The Glasses
I am greatful for friends. As Proverbs 27:11 says"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (ESV) Discussions with friends spur me to dig into scripture, and so has happened this week. Randy brough the first few verses of Hebrews 11 to my attention Sunday to consider in light of our discussions on apologetics and the evidence of faith.
Hebrews 11:1-3 in the NKJV reads "1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible."
Verse three is a specific application of the second definition of faith in verse one, that faith is the "evidence of things not seen", and "by faith we understand God made the worlds," so that what we see was not made out of things that are visible.
Romans 1:20-21 says that "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
So the Hebrews 11:3 says we understand the invisible word of God behind creation by faith, and Romans 1:20 says that we understand the invisible attributes of God by seeing the things that are made. Hebrews 11:3 seems to say that the evidence that God made the world is faith. Romans 1:20 seems to say that the evidence that God made the world is the ghings made, that they clearly point to a maker.
This is not a contradiction. In some aspects, faith is the spiritual seeing or percieving of the fingerprints of God on the things he has made. The evidence of a Creator is te creation. But you wont see it as evidence without faith, and thats why those of Romans 1:21 were simply left without excuse and condemned, and they darkened their own foolish hearts.
In some aspects, faith is a spiritual percieving or understanding act. We understand by faith,as verse three says. Most modern translations of Hebrews 11:1 say that "faith is...the conviction of things not seen" (ESV). Understanding by faith also gives us the conviction of faith. Those who do see or percieve have the evidence within themselves.
Men naturally fool themselves and image all sorts of vain things, even that what is made made itself. Men cannot perceive God's creative hand in things without faith, but how is this overcome? If you can't perceive truth without faith, and you can't have faith without perceiving the truth, how does one get faith and be saved? Because Faith is a gift from God, that no one should boast. -Ephesians 2:8 That is also why I don't have bragging rights, that I can see the truth and others not, because what do I have that I have not received?
So in presenting apologetic appeals to the lost it should be in full prayer that God would grant them faith and open their eyes and perceptions to see the truth. Real faith is based on real Truth. Hebrews 11:1 says that "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." By the one we know God's power and wisdom to make us; by the other we know His goodness and grace to save us.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Monday, December 5, 2005
The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God, I just need to adjust my glasses.
The Heavens Proclaim the Glory of God, I Just Need to Adjust My Glasses
Click above link...
It was mid-morning and I was standing in a hall talking with the church janitor/custodian. We were having an interesting discussion about the great flood in Noah's days. "Noah brought dinosaurs on the ark," Milton said. I was shocked, and immediately set out to correct Milton on the fact that dinosaurs had become extinct millions of years before Adam and Eve ever lived, or Noah ever set foot on the Ark. "No," Milton persisted, "the Bible says that God made everything in six days."
"But Milton, the days aren't literal 24-hour days, they represent long periods of time. Evolution takes place in those 'days'"
"No," he replied, "then man's sin did not bring death into the world, God brought death into the world."
Poor ignorant man.
Let me clarify that statement, I was the poor ignorant man.
My conversations with Milton stirred my thinking and encouraged me to behave like a good Berean and search the scriptures to see if these things were true. A crisis of belief arose in me, either everything I know about evolution is wrong or the Bible is wrong.
But if the Bible is right, why would God make the world look so old, be so deceptive? Isn't Satan the great deceiver, not God? Those stupid bones in the ground...whats the deal with them I pondered to myself.
And then God provided. A friend named Pete introduced me to www.ChristianAnswers.com which in turn led me to www.AnswersInGenesis.org and radically changed my view of the Bible.
Many of the psalms, such as 8, 19, 29, 33, 65, 104 proclaim God's goodness in creation. Psalm 19:1-2 says "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech,And night unto night reveals knowledge." But if when I look at the stars or any part of God's creation and it reveals a false knoweldge of God, then I am not looknig at the world aright.
Romans 1:18-23 tells us " 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
I am not content to leave men without excuse. All that does is leave them condemned in their sins. Prophets of old railed against false idols the Israelites had set up, and men today have become futile in their thoughts, exchanging God's glory in their professed wisdom for a cruel, wicked god of evolution.
Paul wrote "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 2:3-5.
Beyond casting down all things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, the Bible also commands us to give reasons for our faith (1 Peter 3:15), and contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). Paul disputed in the synagogues (Acts 17:17).
But what about Paul preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2?
Dr. Jonathan Sarfati writes "...Paul did not simply ring the doorbell at Corinth and stand there mumbling, ‘Jesus Christ and him crucified’ over and over again, like a magical Hindu mantra! Rather, he had already preached to them much earlier (1 Cor. 15) and laid down the groundwork, especially about who this Jesus Christ is! This would certainly have included the groundwork of the type he explained on Mars Hill (Acts 17), where he explained that God is creator, man is a sinner, and can be saved only through Jesus who rose from the dead. In fact, Jesus Christ and Him crucified was just an abbreviated way of saying what Paul explained in more detail in ch. 15, which explicitly talks about the first Adam and the death he brought." (I recommend that everyone read that article in its fulness.)
Jesus commands us to go make disciples. Evangelism is simply the first step of discipleship. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - II Timothy 3:16-17 It is not out of a desire to be validated in my faith by an unbelieving world that I cling tightly to the truths of scripture and the authority of the Word. It is out of love for my God, and a love for those He loves, that they may not have the wrath of God abiding on them, but that they may be sanctified by the truth: God's word is truth.
To him who has a little faith, more will be given. Set your doubts aside, look in faith, and you will see. God is awesome!
For loads of awesome videos that proclaim the Glory of God, click here. They are all free to download (Kent Hovind is a very entertaining speaker, try his seminars.)
Click above link...
It was mid-morning and I was standing in a hall talking with the church janitor/custodian. We were having an interesting discussion about the great flood in Noah's days. "Noah brought dinosaurs on the ark," Milton said. I was shocked, and immediately set out to correct Milton on the fact that dinosaurs had become extinct millions of years before Adam and Eve ever lived, or Noah ever set foot on the Ark. "No," Milton persisted, "the Bible says that God made everything in six days."
"But Milton, the days aren't literal 24-hour days, they represent long periods of time. Evolution takes place in those 'days'"
"No," he replied, "then man's sin did not bring death into the world, God brought death into the world."
Poor ignorant man.
Let me clarify that statement, I was the poor ignorant man.
My conversations with Milton stirred my thinking and encouraged me to behave like a good Berean and search the scriptures to see if these things were true. A crisis of belief arose in me, either everything I know about evolution is wrong or the Bible is wrong.
But if the Bible is right, why would God make the world look so old, be so deceptive? Isn't Satan the great deceiver, not God? Those stupid bones in the ground...whats the deal with them I pondered to myself.
And then God provided. A friend named Pete introduced me to www.ChristianAnswers.com which in turn led me to www.AnswersInGenesis.org and radically changed my view of the Bible.
Many of the psalms, such as 8, 19, 29, 33, 65, 104 proclaim God's goodness in creation. Psalm 19:1-2 says "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech,And night unto night reveals knowledge." But if when I look at the stars or any part of God's creation and it reveals a false knoweldge of God, then I am not looknig at the world aright.
Romans 1:18-23 tells us " 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things."
I am not content to leave men without excuse. All that does is leave them condemned in their sins. Prophets of old railed against false idols the Israelites had set up, and men today have become futile in their thoughts, exchanging God's glory in their professed wisdom for a cruel, wicked god of evolution.
Paul wrote "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Corinthians 2:3-5.
Beyond casting down all things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, the Bible also commands us to give reasons for our faith (1 Peter 3:15), and contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 3). Paul disputed in the synagogues (Acts 17:17).
But what about Paul preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2?
Dr. Jonathan Sarfati writes "...Paul did not simply ring the doorbell at Corinth and stand there mumbling, ‘Jesus Christ and him crucified’ over and over again, like a magical Hindu mantra! Rather, he had already preached to them much earlier (1 Cor. 15) and laid down the groundwork, especially about who this Jesus Christ is! This would certainly have included the groundwork of the type he explained on Mars Hill (Acts 17), where he explained that God is creator, man is a sinner, and can be saved only through Jesus who rose from the dead. In fact, Jesus Christ and Him crucified was just an abbreviated way of saying what Paul explained in more detail in ch. 15, which explicitly talks about the first Adam and the death he brought." (I recommend that everyone read that article in its fulness.)
Jesus commands us to go make disciples. Evangelism is simply the first step of discipleship. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." - II Timothy 3:16-17 It is not out of a desire to be validated in my faith by an unbelieving world that I cling tightly to the truths of scripture and the authority of the Word. It is out of love for my God, and a love for those He loves, that they may not have the wrath of God abiding on them, but that they may be sanctified by the truth: God's word is truth.
To him who has a little faith, more will be given. Set your doubts aside, look in faith, and you will see. God is awesome!
For loads of awesome videos that proclaim the Glory of God, click here. They are all free to download (Kent Hovind is a very entertaining speaker, try his seminars.)
Monday, November 14, 2005
Take this straw man!
Within the past few months I have found myself in several lively discussions over various theological topics. What has made several of them so lively is that the other person in the conversation has argued against views that I don't actually hold. How do you defend yourself against something you don't even believe?
Even now I struggle to explain what I mean. There is a rhetoric tactic known as the “straw man” fallacy where the arguer misinterprets an opponent’s position for the purpose of more easily attacking it, demolishing the misinterpreted argument, and then proceeding to conclude that the original argument has been demolished. A good example of this is in The DaVinci Code where Dan Brown, through his fictional characters, sets up a straw man position for the inspiration of scripture that he easily demolishes, a position of belief the church has never historically held. (I need to read a good book on refuting the false claims in The DaVinci Code, as it comes to theaters May 19th, 2006)
Most often my debates/discussions centers on God's sovereignty in salvation and man’s will. Several views I’m often accused of holding are that God is dragging some people into heaven who don’t want to go and excluding some who do, or perhaps that I am saying people have no will of their own at all and are not morally responsible for their rejection of Jesus Christ, or that people are somehow just robots in my view of scripture, just to name a few off the top of my head. Another list might include that I supposedly believe there is no need for evangelism, or that the only reason a Christian of the Reformed faith might evangelize would be simply out of obedience to Christ’s commands, but never out of love. (I do it for both…why just one or the other?)
I understand why they assume I hold such views, as I myself assumed others who hold a Reformed view of the Gospel believed some of those things a couple years back. But when someone told me “No, I don’t believe that” I would ask what it is they do believe.
So, let’s get down to it. Does man have free will? Yes. Man has the capacity to choose what he desires most. I wholeheartedly concur that “whosoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.” That is the historic position of the Reformers. The real question is what do people do with their free will? That whosoever is huge, but just as huge is scriptures answer given 3 verses later: “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20) Men (that’s all unsaved men and women) are unwilling. That just seems about hopeless. But verse 21 gives hope: “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
In a nut shell: God outwardly calls all men with the Gospel message, which we are commanded to take to all the earth. Turning from your sins to Christ in faith is the requirement. No one is willing to do that on their own, as men’s hearts are bent toward evil. As Ezekiel 11:19-20 says “Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27 repeats it again for emphasis) We are morally responsible to obey and trust God in faith, but unable to, and so God must give us a new heart inclined to obey Him, a.k.a. the new birth/born again. God himself provides the requirements for whomever he has chosen, not arbitrarily, but according to the counsel of His will. For more good info and exegesis of scripture visit www.monergism.com
Anyways, I guess the best way to correct people’s misunderstanding of what you believe is to simply keep stating what it is you do believe until they can’t say you believe anything else, and then maybe they will try to understand what it is you believe…and maybe just believe it themselves!
Even now I struggle to explain what I mean. There is a rhetoric tactic known as the “straw man” fallacy where the arguer misinterprets an opponent’s position for the purpose of more easily attacking it, demolishing the misinterpreted argument, and then proceeding to conclude that the original argument has been demolished. A good example of this is in The DaVinci Code where Dan Brown, through his fictional characters, sets up a straw man position for the inspiration of scripture that he easily demolishes, a position of belief the church has never historically held. (I need to read a good book on refuting the false claims in The DaVinci Code, as it comes to theaters May 19th, 2006)
Most often my debates/discussions centers on God's sovereignty in salvation and man’s will. Several views I’m often accused of holding are that God is dragging some people into heaven who don’t want to go and excluding some who do, or perhaps that I am saying people have no will of their own at all and are not morally responsible for their rejection of Jesus Christ, or that people are somehow just robots in my view of scripture, just to name a few off the top of my head. Another list might include that I supposedly believe there is no need for evangelism, or that the only reason a Christian of the Reformed faith might evangelize would be simply out of obedience to Christ’s commands, but never out of love. (I do it for both…why just one or the other?)
I understand why they assume I hold such views, as I myself assumed others who hold a Reformed view of the Gospel believed some of those things a couple years back. But when someone told me “No, I don’t believe that” I would ask what it is they do believe.
So, let’s get down to it. Does man have free will? Yes. Man has the capacity to choose what he desires most. I wholeheartedly concur that “whosoever believes will not perish but have eternal life.” That is the historic position of the Reformers. The real question is what do people do with their free will? That whosoever is huge, but just as huge is scriptures answer given 3 verses later: “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20) Men (that’s all unsaved men and women) are unwilling. That just seems about hopeless. But verse 21 gives hope: “But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”
In a nut shell: God outwardly calls all men with the Gospel message, which we are commanded to take to all the earth. Turning from your sins to Christ in faith is the requirement. No one is willing to do that on their own, as men’s hearts are bent toward evil. As Ezekiel 11:19-20 says “Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27 repeats it again for emphasis) We are morally responsible to obey and trust God in faith, but unable to, and so God must give us a new heart inclined to obey Him, a.k.a. the new birth/born again. God himself provides the requirements for whomever he has chosen, not arbitrarily, but according to the counsel of His will. For more good info and exegesis of scripture visit www.monergism.com
Anyways, I guess the best way to correct people’s misunderstanding of what you believe is to simply keep stating what it is you do believe until they can’t say you believe anything else, and then maybe they will try to understand what it is you believe…and maybe just believe it themselves!
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