We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Some More Good Stuff


Apologetics isn’t just about defending the Faith against all the false teachers and false teachings, it is also about clearly explaining what the Faith is all about.  1 Peter 3:15 makes it clear that every Christian’s duty is to be a good apologist.   This requires study, so as to “present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15, NIV)

Studying the Word often requires the use of commentaries, because the vast majority of Christians are not able to read or understand the original languages in which the Bible was written, nor do we have knowledge of the cultural context which helps explain so much of what is going on in Scripture.  These commentaries may be books, a sermon, or articles, etc.

When I have a blog post about “good stuff,” they are links to commentaries in the form of articles which can help us to better understand various aspects of Christian teachings; apologetics from a positive side.  And this post is another one pointing to some articles I have read over the past few weeks which I found edifying.  I hope you will also find them the same.

I think many Christians are unclear on what forgiveness is really about.  “Defining Forgiveness” should help you understand the meaning.

With so much discussion in the media about what marriage is, and with so many Christians compromising with the same-sex fake marriage ideology, I think it would be good for us to remember what God’s design for marriage is.

There are many aberrant ideas about how the current church should look just like the church did in the book of Acts.  But was that recorded history a prescription for the church or a description of what was taking place at that period in history?  The Cripplegate gives some food for thought.

I previously wrote an article about why I believe babies and small children will be saved.  I came across an excellent article which agrees with my belief, presenting a good defense of the reasons for such belief.

Did Paul teach a different Gospel from the one Jesus preached?  Many people make this claim.  A solid understanding of Paul’s teachings will refute the claim.

Lastly, I thought this article about  eschatology was quite interesting — and not just because it agrees with my viewpoint.  I have often explained that the Bible and early writings of Christians showed a belief in a “rapture” at the end of the Tribulation, followed by 1000 years of Christ reigning.  This article explains where the changes to amillennialism and post-millennialism entered into Christian belief.  (the comments show a lot of ignorance of history, as well as a lot of devotion to Romanism)

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