a tendency to worship things created over the creator (Romans 1:20-25)

4. Jesus was demonstrated his power over all in his death burial and resurrection

 I Corinthians 15:1-8

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Let us give worship, affection, time and energy worshipping the creator and savior who is Jesus the Messiah. I believe this is a worthy cause knowing that man can not destroy the earth even if he tried and that one day Jesus himself will make the earth new for his purposes. (Revelation 21:1)

S.M. Lockridge put it like this,

“You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands. You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him. The Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him. That’s my King.”[1]

I assume that Christians and non-Christian have celebrated earth day since 1970 and they will continue to celebrate earth day in the future. I personally will celebrate the resurrection day this weekend because Jesus conquered the grave and is ruler over earth. What is greater that which is created or him that created it?

I can imagine that there will be a good-hearted Christian that will say, “Why not celebrate both?” You certainly can, but everything we do should be checked with a Biblical worldview. The idea of taking care of earth did not start in 1970.  It started in the Garden of Eden when God placed Adam as an administrator.  But my caution is to not get “carried away with every wind of doctrine” by thinking that man is going to destroy the world or by thinking that “utopia” can happen by the works of man. These are humanistic ideas that have infiltrated Christian thinking. Heaven can not be man made, nor can peace. No doubt man is what is wrong with the world. In theological terms this is called “The Fall”, but Romans 5 explains that this problem is called “sin” and began with one man (Adam) and will end with one man (Jesus).

Romans 5:12-21

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Starting with the 1^st century Christians we were persecuted and many still are today. I was confronted early on with the idea that if you are called to preach you are called to preach no matter what the persecution. This past week in preparation for my ordination I was asked what I would do if the church decided not to ordain me. My answer is simple, “I would preach the gospel anyway”. I would like to go further with this answer as well because I believe it will be useful to every Christian. What would I do if I had no church? I would preach the gospel in the woods. What would I do if my life is threatened? I would preach the gospel. Christianity has always grown under persecution. Why is this? Because persecution forces Christians to stand strongly for what they truly stand for the gospel and as a result many more believe the testimony and accept Christ.

The first thing that comes into some people’s mind when asked what they think of Christianity is possibly “a bunch of dead guys with beards.” There was on “bearded dead guy” who ate locusts and honey who they called “the baptizer”, his name was John. John preached in the woods repentance of sins and he was not afraid to speak out against government corruption. His boldness cost him his head. Why would anyone die for something that was a lie? Would you die for a lie? Many people would die for many things, but I can not think of anyone that would die for a lie. Every disciple of Jesus gave his life for the Gospel. What is worth dying for in this message about a man who was born in a manger? Why continue preaching and following this man even at the threat of death or dare I say the threat of losing popularity?

The message of Christianity is not a message of how to get rich or how to become a better person. The message of Christianity is how to be restored to the one true God when we are desperately lost in our sins. This is only through faith in Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-11, John 3:16-17, John 14:1-6).  If we believe that Jesus is the only way then we must radically and ardently proclaim this message in every possible way for as long as we have breath.

Paul says some powerful statements that I feel can embolden us in sharing the only true way of salvation:

“woe is unto  me; if I preach not the gospel!”I Corinthians 9:16

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” Romans 1:17

“But though we or an angel of heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed” Galatians 1:8

If everything as we know it changes will you still stand on Jesus as your rock? When all truth is attacked will you stand for Jesus who is foundational and life changing truth? When you are thrown out of your home and out-casted from every city for what you believe, will you preach in the woods? Would your faith in Jesus stand if everyone else you know quits following Jesus like in John 6:66-70? Would your faith in Jesus stand in the midst of the storm like Mark 4? Will  you still have faith in Jesus when you loose all earthly possessions and will you still proclaim Jesus even if it potentially costs you your life?

Yesterday, Harvard decided to let the R.O.T.C.  back on campus after banning them from campus for over 41 years according to fox-news[1].  The Reserve Officer Training Corps was first banned in the controversy of the Vietnam War and now they have decided to forgive and forget after the Congress repealed the so- called “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. I am so glad that Harvard can give its approval to training young men and women in the service of America again! (Sarcastic)

Who cares what Harvard thinks? I am extremely disappointed in a University that was started by the Minister, John Harvard and that set out to train ministers in the gospel.  They have been long gone from this purpose, so making policy decisions based on if that policy is “gay friendly” does not surprise me. Harvard and schools like it should have a warning label before you apply that says “WARNING: We have thrown God off campus and God’s morals are not welcome here either! Proceed with caution!”

On that note I do not apologize for promoting Biblical based Christian Universities and Colleges to students.  There is a parade of ungodliness happening at secular universities. Columbia University can’t seem to decide if incest is wrong. [2] A Northwestern University Professor this week made headlines for exposing 600 students to a live porn show in the name of “educational purposes”.[3] George Washington University, originally founded by Luther Rice to train and send out Bible believing and Gospel preaching missionaries to the world has long forgotten it’s roots and recently has embraced a Coed- Dorms and free birth control policy.[4] I am worried that the so called Southern Baptist University,  Baylor is heading away from it’s roots as well as it is recently in the news for allowing 25% of its board to be “non Baptist”, and Baylor only has 30% Baptist students.[5]

Why should you care? I guess I just want to say that it matters where you send your students to study. Will they be taught that there is no God and be surrounded by a lifestyle that supports that or will they be surrounded and trained in a Biblical worldview?  This is something Christian parents need to consider.  In a society that is plagued with unending questions somewhere someone should be asking, what does God think?

Lastly, I am constantly encouraged by one university located in Virginia called LIBERTY and others like it that still believe with out compromising in:[6]

1.       The Inspiration of Scripture

2.       The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ

3.       The Substitutionary Death of Jesus Christ on the Cross

4.       The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ

5.       The second coming of Jesus Christ

This title comes from the popular christian band switchfoot. Those who are fans recognize that Jon Foreman often reflects on his age in song form. I was 18 when I heard this song and remember thinking “wow, I wonder what 24 is like.” Now I wish I could have 24 back. I miss my child hood. I miss being a teen. I like the scene in Billy Madison where Billy goes back to school and gets to re-live each grade. In one scene he grabs a chubby young man by the face and says “cherish it!!”… this scene makes me laugh every time, but there is a Biblical truth is this statement.

We are told in Scripture that life is a vapor and when we were children to think like children, but as adults to put away childish things. Let’s be honest …growing up stinks. Our world is overwhelming…stress is demanding and we are constantly reminded of our failures of the past and responsibilities for today. Death is something the child never thinks about, but we adults are often reminded of its looming prescence. What do we do now? Can we makw like an ostrich and insert head into sand or is there something more.

In the song 24 Foreman states ” I am the second man now, and your raising the dead in me”. This is the power of Christ…the second life. This is the hope for the Christian that changes how we view everything. We do not morn as those who have no hope means we deal with life and death through Christ. He secured new life here and in the next life for those who believe.

This past week I lost a friend and fellow church member. Kevin was a constant encouragement to me and we all do not know how to get through this tragedy if it were not for our saviour, Jesus Christ. There is comfort in knowing he is face to face with Jesus and we will see him again. This week Pastor Terry Zeller died also. This was my pastor until I was 14. He preached the gospel which lead me to salvation and he baptized me. Both men will be terribly missed. To be honest I am devistated. How can you not be? But there is a huge difference in being devistated and devistated with hope. I have hope in knowing they are with Jesus and in knowing I will someday be there too. This is our faith to the test. Do we rwally believe what we say we believe. Is Jesus really the truth? Is Jesus really life? Is he really the way?

Spurgeon states, “The thought of this future may well relieve the darkness of the past and the gloom of the present. The joys of heaven will surely compensate for the sorrows of earth. Hush hush…my doubts! Death is but a narrow stream, and you will soon have forded it. Time, how short– eternity, how long! Death, how brief–immortality how endless!The road is so short and I will soon be there.”

“Still I am singing Spirit, take me up in arms with you”

by Nikmal Jmot, Ph.D

Stephen Hawkins, in his recent book, The Grand Design, states that because “there is such a law as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing. Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist.” Wow, that is one packed statement full of flaws that seems to fly against everything I ever learned about formal logic or scientific reasoning. Let me explain. If the universe derived from nothing because there was gravity first then there was something before the universe and therefore his statement would be highly flawed – self-defeating. If gravity was present before nothing then that is just a plain silly statement. If on the other hand, there was nothing before the universe and the presence of gravity now somehow demonstrates the likelihood of deriving something from nothing then we can throw out the laws of energy and matter. I mean really, there is almost no point in debating such statements. If that is possible then maybe the beliefs of spontaneous creation from the middle ages are true too! Time for an alchemy class at Oxford just n time for our huge national debts!

However, there is something that is worth debating. The fact is that science has come full circle realizing science alone cannot explain our own existence and the community has come to an increasing consensus that we came from nothing. What is fascinating, what is really fascinating is that the scientific community would rather criticize Christians for believing in something that science cannot prove,. i.e., the existence of God, and that we did not come from nothing but rather from something -God. Yet, they are comfortable in choosing to believe that we came from nothing. We both make a choice here. Hawkins will never prove we came from nothing. That they will never prove this is a bet I am willing to take! Rather, scientists often believe they have faultless logic and that the rest of the world is unable to understand the great depths of their thought. Ask this, what is more reasonable of two beliefs that cannot be proven in the laboratory; 1) That we came from something named God or, 2) That we came from nothing? The fact is that the scientist that believes we came from nothing has an incredible faith that is much harder to comprehend than a faith in God. I think a person who prays to a stone has more reason to do so than to believe we came from nothing. Lastly, I have met several Nobel Prize winners (I don’t believe Hawkins has won one) and one thing has always been obvious to me, that once they win such a prize most anything they say is given an unrealistic level of belief and confidence. I guess it is just human nature to want to believe the so called experts and guru’s. I think people who do not want to believe in God would rather hang onto anything that someone like a famous Hawkins might say. It is much easier to support one’s own belief system if someone famously smart agrees with you. In such a case you get to brush up against fame without having to answer the ridiculous. It’s like that cult that believed that a spaceship was hiding behind the moon and would pick them up if they killed themselves. 100% conviction but wrong…..or were they?

Either we’re all wrong or at least one of us is right. I’ll hedge my bets and place faith in something rather than nothing but debating with someone who believes in nothing cannot believe in your something unless that something intervenes.

In the movie the Grinch who stole Christmas…Little Cindy Lou Who sets out on a mission to discover the true meaning of Christmas. She faces the frustration of a culture that thinks that it is all about gifts and longs for something more. “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” – Narration from movie

Shia LaBeouf (of Transformers, Holes, And Indiana Jones) “Sometimes I feel I am living a meaningless life….I don’t handle fame well. I have no Idea where this insecurity comes from, but it’s a God- sized hole. If I knew I’d fill it and I’d be on my way…I have no answers to anything. None. Why am I an Alcoholic? I have no clue! What is life about? I don’t know?”- Journal News article

Blaise Pascal -“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person, and it can never be filled by any created thing. It can only be filled by God, made known through Jesus Christ.” Who is Jesus? People love to make Jesus who they want him to be (idol). Jesus is made a teddy bear. Jesus is made a vegan. There is the the peace hippy Jesus, the black Jesus, the white Jesus and the Homeboy Jesus. There is even the touchdown Jesus. BUT who is Jesus really? I am not asking who is Jesus to you….what you think of Jesus does not make or break who he actually was. Here must look at the facts. Barna 70% of teens say there “is not absolute moral truth”….what are the absolutes worth fighting for in a world with no absolutes.

Is Jesus Christ really God?

All or nothing at all. Everything hinges on this question. Christianity is not about clothes, Church attendance, or being a good person. Christianity is about Christ.

1. Did Jesus Really Exist?

Historicity of Jesus Christ from outside sources Cornelius Tacitus – (CAD 55-120) Roman historian who wrote the annals and histories. Confirms that Christians existed at this time and confirms that “christus” died. Confirms that Christians were put to death under Nero and Christ was put to death under Pilate, the procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius. Pleny the Younger (AD 112) Governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor writes on how to treat Christians and says make them curse to Christ. Many Others….Josephus, Clements of Rome, Ingatius etc (Gary Habermas states from his research in the book “historical Jesus” that there are over 39 ancient sources to the life of Jesus and 17 non Christian sources confirming 100 facts about his life, miracles, death, burial and resurrection. )

Gospel Sources-Did the gospels tell the truth??

Apologetic of embarrassment The Disciples failures and lack of faith Unfavorable moments in Jesus life (attitude toward sinners, Women, legalism and his display of Anger in John 2)

Early Accounts (Lee Strobel) Jesus executed 33 A.D. Liberal scholars say Matthew and Luke written 80AD.Book of Acts ends with Paul in prison…not dead yet…would have written this if it already happened. (Paul, James and Peter put to death between 61-70 AD) This puts Acts in the AD 60’s and Acts is the second volume of a two part series, so this puts Luke before Acts. Luke quotes Mark so this puts the book of Mark way earlier to the life of Christ. Finally Paul wrote his letters before Mark wrote and here we have some of the earliest Creeds of the church recorded.

Philippians 2: 7- 8 “…to on the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men….humbled himself and became obedient unto the death, even the death of the cross”

Colossians 1:14-15- “the visible image of invisible God”

I Corinthians 15:1-4 – The gospel, the death burial and Resurrection of Jesus with eyewitness accounts

2. Did Jesus really Claim to Be God?

Names for Christ: • “Jeshua Mashiach” =means “anointed one” (King, Priest, ) see Daniel 9:26 • Peter said “thou art the Christ, the son of the living God” Mt 16:16-17

Jesus did Claim to be God (many say he did not)

John 14:6 I am the way, truth and life

John 8:56- 59 “Before Abraham was I am” •

John 10:30 “I and the father are one”

Claims to forgive sins

Mark 2:5-7 To the one sick with palsy he claims to have forgiven sins/ something only God could do.

Again: If he claimed to be God he was and is either Liar, Lunatic, or Lord and God. If Jesus is who he claimed to be then every other way is a dead in and Idolatry.

3. Was Jesus really born of a virgin ?

Prophecies that Messiah would be born of a virgin

Genesis 3:15 “bruise thy head” to the serpant…from the seed of a woman

Isaiah 7:14 “child born of a virgin…Emanuel.. God with Us”

Fulfillment of Prophecies that messiah would be born of virgin (Jesus)

Matthew 1:22- 23 Angel declares to Joseph “that all might be fulfilled”

Luke 1:34- 35 Conceived of the Holy Spirit…”be called the son of God” Does Jesus really fulfill OT prophecies?

Prophecies that can not be faked: (all 400 years or more before Jesus born)

1. Blood line: An Israelite of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob, of Judah, of Jesse’s son David….Narrower and narrower

2. Town of Birth: Bethlehem Micah 5:2, Matthew 2:1

3. Cost of betrayal: 30 pieces Zech 11:12, Matthew 26:49

4. Execution: among sinners Isaiah 53:12, Matthew 27:38

5. Crucifixion: a. Hands and feet pierced: Psalm 22:16, Luke 23:33 (before Roman Crucifixion was invented)  Bones not broken Psalm 34:20, John 19:33

6. Darkness at midday Amos 8:9, Matthew 27:57-66 7.

Many More…to many to be coincidence “60 major prophecies with 270 specific ramifications.” –Josh McDowell

5. Did Jesus really do Miracles?

John 10:37 “if I do not the works of my father, believe me not”

Power Over Nature – Walked on water, calmed the storm,

Power Over Sickness- healed paralyzed man, Healed Lepers, Healed blind from birth,

Power Over death – Raised Boy from the dead, Raised Lazarus from the dead (john 11), conquered death himself on the CROSS!!! Paying for our sins!!! “he who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God”

6. Did Jesus really die for sins and was he resurrected?

Jesus really Died!!! Our sins are really gone! We really have hope now!! This is really what Christmas is about. HOPE for eternal life. Hope for rescue. Hope for redemption! His followers said that he rose.

I Corinthians 15: 5-8

Theories that do not hold up

Stolen body- Couldn’t have been. The Romans guards who would have been put to death

Swoon Theory- that he didn’t really die. Impossible noting the details of how they embalmed him with 100 pounds of incense mixed into gum.

Hallucination theory – 500 people would not hallucinate the same thing.

Edward Mote born into poverty January 21, 1797. He was not allowed a Bible in his house. Somehow heard the gospel and got saved. He became a carpenter and wrote the hymn “on Christ the solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand”. At age 55 he gave up carpentry and became a pastor at a Baptist Church. He died after 21 years of ministering there. Today we remember the words of his song…

“My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Blood and righteousness”

It is not enough to know the truth. You need to believe in Jesus Christ and Repent of your sins. Christian you need to know Christ, love Christ, Share Christ, and defend Christ. He is truth!

The Problem of Evil

The problem of evil is the content of my original post on facebook. I asked for opinions on how evil can exist and God be good? This I think this is one of the top questions in the hearts of man. I will admit that this is likely the hardest to answer, because it affects us personally, we hurt. We ask how could God allow this.  A brief recap on my answer is that

1. God is Good….of was James lying when he said “every good and perfect gift is from above”
2. Evil is not a “thing”…It is not a power in the world, but a description of wrong in the world in association with sin. Proper understanding of sin is that it infects everyone completely; although everyone is not as bad as they could be every person is bad. This is inborn into our nature. Sin is not a standard or comparison to other people. This does not make sense if there very definition of sin is that it infects everyone. Sin is according to God’s standard, which is perfection. (this is why he has set things right with us through faith in his Son, Jesus and his work on the Cross)
3. Evil does happen. Evil describes bad things that happen…They do happen and we do not always know why…Sometime man has every right to be mad at God or cry out to him and ask why… Job did in his time of trouble and Jesus did in the garden. But stating God can not be good and jumping to the fact that he does not exist because evil does is a stretch in reasoning.
4. God allows it. Christians affirm that God knows all and he is all powerful. He is also in Sovereign control. I further, believe that God in his sovereignty created man with the ability to choose right and wrong. If not we would be robots and God would get no real worship. God allowed the option of wrong. He allowed freedom. This is not a cruel God, but a God who cares and offers a solution for our wrongs in his Word, The Bible and in his own Son, Jesus Christ.

I encountered a group of Atheists on facebook who disagree that there is a God, but also that Christ is the exclusive way to heaven, God, Eternal life etc.  I consider them new friends although I can not speak for how they view me considering recent studies  that are showing that atheists are growing more and more hostile towards Christians. They desire to make Christians extinct. They declare that “God is dead” and “religion is a lie”. In their mind they are doing the world a great favor by trying to ride it of all religions, namely exclusive one’s like Christianity. This is also demonstrated by the hostile video that was posted on my facebook, which did not demonstrate fact, but was mostly a strong passionate argument against religion. This is also being exampled by Richard Dawkins is the self- proclaimed “evangelist of evolution” and is the most popular scientist alive right now. He is gaining popularity with his book “the God delusion” where he concludes that belief in God is a sickness in the genes of mankind, He and others like him suggest that it is a great wrong to society if a parent is to teach their children to believe in God. (The Atheism Remix, by Albert Mohler, pages 40-45). Dawkins who is well funded and is an expert in Zoology, (not Religion, not Theology, not even Philosophy), draws his conclusions without being an expert in the field he is speaking into. He would have the masses believe that Christians are ignorant and their type of faith can not be defended. They think that we have faith out of weakness. But I have answered openly and reasonably to each objection as best I could on the spot, with no notes, and not even an open Bible. I have welcomed skeptics and encouraged doubt stating that “the unexamined faith is not worth having. There may be ignorant Christians, but I this is not the brand that represents the us as a whole. I welcome further discussion of anyone wishes to email me (Steve@fwbc.us ).  Further, I have been accused of circular reasoning…as best I can tell (I can’t really tell because I was not given specific examples, them citing respect for me and my facebook page) this is because I reject religion and they consider Christianity a religion like the rest. And that I have passed the burden of proof to the atheist.

1. Religion as defined as “rites and rituals that appease a God or gods” is not Christianity. Christianity is Faith is Christ. Christianity is historically reliable and is distinguished by the Blood Atonement of Jesus Christ and a Personal God who gives Grace. This is distinguishable because this means there is no point in Christianity were man appeases God. God appeased himself in that he fulfilled his justice with his love. This all happened 2,000 years ago on a Roman Cross. Atonement exists in other religions…Man dies and spills his blood to get to God (jihad etc). But only in Christianity does God die for man. I do hate religion and I am not religious. Religion is man trying to get to God. Christianity destroys religion in that sense. Jesus on the cross destroys religion.

2. I switch the burden of proof to the atheist. This is only fair. If you want to discredit Christianity come with proof. You can not without presuppositions that God does not exist. You want to prove God does not exist; you can not because you do not have complete knowledge of every inch of the universe. At best you can say you do not know if God exists because you do not know everything in the universe. Then as an agnostic you need to realize there is reasonable evidence for a first cause, an unmovable mover and there is a growing “Dissent from Darwinism” of secular professors and PHD’s.

See link http://www.dissentfromdarwin.org/scientists/

Our debate on facebook, was somewhat beneficial, but not really successful. Mainly, because its facebook, not a research paper and not a formal debate. That being said my new friends have raised some good questions that Christian’s should be answering. In return I asked them some questions I think they need to answer as well. That ball is also in their court. These were a challenge to show me proof that:

A. Jesus did not really exist. And that He did not really claim to be God.

B. Prove that any other religious book has as many original manuscripts.

C. Prove that any other book has 100% fulfillment of Prophecy (just the specifics about Christ, are remarkable…like that he would be Crucified on a Roman Cross in Psalm 22…this was hundreds of years before Christ was born and hundreds of years before crucifixion was even invented) .

D. Show me proof that Jesus did not really rise from the dead (other than the presupposition that the supernatural does not exist, and the presupposition that resurrection is impossible.)

Is the Bible the words of man or The Word of God

Why the Bible? Video by Ravi Zacharias

See Link http://www.rzim.org/resources/watch.aspx#whythebible

The Bible is Unique

The Bible is unique in its continuity. Written over 1600 years, 40 different authors from every walk of life, Written in Three different languages, Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek. Yet, it flows as one book. (Josh McDowell, Evidence that demands a verdict, 4)

The Bible is Unique in its Circulation. No other book competes with it distribution.

The Bible is Unique in its Translation. The Bible was one of the first books translated. Around 250 B.C. The Hebrew Old Testament was translated into Greek for the Greek Speaking Jews at the time. (McDowell, 9)

The Bible is unique in its Survival. “The Bible has more manuscript evidence to support it than any ten pieces of classical Literature” (McDowell, 9)

John Warwick Montgomery Observes that “to be skeptical of the resultant text of the New Testament books is to allow all of classical antiquity to slip into obscurity, for no documents of the ancient period are as well attested bibliographically as the New Testament.(Montgomery, HC’71, 34)

The Bible is Unique in its teachings. There are 60 major Prophecies and 270 ramifications that were fulfilled in one person Jesus Christ. –Josh McDowell, “More than a Carpenter”

How we got the Bible

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit and through People. The Bible was written by the Holy Spirit. (God himself) 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “all Scripture is God breathed”.

Most significant way God revealed himself is Through Jesus. Hebrews 1:1-3

Because The Bible is God Breathed there are no Mistakes. 2 Peter 1:20-21 “above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

The Old Testament Canon – Canon is the process of the church recognizing God’s true revelation, Book is canonized based on inspired authorship. The church did not create the canon, but only recognizes it.

There was a near complete version of the Old Testament 200 years before Jesus was born.

Stages

• First- The Law 5 books
• Second- Prophets 8 Books
• Third- writings 11 books

Canon starts with Moses, who received the law from God Deuteronomy 5:5

• Moses wrote it down Exodus 34:27-28
• The people accepted it as authoritative Deuteronomy 5:27

Jesus confirms that the Old Testament is Scripture Luke 24:44 “He said unto them, this is what I told you while I was still with you: everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, The prophets and the Psalms.”

The New Testament Calls the Old Testament Scripture John 10:35, 19:36, 2 Peter 1:2, Matthew 22:29, Acts 18:24 etc

• The New Testament Canon

Based on

• Content- is the book consistent with the Gospels and the OT
• Authorship- was the author an apostle or did the author have a sustainable relationship with an apostle

Canon hinges on the Apostles.

Paul claims to be speaking with the Holy Spirit as and that his words is the Words of God.  I Cor 2:9, I Cor 2:13. He says “what I am writing you is a command of the Lord” in I Corinthians 14:37. (Grudem, 61)

• The New Testament writings were held with equal authority as the Old Testament.
• In 2 Peter 3:16 Peter equals Paul’s epistles with the “the other Scriptures”.
• I Timothy 5:17-18 Paul Quotes the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 25:4) and The New Testament (Luke 10:7) with exactly the same words in the Greek Text. (Grudem, 60-62)

Books that were directly written by Apostles

• Matthew
• John
• Romans
• Philemon (and all of Paul’s Epistles)
• James
• I and 2 Peter
• 1,2 and 3 John and Revelation
• This leaves Mark which accepted because of his close association with Peter
• Luke (author of  Luke and Acts) for his close association with the Apostle Paul
• Hebrews – The author is unknown, but the book is accepted for intrinsic qualities that are consistent with the New Testament. Many believe Paul wrote it or a close disciple of Paul.
• In A.D. 367 the Thirty Ninth Paschal Letter of Athanasius  contained the exact list of the 27 New Testament books we have today. (Grudem, 63)
• Thirty years later, In A.D. 397 the Council of Carthage representing western churches agreed with the eastern churches on the same list.
  • Catholicity- This means “universality” was the book universally already accepted by churches
  • Spiritual- Does the Book reveal truth about God?

The Apocrypha is not part of “protestant canon”….Why??

• Jesus, The apostles and the first generation Church fathers after the apostles never referred to any passage in the Apocrypha in their writings, nor did they ever refer to it as Scripture.
• The earliest List of Old Testament Books from the Melito, Bishop of Sardis, written in A.D. 170 lists all of our current OT Books except Esther. But does not include the Apocrypha. (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 58)
• Also, it was not unto 1546 at the council of Trent that the Roman Catholics declared the Apocrypha to be part of the canon. This was a response to the teachings of Martin Luther who was challenging the doctrines of Prayer for the dead, and justification by faith plus works. The Roman Catholics called these Scripture to back  up their false doctrines. We hold to the original list that agrees with the Jewish Canon and we reject the Roman Catholic list. I reject their religion for that matter. Salvation is by Grace, through faith. Not works. (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 59)

The Gospel Differences

1. What about the inconsistencies of the Gospels?

Dr. William Lane Craig     See Link http://www.leestrobel.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=strobelT1188

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Fact or Fantasy

Is there a case for the Historical Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Dr. William Lane Craig  http://www.leestrobel.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=strobelT1184

Did People really see Jesus after his Resurrection?

Dr. William Lane Craig http://www.leestrobel.com/videoserver/video.php?clip=strobelT1186

Other Discussed issues

• Age of the earth: Most of the entire Bible supports by belief in thousands of years rather than millions, but also, here are Numerous Scientific articles here that support by belief.  Take your pick.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/get-answers#/topic/young-age-evidence

• Did Jesus Really Exist

Documentation from secular sources about Christ.

• Cornelius Tacitus (C.A.D. 55-120) Roman historian who wrote annals and the Histories. Confirms that Christians existed at this time. Confirms that “christus” died. Confirms that Christians were being put to death under Nero and that Christ was put to death under Pilate, the procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius.
• Lucian of Samosata- Greek Satirist. Confirms Christians following “Christ”
• Suetonius – Roman Historian confirms the existence of the “christus”
• Pleny the Younger, Governor of Bithynia in Asia Minor (A.D. 112) writes on how to treat Christians and says “made them curse to Christ”
• Thallus, A.D 52 States “it was a full moon when Christ died”
• Phlegon “chronicles” confirms that darkness came upon the earth as Jesus Crucifixion.
• Mara Ba- Serapion (after A.D 70) a Philosopher confirms that Jesus really lived
• The Babylonian Talmud “Eve of Passover they hanged Yeshu” (Jesus)
• Josephus ben Mattathias , “Jesus was a wise man…Doer of Wonderful works”
• The Pre- New Testament Creedal confessions
• The New Testament Documents- Proclaim and verify the historicity of Jesus
• The Post- Apostolic writers
• Clement of Rome confirms, “in a letter called the  Corinthians Apostles received gospel from Jesus Christ”
• Ingatius
• Justin Martyr A.D 100

Conclusion, Documentation that Jesus Existed, That the Bible is reliable, that Jesus really raised from the dead are all mentioned above. But I will say you may find fault with my presentation. I am not a PhD, but from the evidence above I think it would take blatant disregard for truth to still think that Christianity is a joke. Maybe, You do. I would say search out both sides as I have and see how Jesus stands as historical, see how the Bible stands are reliable. I welcome doubt and skepticism. These are just some answers to some specific things that were asked of me on facebook. One last argument is “The argument of embarrassment”….That is that these Apostles would not have made these stories up. Compared to Greek Mythology men are made as gods. The Biblical narrative is that these authors are show for how human they are they are show for there real screw ups. Peter as an author is shown as a doubter and is constantly arguing with Jesus. He fled and no one but John were openly at the cross because of fear of the Romans. They constantly did not get what Jesus was teaching. Over and over again their failures are brought to light. If they were making this story up why would they not leave out the parts about their failures? This is seen with Moses and David as well. Moses was a murderer and David an adulterous murderer.  Think of Jonah he doubted God every step of the way. He deliberately ran from God. He is no hero. Why wouldn’t these Authors have left out these details? It’s embarrassing!! It’s not about these men and it’s not a tale that can be twisted. It is the actual words of God to man about his Son Jesus who would save man from their sins. Every man has a longing to be saved and there is no denying this. God wants to do it. Trust in Jesus Christ.

For further study:

• Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology
• Josh McDowell , Evidence that demands a verdict
• Lee Strobel, A Case for faith, A case for Creation, A case for Christ, A case for the Real Jesus Christ
• Henry Bettenson and Chris Maunder, Documents of the Christian Church
• Josh McDowell, “More than a Carpenter”
• Ravi Zacharius, Beyond Opinion
• Albert Mohler, “Atheism Remix”
• Rzim.org
• Leestrobel.com
• Answersingenesis.org
• dissentfromdarwin.org
• The Apologetics Study Bible, and Relevant articles