"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part X

October 2024

   Faith that isn't tried is weak faith. "And not being weak in faith." (Romans 4:19a) It's good to ask the question; why do I believe? Faith that's not exercised, won't grow and develop. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:2-5) Some Christians are afraid to be questioned about their faith. Knowing why we believe gives us confidence and boldness. The blast furnace purifies Iron ore, so the Iron can be separated from the surrounding material. "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you." (I Peter 4:12) Our faith will be challenged. Notice Peter didn't say the fiery trial might come; or could come; but that it will come. Opposition gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the validity of our Faith. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego went into the furnace of fire; because they would not bow down and worship the Babylonian Idol. They were bound up, and cast into the fire, and the fire was so hot it killed the men who threw them in. "Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." (Daniel 3:24&25) Their ordeal brought glory to the Lord. "Because there is no other God who can deliver like this." (Daniel 3:29b)

   I want to share a situation that happened back in October 2015, when I was preaching in Florida. While staying at a hotel, a divine encounter occurred, when a man and his two sons came over to where I was sitting. He was a man in his late fifties or early sixties, and his sons were in their twenties. They were carpenters working on a friends hotel about a mile away, and they were from Tennessee and rarely worked outside their home state. This man, who was drinking a beer, started talking to me. Not long into our conversation he told me he was an atheist, because his father and mother were atheists. They were prominent atheists, who headed up an atheism group. Though he said he didn't believe in God; he thought religion was good for society. I jokingly said: the fairytale of religion keeps people in line. He smiled and nodded his head. Some people erroneously believe medieval clergyman concocted the idea of heaven and hell to get people to submit to their tenets of faith. "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether." (Psalm 19:7-9)

   We began to discuss the reason why we believed what we believed. I brought up the cause-and-effect law, and he couldn't come up with a reason why things came about, or why they developed into their current state. While we were talking, he told me he had been married a short time when he was young, and he and his first wife divorced. Then he met his current wife in a bar, and they've been married over thirty years. He said when they first looked at each other across the restaurant, they knew they were meant for each other. Then I said: How can that be? How can random protons, neutrons, electrons, atoms, and molecules have meaning? What do you mean, you were meant for each other? His mouth dropped down and he said, you know what I mean. I said if you don't believe in God, how could you believe you and your wife were meant for each other? Meaning speaks to purpose; and purpose speaks to will; and will speaks to intelligence, and intelligence speaks to being. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11) The atheists position is untenable. To state there is no God: means you've been everywhere there's a where, and beyond, and you know there is no God. That statement is farcical. The agnostic view is more plausible, because the agnostic says he doesn't know if there is a God. There is so much evidence for believing in God; agnosticism really doesn't make sense.

   The next matter we dealt with was the design of the universe. He said, given enough time things could have came about by random chance. My response was that law, order, sequence, and symmetry never comes out of chaos and randomness, because there is purpose with process. The universe is set up on a mathematical basis; Albert Einstein said, "All of my mathematical calculations point to the existence of a supreme intelligence." He further declared that "Science can only be created by those who are thoroughly imbued with the aspiration toward truth and understanding. This source of feeling, however, springs from the sphere of religion. To this there also belongs the faith in the possibility that the regulations valid for the world of existence are rational, that is, comprehensible to reason. I cannot conceive of a genuine scientist without that profound faith." Without God there is no rhyme or reason, and therefore, no purpose. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part IX

September 2024

   The big bang theory postulates that a primeval atom exploded. Space, energy, time, and motion all began with the big bang; and then an incredibly sudden and rapid expansion called cosmic inflation occurred. The universe began from a single point to something astronomical in an instant of time, and the universe continues to expand. It's illogical to believe everything came from a primeval atom. Explosions don't create things: they destroy things! Detonate dynamite in your living room, come back an hour later and see if any improvements have been made. "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:11) "For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God." (Hebrews 3:4) The late famed atheist Steven Hawking said "It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun this way, except as an act of a God who intended to create beings like us. The universe and the laws of physics seem to have been specifically designed for us." Just as a painting requires a painter and a building requires a builder; creation requires a creator. "He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, And has stretched out the heavens at His discretion." (Jeremiah 10:12)

   There never was a time God wasn't; and never will be a time He won't be. "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8) Everything that exists was brought into existence by God. "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:3) Nothing we observe in the world was produced by itself. Something doesn't come out of nothing: it never could and never would. If nothing produced something, it would have had to create itself, and would have to exist before its creation. So it would have had to exist and not exist at the same time: which is utterly ridiculous. We've been dealing with the cosmological argument for God's existence. There must have been an infinite, un-caused first cause or prime mover, who initiated a series of secondary causes and effects. Some people want to know where God came from. That would be like asking how long is the smell of a rose. Odor isn't determined by a tape measure; but by the sense of smell. You would only ask where something came from, that had a beginning, and God had no beginning! The Lord questioned Job about this matter. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding." (Job 38:4)

   It's hard for finite beings to comprehend infinity, because we live in space and time, and God doesn't. He's before and outside of space and time. God stepped into space and time, when he was incarnated through the virgin birth. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:1&14) That's why the Lord Jesus Christ can relate to humanity. "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:17) He understands everything we face. "For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust." (Psalm 103:14) "But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man." (John 2:24&25) Everything we experience is related to time. That's why we have watches and plan our life around a calendar. Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years are important to us. We're born, live, and die, and time is precious. In our realm, things begin and end, start and finish and the cause of this is both Lucifer's and Man's rebellion against God. Death entered the universe after these insurrections. All the struggles, pain, suffering, and death occurred because of the fall. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

   When you walk away from God, you're walking from light into darkness. I've had people tell me when they go to heaven they're going to give Adam a what for; because of the curse resulting from his failure. We should look in the mirror, and we'll see who's responsible. "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned." (Romans 5:12) Everybody was in the loins of Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God. We are a product of our parents; and they of their parents; all the way back to Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve's sin had far reaching consequences, because they were both the federal and seminal head of the human race. The universe is dying from heat loss, and this decay is known as the law of entropy, or the second law of thermodynamics. It was caused by the disobedience of Lucifer and man. Once again the bible has the answer to our questions.

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part VIII

August 2024

   "All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." (John 1:3) Logic requires an uncaused first cause. This uncaused first cause must be outside of creation, and this first cause has to be self existent. Infinite regression is an untenable position, because infinite regression is the idea that there is no first cause in a series of causes. The law of causation nullifies infinite regression. Every cause has an equal and opposite effect; and there is no effect without a cause; and no effect is greater than its cause. "For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist." (Colossians 1:16&17) To think that something caused something, that caused something, that caused something, could have been going on forever, is absurd on the face of it. This uncaused first cause would have to be outside of time, energy, space, matter, and motion. You would no more ask where this first cause came from; than you would ask, how long is the smell of a rose? Odor isn't determined by length, but by smell. You only ask where something came from, that came into being. Only things that begin to exist have a beginning.

   This uncaused first cause has to be self existent. "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14) "Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:2) This joke makes the point. Some scientists challenged God to a contest, and they said: we can make a man just like you did. The Lord took them up on their challenge. The scientists reached over to get some dirt; when God said, OH NO, get your own dirt! God is above and outside of creation. The universe had a beginning, because if the universe was eternal; we wouldn't be in this moment. We would've had to cross over an eternal number of other moments, to get to this moment; which is impossible. The universe, as we discussed earlier, is dying a heat loss death. This is what the law of entropy, also known as the second law of thermodynamics, states. Since the universe is losing its heat energy; if it were eternal, it would have lost its heat energy an eternity ago.

   With most cosmologists embracing the Big Bang Theory to explain the origin of the universe: it further substantiates the universe came into existence. The Big Bang theory is the death knell to the steady state theory; because creation requires a creator. Saint Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274) said: Creation is the primary and most perfect revelation of the Divine. "Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created. He also established them forever and ever; He made a decree which shall not pass away." (Psalm 148:3-6) In the 1990's I was preaching in Concord, North Carolina. After service, I went to Pastor Rodney and Teresa Evans house for fellowship and food. I watched Ted Koppel host nightline, and the topic concerned recent discoveries about the universe. A cosmologist was the main guest: he said the universe began when an atom exploded. Think of it, everything in existence came from an atom. Ted Koppel asked him where the atom came from, and he said he didn't have an answer. Ted Koppel was stunned by his statement. In his book, God and the Astronomers, Robert Jastrow, a self proclaimed agnostic wrote, "For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak: as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries." "Professing to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:22) Albert Einstein said, "I want to know how God created this world. I want to know His thoughts."

   The Big Bang Theory correlates closer to the Genesis account, than other discredited theories that have been bandied about. We're told everything came from a speck, which doesn't make sense. Remember, at one time the Steady State Theory was widely accepted. Cosmologists were able to look back in time, charting the expansion of the universe, and it led them to a single location, where everything started. That once and for all debunked the Steady State Theory. They had to believe there was something there, from which everything came from. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) The Hebrew word for create is Bara. It is used exclusively to refer to God's creative work; it refers to creating things ex nihilo, or out of nothing. "Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so." (Genesis 1:7) The Hebrew word for made is Asah: which means, to make or do, to prepare. He made things from what He had already created. "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:3)

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part VII

July 2024

   Science describes the Universe in five terms: Time, energy, space, matter, and motion. They're mentioned in the first two verses of the Bible. "In the beginning (time) God created (energy) the heavens (space) and the earth (matter). The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering (motion) over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1&2)"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever." (I John 2:15-17) This scripture isn't talking about God's creation, it's referring to the corrupt world system, resulting from man's fall in the garden of Eden.

   What about the existence of the universe? Cosmology is a branch of astronomy dealing with the origin and structure of the universe. Since the universe does exist, it either always existed, or it came into existence. Those are the only two possibilities. Until recently, most cosmologists believed in the steady state theory, which states: The universe has no beginning and will have no end. It is constantly producing matter and is expanding. The strongest proponents of this theory were; Fred Hoyle, Thomas Gold, and Herman Bondi: This theory has been totally discredited. Albert Einstein said the worst mistake he ever made was believing in the steady state theory. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32) The first law of thermodynamics disproves the steady state theory. The most famous exponent of this law was Julius Robert Von Mayer (1814-1878). This law is one of the great laws of physics. It's simply a restatement of the law of conservation of energy and mass. Energy is neither created or destroyed, but may be changed from one form to another. Also, matter cannot be created or destroyed, only the form of it can change. The steady state theory postulated that atoms were continuously being created: which is one of the main reasons for the rejection of the steady state theory."Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished." (Genesis 2:1) God completed his creative work, and nothing can be added to it. Once again, science is in agreement with God's revelation.

   The second law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of entropy, refutes the steady state theory. Rudolf Clausius (1822-1888), championed this scientific law. Entropy is the lack of order in a system, including the lack of order increasing over time. The fact that entropy of the universe increases over time, implies the universe came into being in the finite past. The universe is dying a slow heat loss death: which repudiates the steady state theory. If the universe was eternal, it would have lost its heat energy an eternity ago. "Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will endure; Yes, they will all grow old like a garment; Like a cloak You will change them, And they will be changed." (Psalm 102:25&26) "But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?" (II Peter 3:10-12) The bible makes it clear that the cosmos is growing old and will pass away, and that's exactly what the second law of thermodynamics states. Now the overwhelming majority of Cosmologists accept the Big Bang Theory, which states: The universe began when a single point of infinitely dense and infinitely hot matter exploded spontaneously. When this subatomic atom exploded, cosmic inflation brought the universe into being. The debris of this explosion began to fly away from the explosion point and is still flying indefinitely. All the galaxies, stars, and planets were formed from this debris. Time begins at the Big Bang, which happened about 12 billion years ago. In 1927 the Belgian astronomer George Lemaitre (1894-1966), suggested at some time in the remote past; all the matter in the universe was concentrated at one point. The universe began when this "primeval atom" exploded, and this idea was further developed by George Gamow (1904-1968). This theory intimates there was a beginning.

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part VI

June 2024

   Several years ago I heard a minister preach on radio, and the topic was human philosophy. "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 3:8) The preacher cited a conclusion reached by historians and this assessment, determination, wasn't reached by Christians, or religious folk: but by secular people. Their opinion concerned the greatest minds in history. Of the fifty greatest minds; 46 believed in God and 42 were Christians. The 46 people who believed in God, comprised both men and women. The 4 people who claimed to be atheists or agnostics had two things in common: they were men and they were preacher's sons. They came out of abusive and dysfunctional homes, so religion has produced some of the most ardent skeptics, and hypocrisy has turned many away from the faith."They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work." (Titus 1:16) "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matthew 18:6) The minister concluded his message by saying these men chose not to believe. It wasn't that they couldn't believe in God: they didn't want to believe in God; because if God was anything like their father, they didn't want to have anything to do with him. Sometimes people can't hear what we say, because they're watching what we do. I've talked to people who have turned from Christ, and the overwhelming majority of them were offended by professing Christians. It's important to be a positive, not negative, influence on people. "You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men." (II Corinthians 3:2)

   Here are a few world renowned scientists that believed in God and the bible. I've selected these from an exhaustive list. Leonardo da Vinci, who some consider founder of modern science, strongly believed: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1) In the field of chemistry, Robert Boyle has no equal, he's the father of modern chemistry. He made the case for the biblical account of origins. Sir Isaac Newton, who discovered the law of gravity, wrote about bible prophecy. Louis Pasteur, a committed Christian, discovered the pasteurization of milk process. Francis Bacon advanced the scientific method. Blaise Pascal was a great mathematician, and the basis of hydrostatics, hydrodynamics, differential calculus, and the theory of probability, was credited to him. The wager of Pascal is well known. How can anyone lose who chooses to be a Christian? If, when he dies, there turns out to be no God and his faith was in vain, he has lost nothing. In fact, he has been happier in life than his non-believing friends. If, however, there is a God and heaven and hell, then he has gained heaven and his skeptical friends will have lost everything in hell. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36) Joseph Lister brought about antiseptic surgical methods, outside of Louis Pasteur, more lives were saved because of his contributions to modern medicine than anyone else. He was a devout believer in Jesus Christ. I'll mention a few more. Johannes Kepler (Astronomy); Carolus Linnaeus (biological taxonomy); Gregor Mendel (genetics); Michael Faraday (electromagnetics); Henrietta Swan Leavitt (astronomy); Clara Swain (medicine); Lord Kelvin (physics); Samuel F.B. Morse (telegraph); James Joule (thermodynamics); Henri Fabre (entomology of living insects), and Joseph Henry (electric motor). " For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. My wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." (Proverbs 8:11&12) These outstanding people attributed their success to God. They rose to the top of their profession, and excelled above their peers, and gave God glory."That, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (I Corinthians 1:31)

   Dr. Wernher Von Braun, father of space flight and exploration, may have been the greatest scientist of the 20th Century. He helped in the development of rocket science and aeronautics. Born in Germany, he was a pioneering inventor and engineer, and after he was arrested, fled Nazi Germany and came to the United States. Subsequent to his conversion to Jesus Christ: Dr. Von Braun became a strong proponent of the Christian faith and creationism. NASA was successful, to a great degree, because of his contribution. By profession, the highest percentage of people who believe in God are astronomers. "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard." (Psalm 19:1-3) Astronomy is the study of heavenly bodies; the science dealing with their structure, size, distance, relative position and courses through space, and similar phenomena. As man probes the universe, he finds order, design, and symmetry. Naturally, it leads to intelligent design, because design reveals a designer. Randomness and chaos won't produce patterns and arrangements. There is a creator!

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part V

May 2024

    A common fallacy is that Christians are uneducated and stupid, but this is a misconception that needs to be debunked. A recent survey indicated that the Evangelical community has a higher level of education than the general population. "The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil." (Proverbs 15:28) In 586 BC the Israelites were taken into Babylonian captivity by monarch Nebuchadnezzar. He commissioned Ashpenaz, master of the eunuchs, to find the wisest and strongest young men of Israel. "Young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans." (Daniel 1:4) Nebuchadnezzar wanted them indoctrinated in the Babylonian way of life; so they were to eat and drink like their captors. Four young Jewish men: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; petitioned Ashpenaz to let them eat and drink as their custom was for ten days. They were to be examined and if they didn't measure up to those who followed Babylonian dietary laws; they would do as their peers. After ten days, they were found to be in better shape than those who complied with the Chaldean eating regimen. "As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm." (Daniel 1:17-20)

    We'll find later in this series what atheists, agnostics, and skeptics believe is absurd and fanciful. Some folk erroneously believe all Christians are gullible; willing to believe anything they're told, even if it requires suspension of critical thinking. That's not the case. The apostle Paul was one of the most scholarly and accomplished men of antiquity, he was knowledgeable and well versed in many areas. His abrupt and dramatic conversion to the Christian faith was remarkable. It shocked the world because Paul was persecuting the church before he met the Lord. Paul used his education for the furtherance of the gospel. "Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner." (Acts 26:24-26) The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ was well known. "And that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:5-8)

    People have died for many causes. Some Buddhist monks burned themselves in protest of the Vietnam War. They were pacifists, believing this would end violence. On September 11, 2001, radical Islamic terrorists hijacked American commercial planes and flew them into the World Trade Center buildings in New York City. Other planes were commandeered: one was flown into the pentagon in Washington D.C. and another jet crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Those terrorists died thinking they were doing the right thing, because of what they believed. The Apostles of Jesus Christ were martyred because they wouldn't deny He rose from the dead. It wasn't something they were taught, or a philosophy they believed, it was something they knew by firsthand experience. They saw Jesus after he rose from the dead, and they walked with him and talked with him. "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up if in fact the dead do not rise." (I Corinthians 15:14&15) It would be well worth it to check out Voice of the Martyrs in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. I have a great friend who use to work there: his name is Allan Walker, he's a great traveling minister, who specializes in bible prophecy. Go to: www.persecution.com. Also, Foxe's book of martyrs has a lot of information concerning the Apostles martyrdom.

    What we believe is important. One of the dumbest things I've ever heard is: Just as long as you believe something. So I guess if you believe in crystals, tadpoles, good luck charms, a rabbits foot, or God; it's all the same. What if you went to a doctor, and he told you to go home and try something for your condition. What would happen if you took arsenic or strychnine? You would be dead! What if you tried leeching: which is the use of leeches for bloodletting, it would weaken you; maybe even kill you. Bloodletting has been totally discredited by medical science. "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) Just trying something doesn't make sense: It's ridiculous! Believing something without reason is also preposterous. There are compelling reasons to believe the bible because there's information in the bible only the creator would know. It's based on history and confirmed by science. The bible is the word of God because only God knows the future. Fulfilled bible prophecy attests to its validity and divine authorship. "Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure." (Isaiah 46:10) “Known to God from eternity are all His works." (Acts 15:18)

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part IV

April 2024

    "Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) God invites us to reason with him. Reason is the ability to think, understand, and form judgments that are based on facts. Reasoning takes place in the mind. The mind is the intellectual or rational faculty in man, consciousness, intelligence, intellect, memory, and opinion. The mind operates in the brain. We can love God with our heart, soul, and mind. God can be known and experienced through these faculties. God places no premium on ignorance. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6a) Ignorance is lack of knowledge. The cure for ignorance is enlightenment.

    Salvation is for the whole man. It will regenerate the spirit, renew the mind, and heal the body. The gospel appeals to every aspect of our being. "For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (I Corinthians 1:22-24) The Jews were looking for a sign. The Greek word for sign is semeion: which means; sign, token, signal, miracle, or portent. The Greeks were searching for wisdom. The Greek word for wisdom is sophia: which means; skill or wisdom. The Jews demanded evidence, so Christ proved his identity. Nicodemus attested to this. "This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." (John 3:2) Seeking miracles for their own sake is vain. Trying to use God as a genie lamp doesn't work. Seeking God will bring the miraculous into manifestation. The Greeks were proud of their intellectual prowess. They were master orators and academicians. They were absorbed in philosophical pursuits. Pursuing knowledge for knowledge's sake is futile. Jesus was knowledge personified. "The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!" (John 7:46) Desiring knowledge for truths sake, leads you to God.

    At the age of twelve, Jesus exhibited remarkable intelligence. "Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers." (Luke 2:46&47) The Greek word for astonished is existemi: which means; confuse, astound, amaze, to be insane, and be amazed. The teachers were amazed at his wisdom, they were overwhelmed with the revelation of divine glory. His perception was off the chart. It's often assumed Christ was endowed with His ability at birth. "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52) He was studious and observant throughout his life. He applied himself to spiritual and mental development, while the Holy Spirit cultivated His growth.

    When Jesus was incarnated; he laid aside his divine attributes, but not His divine essence. "But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:7&8) The Greek phrase no reputation is Kenoo: which means to empty, make void, or nullify. Jesus emptied himself of the expression of deity, not possession of deity: He suppressed using His God power, so He could operate as a man. His humanity was genuine; yet His being was divine. Homoioma is the Greek word for likeness. It means likeness, image, copy, or appearance. He was truly human, not a phantom. He had to grow and develop like any other human being. "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people." (Hebrews 2:14&17)

    Jesus Christ was the perfect union of God and man. Fully human and fully divine! "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." (I Timothy 3:16) As we've seen, the Lord Jesus Christ reached maturation through hard work. He fulfilled His mission by discipline and commitment; and if we're going to reach our potential; we'll need to follow Christ's example. "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." (Ephesians 5:1) "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." (I John 2:6) Strong men and women of God must be developed. Believers with both the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the knowledge of God, can be very effective in reaching the next generation. People need truth, truth is reality.

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part III

March 2024

    Some people get confused about the term Apologetics or Apologist. It sounds like apology or apologize, but they're antonyms, which means they're opposite in meaning. An apology is something you say or write, to show you're sorry. Apologize means: telling someone you're sorry you did something wrong. Apologetics explains or defends an idea. An Apologist is someone who defends or speaks in favor of a cause, making the case or vindication of a matter. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (I Corinthians 14:33) It's important to be clear and precise, because it helps in convincing people of truth, and persuading them to act. "But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37) Pseudointellectuals engage in psychobabble, which is a misnomer. Psychobabble is language that sounds scientific; but really isn't. They say a lot of words; without saying much that matters. "In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise." (Proverbs 10:19) Some folk use nebulous terms such as: could have been, might have been, should have been, probably, most likely, we think, we feel, or the general consensus. There's nothing wrong discussing possibilities, but truth isn't vague or indistinct, it's based on empirical data.

    At the end of the 1982 school term, I resigned as a full time educator, and signed up to be a substitute teacher. The Evangelistic ministry was growing, and it gave me flexibility to travel. I left the teaching profession altogether in October, 1986, so we're in our 32nd year of full time ministry. While substituting at a local junior high school, I had an encounter worth mentioning. During the lunch break, I was witnessing to a faculty member who was open to the gospel. Another teacher heard what I was saying; and interrupted me when I said Jesus was the only way to God. He said there were many roads to heaven. The Lord gave me an answer to his statement. "My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer." (Psalm 45:1) I said, If what you're saying is true, Jesus lied. He said he went to church, so he should have known that Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) Jesus excluded all other ways to heaven. "I, even I, am the LORD, And besides Me there is no savior." (Isaiah 43:11) "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5) "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:1&9) "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) I was leaving on a trip to preach in Michigan, and I asked him if all I had to do was start my car, get on any road, and it would take me to my destination. He began to stammer, and conceded that only certain roads would lead me to Michigan.

    Then I brought up the subject of absolutes. Two plus two is always four: it's not nine, twelve, or fifteen. That reminds me of a conversation between an absolutist and a relativist. The relativist declared there were no absolutes, so the absolutist asked him if he was sure there were no absolutes. He said he was positive there weren't any absolutes. The absolutist asked him again, are you certain there aren't any absolutes? The relativist became angry and said, absolutely! Let's return to the Junior High School incident. The teacher, who had interjected himself in my conversation with the other instructor, said if people were sincere; that's all that mattered. I asked him if a person woke up at three o'clock in the morning, and they were sincerely sick, and sincerely went to the medicine cabinet, and sincerely, accidentally, took poison; would they be sincerely dead? He didn't say anything after that. "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist." (Luke 21:15) What differentiates Christianity from religion is the person of Jesus Christ. Religion primarily is a system of rules and regulations, while the Christian faith revolves around The Lord Jesus Christ. Take the founders of religion out of their movements, and nothing is changed. Take Christ out of Christianity, and you have nothing left. Great men and women have lived and died; but Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead.

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part II

February 2024

    Another method of soul winning is street evangelism. "And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits." (Mark 6:7) A multiplication factor occurs when believers work together. "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor." (Ecclesiastes 4:9) When believers cooperate, a synergistic result happens. Which means the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects. There is an acronym for the word TEAM: Together Everyone Accomplishes More. "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19) The key is agreement. The Greek word for agree is Sumphoneo. Sum means: together, and Phoneo means: make a sound, speak. Christians working together can-do great things; but even alone, much can be done. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them." (Acts 8:5) Philip ministered to the Samaritans as he went among the people.

    Christian Apologetics gives a reason for our hope in Christ. What is the basis and rational of this ministry? I Peter 3:15 says we should be able to tell people the reason we believe in Jesus and the bible. Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37) My heart can't rejoice in what my mind rejects. Telling people, we believe in the bible, because our parents believed in the bible; and our grandparents believed in the bible, doesn't give a reason for our faith. There are religious people who believe in other books; because their parents believed in those writings, because their grandparents believed those books. The Apostle Paul went to Mars Hill and declared the gospel to the Athenian philosophers. "For as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you." (Acts 17:23) We're sent to the educated and uneducated. "I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise." (Romans 1:14) Telling somebody we believe something, just because, doesn't make sense. Knowing why we believe what we believe, strengthens our faith, and gives us boldness.

    As a young minister, I was envious of older preachers who had stories to illustrate their messages. I asked the Lord about this, but he didn't speak to me about the matter until 30 years later. I was ministering in South Carolina, and I was relating something that happened to me to make a point in my message. Deep in my spirit, God told me, now you have stories to share. Years before, I hadn't lived long enough to experience anything. "I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his descendants begging bread." (Psalm 37:25) David could speak from life's experiences and tell people what the Lord had done for him. "Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy." (Psalm 107:2) God gives us what we need to answer the critics, so don't be afraid of facing opposition, it's par for the course. "For I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist." (Luke 21:15) Fear is a tool of Satan: who wants to paralyze our faith. My acronym for fear is: False Evidence Appearing Real. Faith drives fear away! "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (II Timothy 1:7)

    Risk takers are movers and shakers, and we're called to be world changers, not pew sitters. Pioneers blaze the trail and make things happen; while spectators watch things happen, and conversationalists talk about things that happen, and then there are those who wonder what happened! When Jesus commanded Peter to step out of the boat and walk on water; it seemed like a daunting task. That first step was the most important, and each successive step became easier. It takes motivation to get started, and motivation comes from purpose. "Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." (John 4:34) "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." (Luke 19:10)

    Christians in school encounter strong opposition to their faith, and some instructors think their mission in life is to de-christianize believers. Many Colleges and Universities are antithetical to Christianity. Ironically most institutions of higher learning were founded by Christian organizations. Campus life and social mores have undergone a dramatic shift away from biblical standards. What we believe determines how we live. "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7a) The battle for the mind is underway, and we need to rise to the challenge, because the next generation is at stake. All it takes for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing. That statement was made by Englishman Edmund Burke, who was a noted author, orator, philosopher, and statesman. David answered the question of his older brother Eliab. "And David said, "What have I done now? Is there not a cause?" (I Samuel 17:29) Before David arrived, Goliath taunted Saul and his army, morning, and evening, for forty days. David's motivation was Goliath's insult to God and Israel, and he didn't want his people to become slaves to the Philistines. Our purpose is to capture the next generation for Christ, so they won't be indoctrinated with secular humanism. We shouldn't cede the public domain to the secularists; because science and logic substantiates creation and the bible; and refutes naturalism and evolution.

"Christian Apologetics"

(Changing the World: Engaging the Culture)

Part 1

January 2024

   Due to keen interest people have expressed in the subject of Christian Apologetics, we're going to repeat this series. "And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter." (Acts 17:32) There will be modification of material as needed: either insertion of new information, or deletion of repetitive phrases to improve the subject, and make it more cogent. The primary focus of Revelation Power Ministries continues as we pursue this (Christian Apologetics) avenue of evangelism. It's an outgrowth of what we've been doing for 49 years. "For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries." (I Corinthians 16:9) More debates and creation events are in the offing. We're going to make time to write booklets preparing believers to make the case for God, creation, and the bible.

    "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15) Peter encourages believers to know why they believe what they believe. Here, the Greek word for defense is apologian; which means: to speak in one's own defense, defend oneself, making a case, or vindication. Jesus never shied away from legitimate questions. In this scripture the Greek word for reason is logon, which means statement, declaration, speech, message, or proclamation. The Amplified Bible elucidates this scripture. "But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15) The Christian faith isn't a blind leap into the dark, but a reasoned faith based upon logical, historical, and spiritual truth. We don't commit intellectual suicide when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal saviour. The gospel appeals to our spirit (pneuma), soul (psuche), and body (soma). The word for soul, psuche, is the organ of intellectual activity and mental processes. Some critics believe Christianity is based on superstition, fable, folklore, legend, or myth. Nothing could be further from the truth. "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." (II Peter 1:16) The Bible contains information only the Creator of the Universe would know.

   Christian Apologetics is one method of reaching the lost. We'll look at this in greater detail later, but here are several methods of Evangelism. Personal Evangelism-telling people what God has done for you. The Samaritan woman told the Samaritans how Christ changed her life. "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did." (John 4:39) The Gadarene Demonic was tormented, and no one could help him, but Jesus cast out Legion, many demons, from the madman. After his deliverance, he was sitting, clothed, and in his right mind, and wanted to travel with Jesus: "However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled." (Mark 5:19&20)

   Power Evangelism-The supernatural manifestation of signs and wonders. "Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased." (John 6:2) Miracles arrest the attention of people, and God's presence and ability prove his love and care. In the early 1980's I was preaching a revival in a former beer tavern, and the meeting helped start a new church. A minister came out on Monday night, and he was going to interrupt my preaching, and declare me and the pastor false prophets. Ten minutes into my preaching, the Holy Spirit led me to pray for this man about a heart condition. I had never met this man, so he was startled, because the week before his doctor told him he had a serious heart problem. The Lord healed him, and a few nights later he was filled with the Holy Ghost. He persuaded several fellow ministers to attend the revival; and they were filled with the Spirit, also thirty nine people came to Christ that week. "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:18&19)

   Mass Evangelism-promulgation of the gospel on a wide scale. "The Lord gave the word; Great was the company of those who proclaimed it." (Psalm 68:11) This would include crusades, television, radio, books, internet, e-mail, facebook, texting, twitter, and any other way of communicating. In the last days the message of Jesus Christ will saturate the planet. "For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea." (Habakkuk 2:14) Jesus said this would happen before the end of the age. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) We should use every means available to reach the lost. No doubt, there will be new ways of disseminating the word of God, and methods of broadcasting the good news may change but the message is timeless. "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven." (Psalm 119:89) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away." (Matthew 24:35)

    Market Place Evangelism-making Christ known where we live and work by sharing our faith in the daily concourse of life. "You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men." (II Corinthians 3:2) Folk may not read the bible, or go to church: but they can see the love of God through us. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) Moral relativism is rampant; and ethics are on the wane. Men and women dedicated to the Lord, and my wife and I know many who are, stand out in stark contrast by how they conduct themselves. Light is more perceptible during the darkest hour of the night. "That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain." (Philippians 2:15&16)