Hold Fast Apologetics

What Does Scripture Say?

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A former Speech and Language Pathologist for nearly 20 years, I began educating our 3 children full-time in 2015 and have cherished every gifted moment (even the challenges). But what is interwoven into all aspects of daily life (as a wife, via motherhood, teaching, friendship, fitness, etc.) is Christian Apologetics (1 Peter 3:15)… which is why this blog exists.
  • Richard Rohr: A Different Jesus and a Different Gospel 🚩 (updated repost)

    Richard Rohr: A Different Jesus and a Different Gospel 🚩 (updated repost)

    “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” Titus 1:9

    5 minutes of Richard Rohr, discussing his book, “Universal Christ.”

    “The whole Enneagram diagram is called ‘the face of God.’ If you could look out at reality with nine pairs of eyes and honor all of them, you would look at reality through the eyes of God.” 🚩

    Richard Rohr, “The Enneagram (part 1)” May 26, 2014; Rohr’s Daily Meditations

    Ladies, if you know of someone who is immersed in the Enneagram, there is a strong possibility that he or she has heard of Richard Rohr. Rohr is a popular Enneagram proponent, whose viewpoints regarding both Jesus and the biblical Gospel raise blatant red flags! 🚩 This post is not about Mr. Rohr, but instead brings to light some serious claims he has made…which need to be examined. (Acts 17:11; 1 Jn 4:1)

    A self-professed Panentheist, Richard Rohr advocates the following unbiblical viewpoints regarding Jesus and the Biblical Gospel…

    • Rohr claims that Jesus and the Christ are two different/separate beings.🚩

      Scripture says 🔍Acts 17:2-3; John 20:28; Acts 2:36; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 John 1:7.
    • Rohr teaches that Jesus did not exist before the virgin birth.🚩

      Scripture says🔍John 1; John 8:59-59; Jude 1:5.
    • Rohr advocates that You and I are Christ. Rohr reports that we are actually the Christ. He teaches that sin blinds us to this purposed reality, and that we just need to be conscious of this. Per New Age beliefs, this is dependent upon a works-based path of spiritual maturity; The concepts being taught by Richard Rohr mimic Brahman more than Christianity.🚩

      Scripture says 🔍Matthew 24; Isaiah 45:5; Romans 8; Eph 2.
    • Rohr denies the necessity of Jesus’s atonement for sin. Rohr instead blames sin for what results when we are “unconscious.”🚩

      Scripture says 🔍Romans 3:23, 5:8; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 15.
    • Rohr declares that God doesn’t have a name.🚩

      Scripture says🔍 Exodus 3:14, 6:3.
    • Rohr claims the Christian perspective of God is “pagan.” He accuses Christians of making God into a Zeus-like character…all the while “forcing Jesus up on the throne.” (Source)

      Scripture says 🔍Isaiah 44:9–10; John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1–2
    • Rohr instructs that the “True Self” is the Divine Self or the part of us that has NEVER been separated from God. This lends itself to what the New Age calls Christ Consciousness. Richard Rohr uses the phrases, “The Cosmic Christ” or “The Universal Christ” instead.🚩

      Scripture says 🔍Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1; Isaiah 59:2.
    • Rohr refers to the Trinity as a verb…not a noun. In other words, the Holy Spirit is the concept of consciousness and love lived out in relationships…this happens only in community (here).

      Scripture says 🔍2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30
    • Rohr claims that physical world is also the body of Christ. He asserts that he is not pantheistic, but prefers Panentheism.🚩

      Scripture says 🔍Nehemiah 9:6; Gen. 1:1-30; Colossians 2:8-10
    • Rohr referred to God a “he, she, or it” in this interview.

      Scripture says 🔍 John 10:30; Matthew 6:9-13
    • “Salvation is a social notion” not for the individual alone. (Source) This is affirms by his other statements that “the Trinity is a verb.”
    • Love is viewed as consciousness, and sin is described as “unconsciousness.”

    The claims above are not only contrary to the biblical Gospel but also present a false view of Jesus’s identity. Jesus was not a created being, born with the purpose of showing us the way to enlightenment. Jesus is the 2nd Person of the Trinity. The Son of God! He is Lord! This is extremely important to understand! To say otherwise is heartbreaking, not to mention incredibly dangerous!

    60 minutes…Rohr’s own words

    During a 2017 interview conducted by Progressive Pastor Brandon Robertson, Friar Rohr proclaims his view that Jesus is a product of creation. Here is a direct quote:

    “We can’t deny that God has already revealed in Franciscan spirituality the first Incarnation is creation…the Big Bang. In fact, that’s the feminine Incarnation…the embodiment. The second Incarnation is two thousand years ago, but all got interested in was the second Incarnation: Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus. You know, I love Jesus, but you’ve got to realize – Jesus came out of creation.”

    Richard Rohr, Interview with Brandon Robertson; 2017 (42:12-42:29)

    Beginning around the 44:00 minute mark, Rohr literally jokes that “the sin that took place between Tigris and the Euphrates by one man and one woman [which] got God all upset,” is “not a believable enough storyline.” At the 45-minute point in the interview Rohr expands upon this theme of a “storyline” by saying that what the Christian church is not grabbing the “psyche,” and that if what we call Good News really is Good News, that “it’s got to grab the soul.”

    Friar Rohr would rather focus upon temperaments, consciousness, and Gurdjieff’s Law of 3 (what began the Enneagram around 1900) rather than following or adhering to God’s Word. Friends, please watch this interview for yourselves and correct me if I am interpreting his message incorrectly. The predominant theme Rohr appears to be sharing in this interview is that the Bible isn’t pertinent unless it moves someone emotionally. And the way to be saved is by being in community, not by submitting our lives to risen Jesus.

    What is especially heartbreaking about Mr. Rohr’s influence is that he often quotes scripture in one breath, all the while demeaning Christians for trusting in it (the Bible) in the next. Per Rohr’s statements from 41:00 to 55:00 minutes, when we live our lives according to the Scriptures, we become “heady” people without loving lives. Yes…when we act in our own strength, our actions can be harmful! But by no means do we blame the Bible for our not adhering to its teaching!

    53 minutes with Richard Rohr and Brandon Roberston

    According to former New Age teacher now Christian, Steven Bancarz, we also need to watch for Fallacies of Equivocation when reading Richard Rohr’s book, “The Universal Christ.” What is a Fallacy of Equivocation? According to Answers in Genesis, these deceptive practices involve shifting “from one meaning of a word to another within an argument.” For example, a Fallacy of Equivocation utilized by Rohr would be defining Christ as the physical light of the world (i.e. found in rocks, etc). This is also termed a “Bait and Switch tactic.” Twisting scripture as to advance a false gospel happens more often than we realize… Which is why we should always be testing what we hear and read alongside God’s Word. (1 John 4:2; 1 Cor 11)

    But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims *another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a *different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

    2 Corinthians 11:3-4

    To reiterate, this post is not about Richard Rohr as a person…but is instead highlighting his published viewpoints on the Christian Gospel. Viewpoints which need to be tested and challenged Biblically. It’s my prayer that these evidences would promote increased prayer for the Church, not to mention more interest in who might be disciplining many brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible encourages us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1), cling to the True Gospel of Jesus (Galatians 1; Col 2:8), and to demolish every argument that sets itself against the knowledge of Christ (2 Cor 10:5). Friends, let’s pray for Richard Rohr as well as for our churches. Let’s keep digging into God’s Word and walking-out reliance upon Jesus in Gospel-focused community.

    His,

    Meridith

    Notable Resources

    5 minutes. Richard Rohr discusses his version of the Trinity.
    40 minutes with Professor Douglas Groothuis
    An incredibly comprehensive and respectful examination of Rohr’s “Universal Christ” (>3 hours) – Alisa Childers and Steven Bancarz
    1h 45m with Steven Bancarz and The Remnant Radio
    1h 51 Minutes with Apologia Studios and Marcia Montenegro
    56 minutes – Alisa Childers and Marcia Montenegro
    60 minutes – Sean McDowell and Dr Chris Berg
    10 minutes – Mike Winger and Melissa Dougherty share Rohr’s own words, and then examine them through a Biblical lens.

    Apologetics

    Essential Christian Doctrine

    70 minutes with Alisa and Krista
    35 minutes with Kevin Lewis

    Who is Jesus?

    ✏️ Scripture Regarding Jesus as God
    6 minutes
    9 minutes with Nabeel Qureshi
    12 minutes (Trinity)
    ✏️ Scripture Regarding the Trinity
    40 minutes
    ✏️ Historical Evidence for Jesus Outside of the Bible

    What is the Gospel?

    20 minutes with David Wood
    8 minutes w/ Jeff Durbin
    4 minutes with Greg Koukl

    Evidence for the Resurrection

    50 minutes w/ Mary Jo Sharp
    67 minutes with Gary Habermas

    Trust the Bible

    50 minutes w/ Voddie Baucham
    ✏️ Jesus Christ on the Infallibility of Scripture
    35 minutes with Dan Wallace
    ✏️ The Sufficiency of Scripture
  • Belonging to Jesus is Worth the Cost (Acts 19)

    Belonging to Jesus is Worth the Cost (Acts 19)

    “An earlier report from the American Worldview Inventory 2022 showed that just 37% of Christian pastors have a biblical worldview, with the predominant worldview among pastors (62%) being syncretism, a hybrid mixture of disparate worldview elements blended into a customized philosophy of life.

    According to this latest report, the widespread absence of biblical worldview among American pastors is resulting in eroding beliefs in areas as basic as salvation through Jesus Christ, the nature of God, the sinful condition of human beings, and the existence of objective truth.

    As Barna notes, ‘Our survey demonstrates that large numbers of pastors have abandoned even the most basic and hallowed biblical teachings for ideas that now permeate our culture.’” To read more of this article, click here.

    Per the research conducted Arizona Christian and Barna, we are in a time (foreknown by God) of hearts seeking for truth in the midst of a culture told that there is no absolute truth. And tragically, Biblical literacy is immense. Instead of teaching all of God’s Word, as it is written, many pastors are running to pragmatic (doing whatever seems helpful in the moment) attempts to fill the seats. And what might have begun as a means to share the gospel (the gimmicks), soon take over.

    “The church is always to be under the Word; she must be; we must keep her there. You must not assume that because the church started correctly, she will continue so. She did not do so in the New Testament times; she has not done so since. Without being constantly reformed by the Word the church becomes something very different.”

    Martyn Lloyd-Jones

    Shared below is all of Acts 19, Luke’s record of Paul’s 3 month visit to Ephesus. During that season in Ephesus, it was witnessed and documented that Paul had been defending (apologia) the Gospel of God with anyone who would listen. One group who turned an ear were a group of Jewish exorcists. They were in awe of what God was doing through Paul in that place, and later came to an accurate understanding of Jesus as Lord! But these exorcists didn’t continue their magic arts! They didn’t baptize them with Christian-ese, calling them “Gospel Centered” magic. No…Per the ESV Study Bible, these men rejected their old ways, turned from their syncretism, and worshipped God alone…Literally burning their magic books publicly. Nearly $6 million worth of materials! Being followers of the risen Lord was worth the cost!

    “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

    Philippians 3:7-9

    As G.K. Chesterton wisely noted, “Standing in a garage no more makes someone a car than going to church makes one a Christian.” Going to church doesn’t change us, the Holy Spirit does. And how He changes us is through the cross. To understand what Christianity is and why we cannot combine other belief systems, we need to be reading the Scriptures…as God’s Word guides us and teaches us about these things! Please watch at least one of the videos shared below featuring Greg Koukl, pertaining to his book, “The Story of Reality.” I highly recommend it!! It helps iron-out why syncretism isn’t possible when it comes to Christianity.

    Then Elijah approached all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If Yahweh is God, follow Him. But if Baal, follow him.” But the people didn’t answer him a word.

    1 Kings 8:21

    Sisters, with all of this in view, we need to praying fervently for our pastors and elders, daily! For they are not only exhausted, but under attack by their old sin nature, the culture, and the enemy. Prayer matters! God’s lead, matters! Because a bigger church does not always equate to a pure one.

    5 minute version
    47 minute version

    Acts 19 (CSB)

    While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

    “No,” they told him, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

    3 “Into what then were you baptized?” he asked them.

    “Into John’s baptism,” they replied.

    4 Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

    5 When they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in tongues[a] and to prophesy. 7 Now there were about twelve men in all.

    In the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus

    8 Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, arguing and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became hardened and would not believe, slandering the Way in front of the crowd, he withdrew from them, taking the disciples, and conducted discussions every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.

    Demonism Defeated at Ephesus

    11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, 12 so that even facecloths or aprons[b] that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them.

    13 Now some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists also attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. 15 The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded. 17 When this became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, they became afraid, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high esteem.

    18 And many who had become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices, 19 while many of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in front of everyone. So they calculated their value and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 In this way the word of the Lord spread and prevailed.

    The Riot in Ephesus

    21 After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit[c] to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.” 22 After sending to Macedonia two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

    23 About that time there was a major disturbance about the Way. 24 For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said, “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods. 27 Not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world worship.”

    28 When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions. 30 Although Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him. 31 Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to venture[d] into the amphitheater. 32 Some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 Some Jews in the crowd gave instructions to Alexander[e] after they pushed him to the front. Motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

    35 When the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “People of Ephesus! What person is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great[f] Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven? 36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our[g] goddess. 38 So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you seek anything further, it must be decided in a legal assembly. 40 In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disturbance.” 41 After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

  • “Those Who Cause Divisions” (Romans 16)

    “Those Who Cause Divisions” (Romans 16)

    “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.”

    Paul to the Church in Rome (Romans 16:17)
    70 minute interview with Alisa Childers and Dan Kimball

    Romans 16

    Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

    17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

    21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

    22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.

    23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

    25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

    What are the Core Beliefs of Christianity?

    35 minutes with Kevin Lewis
    60 minutes with Alisa Childers and Krista Bontrager

    The Article below was written by Greg Koukl from Stand to Reason on 2/20/2013

    https://www.str.org/w/essential-christian-doctrines

    A list of the key elements of Christianity

    What are the essential doctrines of the Christian faith? There are differences of opinion throughout the history of the church on this issue. For example, you might find a different group of doctrines at different times from the Catholic Church than you might from a Protestant church. As a matter of fact, as I understand it, believing in the primacy of the Catholic Church was an essential doctrine at one time. Now, not only need you not believe in that, but you don’t even need to believe in any of these six doctrines I’ll list to go to heaven now according to Catholic doctrine. I’m just making the observation that there are differences of opinion abut what is an essential doctrine. I’ll give you what I believe are the essential doctrines, and I will give you the verses that I believe support them.

    The first one is that you must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him in order to please God (Hebrews 11). But of course, it is clear that it is not enough to believe just in God and leave it at that because the First Commandment condemns those who have other gods before them other than the true God. So the first essential doctrine is that you must believe in God as He is in Himself. You must have an accurate picture about the fundamental nature of God. I think that entails the Trinity. You cannot deny the nature of God, the God of the Scripture, and still call yourself a Christian. In John 4:24 Jesus says, “God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Must. Exodus 20:2,3 says, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me.”

    The God of the Bible is a triune God, one God in three Persons. Jesus seems to hint at the necessity of that in John 8 when he says, “Unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” He might have meant, You must believe that I am He (i.e. the Messiah), but it looks like it was probably a reference to His deity because later on He uses the same language and makes a very clear reference to His deity when he says, “Before Abraham was, I Am.” You must believe in God as He is in Himself and He is a Trinity.

    Secondly, you have to believe in Jesus as He is in Himself. That entails believing in the deity of Christ and His full humanity. One reason that I can say this is because the Scripture makes distinctions between another Jesus and the true Jesus. It does this in 2 Corinthians, and I believe Galatians does as well. There are at least two places that warn against another Jesus. Galatians refers to another gospel.

    So there is Jesus and then there is another Jesus. The Jesus who is an incarnation of the angel Michael is not the Jesus of the Scriptures, but the Jesus of the Watchtower Society. The Jesus who is the spirit brother of Lucifer is not the Jesus of the Scriptures and of salvation, but it is the Jesus of Mormonism. The Jesus who is a Hindu guru is not the Jesus of the Scriptures, but the Jesus of the New Age movement. You cannot believe in these other Jesuses and be saved because you believe in someone who can’t save you.

    There is an issue of theology general in the Trinity and an issue of Christology.

    Third, you must also believe the bodily resurrection. Paul makes the comment in I Corinthians 15, “If the dead are not raised and Christ is in the grave, our faith is worthless. We are still in our sins and those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” Romans 10:9 says very clearly, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.”

    What is the resurrection that is referred to here? It is the bodily resurrection, not a spiritual resurrection because a spiritual resurrection is not a resurrection. In a spiritual resurrection nothing is resurrected. A resurrection is when something is revivified, resuscitated, re-surrected. It is done again. The body that was once dead is now alive. It may be that the body has some qualities that are changed, but the original body is the body that is raised. That’s the bodily resurrection. When you say a spiritual resurrection, the spiritual resurrection is not a resurrection. Only a bodily resurrection is a real resurrection.

    Fourth, you must believe in man’s fallenness and culpability. This follows from the gospel message. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Frankly, the issue of salvation is that you get forgiven because you’ve sinned. If you say you haven’t sinned and man has no sin and hasn’t fallen, 1 John 1 says that you’ve called God a liar and you are still in your sins. Man in guilty. He may not even feel guilty of certain things, but guilt is not a feeling. Guilt is a judicial reality. If we say that we have not sinned, then the truth is not in us and we call God a liar. Romans 11:32 says, “God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all.” Because of the gospel message, if you don’t acknowledge the bad news, you can’t make use of the good news. The bad news is that we have sinned and are guilty before God.

    Fifth, salvation is by grace through faith. You must believe in the substitutionary atonement. Romans 11:6 says, “If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works otherwise grace is no longer grace.” “This is the work that we are to do, believe in Him whom He has sent,” Jesus says in John 6. We are saved by grace through faith in the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ. There are quite a number of verses that make that point that Jesus is the only way. This is probably the best substantiated of all of these.

    Those are the usual five you get on a list: the Trinity, the deity and humanity of Christ, the bodily resurrection, salvation by grace through faith.

    Sometimes people add the Scriptures. You’ve got to believe that the Bible is inspired. That is not essential doctrine, although I would consider the authority of Scripture is a functional necessity because without it none of the other truth could be affirmed or asserted with confidence. Once you get rid of the authority of Scripture, the other ones fall one by one like dominoes. I’ve added man’s fallenness and culpability because it seems to be a necessary qualifier for the gospel, although most don’t include that on other lists.

    I will tell you another essential doctrine that the Scripture makes very, very clear that I have never seen included on a list. You must believe that Jesus is the Messiah. If you repudiate such a notion, you cannot be saved. By the way, whenever the word “Christ” appears in the New Testament, that is simply the Greek translation of the Hebrew word meshiac. Christ is the Greek for Messiah. When the Bible says “Jesus the Christ” it means Jesus the Messiah. Whenever it says Jesus Christ—by the way, Christ isn’t Jesus’ last name, that’s His title—it means Messiah. 1 John 2:22 says, “Who is the liar, but the one who denies that Jesus is the Messiah? This is the Antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father, the one who confesses the Son has the Father.” That’s pretty clear. 1 John 4:2 says, “By this you know the Spirit of God, every spirit that confesses that Jesus Messiah has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of Antichrist.” 2 John 7 says, “For many deceivers have gone out into the world. Those who do not acknowledge Jesus Messiah as coming in the flesh, this is the deceiver and the Antichrist.”

    The Scripture has no kind words for people who repudiate the Messiahship of Christ. A very strong conclusion can be drawn from this. The New Testament teaches that Jews who repudiate Jesus as the Messiah do not ultimately have a love for the Father. That is not my opinion. That is the opinion of the Apostle John, and it is also the opinion of Jesus Christ. “You have rejected Me because the love of the Father is not in you.” Those are strong words.

    Someone could say, How can you say that about Jews? You don’t know all the Jews. No, I don’t. God does. This is not my opinion. To be honest with you, I don’t personally like this particular teaching. If it were up to me, I would change it. But it’s not up to me. It is not my opinion. I don’t like it, but there it is. It is God’s opinion. And if we are people who hold the Bible to be revelatory on the issue of salvation, then we cannot at the same time be people who acknowledge that nice people who are Jewish but reject Jesus as Messiah find their way into heaven. That is not in the Bible. If we say that, we are saying something that is contrary to the biblical teaching. The Bible makes it clear that an essential doctrine is a belief in Jesus as the Messiah.

    The six essential doctrines would be: the Trinity, the deity and humanity of Christ, the bodily resurrection, man’s fallenness and guilt, salvation by grace through faith by the substitutionary atonement of Jesus Christ, and belief that Jesus is the Messiah. And you have a seventh doctrine that strikes me as a functional necessity, that is the ultimate authority of Scripture without which none of the other truths can be affirmed or asserted with confidence.

    By the way, it’s really important that people know these doctrines because many Christians are quite kindhearted and they end up not being very careful about drawing distinctions between truth and falsity because they don’t want to disagree. I understand that. But if you were really kindhearted then you would be honest and straight-forward with people about the demands of the gospel on their lives. The demand of the gospel is that you believe particular things to be true. It’s not just a matter of mere belief, as if these are just some incidental details of theology that you might happen to be mistaken about. And if you just happen to be mistaken, why should you go to hell because of that?

    You don’t go to hell because you just happen to mistake a doctrine. You go to hell because you have broken God’s law. It is very critical to understand that. God only judges guilty people. People get judged by God not because they mess up on their theology but because they are guilty. People who are guilty get condemned. That’s it. There is a way to get around that but you’ve to know a couple of particular things that are true before you can take advantage of the forgiveness God offers. That’s where the essential doctrines come in.

  • “Who Made God?”

    “Who Made God?”

    The following is a message was written by Christian Apologist, Ken Ham, via Twitter on April 20, 2023:

    @aigkenham

    Who made God?

    I have many secularists mock at me as a Christian for believing in an eternal God. They’ve asked me the question “so who made God?” They then claim it doesn’t make sense to believe in an eternal God.

    I do give them an answer, but then I ask them about what they believe.

    So, what is the answer to the question who made God? The Bible makes it clear that God exists in eternity. He has always existed. He didn’t have a beginning. There are many verses of Scripture that attest to the fact that God is everlasting, eternal:

    “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28).

    “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2).

    “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17).

    “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

    At a conference once I had a young boy about ten years of age come up and ask me, “sir if God created us, who created God?” How do you answer that question for a young child?

    I then said to him, “if someone made God then you would have to have a bigger God.” The boy replied, “Yes Sir,” I said, “but now you have a problem, who made the bigger God? You would then need a bigger bigger God who made the bigger God who made God.” I then said, “now you have a problem.” The boy said, “I know.” I then went on, “who made the bigger bigger God? Now you would need a bigger, bigger, bigger God who made the bigger bigger God who made the bigger God who made God.” The young boy understood. We could keep going back with bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger forever and then have to keep going. The only thing that make sense is you would have to have the biggest God of all, the infinite, eternal God of the bible. The only one true God who has always existed. He had no beginning.

    Now that is difficult, really impossible for us to understand because we are created finite beings. The space, mass, time universe we live in was created. We think in terms of everything having a beginning because we are finite beings who had a beginning. This means there will always be a faith aspect to understanding who God is. We can’t scientifically prove God exists because we don’t have all information, only God does. That why God’s Word states, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

    However it’s important to understand this is not blind faith. It’s a faith that makes sense of what we observe in this world, and observational science in many ways (that’s for another post) confirms this faith over and over again. The history recorded in the bible makes sense of the evidence we observe in the present in biology, geology, astronomy, and so on.

    Note that when you begin reading the first book of the bible it states, “In the beginning God…”. In other words, God’s word starts with God. He exists. He was NOT created. God’s Word doesn’t set out to prove God exists, it states God exists! He is and as He quotes states over and over again in Scirpture, “I am.”

    I explain all that to secularists, and that about the faith aspect, when they ask me that question about who made God, but then I ask them questions.

    After my debate with Bill Nye in 2014, we took questions that were submitted by audience members. One of the questions came from a young boy who asked, “where did matter come from.” Bill Nye responded, “I don’t know, it’s a great mystery.” I answered, “There is a book [the bible] that tells us where matter came from.”

    Atheists may mock at Christians for believing in an eternal God, but what do they believe? Where did matter come from? Why does anything exist? Where did energy come from? Why does time exist? Why does space exist? Is matter eternal? Did matter suddenly come from nowhere for no reason? They have no answers! They can have all sorts of opinions and beliefs but the bottom line is they have no definitive answer at all.

    I remember atheist Richard Dawkins claiming the possibility life was seeded on earth by aliens from outer space. Obviously, atheists can’t explain how life on earth could arise from matter by chance random processes, so one of their ways around this is to claim life came from outer space. All they did was shift the origin of life on earth to another planet. But then we could ask where the aliens from another planet that seeded life on earth came from? Well, maybe other aliens seeded life on that planet to become aliens to seed life on earth. But then where did the aliens that seeded life on that other planet come from? Were there other aliens that seeded life on that planet so aliens could arise to seed life on another planet so aliens could arise and seed life on earth! I think atheists would be happy to believe in eternal aliens, but not an eternal God. And how do atheists explain the laws of nature that are immaterial? And why do these laws stay that same and not evolve?

    It’s the atheists who have a blind faith. They believe that space, mass, and time somehow eternally existed or came into existence for some reason and somehow matter gave rise to life against everything we observe and know about the laws of nature.

    As I’ve said many times, atheism is a religion, a belief system. There is no non-religious position. Atheists have a faith, but it’s a blind faith that lacks credulity. Christians have faith, but it’s an objective faith that makes sense of life and the universe, and a faith that observational science confirms.

    Where do you put your faith?

    In eternal matter?

    In eternal aliens?

    In the eternal God who created all things and created the first man and woman. But the first man, the head of the human race rebelled against God bringing sin and death into the world. But God loved man so much, he provided a way of salvation for man so his sin could be forgiven and be able to spend eternity with the eternal God.

    “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28).

    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

  • At a Crossroads?

    At a Crossroads?

    Crossroad-moments…We can confidently expect them to be woven into the fabric of our live, whether we are prepared or not. Health crises that unexpectedly arise; the loss of a job you enjoyed; financial obstacles that constantly loom; the heartbreak of fractured relationships, and the parenting inadequacies we all encounter daily. Despite how seemingly insurmountable some may feel, we can look at these occurrences as gifted opportunities to consider God…namely, the cross of Jesus.

    These opportunities to consider the cross are incredibly important! For when we acknowledge that we need help, we then have to decide from where that help will come. Are we the true source of our hope and salvation (creation wanting to be the Creator), or does hope come from outside of ourselves?

    The Cross: one column positioned vertically, pointing up towards the sky while anchored into the ground…holding a second beam fixed horizontally, stretching to the east and to the west. Friends, as weighty decisions unfailingly enter our paths, we often find ourselves soberly face-to-face with those wooden beams… posturing our “gaze” in one of three possible ways:

    Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.

    Elisabeth Elliot

    Horizontally – ↔️ Focus: what is seen. 🔍

    • Comparison-driven;
    • Desperately seeking immediate guidance from other broken “vessels” (the world around us);
    • Redefining our viewpoints against the ever-changing cultural norms;
    • Relevancy tends to override authenticity; and
    • Man-centered messages dominate (“True Self,” personality tools, etc).

    Downward/Within – ⬇️ Focus: what is felt.💔

    • Readily pursuing the counsel of a fickle heart and it’s “wind-tossed” emotions;
    • Self-reliant;
    • Trusting in our own personal reasonings and limited understanding;
    • Often fixated upon unmet expectations;
    • Motivated by worry;
    • Anxious regarding possible outcomes, and
    • Settles for wishes and vibes.

    Upwards – ⬆️ Focus: who is Lord (Jesus). 🙏🏼

    • Devoted to Prayer and reading His Word (the Bible) often;
    • Seeking His perspective, His lead, His Wisdom, and His Strength;
    • Invests in Community (Hebrews 10:25)
    • Gospel-driven; and
    • Rests (trusting) in His goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty.

    Corrie Ten Boom, after enduring tremendous suffering within a Nazi Concentration Camp, defined crossroad-moments with these words: “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” Friends, looking first to Jesus (in prayer) is not putting your head in the proverbial sand…nor is avoiding difficult conversations. Deferring to God and asking for His lead puts our perspective in His Hands…and seeks His wisdom instead. Asking for God’s guidance enables us to respond to conflict and hardship in ways that are best for every person involved. For what seems good and right might not be best. And selfless love seeks the best for others… even if it feels painful for a season. Friends, It’s arrogant to think that we could care more about our loved ones than God does.

    Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?

    Corrie ten Boom

    When we turn our gaze upwards, we can place our complete confidence in God’s sovereignty… trusting that He will faithfully provide what we need, when we need it, and in the best way possible. The love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control He supplies will be a blessing both horizontally: in our homes, work places, church families, and local communities…as well as within our own hearts: providing needed encouragement, perspective, and truth. Gals, as crossroad (crux) moments come your way, take a breath, look to Him in prayer, and dive into His Word (Bible) . Place every ounce of self-sufficiency in His hands, and allow the work that Jesus accomplished on the cross (on our behalf) to be enough for all that you will face. 🙏🏼♥️

    …But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
    ‭‭

    Matthew‬ ‭6:32-33‬ ‭

    His Love through me,
    Mer

    Scripture

    Galatians 1:16 “ I did not immediately consult with anyone (flesh);”

    Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

    2 Corinthians‬ ‭4:18. “as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

    Philippians 3:2 “Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”

    Romans 12:10 “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

    Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

    Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

    2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.“

    Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

    Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength[a]of my heart and my portion forever.”

    2 Corinthians 3:4-5 “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,”

    Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.”

    Acts‬ ‭17:24-27‬ ‭ “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,”

    Galatians 6:9-10 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

    Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

    Psalm 16:2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    I have no good apart from you.”

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

    James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

    Galatians 5:16-18 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

    Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

    Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

    “These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.”
    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:12-13‬ ‭

    Ephesians 4:15-16 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

    Ephesians‬ ‭4:17-24‬ “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” ‭

    Romans 7:18 “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.”

    John 15:5 “…apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

    Matthew 5:3 ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

    Apologetics

    Jesus Outside of the Bible
    Who is Jesus?
    6 minutes
    What is the Gospel

  • The Suffering Servant, Jesus

    ✏️“Fulfillment Of Prophesies Of Christ In Isaiah 53,” http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

    Written between 739 and 681 B.C. (approx 700 before the crucifixion), Isaiah 53 is a powerful example of God’s faithfulness, not to mention, His sovereignty. God purposefully wove the gospel plan into history, preparing His people for the Messiah/Christ. The writers of the New Testament Scriptures, demonstrate this truth by how they fervently point to the Old Testament Scriptures as God’s Word revealing Jesus as the promised Messiah (Jn 5:48; Lk 24:44).

    He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”

    Jesus, Luke 24:44

    Jesus also viewed the Old Testament as God’s Word (Mk 7:8-13) and regularly affirmed that its authority was steadfast and true (Mt 5:17-18; Jn 10:35). As John Wenham articulates in his book, “Christ and the Bible, the Christian view of Scripture is Jesus’s view of Scripture. We need to value the whole Bible as God’s Word to us (Jn 17:17; 1 Ti 3:16-17).

    Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished.

    Jesus, Matthew 5:17-18

    Let’s follow the noble example of the Bereans as recorded by Luke in Acts 17 and study the Scriptures diligently, using it as our straight-edge (Elisabeth Elliot’s exhortation) for all of life. Holding fast to God’s Word is not only incredibly important, it’s also a command (Mt 4:4; 1 Co 15:2-3).

    Much love,
    Meridith

    http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf
    http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

    Isaiah 53

    Who has believed what we have heard?
    And to whom has the arm of the Lordbeen revealed?


    2 He grew up before him like a young plant
    and like a root out of dry ground.
    He didn’t have an impressive form
    or majesty that we should look at him,
    no appearance that we should desire him.


    3 He was despised and rejected by men,
    a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
    He was like someone people turned away from;
    he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

    4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
    and he carried our pains;
    but we in turn regarded him stricken,
    struck down by God, and afflicted.


    5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
    crushed because of our iniquities;
    punishment for our peace was on him,
    and we are healed by his wounds.


    6 We all went astray like sheep;
    we all have turned to our own way;
    and the Lord has punished him
    for the iniquity of us all.7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
    yet he did not open his mouth.
    Like a lamb led to the slaughter
    and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
    he did not open his mouth.


    8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
    and who considered his fate?
    For he was cut off from the land of the living;
    he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.


    9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
    but he was with a rich man at his death,
    because he had done no violence
    and had not spoken deceitfully.10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.
    When you make him a guilt offering,
    he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
    and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.


    11 After his anguish,
    he will see light and be satisfied.
    By his knowledge,
    my righteous servant will justify many,
    and he will carry their iniquities.


    12 Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,
    and he will receive the mighty as spoil,
    because he willingly submitted to death,
    and was counted among the rebels;
    yet he bore the sin of many
    and interceded for the rebels

  • Luke 24: “Jesus Vindicated”

    One of my favorite sermons. Tim Keller 2013

    “If Jesus was raised from the dead, you’re going to have to deal with everything in the Bible.” (19:27 minutes in)

    Tim Keller

    Luke 24 (CSB)

    On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzlingclothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

    “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. 6 “He is not here, but he has risen! Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘It is necessary that the Son of Man be betrayedinto the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” 8 And they remembered his words.

    9 Returning from the tomb, they reported all these things to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them were telling the apostles these things. 11 But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women. 12 Peter,however, got up and ran to the tomb. When he stooped to look in, he saw only the linen cloths. So he went away, amazed at what had happened.

    13 Now that same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem.14 Together they were discussing everything that had taken place. 15 And while they were discussing and arguing, Jesus himself came near and began to walk along with them. 16 But they were prevented from recognizing him. 17 Then he asked them, “What is this dispute that you’re having with each other as you are walking?” And they stopped walking and looked discouraged.

    18 The one named Cleopas answered him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that happened there in these days?”

    19 “What things?” he asked them.

    So they said to him, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophetpowerful in action and speech before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that he was the one who was about to redeem Israel. Besides all this, it’s the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women from our group astounded us. They arrived early at the tomb, 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came and reported that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”

    25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures.

    28 They came near the village where they were going, and he gave the impression that he was going farther. 29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, because it’s almost evening, and now the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

    30 It was as he reclined at the table with them that he took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, but he disappeared from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” 33 That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and those with them gathered together, 34 who said, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they began to describe what had happened on the road and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

    36 As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate in their presence.

    44 He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sinswill be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empoweredfrom on high.”

    50 Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven.52 After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple praising God.

  • Isaiah 53 and Jesus

    Isaiah 53 and Jesus

    ✔️Isaiah was written between 739 and 681 B.C. (approximately 700 before the crucifixion);
    ✔️Jesus came down and put on humanity between 6 and 4 B.C. (Jn 1:1-14);
    ✔️Jesus’s crucifixion and resurrection A.D. 30 or 33.

    Click to access 21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

    📙ISAIAH 53:1-12

    Who has believed what we have heard?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

    2 He grew up before him like a young plant
and like a root out of dry ground.
He didn’t have an impressive form
or majesty that we should look at him,
no appearance that we should desire him.

    3 He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from;
he was despised, and we didn’t value him.

    4 Yet he himself bore our sicknesses,
and he carried our pains;
but we in turn regarded him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.

    5 But he was pierced because of our rebellion,
crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him,
and we are healed by his wounds.

    6 We all went astray like sheep;
we all have turned to our own way;
and the Lord has punished him
for the iniquity of us all.

    7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
yet he did not open his mouth.
Like a lamb led to the slaughter
and like a sheep silent before her shearers,
he did not open his mouth.

    8 He was taken away because of oppression and judgment,
and who considered his fate?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
he was struck because of my people’s rebellion.

    9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
but he was with a rich man at his death,
because he had done no violence
and had not spoken deceitfully.

    10 Yet the Lord was pleased to crush him severely.
When you make him a guilt offering,
he will see his seed, he will prolong his days,
and by his hand, the Lord’s pleasure will be accomplished.

    11 After his anguish,
he will see light and be satisfied.
By his knowledge,
my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will carry their iniquities.

    12 Therefore I will give him the many as a portion,
and he will receive the mighty as spoil,
because he willingly submitted to death,
and was counted among the rebels;
yet he bore the sin of many
and interceded for the rebels.

    ✏️STUDY: “Fulfillments of Prophecies of Christ in Isaiah 53:” http://www.netbiblestudy.net/lessons/21-Fulfillment-Of-Isaiah-53.pdf

  • Good Friday: Psalm 22 and Mark 15

    Good Friday: Psalm 22 and Mark 15

    Question: Have you ever wondered why Jesus exclaimed, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” before yielding His spirit to the Father?

    In order to adequately address this heartfelt query, we need to highlight an important cultural detail concerning how scripture was both memorized and shared around AD 30.

    Per numerous scholars, if someone living during the first century quoted the beginning of a Psalm, he or she would do so knowing that the listener could recite the rest. It is likened to when we sing the first few words of a song (“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound…”), anticipating that our friends could finish the tune. Therefore, when our Lord and Savior spoke the words of Psalm 22:1…“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He did so with the whole Psalm in mind!

    The final verse of Psalm 22, written 900-1000 years prior to the crucifixion, tells of the victorious outcome regarding the rule and reign of our God among His people.

    Ladies, please take time to read both Mark 15 and Psalm 22 (shared below), as well as to examine the resources provided alongside. It’s my hope and prayer that these scriptures point your heart and mind to the faithful purposes of our God…and how no adversary could thwart God’s rescue plan from taking place.

    85 minutes with Mike Winger about Psalm 22
    5 minute, artistic teaching of Psalm 22
    18 minutes with Nabeel Qureshi

    Inspired by God, the book of Mark was written by Peter’s attendant, Mark (John Mark), in the mid-to-late 50’s AD. While Psalm 22 was penned by King David approximately 1000 years earlier (before Roman crucifixions). Note: The book of Mark was composed in Rome and is primarily written to a Church “audience largely unfamiliar with Jewish customs.” One example of this is that the Roman day began at 12am, but the Jewish day commenced at 6am. Therefore, an account of the time of Jesus’s crucifixion would vary from Mark’s account to another Gospel’s account (i.e. John), as the intended audiences were different.

    Mark 15

    Jesus Delivered to Pilate

    And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things.4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

    Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

    6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.”14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

    Jesus Is Mocked

    16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters),[b] and they called together the whole battalion.[c] 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

    The Crucifixion

    21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour[d] when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left.[e] 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

    The Death of Jesus

    33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (see Psalm 22:1) 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he[h]breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son[i] of God!”

    40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

    Jesus Is Buried

    42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died.[j]And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph[k] bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

    Psalm 22

    (WRITTEN MORE THAN 900-1000 YEARS BEFORE THE CROSS)

    22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
        Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
    2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
        and by night, but I find no rest.

    3 Yet you are holy,
        enthroned on the praises[a] of Israel.
    4 In you our fathers trusted;
        they trusted, and you delivered them.
    5 To you they cried and were rescued;
        in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

    6 But I am a worm and not a man,
        scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
    7 All who see me mock me;
        they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
    8 “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him;
        let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

    9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;
        you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
    10 On you was I cast from my birth,
        and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
    11 Be not far from me,
        for trouble is near,
        and there is none to help.

    12 Many bulls encompass me;
        strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
    13 they open wide their mouths at me,
        like a ravening and roaring lion.

    14 I am poured out like water,
        and all my bones are out of joint;
    my heart is like wax;
        it is melted within my breast;
    15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd,
        and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
        you lay me in the dust of death.

    16 For dogs encompass me;
        a company of evildoers encircles me;
    they have pierced my hands and feet[b]—
    17 I can count all my bones—
    they stare and gloat over me;
    18 they divide my garments among them,
        and for my clothing they cast lots    .

    19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off!
        O you my help, come quickly to my aid!
    20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
        my precious life from the power of the dog!
    21     Save me from the mouth of the lion!
    You have rescued[c] me from the horns of the wild oxen!

    22 I will tell of your name to my brothers;
        in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
    23 You who fear the Lord, praise him!
        All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
        and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
    24 For he has not despised or abhorred
        the affliction of the afflicted,
    and he has not hidden his face from him,
        but has heard, when he cried to him.

    25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
        my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
    26 The afflicted[d] shall eat and be satisfied;
        those who seek him shall praise the Lord!
        May your hearts live forever!

    27 All the ends of the earth shall remember
    and turn to the Lord,
    and all the families of the nations
    shall worship before you.
    28 For kingship belongs to the Lord,
    and he rules over the nations.

    29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship;
    before him shall bow all who go down to the dust,
    even the one who could not keep himself alive.
    30 Posterity shall serve him;
    it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation;
    31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn,
    that he has done it.

    More on Psalm 22

    55 minute refutation, Dr Michael Brown and Rabbi Singer regarding Ps 22

    Who is Jesus?

    6 minutes
    45 minutes with Mikel Del Rosario
    18 minutes, The essential Christian Doctrine of the Trinity. Jesus is the Son of God.

    Jesus’s Resurrection

    56 minutes with Nabeel Qureshi. The overwhelming evidence for both the crucifixion and the Resurrection.
    75 minutes w/ Gary Habermas
    < 3 minutes w/ Lee Strobel

    Essential Christian Doctrine

    62 minutes with Alisa Childers and Krista Bontrager
  • Gentleness and Respect

    Gentleness and Respect

    YouTube Channel: So Be It, 28 minutes

    Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭11‬ ‭

    “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

    In Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, he overflows with love and gratitude for them, and commends them for their partnership in defending the gospel. It’s incredibly important that we don’t rush through this portion of his letter as a merely a greeting to friends… We need to slow down and carefully examine Paul’s words.

    In verse 7 of the first chapter of Philippians, the author, Paul, uses the term “defense” as a specific reason for his appreciation of the Philippian Church. But what does “defense” refer to exactly? In the Greek, “defense” is translated, “apologia”…a reasoned defense…often called, Apologetics. That’s right- apologetics is NOT the study of apologies, but instead connotes giving a defense to a position, belief, or worldview.

    Sadly, we often view providing a defense of something as acting with “defensiveness.” Or, we feel as though standing-up for something, if not popular, is therefore carried-out with selfish motives, and is unloving.

    And while a defensive defense often happens (as we are sinful), giving an apologia for the gospel is not meant to be that way. How we share the gospel actually points to “all of life” purpose of God’s saving plan! We can’t save ourselves…It’s all God. And how we share this fact needs to be done with God’s help and with His love! It’s not about us…

    Let’s look at apologetics through the lens of being a parent:

    When we know our child has been lying to us, we can prayerfully respond to him or her with a loving firmness… or we can take the reins and not ask God for help and react out of utter fatigue and frustration. Either way, we need to address the issue of lying.

    You see, biblically, it’s not a question of IF we engage in apologetics, it’s HOW we engage! You might not realize it, but you too partake in apologetics daily…defending numerous beliefs and opinions which you hold dear. Whether it’s why one college team deserves the NCAA title over another, or whether cheddar or American makes for a tastier grilled cheese sandwich! But when it comes to the weightier topic of someone’s soul, opinions pale in comparison to facts. And therefore, how we give a defense matters so very much!

    In 1 Peter 3:15-17, a frequently quoted scripture pertaining to giving a reasoned defense, Peter encourages Christians to be gentle and respectful when sharing the gospel:

    “but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do this with gentleness and reverence, keeping a clear conscience, so that when you are accused, those who disparage your good conduct in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

    1 Peter 3:15-17

    Below is a 28-minute video of a beautiful example of a Christian man (Jewish heritage) giving a gentle and respectful defense of the gospel to a Jewish man who is agnostic with New Age beliefs…highly recommend!

  • Science and Faith: YES!!

    Science and Faith: YES!!

    And he (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” -Matthew 22:37

    7-minutes with Tim Barnett, Mr. B

    Friends, Science and Faith (placing one’s trust in God) are not mutually exclusive. Nor are they incompatible. Far from it, actually! 🧪🧬🔭

    To quote respected historian, Tom Holland (not Spider-Man 😉), “Without Christianity, we would not have Science.” Tom Holland’s statement is incredibly bold! Possibly, shocking to many! Let’s not dismiss his assertion without investigating it first! It’s also important to note that Holland is not a Christian.

    “Without Christianity, we would not have Science.”

    Tom Holland, Historian

    Below is a 7-minute video by apologist, Tim Barnett, approaching the bold claim proclaimed by Tom Holland and others. It’s a succinct compilation of research shared with respect and care.

    “Sometimes, the best way is to combat bad information is to use good information. Christianity gave rise to modern science. This isn’t an opinion. This is a fact, like it or not.” -Tim Barnett

  • Not One Letter…

    “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭19‬ ‭

    Jesus

    Jesus’s view of the Old Testament Scriptures should be our view. Jesus made it clear that God’s words do not change. His character does not change, so His words will not change. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (He 13:8).

    Some claim that Jesus was overriding the words of the Old Testament when he said, “You have did it said, but I say,”but this is taking Jesus’s words out of context, and not accepting the rest of his teaching. Jesus did not come to change the Law…Jesus came down from eternity past as to fulfill it. Jesus, fully God and fully human, obeyed the law perfectly, in heart and in action, perfectly…on our behalf.

    Jesus did not stop being God but instead humbly put on humanity as to be a substitute FOR us. He carried our sin on the cross to make a way back to God…the only way possible. God made a way back to Himself.

    Friends, no matter how charismatic and talented a person might be, if he or she encourages you to unhitch from the Scriptures, either the Old Testament or the New Testament, please remember that Jesus did not teach that message. Jesus conducted His earthly ministry according to the Old Testament Scriptures and viewed them as authoritative. He proclaimed that we need God Word more than food (Mt 4:4). Jesus taught His disciples that God’s Word…both the Old and New Testaments…are inspired by God, trustworthy and true.

    Matthew 5

    The Sermon on the Mount

    When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

    3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
    4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
    5 Blessed are the humble,
    for they will inherit the earth.
    6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
    7 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
    8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
    9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called sons of God.
    10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

    11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.

    12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

    13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

    14 “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

    17 “Don’t think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or one stroke of a letter will pass away from the law until all things are accomplished. 19 Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.

    21 “You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. 22 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. 23 So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge tothe officer, and you will be thrown into prison.26 Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

    27 “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

    31 “It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce. 32 But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

    33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to our ancestors,You must not break your oath, but you must keep your oaths to the Lord. 34 But I tell you, don’t take an oath at all: either by heaven, because it is God’s throne;35 or by the earth, because it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not swear by your head, because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one.

    38 “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

    43 “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those whopersecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For he causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don’t even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect,therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect