Skip to main content

Posts

On Defending the Faith (Post 3): The Method of Christian Apologetics

Recent posts

On Defending the Faith (Post 2): The Mindset of Christian Apologetics

Relativism is an established doctrine of today's society. Though there are those who hold to traditional values with respect to culture and religion, the global trend is to promote the idea of "personal truth." This means that what is true for one, may not be true for another: just live out your own truth. Because of this prevailing attitude toward faith and spirituality, the Christian must be spiritually and mentally prepared to engage in apologetics. The Christian must have the proper mindset while standing in defense of the faith. Continuing our examination of I Peter 3:15-16, we find that Peter gives us the proper mindset needed for effective apologetics. "...but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you..." (I Peter 3:15a)         As opposed to the generalized theism presented in society, the Christian has to have a passionate, unwavering fear, reveren...

On Defending the Faith (Post 1): The Mandate of Christian Apologetics

What is truth? This question posed by Pilate to Jesus has challenged philosophers, thinkers, and theologians. However (like Pilate who walked away after his inquiry) many who claim they are in search of truth, really have no interest in finding "truth" because it will demand a lifestyle response. Therefore, many make truth elusive, especially where the divine is concerned, so no ultimate commitment or rejection is required due to glorified agnosticism. Though there have been distortions of the Christian faith, doctrine, and practice, the core truth claims of Christianity remain. The Christian, today, has to be willing to stand on the faith and have the proper approach, appeal, and apparatus to defend the faith. This post is the beginning of a three part series concerning Christian apologetics. When individuals hear the word apologetics, they oftentimes feel this is reserved for a special class of Christians who are well versed, educated, and hold some sort of ecclesiastical a...

The Confident Christian: Seven Truths of the Assurance of Salvation

Salvation is God’s greatest gift to man which was provided to us by Christ Jesus. God sent Christ so that men would be saved from their sins and live in peace. The peace that comes with salvation is knowing that your salvation is assured and it will hold until the Day of Judgment. ASSURANCE – confidence of mind or manner : easy freedom from self-doubt or uncertainty; also : excessive self-confidence. Christians need to remain confident, understanding that they can walk free from doubt or uncertainty in their walk with Christ. The word of God helps us to maintain assurance in our salvation. As the Christian lives accordingly, he never has to doubt his eternal destiny. In this post, we want to give seven signs and/or assurances (by the scriptures) of a Christian’s salvation. 1. Those who believe on Him are promised eternal life. Though one has to live a Christ-like life, it is his initial faith that places him on the path to eternal life. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall...

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing (Entry 2): Eight Ministerial Activities of False Teachers, Prophets, and Ministers

            Recognizing a false prophet or minister can be daunting at times. However, the Bible gives us clear guidelines as to how to identify someone who is misrepresenting God for their own purposes. It is imperative that we are able to recognize the activities of any false minister (or layman). Jesus warned His disciples about false ministers who would come (Matthew 7:15-20).           One true way to recognize false ministers is by the fruit that they bear. Fruit refers to their lifestyles and not their ministries. Moreover, not everyone that is false calls himself an apostle or prophet. Though false prophets exist, there are also false evangelists, pastors, and teachers. In our last post, we discussed the character traits of false ministers. In this present post, we will look more closely at their activities in particular. Regardless of the title that a false minister has, he (or she) will exhibit some, if not all, ...

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing (Entry 1): Six Character Traits of False Teachers, Prophets, and Ministers

  Both testaments abound with warning and admonitions to aid those who would serve God to recognize those who were false. Outside of tainted ministerial activities, false ministers can be identified by their character. As the apostles warned the Church of false ministers, they identified certain character traits. If believers are to stand against the false, they have to see them before they are given the opportunity to preach and minister in the Church. In this post, we will discuss the character traits of false ministers. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you. (II Peter 2:1a)           False Ministers are fleshly. False ministers will preach, teach, minister, and even prophesy. Their ministries may seem powerful, but their personal lives will be filled with discrepancies. Sin and carnality in their lives will be evident. In addition, they will twist scriptures to justify their error. ...

The Only Way to Eternal Salvation

            Since its conception, Christianity has been the object of ridicule and rejection. Compounding its opposition, is the consistent refusal of individuals to accept God’s plan of salvation which only comes through Jesus Christ. The world wants to make salvation confusing and complicated in order to be relieved of God’s command to repent and serve Him. So, Christians now are seen as arrogant and ignorant when they declare that Jesus Christ is the only way to receive God’s salvation. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Acts 17:30 (KJV).          The above verse is from Paul’s acclaimed sermon to the idol worshippers on Mars Hill. In his discourse, Paul was speaking to a group of people who had all forms of idols and gods that they paid homage to. In their efforts to not overlook any deity, they had an altar built to the UNKNOWN GOD. So, Paul tells them that...