The first time I was exposed to any kind of apologetics, it was mainly focused on what I would call 'scientific apologetics'. That kind of apologetics is focused on defending how true science jives with the biblical worldview. Science does jive with a biblical worldview, and you will have to trust me on that point, because I do not intend to get into scientific apologetics to any great extent (caveat: James 4:13-17). The purpose of this blog will be mainly the exploration of religion.
In my opinion I do not see apologetics as a tool for the Christian to use, and only to be used by those indivduals that are into that sort of thing. I do, however, see apologetics as something that should be incorporated into the lifestyle of every believer (1 Peter 3:15). The purpose of this blog will be based on that presumption.
My intention is that what I post on this blog will be used as a valuable starting reference point to get Christian's equipped. I say starting reference point because I hope to spur readers on in the quest for deepening and strengthening their faith. The postings will illuminate areas that I have studied, conversed about, and read on, but I do not pretend to be infallible; only God is. Due to the enormacy of the religions people have available to them today I encourage readers to double check my assumptions, come to their own indepedent conclusions, and let me know if there is something I might have overlooked (Prov 27:17). I thrive on dialoge and pray that the Lord keeps this man soft as clay.
That being said, I do intend that my postings will be authoritative. I do my homework, and I do want individuals to hopefully learn a thing or two from what I write. My desire is that it will be used as a reference for those who are wanting a more intimate relationship with their Lord.
A word of caution: when learning about different religions and how to give answer to them, it is extremely important to stay grounded in God's Word. The lies of this world are sweet to hear, and there is always a danger of being led astray. Please always make a point of fellowshipping with the Lord and other believers to stay grounded. Also, if you like what you see please help me get the word out about this blog so that it can attain a readership that dialoges together, grows together, and ultimately glorifies God together.
To close off this post that focuses on purpose, I think it would be appropriate to include a brief (not expository) breakdown of 1 Peter 3:15.
"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy...": Remember what I said about staying grounded in the truth to prevent being led away into lies (see 2 Tim 4:3)? In order to give any answer for our faith, we need to have Christ as the center of our life. Without Christ we are on sinking sand that will lead us astray.
"...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you...": We are called to be ready to give an answer, or defense, for the hope we have in Christ. This entails that we are living in such a way as to provoke questions from those who are not believers.
"...yet do it with gentleness and respect.": The media and common perception is filled with tales of individuals who forget this part of the verse (and probably the first part of the verse as well). When giving a defense we are not to blow the other person out of the water or make them fill stupid or inadequate. Grace is needed to answer appropriately, and we need to rely on the Spirit to guide the interaction. If we let human emotion and fraility get in the way, we can only do damage to the name of Christ and cast mud on His name.
Looking forward: my next post will define some key terms so that the readers will know the basic foundation I will be coming from. I encourage all of you to keep your eyes on Jesus throughout our journey together (Heb 12:2).
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
Time for a Fresh Start
I think it is time for a redo, so I am re-rolling out my blog with a fresh start. The Lord has laid on me a burden for those blinded by the enemy, and has given me a passion for the Truth. It is unfortunate, but in these days and times one has to qualify what they mean by Truth.
The postmodern ethos has permeated culture to an extent that it even has crept into the body of Christ. Paul's words to Timothy ring clear today: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Tim. 4:3-4, ESV). Even now, there are those who would claim to be followers of Christ, to be devout Christians in the truest sense, that are tickled by the offerings of the ruler of this world. It is time for the Church to stand on, and for, Truth.
The spirit of Pilate is running rampant today: "What is truth?" The postmodern mantra that there is no absolute truth rings loud; "I have my truth, and you have yours." Common sense, not to mention reason and logic, tells us that there has to be an absolute, irrefutable foundation for truth. Taking a stand that all is truth, even the statement "All is false" would have to be true, which would contradict itself. With even a simplistic example it is easy to see why a proper vision of Truth is necessary for anything to make sense.
One must also take into account those that barrow from the truth and create lies. The marriage of truth with human distortion and error is the most common of all lies, and it was through this method that Satan approached Eve in the garden: taking God's Word and distorting it. This kind of lie is insidious due to the fact that it contains just enough truth to trick those that are unprepared or unsuspecting.
Language becomes all important when speaking with anyone. Terms need to be defined; words taken out of context need to be placed back in context. One can quickly become frustrated if the meaning of phrases and terms are left ambiguous. Chrisitians must be prepared to give an intelligent answer for what they believe.
The postings to follow will first outline the purpose of this blog and ministry. Key reoccurring words will be defined so there is no shadow of doubt what is being talked about. Language will be put into its proper place as needed throughout all postings, with all ambiguous words being defined. To all who stumble upon or follow this, to all who are thirsty for the Truth or merely curious, welcome!
The postmodern ethos has permeated culture to an extent that it even has crept into the body of Christ. Paul's words to Timothy ring clear today: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths" (2 Tim. 4:3-4, ESV). Even now, there are those who would claim to be followers of Christ, to be devout Christians in the truest sense, that are tickled by the offerings of the ruler of this world. It is time for the Church to stand on, and for, Truth.
The spirit of Pilate is running rampant today: "What is truth?" The postmodern mantra that there is no absolute truth rings loud; "I have my truth, and you have yours." Common sense, not to mention reason and logic, tells us that there has to be an absolute, irrefutable foundation for truth. Taking a stand that all is truth, even the statement "All is false" would have to be true, which would contradict itself. With even a simplistic example it is easy to see why a proper vision of Truth is necessary for anything to make sense.
One must also take into account those that barrow from the truth and create lies. The marriage of truth with human distortion and error is the most common of all lies, and it was through this method that Satan approached Eve in the garden: taking God's Word and distorting it. This kind of lie is insidious due to the fact that it contains just enough truth to trick those that are unprepared or unsuspecting.
Language becomes all important when speaking with anyone. Terms need to be defined; words taken out of context need to be placed back in context. One can quickly become frustrated if the meaning of phrases and terms are left ambiguous. Chrisitians must be prepared to give an intelligent answer for what they believe.
The postings to follow will first outline the purpose of this blog and ministry. Key reoccurring words will be defined so there is no shadow of doubt what is being talked about. Language will be put into its proper place as needed throughout all postings, with all ambiguous words being defined. To all who stumble upon or follow this, to all who are thirsty for the Truth or merely curious, welcome!
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