8/18/21

What is Apologetics? by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=826

What is Apologetics?

by Kyle Butt, M.Div.

You walk up to the man on the street and tell him that Jesus Christ loves him and died so he could receive forgiveness of his sins. You explain that everyone should obey Jesus because He is the Son of God. The man wants to know how you know this information. You inform him that the Bible, the inspired Word of God, declares it to be true. He wants to know two things: (1) How can you prove that there is a God?; and (2) How can you prove that the Bible is His Word? He is not being belligerent or cantankerous; he simply wants some good evidence that would warrant the total overhaul of his life you are asking him to make.

It is now your responsibility to present solid, rational arguments that prove the things you have affirmed. You must defend the propositions you have presented. You are appointed for the defense of the Gospel (Philippians 1:17, NKJV).

The term “apologetics” derives from the Greek word apologia, which means “to defend” or “to make a defense.” Thus, apologetics is a discipline dedicated to the defense of something. There can be as many different types of apologetics as there are beliefs in the world: atheistic apologetics, Hindu apologetics, Buddhist apologetics, Christian apologetics, ad infinitum. However, generally when the discipline is discussed, most people associate it with Christian apologetics. Therefore, for the remainder of this discussion, when I use the term apologetics, I will be referring specifically to Christian apologetics.

What is apologetics? Christian philosopher Dick Sztanyo has suggested: “Apologetics is the proclamation and defense of the gospel of Christ regardless of whenever, wherever, and by whomever it is challenged.” The apostle Peter used apologetics when he appealed to the empty tomb on Pentecost. Paul used apologetics when he quoted the stoic poets to draw attention to God’s existence as he addressed the Athenians. Christ used apologetics when He appealed to a Roman coin to prove that Jews should pay taxes. We can see, then, that the word apologetics carries no hint of “apologizing”—in the sense of being sorry or ashamed. On the contrary, the word houses the exact opposite idea of intelligent vindication by vigorous argument. In fact, Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” Apologetics vigorously defends the truth by refuting arguments that exalt themselves above God’s Word.

What tools, then, can apologetics use to “cast down” faulty arguments? Its toolbox is as endlessly deep as it is long. Any discipline—from astronomy to zoology—can be called upon to come to the aid of apologetics. Just as Peter used the physical evidence of the empty tomb, just as Paul used contemporary literature, and jut as Jesus used an inscription on a coin, modern apologists can use archaeology, literature, science, morality, technology, and countless other facets of human life to defend Christianity. A small child can watch ants hard at work and testify to the wisdom of the book of Proverbs. An astrophysicist can contemplate the Second Law of Thermodynamics and maintain that the world will not last forever. An archaeologist can find an ancient inscription about a people known as the Hittites and assert that the Bible has accurate information about this ancient group of people. A professor of literature can read poetry from ages past and ascertain that mankind always has desired to worship a Creator Who is infinitely higher than humanity. From the heights of the mountains to the depths of the oceans, facts surface that provide an ample array of ammunition that can be fired from the cannon of apologetics.

However, the machinery of apologetics can operate only on the fuel of reason, for without reason apologetics has no sure foundation. The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary defines reason as “the power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking, especially in orderly, rational ways.” Paul contrasted reason with insanity in Acts 26:24-25: “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.’ ” God and His spokesmen always have spoken rational, reasonable truths. God employed reason to convince Isaiah’s listeners of their sin: “ ‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow’ ” (Isaiah 1:18). When Samuel spoke to the Israelites at the coronation of Saul, he said: “Now therefore, stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord concerning all the righteous acts of the Lord which He did to you and your fathers” (1 Samuel 12:7). From the dawn of time, God presented man with the facts, and then allowed man to use reason to reach correct conclusions. Thus, Romans 1:20 states: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made….” Reason provides for the removal of all contradictory and fallacious arguments, leaving only those facts that are consistent and correct.

The Christian religion, at its core, is based upon historically verifiable facts. The Bible is not a sourcebook of wise proverbs that somehow stand upon their own merit. Without an establishment of the facts concerning the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Word of God as we know it—even with all of its sound wisdom and practical guidance—is nothing more than a devotional book full of helpful platitudes that deserves to be placed on the shelf next to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. By using historical facts that are consistent and correct, apologetics makes its defense by appealing to man’s capacity to reason. God never has desired that His human creatures blindly accept unreasonable propositions postulated by perverse persons. He does not want us to be “children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive (Ephesians 4:14). On the contrary, He demands that we “test all things; hold fast what is good” (2 Thessalonians 5:21). In the end, however, apologetics can soften only the hearts of those who agree to be honest with themselves and to deal honestly and reasonably with the available evidence. There is much truth in the old adage: “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

What Do You Know? by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=3520

What Do You Know?

by  Eric Lyons, M.Min.

We may not all understand the technical, philosophical terminology that philosophers use to dissect and describe things that we can and cannot know, but most rational people understand that there are some things we can know and some things we cannot. We can know that we exist. We can know that 1 + 1 = 2. We can know that yesterday is in the past and tomorrow is yet to be seen and full of the unknown. What is mind boggling are those things that atheistic evolutionists say Christians cannot know, while at the same time assuring the world of the many things they know regarding the origins of man and the Universe.

  • Atheists contend that Christians cannot know that there is a Creator, and that in fact, they know there is no Creator. Yet, they will affirm that they know that the Universe is the result of a infinitesimal ball of matter that exploded about 14 billion years ago. After explaining that the Universe came into existence billions of years ago from “nothing” in a black hole, world renowned, atheistic cosmologist Stephen Hawking said: “That is exactly what happened at the start of the Universe” (“Curiosity…,” 2011, emp. added). Really? He knows “exactly what happened” 14 billion years ago?
  • Atheists contend that Christians cannot know that Christ lived, died, and arose from the dead 2,000 years ago (Acharya, 1999), yet they claim to know “exactly what happened” at the beginning of time, supposedly 14,000,000,000 years ago. Seriously?
  • Atheists contend that Christians cannot know that life was created by a supernatural Creator a few thousand years ago. Even though biogenesis has repeatedly proven itself true—that in nature life comes only from life and that of its own kind—atheistic evolutionists claim to know the very opposite to be true: in nature life evolved from non-life billions of years ago.
  • Atheists contend that Christians cannot know that a Creator created sea creatures and land animals, but they affirm with all confidence that fish flopped out of water and evolved into amphibians and reptiles, while fox-like, land animals drifted out into water and evolved fins, flukes, and blow holes on their way to becoming whales (“The Evolution of Whales,” 2012).
  • Atheists contend that Christians cannot know that human life was specially created differently from all other creation (Genesis 1:26-28), but they know that humans evolved from ape-like creatures. As was emphatically stated in one widely used middle school textbook, “There is no doubt among scientists…that humans evolved from common ancestors they share with other living primates. Scientists also know that the human species evolved in Africa and then spread around the Earth” (Evolution…, 1994, p. 78, emp. added). [Of course, to be consistent, if humans evolved from animals, and were not created in the image of God, then butchering babies could be considered no more evil than butchering baboons, bugs, bull frogs, or buffalo.]  
  • Atheists contend that Christians cannot know that the Bible is from God, but they can know that their man-made, assumption-based, often-contradictory dating techniques prove that various rocks on Earth are billions of years old.

This list could go on and on. Atheistic evolutionists continually contend with all assurance that they “know” what happened millions and billions of years ago. They “know” that purely naturalistic evolution is “a fundamental fact…as real as hunger and as unavoidable as death” (Hayden, 2002, 133[4]:43). Creation-believing Christians, who refuse to accept the alleged “fact” of evolution, are, as world-renowned atheist Richard Dawkins put it, “ignorant, stupid, or insane” (1989, p. 3, emp. added). Why? Because we believe that the Universe is an effect of a cause much greater than the explosion of a tiny ball of matter. Because we believe that Mind, not matter, is eternal. Because we believe that design demands a Designer, and not a random explosion. Because nature (i.e., the Law of Biogenesis) demands a supernatural explanation for the origin of life. Because a human life is more precious than a bug’s. Because we choose to believe the answers that the Creator provided for us in His inspired, ever-enduring, never-changing revelation (see Butt, 2007), rather than in the ever-changing, constantly revised fable of evolution.

We can know that God exists because He is “clearly seen” by His Creation (Romans 1:20); the heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1). We can know that the Bible is His will for mankind because of its amazing predictive prophecy, scientific foreknowledge, historical accuracy, and perfect unity. We can know the Truth (John 8:32).

The world, through what is falsely called “wisdom,” does not know God (1 Corinthians 1:21). They believe that Christ and His Creation are “foolishness” (1 Corinthians 1:23). As Christians, we “boast in the Lord” (Psalm 34:2, emp. added). We know of His existence. We trust in His Word. Stephen Hawking and other atheists claim they can know “exactly what happened at the start of the Universe,” even though, allegedly, no conscious being was around 14 billion years ago to witness it. Christians, on the other hand, choose to believe in the answers of the One Who was at Creation and did the creating. Rather than accept the “wisdom” of the world, we seek the wisdom of the One Who created the world. Ultimately, only He can provide the details to the origin of the Universe and everything in it.

“Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?... Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding” (Job 38:2,4).

“[T]he foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

REFERENCES

Acharya, S. (1999), The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold (Kempton, IL: Adventures Unlimited Press).

Butt, Kyle (2007), Behold! The Word of God (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press).

“Curiosity: Did God Create the Universe?” (2011), Discovery Channel, August 7.

Dawkins, Richard (1989), “Book Review” (of Donald Johanson and Maitland Edey’s Blueprint), The New York Times, section 7, April 9.

Evolution: Change Over Time (1994), (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall).

“The Evolution of Whales” (2012), Understanding Evolution, University of California Museum of Paleontology, http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/evograms_03.

Hayden, Thomas (2002), “A Theory Evolves,” U.S. News & World Report, 133[4]:42-50, July 29.

What About Those Who Never Hear the Gospel? by Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&article=5572

What About Those Who Never Hear the Gospel?

by  Dave Miller, Ph.D.

Some have challenged the justice and benevolence of God on the basis of His condemnation of those who never have the opportunity to obey the Gospel: “What will happen to those folks who never are given an opportunity to know Christ and His teaching?” Several factors deserve consideration.

All human beings of accountable age and mind have sinned by violating God’s commands (Romans 3:9ff.,23; 1 John 3:4). Sin condemns a person to an eternal hell—there are no exceptions (Matthew 10:28; et al.). The only way a person can escape the consequences of his sin is to be forgiven by God.

But the nature of deity is such that God cannot merely wave aside sin and forgive. To do so would literally violate His infinitely holy, righteous/just nature. So God had to formulate a plan by which He could forgive human sin in harmony with His divinity. The one and only suitable means of atonement (“propitiation”—Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2) was for God to come in person in the flesh and offer Himself for our sins. He did so through the person of Jesus Christ—God in the flesh. This incredible sacrifice/scheme of redemption is what the Gospel is all about: it is the Gospel—the good news that Jesus opened a way for humans to be forgiven.

However, that tremendous plan of salvation requires an obedient faith response (Romans 1:5; 16:26). That response consists of hearing and understanding the Gospel (Acts 8:30-32; Romans 10:17), believing that Gospel and the One Who offers it (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), repenting of sin (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3), and being immersed in water to contact the blood of Christ in order for sin to be cleansed (Romans 6:3-4; Acts 22:16).

In view of these plain biblical truths, it clearly follows that all persons who do not contact the blood of Christ cannot be forgiven by God. God is, in fact, powerless to forgive them. It would be completely contrary to His nature—and therefore ungodlike—for Him to try to forgive a person on some other basis than the blood of Christ. But the only way to contact the blood of Christ is to obey the Gospel (Romans 2:5-9). Those who do not obey the Gospel will be lost eternally in hell (2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17). It unmistakably and logically follows that God cannot and will not forgive anyone who has not been immersed into Christ—since they have not contacted the blood of Christ, the one and only means of atonement. We are forced to conclude that no one can be saved who does not hear the Gospel and obey it (Acts 4:12). If a person can be saved without hearing and obeying the Gospel, then Jesus did not need to come to Earth and die for sin.

With these facts in mind, the issue now shifts to a different question: Is God fair for condemning to hell all those who do not come into contact with the Gospel? The Bible offers a clear response. First, all human beings can and must come to the conclusion that God exists based on the readily available evidence of the incredible Creation that reflects the presence of the Creator. After all, “He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). Indeed, “[t]he 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. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4). “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).

This knowledge should motivate all persons to seek Him, as Paul explained to the Athenians: “that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27). In seeking Him, they will come into contact with Christianity and the Bible: “those who seek me diligently will find me” (Proverbs 8:17; cf. Matthew 7:7-8). For those persons who possess an honest, noble, and good heart (Luke 8:15), examination of the Bible will cause them to conclude that it is the only book on the planet that possesses the attributes of divine inspiration (John 7:17). Hence, they will learn about the Gospel and the need to obey.

Second, the Bible also teaches that all persons on the planet who have a heart that is receptive to the truth will have access to that truth via the providence of God. God will make certain (without performing any miracles) that they come into contact with His Word. When God spoke to Paul while in the city of Corinth and stated, “I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:10), He meant that there were individuals who would be receptive to the divine message once they encountered that message. Hence, Paul was God’s instrumentality for reaching those potential converts (cf. Acts 10:4ff.; 16:9ff.). World evangelism, i.e., announcing the Gospel to the world, is an ongoing task for the Church. All Christians who are yielded to the will of God, willing to be used in His service, will have opportunities to influence people with the truth. God’s purposes will not be thwarted. In His unfathomable providential dealings in the world, God can interface receptive hearts with those who will introduce them to the good news (Acts 8:30; 10:24ff.; Colossians 1:23). (The Internet has only enhanced this accessibility to the Gospel even further.) He will see to it that receptive hearts are contacted.

Third, observe that all those who will not accept the truth, even if presented to them, need not be confronted with that truth, since God knows they would reject it. So the question, “What about those who never hear the Gospel?” suggests that there are innocent, honest people who would accept the truth if they heard it, but never get a chance to hear it. No such people actually exist. All those who will accept God’s truth will be given an opportunity to accept it via God’s providence and their own honest searching (Matthew 7:7-8). All those who never hear the Gospel would not have accepted it anyway.

A fourth and final observation pertains to the fact that the Bible plainly teaches that the vast majority of humanity throughout the 6,000+ years of world history have not desired the truth and would not have received it if presented to them (Matthew 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:26; 1 Peter 3:20). Hence, the task of getting the Gospel to those who will receive it is considerably reduced in magnitude. Indeed, the multi-pronged combination of avenues through which efforts are made to reach the lost, including missionaries, printed materials, word of mouth, radio/TV, Internet, et al., are such that those whose hearts are receptive will have the opportunity to access the truth.

The nature of God is such that He must allow all human beings to act as free will agents and make their own choices regarding their eternal destiny. Hence, He will not interfere with their will. Nevertheless, He has done everything He can possibly do to enable mankind to access the Gospel message so that all can be forgiven of sin and live with Him forever. After all, God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” and He “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9).

"THE GOSPEL OF JOHN" By This All Will Know (13:34-35) by Mark Copeland

 






 

 

"THE GOSPEL OF JOHN"

By This All Will Know (13:34-35)

INTRODUCTION
  1. How is the world to know that we are truly disciples of Christ, members of His body?
    1. Is it by the name we wear?
    2. Is it by having the right doctrine, organization, worship, etc.?
  2. It is certainly important to have all these things; but if we think...
    1. That by these things alone we are truly the disciples of Jesus
    2. That by these things alone the world will know we are Christ's disciples ...then we are sadly mistaken!
  3. Shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus identified a key mark of discipleship...
    1. He gave what He called "a new commandment" - Jn 13:34
    2. It was a command to "love one another" - Jn 13:34
    3. He said "by this all will know" who were His disciples - Jn 13:35
  4. Love for one another is how people will know that we are truly the disciples of Jesus...
    1. Do we know what kind of love that is?
    2. How do we develop that kind of love?
    3. How do we demonstrate this love?

[In this study I wish to encourage the kind of love Jesus commands of us, so that "By This All Will Know" that we are truly His disciples! Let's begin with...]

  1. THIS LOVE DEFINED
    1. IT IS A NEW KIND OF LOVE...
      1. There had always been the love of family, friends, etc.
      2. The OT taught to "love your neighbor as yourself" - Lev 19:18
      3. But Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another" - Jn 13:34
        1. This is not simply a command to love one another
        2. But a command to love one another in a special way
        -- Jesus is calling us to new and higher standard of love!
    2. IT IS A SACRIFICIAL LOVE...
      1. What kind of love does Jesus command?
        1. "as I have love you, that you also love another"
        2. It is a love patterned after Jesus' love for us
        -- This is what makes it a new and higher standard of love!
      2. The love Jesus had for us can be summarized in one word:sacrificial
        1. As Jesus explained in Jn 15:13
        2. As John wrote in 1Jn 3:16-18
        3. As Paul commanded in Ep 5:1-2
      3. It was this kind of love manifested by the first disciples of Jesus
        1. The church in Jerusalem - Ac 2:44-45
        2. The churches in Macedonia - 2Co 8:1-5
    3. IT IS A VISIBLE LOVE...
      1. By such love Jesus declared "all will know that you are My disciples" - Jn 13:35
        1. The implication is that such love will be visible and observable
        2. And visible by ALL, not just by brethren!
      2. To be a visible love, requires a love...
        1. That goes beyond the four walls of the church building
        2. That extends beyond the few hours we are assembled together
        3. That can be observed by those of the world and in the world
        -- In some way, the world needs to have the opportunity to observe the disciples in action, in which their love that is patterned after Jesus' love can be seen

      [Being a "warm and friendly church" while assembled is commendable, but it alone does not fulfill the command to have a new, sacrificial, and visible love patterned after the love of Jesus!

      If we wish to manifest this kind of love in our lives, where do we begin? Consider...]

  2. THIS LOVE DEVELOPED
    1. WE ARE TAUGHT BY GOD...
      1. The Thessalonians excelled in this love - 1Th 4:9-10
      2. For they had been "taught by God to love one another"
      3. Certainly God's own love for us teaches us how to love - cf. 1Jn 4:9-11
      -- Think of the Father's own sacrificial love for us, in sending His Son to be the propitiation for our sins!
    2. WE LEARN FROM JESUS...
      1. Jesus' own example of sacrifice teaches the true meaning of love - 1Jn 3:16
      2. The more we contemplate upon the example of Jesus' life and death, the more likely we will love like He did!
    3. WE ARE TO BE STIRRED UP BY BRETHREN...
      1. We are to stir one another to love and good works - He 10:24
      2. An important means of doing this is by frequent assembling - He 10:25
      -- Perhaps one reason why some don't love as they should, is because they don't assemble like they should!

    [Through careful study of the Father's love for us, the Savior's love for us, and through frequent assembling where we stir up another to love and good works, we can develop the kind of love "By Which All Will Know" we are Jesus' disciples. Finally, a thought or two about...]

  3. THIS LOVE DEMONSTRATED
    1. IN OUR ASSEMBLY...
      1. When we are assembled and have guests, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our love for another
      2. What do our guests see? Do they see Christians who...
        1. Are glad to see one another?
        2. Are willing to take the time to visit with each other?
        3. Even know each other's name?
        -- Our assemblies may be the only time some guests have the opportunity to see Christians interact; do they see an evident love and concern for one another?
    2. IN OUR COMMUNITY...
      1. We often have the opportunity to be together in ways that others can see...
        1. Perhaps we work with other Christians
        2. Or we have neighbors that are Christians
        3. Or we gather to visit, or do things together
      2. What do those in the world see? Do they see an interaction that...
        1. Reveals a strong love and appreciation for one another?
        2. Shows a sincere interest in each other's well-being?
      3. Where there are differences, is the way we handle them different?
        1. Christians will often sin against one another, offend one another
        2. But will they see long-suffering and a quickness to forgive, even as Christ forgave us? - cf. Ep 4:32; Col 3:13
CONCLUSION
  1. Jesus has revealed a powerful tool to persuade the world that we are His disciples...
    1. Certainly we show our discipleship by faithfulness to His doctrine - cf. Jn 8:32
    2. But in a world that cares little for doctrinal distinctiveness, a Christ-like love for one another is how Jesus would have us convince the world! - cf. Jn 13:34-35
  2. How is your love for your brother in Christ?
    1. Is it Christ-like, i.e., a sacrificial love?
    2. Is it observable, i.e., do people see your brotherly love in our assemblies and community?
  3. If you admit your love for your brethren needs work (and we all can improve)...
    1. Look to God and Jesus as the ultimate teachers of what it means to love one another
    2. Utilize opportunities to be with brethren
      1. Which provides occasion to grow and display your love
      2. Which can serve to stir you to love and good works - cf. He 10:24-25

So remember...

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Jn 13:35)
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1Jn 4:11)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2021
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What We Stand For: Sending a Clear Message by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman


 https://thepreachersword.com/2017/09/26/what-we-stand-for-sending-a-clear-message/#more-11288

 

What We Stand For: Sending a Clear Message

Even if you’re not a football fan, you’ve probably heard that every team in the NFL protested in some form prior to Sunday’s games during The National Anthem.

Teams reacted in various ways. Some took a knee during the playing of The Star-Spangled Banner. Others locked arms in a show of solidarity, including some team owners who joined them. Other teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks stayed in the locker room while the Anthem was performed.

Last night the Dallas Cowboys took a different twist. They walked to the middle of the field with flamboyant owner Jerry Jones and briefly knelt as a team. Then walked to the sidelines and locked arms during the playing of The National Anthem.

But what does it all mean? What are they standing for? Or kneeling for?

It seems that the message is a bit muddled.

When former San Francisco quarterback, Colin Kaepernick began taking a knee last year it was to protest what he believed was the “incredible number of black people being shot by police.” At one point he said, “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”  By the way, this was a man who wore socks depicting police officers as pigs.

But what about the recent protests over the weekend? Is it about police brutality? Social injustice? The stained past of our nation’s history regrading slavery? Surely it can’t be the oppression of multi-millionaire African American athletes, can it? Maybe it was a protest against President Donald Trump’s bombastic and crude language over the weekend in Alabama about owners firing players who took a knee?

There is a bit of irony to this. I remember a few years ago another player who took a knee. Not during the National Anthem. But before or after a game. His name is Tim Tebow. Everyone understood why. It was his way to pay tribute to his faith. And to honor Jesus. He did so without disrespecting anyone else. Or our country.

While today’s players are praised for their protests, Tebow was widely criticized for his faith, especially from the far left and secular media. Ironic, isn’t it? It was wrong, according to some, for Tebow to quietly mix religion and faith with a sporting event. But it is acceptable to overtly disrespect our county and the flag for social and political causes.

We indeed live in a confused culture. One that has lost its moral compass on so many levels. There are real issues that divide us. Differing positions that have polarized our country by political party, race or religious convictions.

For Christians, the answer is to respond in a measured, Biblical, Christ-centered way. Whether you take a knee or not, be clear where you stand. And who you stand up for.

(1) Let’s be sure that our speech is “gracious, seasoned with salt,” whether in person or on facebook (Col. 4;6).

(2) Reflect the light of Christ that others may see our good works and give glory to God. Let’s be a beacon of light in a world of darkness. (Matt. 5:14-16)

(3) Demonstrate respect, honor, and esteem for all people created in the image of God (1Pet. 2:17)

(4) Treat other people, even those with whom you disagree, the way you want to treated (Matt. 7:12).

(5) You may want to take a knee and pray for those in authority that we may continue to enjoy peace and prosperity. (1Tim. 2:1-2). While on your knee, you may want to pray for your enemies. Our nation. Your family. The lost. The church. And those with whom you’re in disagreement.

(6) Be clear that your primary allegiance is to Jesus Christ, not a political party or partisan position. (Ax 4:12; 5:29).

I don’t know the religious background of Alejandro Villanueva, the lone Pittsburgh Steeler to stand for the national anthem Sunday. While his team stayed in the locker room, he stood at the head of the tunnel leading onto the field, hand over his heart.

Villanueva is a West Point graduate and former Army Ranger who served three tours in Afghanistan and is known in the Pittsburgh area for his acts of community service.

Describing his faith in Jesus, Villanueva said, “If you’re right with God, everything else is fine; if you’re not right with God, everything else is out of place. Being connected with God is the most important thing there is.”

Villanueva is right. In the midst of societal upheaval, let’s not forget what is the most important part of our lives.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS? by steve finnell


 http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/2016/09/washed-in-blood-of-jesus-by-steve.html

 

WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS? by steve finnell

The only sins forgiven are those that have been washed by the blood of Jesus The Christ.

Revelation 5:1 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, (NKJV).

At what point does Jesus wash away our sins and how did He do that?

Jesus cleansed, sanctified, and made us holy, without blemish with the washing of water by the word. (Ephesians 5:25-27 NKJV)

It is at the point of water baptism that Jesus washes us in His blood.

If men do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God they are not eligible to to baptized in water.(Acts 8:35-37)

 If men have not been baptized in water they have not been washed in the blood of Jesus.

If men do not believe and have not been baptized, they are not saved, they are still in their sins.

Mark 16:16 " He who believe and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.(NKJV)

Men need to be baptized in water to enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.(NKJV)

 

Chapter 8 THE COVENANTS with commentary by C.A. Feenstra

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Feenstra/C/A/1931/ch08.html

Chapter 8

THE COVENANTS

Q. Where in GOD'S WORD do we read of the one "Covenant of Grace" which is said to run from Abraham to this present day and on to the end of time?

Q. How many Testaments are there in your Bible and what are they called?

Q. If we wish to learn about the what, why and when of circumcision, as commanded and practiced under the old covenant, to which Testament in GOD'S WORD should we go?

Q. If we wish to learn about the what, why and when of baptism, as commanded and practiced under the new covenant, to which Testament in GOD'S WORD should we go?

Q. Do men have the right to take what they like of Old Testament circumcision and what they like of New Testament baptism, and with the parts of the two, make their own ceremonial religious sacrament?

* * *

"And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." Gen. 17:7-8

Q. Where in GOD'S WORD is Gen. 17:7 ever referred to as a promise and covenant which was given to any other than to Abraham and to his physical seed?

Q. Where in GOD'S WORD is Gen. 17:7 ever referred to as the promise and covenant by which God would bless all the families of the earth?

* * *

"And I will establish my covenant between me and thee (Abraham) and thy seed (the Jews) after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee." Gen. 17:7

Q. Do the words, "everlasting covenant" in Gen. 17:7 mean eternal or forever?

Q. Comparing the "everlasting" of Gen. 17:7 with its use in the other books of Moses, does it mean forever, OR as long as the old covenant with the house of Israel is in effect?

"And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father (Aaron), that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: and their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that Jehovah commanded him, so did he." Ex. 40:15-16

"And it shall be unto him (Phinehas), and to his seed after him, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was jealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel." Num. 25:13

"And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth parts of an ephah shall be in one cake. And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before Jehovah. ... Every sabbath day he shall set it in order before Jehovah continually; it is on the behalf of the children of Israel, an everlasting covenant." Lev. 24:5-6, 8

"And he shall make atonement for the holy sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the tent of meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make atonement for the children of Israel because of all their sins once in the year. And he did as Jehovah commanded Moses." Lev. 16:33-34

Q. Does GOD'S WORD already in the Old Testament tell us that God planned to take away the covenant He made with Abraham and with Abraham's seed through Moses, and in its place to give all men a new eternal covenant?

"And in thee (Jacob) and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee, whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of." Gen. 28:14-15

"The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh come: And unto him (Christ) shall the obedience of the peoples be." Gen. 49:10

"Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt." Jer. 31:31-32

"And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me." Jer. 32:40

"They shall inquire concerning Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come ye, and join yourselves to Jehovah in an everlasting covenant that shall not be forgotten." Jer. 50:5

"Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore." Ezek. 37:26

"Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts." Mal. 3:1

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, are we yet today living under the covenant that God made with Abraham and with Abraham's seed through Moses?

"Behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:" Jer. 31:31 Heb. 8:8

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Matt. 26:28 AV

"And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, even that which is poured out for you." Luke 22:20

"God; who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant." II Cor. 3:5-6

"And for this cause he (Jesus) is the mediator of a new covenant." Heb. 9:15

"And to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant ... See that ye refuse not him (Jesus) that speaketh." Heb. 12:24-25

"By so much also hath Jesus become the surety of a better covenant." Heb. 7:22

"In that he saith, A new covenant he hath made the first (covenant) old. But that (covenant) which is becoming old and waxeth aged is nigh unto vanishing away." Heb. 8:13

"He (Jesus) taketh away the first (covenant), that he may establish the second (covenant). By which will (covenant) we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:9-10

"Now the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, even our Lord Jesus, make you perfect in every good thing to do his will." Heb. 13:20-21

"Tables of stone,
... the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones...
for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it (the old covenant) is done away in Christ. But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart. But whensoever it shall turn to the Lord (Jesus), the veil is taken away." II Cor. 3:3, 7, 14-16

* * *

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, what is the great spiritual promise and covenant that God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and by which all nations and families can be benefited today?

"Now Jehovah said unto Abram...
I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Gen. 12:1, 3

"And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham that which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?" Gen. 18:17-18

"And the angel of Jehovah called unto Abraham a second time out of heaven, and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son ... And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice." Gen. 22:15-18

"And Jehovah appeared unto him (Isaac), and said...
I will establish the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Gen. 26:2-5

"And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba...
And he dreamed, and behold, a ladder set up on the earth...
And, behold, Jehovah stood above it, and said, I am Jehovah, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac...
and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed...
for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of." Gen. 28:10-15

"Ye are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." Acts 3:25

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed. So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham." Gal. 3:8-9

"Neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed." Rom 9:7-8

"And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise." Gal. 3:29

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, what is the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant?


Old Covenant - II Cor. 3:14New Covenant - II Cor. 3:6
1.Given by the fathers and prophets - Heb. 1:1Given by Christ - Heb. 1:2
2.Given to Abraham and his seed - Gen. 17:7-9Given to every creature - Mk. 16:15-16
3.Fleshly circumcision - Gen. 17:9-11Circumcision of the heart - Col. 2:11-12
4.Moses the mediator - Ex. 20:19 Gal. 3:19Christ the mediator - Heb. 12:24
5.Its law from Sinai - Ex. 19:16-25Its law from Jerusalem - Isa. 2:2-4
6.Written on stones - II Cor. 3:7Written on hearts - II Cor. 3:3
7.Was glorious - II Cor. 3:9-10Exceeds in glory - II Cor. 3:10-11
8.Blood of animals - Heb. 9:18-20Blood of Christ - Heb. 9:12
9.Carnal ordinances - Heb. 9:10Spiritual sacrifices - I Pet. 2:5
10.A ministration of condemnation - II Cor. 3:9A ministration of righteousness - II Cor. 3:9
11.A temporal inheritance - Ps. 105:9-11An eternal inheritance - I Pet. 1:4
12.Priest of the tribe of Levi - Heb. 7:11Priest of the tribe of Judah - Heb. 7:14
13.Priest had sins - Heb. 7:27A sinless priest - Heb. 7:26
14.Priests without an oath - Heb. 7:21Priest by an oath - Heb. 7:21
15.Many priests all died - Heb. 7:23One Priest abides forever - Heb. 7:24
16.Offer many sacrifices - Heb. 10:11Christ once for all - Heb. 7:27
17.A shadow of good things to come - Heb. 10:1The true - Heb. 8:1-2
18.A figure of the true - Heb. 9:24 AVThe true - Heb. 8:1-2
19.Infants - Gen. 17:1-14All know the Lord - Jer. 31:34 Heb. 8:11
20.Natural birth - Gen. 17:1-14Spiritual birth - John 3:3-7
21.A remembrance of sins - Heb. 10:3Sins remembered no more - Heb. 10:17
22.Bondage - Gal. 4:24-25Freedom - Gal. 4:26,31
23.No clear conscience - Heb. 9:8-9Conscience cleansed - Heb. 9:14
24.Made nothing perfect or complete - Heb. 7:19Made perfect or complete in Christ - Col. 1:28
25.Faulty - Heb. 8:7Better, perfect - Heb. 8:6 Jas. 1:25
26.Christ takes away the first - Heb. 10:9Christ establishes the second - Heb. 10:9
27.Passed away - II Cor. 3:11Remaineth - II Cor. 3:11
28.Blotted out - Col. 2:14Remaineth - II Cor. 3:11
29.Abolished - Eph. 2:14Remaineth - II Cor. 3:11
30.Taken away - Heb. 10:9An eternal covenant - Heb. 13:20

Q. Do men have the right to take what they like of the old covenant and what they like of the new covenant, and with the parts of two covenants, make their own system of salvation and worship?

"He (Jesus) taketh away the first (covenant), that he may establish the second (covenant). By which will (covenant) we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:9-10

"Tables of stone...
... the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones...
... for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remaineth, it not being revealed to them that it (the old covenant) is done away in Christ. But unto this day, whensoever Moses is read, a veil lieth upon their heart. But whensoever it shall turn to the Lord (Jesus), the veil is taken away." II Cor. 3:3, 7, 14-16

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, when was the old covenant taken away and the new covenant with its new conditions of salvation, established?

"Having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he (Christ) hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross." Col. 2:14

"And for this cause he (Christ) is the mediator of a new covenant, that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it. For a testament is of force where there hath been death: for it doth never avail while he that made it liveth." Heb. 9:15-17

"He (Christ) taketh away the first (covenant), that he may establish the second (covenant). By which will (covenant) we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:9-10

"He (Jesus) became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation." Heb. 5:9

"Jesus the mediator of a new covenant...
See that ye refuse not him (Jesus) that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him (Jesus) that warneth from heaven." Heb. 12:24-25

Q. Does GOD'S WORD teach that there are those in this present day, who by their physical birth are born into a special covenant relationship to God, and that therefore it is not necessary for them to obey the gospel of Jesus to be saved?

"Neither, because they are Abraham's seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed." Rom. 9:7-8

"But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh: for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father." Eph. 2:13-18

"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him (Jesus) shall not be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him." Rom. 10:11-12

"Even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction." Rom. 3:22

"And Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him. ... And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." Acts 10:34-35, 48

"Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. ... But we believe that we (Jews) shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they (Gentiles)." Acts 15:7-9, 11

"Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed. So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham...
For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ. There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus. And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise." Gal. 3:7-9, 26-29

* * *

"For to you is the promise, and to your children..." Acts 2:39a

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, is Acts 2:39a addressed to good covenant-keeping Jews, OR is it addressed to people who were guilty of the greatest crime that has ever been committed.?

"Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay." Acts 2:22-23

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified." Acts 2:36

* * *

"For to you is the promise ("remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit" Acts 2:38) and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him." Acts 2:39

Q. If this promise of remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit is not to all men of all time on the same conditions (repent and be baptized, Acts 2:38), according to GOD'S WORD, who are those who are not included in it?

* * *

"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife,
and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the brother:
else were your children unclean; but now are they holy." I Cor. 7:14

Q. If this scripture teaches that children are holy or sanctified because of one of the parents is a believer, WHY does it not also teach that the unbelieving husband or wife is sanctified because of the faith of the believing husband or wife?

* * *

Q. Does Gal. 3:29 teach that we are the spiritual sons of Abraham because of a physical birth into a so called "covenant home", OR does it teach that we must first become Christ's and that only then are we the spiritual sons of Abraham?

"And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise." Gal. 3:29

Q. According to GOD'S WORD, how do we become Christ's, get into Christ, and put on Christ?

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ...
And if ye are Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, heirs according to promise." Gal. 3:27, 29

"Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?" Rom. 6:3

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Direction by Gary Rose

 

  

Our thinking really does determine the direction our life will take. To illustrate this, take a few minutes and read “An Atheist’s View on Life” above. Once at the bottom read “ A Christian’s View on Life” beginning at the bottom and going to the top. Now ask yourself this question: what is the difference between the two?

As I understand this, the difference is one of direction; that is, our thinking either begins with ourselves or God. If ourselves, then we presume to understand things we simply cannot know; things like how the universe started, and who or what created the organization we see about us. Also, if we alone are the highest point of creation ( and God is inferior or simply does not exist ) then how do we account for all the evil in the world and the terrible things humans do to one another.


If God is the starting point of all things, then there is a plan for those who seek God, a way out ( The Gospel or Good News ) for the just consequences of our thoughts and actions in this world. God has made a way for those who would obey HIM. God does not force us to obey; it is our choice. Either to obey his Gospel and be given eternal life or disobey and face judgment without Jesus interceding for us.


The Bible says…

Psalm 14 ( World English Bible )

1 For the Chief Musician. By David. The fool has said in his heart,There is no God.”...


How ironic all this is! Those who look down on God from their “lofty perspective” are in fact headed downward ( to destruction ) and those who look up ( from their lowly status ) to God are in fact headed upward ( to eternal fellowship with God ). Both groups have considered God and their thinking will ultimately determine their fate.


If God calls those who say “There is no God” fools, who are we to argue with HIM. One thing is certain, we all will someday die. It just makes sense to obey God in all things and trust in HIM for blessings in the after-life rather than in our own power, which will cease at our demise.


Let the direction of your thinking be upward and the will of your being be God’s will. How can anyone go wrong with this for a world-view? A free gift with eternal blessings- marvelous, simply marvelous!