Why Apologetics?

In this broadcast, H.C. Felder interviews Dr. Norman Geisler who explains apologetics and deals with some of the most difficult questions raised against Christianity.

Visit H.C. Felders website at www.givingananswer.org

Did Jesus Rise From The Dead?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM11PachwYA&feature=player_embedded

CLICK HERE

Mary Jo Sharp of "Confident Christianity" debates Ehteshaam Gulam of "Answering Christian Claims" on one of the central areas of disagreement between Christians and Muslims: Jesus death by crucifixion.

Euthanasia

The word Euthanasia means "good death". As I watched this program to be perfectly honest, I don't think I have felt so uneasy and uncomfortable in a long time.

There are different types of Euthanasia such as passive, aggressive, voluntary and others. In the next week or so I am going to write some thoughts on this particular program and Euthanasia in general.

I wanted to post this video before I post my thoughts so people can see the video first and digest it.

WARNING VERY MATURE CONTENT!!

Do not watch this if you are not prepared to go on a emotional roller coaster which ends in this man taking his own life on camera. This is not a movie and not pretend, it is the real life documentary of this Man and his family, so please be warned before you watch.

John Loftus vs Paul Manata

All I can say is buckle up and hang on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr. Peter Kreeft

Is Anything Really Right or Wrong? from The Veritas Forum on Vimeo.

Is Anything Really Right or Wrong?
Peter Kreeft
University of California, Santa Barbara
9 February 1998

www.veritas.org

The Problem Of Evil

The Existence of Evil and the Problem of God from The Veritas Forum on Vimeo.

The Existence of Evil and the Problem of God
Alvin Plantinga, Richard Gale Ph.D.
University of Tennessee
31 December 2008

A conversation with Drs. Alvin Plantinga and Richard Gale on the topic “The Existence of Evil and the Problem of God.” This conversation is followed by a question and answer session with the audience

www.veritas.org

No Condemnation For Those In Christ

Romans 8:1-17


1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--

13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"

16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

17 and if children, (AH)heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

J.P. Holding

Very good show refuting the "Jesus Myth". I suggest his book, "Shattering The Christ Myth" To help you refute these stale old arguments!

Nicene Creed

Modern Wording

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son].
With the Father and the Son
he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. AMEN.

Does The Bible Teach The Trinity?

IS God A Trinity or A Single Individual?

Brant Bosserman Representing the Trinity
vs Sean Finnegan Representing Unitarianism

Many people have misunderstandings when it comes to the doctrine of the Trinity. I have stated else where that many cults and false religons have arose because of this misunderstanding.

Many times the Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons show up on the door steps, many Christians have no idea how to respond to the attacks on the Trinity. This debate will show you how to defend the attacks on the Trinity and hopefully make you want to dig in the scriptures and be equipped and ready next time a opportunity comes your way. As always comments and questions are welcome!

Does The Bible Teach The Trinity?

http://www.bringyou.to/FinneganBossermanTrinityDebate.mp3

Many people have misunderstandings when it comes to the doctrine of the Trinity. I have stated else where that many cults and false religons have arose because og this misunderstanding.

Many times the Jehovahs Witnesses show up on the door steps, many Christians have no idea how to respond to the attacks on the Trinity. This debate will show you how to defend the attacks on the Trinity and hopefully make you want to dig in the scriptures and be equipped and ready next time a oppurtunity comes your way. As always comments and questions are welcome!

Is Jesus God?

Rick sent in a question which I answered in the comments section, I thought I would reproduce the answer here on the blogs main post so those who do not check the comments would be able to read the answer. This is a question that is asked a lot and we need to be able to answer this as Christians, feel free to leave comments or questions!


Rick said

How is it that the Scriptures tell us that no man has seen God at any time (John 1:18) and yet men saw Jesus? I'm confused about this. How can I explain this to someone who doesn't believe that Jesus is God?


MY Response

Rick,

Great question, I would recommend that you get a couple of books that will help you out with "Bible Difficulties". The first book I would recommend to you is called "The Big Of Bible Difficulties". The Second one is Dr. Gleason Archers book " Encyclopedia Of Bible Difficulties" and lastly Dr. Walt Kaisers book "Hard Sayings Of The Bible". Also on my blog I have a section on the right called "Bible Difficulties" which will take you to carm.org and there Matt Slick has hundreds of them for free for you to look at.

OK with that being said let me answer your question.

This is whats going on. Jesus has 2 natures, one human and one Divine. This in theology is called the Hypo-static union. Jesus was fully God, and Jesus was also fully man. So when one asks a question about Jesus, you really need to ask the question twice. Yes men saw Jesus in his humanity, but no one has seen nor can see God in his full essence. For One God is Immaterial which means he can not be composed of parts, thus if Jesus was fully divine in his man hood he would be composed of parts and be a material being. But we are told God is Spirit in John 4:24, and that a Spirit does not have flesh and bone, Luke 24:39.

This would also take away from Gods other attributes such as omnipresence ( Every where at the same time).

So the way this is answered is that Jesus in one person who has 2 natures, fully human and fully God, thus those who saw Jesus only saw his humanity, not his divinity. If you are still unclear let me know and I will see if I can expound on it. Consider the following

JESUS' DIVINE NATURE:

Uncaused

Unchanging

Knowledge is INFINITE

Necessary Being

All-Powerful

Simple Being {Not composed of parts}

INDEPENDENT


JESUS' HUMAN NATURE:

Caused

Changing

Knowledge IS finite

Limited Power

Composed Being

Dependent

Debating The Doctrine of The Trinity Part 1

The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to Christianity. Unfortunately this is one of the most understood teachings in the Bible. Many cults have sprung from a misunderstanding of what the Trinity is. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and Muslims all have a major misunderstanding of what the Doctrine of the Trinity is.

The Bible is clear that there is only one God, consider these verses;

Isaiah 43:10 You are aMy witnesses,” declares the Lord,

“And My servant whom I have chosen,

So that you may know and believe Me

And understand that I am He.

Before Me there was no God formed,

And there will be none after Me.


Isaiah 44:6 Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last,

And there is no God besides Me.


Isaiah 45:5 I am the Lord, and there is no other;

Besides Me there is no God.


There numerous verses that teaches Monotheism, the belief that there is one God. Unfortunately many Christians do not know how to defend the doctrine of the Trinity and will look for one or two verses which mention all three persons of the Godhead. However the doctrine of the Trinity is derived at through a systematic approach looking at numerous scriptures. We are told there is one God, but we also are told that Jesus is called God (John 5:18, John 28:20) We are told that the Holy Spirit is also called God ( Acts5:3-4, 1 Corinthians 2:11) and there is much more that can be said. I would suggest that as Christians we learn what the doctrine of the Trinity is, and how we can defend it against skeptics, and cultists!

Debating The Doctrine of The Trinity Part 2

Does God Exist?

Does God Exist? Slick vs Tabash at Boise State University from Lloyd Lowe II on Vimeo.

Matt Slick from CARM.ORG debates Atheist and Lawyer Dr. Eddie Tabash

Amazing Story Of A Botched Abortion

Amazing story of a young lady who survived one of the most horrific methods of abortion there is, the saline abortion method. Her story demonstrates the importance for standing up for life. We must all stand up and do our part to fight against the evils of abortion.

St. Thomas Aquinas On The Metaphysical Nature Of Angels

http://www.peterkreeft.com/audio/10_aquinas-angels.htm

CLICK HERE

Catholic Philosopher Dr. Peter Kreeft explains St. Thomas Aquinas views on Angels and how one should understand the metaphysical nature of Angels, very good lecture!

Tim Tebow Pro-life Commercial

Funny how those who claim to be the most tolerant want to silent any and all opposing views.

Does God Exist?

http://ia341039.us.archive.org/3/items/DoesGodExistMattSlickDerekSansoneTalkItOver/Show65Sansone-slickDebate40.mp3

CLICK HERE

Atheist Derick Sanstone debates Christian Apologist Matt Slick on whether God exists or not. This is more of a dialog then it is a formal debate, enjoy! and as always comments are welcome

Anthropic Principle

This video explores one of the most powerful arguments there is for an intelligent designer! Thomas Aquinas argument from efficient cause argument demonstrates Gods existence, the anthropic principle and other teleological arguments are arguing for the Creators intelligence.

Dr. Martin Luther King

Praise God in his grace for raising a man like Dr. King up and using him to change American history. In the Biblical world view all men and women are made in the image of God. Because we are all descendants of Adam and Eve there is no basis for racism other than ignorance. I really do thank God for raising men like Dr.King up who was bold, unashamed and stood on biblical principles.

Christian Philosopher Dr. Paul Copan

http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/content/files/CWS/paulcopanGodasthebestexplaination.mp3

Dr. Copan gives reasons as to why God makes sense of the world we see around us and why Theism is a much better explanation than any other worldview, feel free to leave comments!

Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? Shabir Ally Vs Mike Licona

This is a great debate between two very intelligent and able apologists. Dr. Mike Licona is a sought after Christian Apologist and Mr. Shabir Ally is a Muslim Apologist who frequently debates and gives lectures defending Islam. The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, and if Jesus did not rise from the dead, Christianity falls. In Fact the Bible tells us

"And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins". And furthermore, he said, "Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished if Christ has not been raised from the dead" I Corinthians 15:12-20. Paul, therefore, placed supreme emphasis on the resurrection of Christ.


I highly recommend the website www.answeringmuslims.com for great resources and information how to reach are Muslim friends

Problem Of Evil

http://ankerberg.com/Articles/practical-christianity/upside-down/bad-things.htm

CLICK HERE

In light of the tragedy yesterday in Haiti Dr. John Ankerberg has set up a page with several articles and a great dialog between Christian philosopher Dr. Norman Geisler and Jewish Rabbi Harold Kushner who represents finite godism on why there is evil and suffering in the world.

How To Expose Bad Arguments

I am going to break down this video and point out some logical fallacies made.

A logical fallacy Clearly defined is a error in reasoning used to support or refute an argument, excluding simple unintended mistakes


The first 1:30


Here the argument is made that homosexuals should have the same rights as other Americans and if they are denied marriage then the discrimination is comparable to that of the 1960s and even earlier where black people were not given basic human rights.

Begging The Question

This is where one assumes what it is they are trying to prove. The reason the opposition is even having a debate is over whether being gay is a choice or whether one is born that way biologically. Whoopi starts from the hidden premise that gays are born that way, without addressing the question, are they born that way?


This argument is fallacious because being Black or White is not a choice, a person can not change who they are biologically because it is intrinsic to their human nature. So here they have confused a person’s essence with ones function. A persons behavior is not always a direct result of there nature. For example, some people shoplift, but shoplifting is not intrinsic to a person’s nature, but is an example of how they have used there free will to do a bad act which is a function of there free will.

Another point to be made is that the scientific evidence is far from conclusive that a person is born gay. Of course pursuing the same sex is not against the law, but trying to redefine marriage by marrying the same sex is.

Secondly gays have the same rights as everyone else; they are allowed to get married, just not to the same sex.



1:30-2:00

Appeal To Pity

An appeal to pity attempts to persuade using emotion—specifically, sympathy—rather than evidence. Playing on the pity that someone feels for an individual or group can certainly affect what that person thinks about the group; this is a highly effective, and so quite common, fallacy.

Nobody on the other side of the debate believes that gays should be lynched or shot in the street; this is Whoopi at her best trying to cloud the argument by appealing to emotions.

What about a Father that wants to marry his daughter who is over the age of 18 and is still married to his wife, should he be allowed? If not why not, who are we to discriminate? If the argument is that we should legalize certain behaviors because people should not be discriminated against, then where do you draw the line? Eventually unless you want complete chaos, then the man that wants to marry his goat is going to be discriminated against, the question is what is best for society as a whole, not the particular individual whose behavior will have an adverse effect on society.



3:00

reductio ad absurdum

1. (Philosophy / Logic) a method of disproving a proposition by showing that its inevitable consequences would be absurd


This applies when Whoopi states that “If you do not approve of gay marriage, then do not marry a gay person”.

I wonder what Whoopi would say in the 1800s to a slave owner who told her that he was doing nothing wrong by owning slaves and she should keep her nose out of it, after all, if you don’t like slavery don’t own a slave!

Same thing for drugs or prostitution, who are we to try and outlaw prostitution, if you don’t like it, don’t get a prostitute.

This type of logic is infantile at best. Again as a society we have a responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the people.


4:20

Red Herring
Explanation
The red herring is as much a debate tactic as it is a logical fallacy. It is a fallacy of distraction, and is committed when a listener attempts to divert an arguer from his argument by introducing another topic.
When did somebody bring in religion other than Whoopi? One does not need religion or the bible to demonstrate that homosexuality is bad for society and will have negative affects on the society as a whole. Here I will give a few stats from Dr. Frank Turek and Dr. Norman Geislers book “Legislating Morality”


On page 132 of their book they have a chart in which they show statistics taken from Omega Study Results, a study comparing obituaries of 6,737 homosexuals to a sample of heterosexuals, the results speak for themselves ( Note LTSP refers to long term sexual partner)



Married men
The average live to be 75
Percent living past 65 80%

Single or Divorced Men
Average age 57

32% Percentage living past 65

Homosexual Men
Without Aids

Average age 42 and only 9% live past 65

Homosexual Men
Without Aids Average age 41
With an LTSP 7% live past 65

Homosexual Men
With Aids an LTSP Average age 39 Less than 2% make it past 65

The source is Paul Cameron PhD, William Playfair, M.D., and Stephen Wellum, The longevity of Homosexuals: Before and after the aids epidemic,” The Omega Journal of Death and Dying 29:3 1994 249-272


The stats speak for themselves; one does not need to bring in religion or the Bible to demonstrate that homosexual behavior is bad for society.



This brings me to another point. Homosexuality has certainly not been shown to be something biological but a choice. However, let’s say a person is born with certain homosexual tendencies why would that be any kind of argument to promote homosexual relationships? What about those born with a propensity to violence, does the cop let the wife beater off because it was in his genes and he just can’t help it? How bout the person born with a propensity to abuse alcohol, should he be let off if he gets caught driving drunk, after all he was born with the bent towards alcoholism?

Of course not, this in called the Naturalistic Fallacy, that is it feels natural or normal it must be morally acceptable, the reasons shown above demonstrate that even if a person was born as a homosexual ( which the scientific evidence does not support) that still would not be a reason to promote same sex behavior and certainly not marriage.


4:36 -5:00

Begging The Question


Whoopi and her co-host again begs the question, the abortion debate is centered around whether the baby in the womb is a human and if so, those who are pro-life say then it is not the woman’s right to kill the baby. Whoopi doesn’t address the argument as to whether the baby is a separate human in the womb and jumps right to her conclusion that a woman should have the right to do what she wants with her body, but again that is the debate, is it her body? If the baby in the womb is a separate person, then it’s not her body but the body of a separate human that she wants to eliminate and outside the womb there is a term for this, we call it murder.


5:45

Whoopi brings in the church and state argument, but as shown above one does not need to bring in the bible nor religion to demonstrate homosexuality is harmful to society, and just as we do not promote drugs and other activities that will devastate a society, neither should we promote sexual behavior that also has bad effects on society. I just showed the stats of the health of those who participate in this, there is so much more on how children are affected without a mom and dad growing up.


7:00

Whoopi is right, this issue has many ramifications to come and she should pay attention to the research done and educate herself before arguing from nothing more than “outrage”.


7:20

Straw Man Fallacy

A straw man argument is one that misrepresents a position in order to make it appear weaker than it actually is, refutes this misrepresentation of the position, and then concludes that the real position has been refuted. This, of course, is a fallacy, because the position that has been claimed to be refuted is different to that which has actually been refuted; the real target of the argument is untouched by it.


She again confuses a person’s essence with a persons function. Being blond or having white skin is not a choice; neither does it deal with moral choices, sexual behavior does.

Feel free to leave comments

Answers in Genesis

By Werner Gitt In The Beginning Was Information (Physics of Information Laws)

Dr Gitt demonstrates why information always demands an informer, that either matter emerged from mind or mind emerged from matter with no directing processes other than natural laws. When we test this we never see information arising without an informer, neither do we see specified complexity coming together by chance and random processes. Dr. Gitt explains why information is powerful evidence for a Creator.




PSALM 33

Let all the earth fear the LORD,
let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood forth.

Dr. Phil Fernandes vs Dr. Eddie Tabash

http://www.brianauten.com/Apologetics/fernandes-tabash-debate.mp3

CLICK HERE!!

Dr. Phil Fernandes is head the the Institute for Biblical defense and has his PhD in philosophy.

Dr. Fernandes has debated many of the top Atheists today and is a frequent speaker at churches and apologetic conferences. You can visit his website at http://www.biblicaldefense.org/

Dr Tabash is a lawyer and well known Atheist, he has engaged some of the top christian apologists in formal debates including Dr. William Lane Craig.

Is God Dead?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNZHVdD0ocM

CLICK HERE

Is God Dead?

Dr. Ravi Zacharias argues for the existence of God and why Theism makes sense of the world we see, from creation to the problem of evil and ethics. Hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments!

Dr. James White vs Mr. Greg Stafford

http://www.cunninham.ca/debates/Stafford%20vs%20White%20Is%20Jesus%20God%20or%20a%20god.mp3

Dr. James White debates Jehovah's Witness Mr. Greg Stafford, I think Dr. White did a great job in this debate and hopefully you will find this debate enjoyable, comments welcome!

Age Of The Earth Debate

http://www.answersingenesis.org/media/video/ondemand/great-debate/great-debate

CLICK HERE

Mr. Ken Ham and Dr. Jason Lisle from Answers In Genesis debate Old earth Creationists

Dr. Hugh Ross and Dr. Walt Kaiser. This was a very good debate, however I wish Dr. John Ankerberg would stick to moderating instead of jumping in and cutting Ken Ham and Jason Lisle off.

It will become very apparent exactly whose side Dr. Ankerberg is on and I feel that as one who should be moderating the debate, he should not continuously jump in. Dr.s Ross and Kaiser are very smart men who do not need help.

Other than that I thought the debate was good and informative and I will let the viewers make up their own mind, enjoy and feel free to leave comments!

Why Origins Matter

Dr. Parker is a speaker with Answers in Genesis. Dr. Parker is a young earth creationist as I am, thus he will be arguing why the theory of evolution fails as a scientific theory. There are many views of creation and are many sincere Christians who believe in the Big bang and millions of years while still rejecting biological evolution. While I certainly do not divide with my brothers in Christ on this topic, I do believe it is an important issue.

Creation Ministries International

Creation Ministries International is one of the top organizations that is dedicated to defending the Young Earth Creationist view. You can visit there website at www.creation.com

Do Christians Just Believe In One More God Then Atheists?

This piece is from my good friend Mr. Lewis Moore, feel free to leave comments!



When people say that there are other gods we would consider silly, they tend to forget that it would be silly to call such a thing god.

I have in mind here the common tactic of trying to make belief in the Christian God seem silly, by pointing at silly gods. Mythological or other fictional (FSM, for example) gods are the primary examples, but surely, given what the word "God" means in the Christian tradition (the ultimate, infinite reality and source of all existence, a being ... See More Containing all perfections etc.) to point at an anthropomorphism, or even worse, a lob of pasta, is to commit an inexcusable error.

"God" is not merely a title, its meaning is largely derived from its applicability. That is, it denotes a being of a certain nature, and is only applicable to a being of that nature. To treat a mythological use of "god" and the Christian use of "God" as if they were the same is equivocation at best, dishonest and rude at worst, and a sure sign of ignorance if we give the skeptic the benefit of the doubt.

So, why do I say it would be silly to call such a thing god? Well, for the same reason it would be silly to call a marble a boat. To call a thing a boat is to attribute to it a certain nature: namely that of being a vehicle of a general shape by which people may travel on water. A marble is hardly such an entity and it would be absurd to attribute such a nature to it. Likewise, to call a thing "God" is to attribute to it a certain transcendent, necessary, infinite (in a less mathematical sense), non-spatial, (in most cases) non-temporal, and ultimate nature. To give the title to an entity which is anthropomorphic, contingent, finite, spatial, temporal, and derivative is, indeed, silly

Can Man Live Without God?

Dr. Ravi Zacharias gives this lecture in Singapore

Ravi Zacharias Answers Questions From College Students

Dr. Zacharias answers the question as to why one should trust that the Bible is the word of God, and how one can know whether Christianity is true or not

Origins of Life Debate

http://www.brianauten.com/Apologetics/origins-of-life-debate.mp3
CLICK HERE

On November 30, 2009, Stephen Meyer & Richard Sternberg debated Donald Prothero & Michael Shermer on the topic: Has Evolutionary Theory Adequately Explained the Origins of Life?

Thanks to www.apologetics315.blogspot.com

Was Jesus A Myth? Part 1

Dr. James White debates Atheist Dan Barker on the topic of whether Christianity is a religion that is a copy cat of other religions. This is an argument that has been used over and over despite the fact it has been shown to be false over and over again. Watch this debate to learn how to respond to those who bring this objection up!

Was Jesus A Myth? Part 2

Dr. Ben Whitherington

Are the Gospel accounts contradictory and therefore unreliable?

This is a charge that come up many times. Dr. Whitherington gives a sound explanation as to why there are difference's in the gospel. If the gospel accounts all read the same, the skeptic would claim that there was tampering with the texts and they all copied from one another, kind of like if you were a teacher and two students turned in a paper and they were 99% identical you would conclude there was cheating.

However the fact that there are difference's within the gospel argue for its reliability and authenticity. For some good books dealing with "Bible Contradictions" I would highly recommend Dr. Norman Geisler's book called "When Critics Ask". Next Dr. Gleason Archers book of bible difficulties, and lastly "Hard Sayings of The Bible" by Dr. Walt Kaiser

Monkey Business

Are there gaps in the theory of evolution that undermine its credibility? What should we make of "intelligent design"?

Peter Robinson speaks with Massimo Pigliucci and Jonathan Wells.

Classic Debate Between Dr. William Lane Craig vs Atheist Frank Zindler

A classic debate before nearly 8,000 people at Willow Creek Community Church between William Lane Craig and Frank R. Zindler. The subject of the debate: "Atheism vs. Christianity: Which Way Does the Evidence Point?"

Jehovah's Witness

This video exposes what many may not know about the JWs, hope you find this information useful!

Mormonism and Polygamy

Very good video talking about Mormonism and some of their beliefs dealing with their prophet and some of the teachings such as polygamy!

Tackling Tough Questions

Well known apologists Josh and his son Sean Mcdowell tackle the tough questions today from skeptics!

God the Son

Merry Christmas!!

Another Christmas is upon us. After doing much study over the past couple of years or so on the Jehovah Witnesses, I have learned a tremendous amount about our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus.

When people ask questions about Jesus, for instance like the JW's, we must make sure we parse the question. For instance, if Jesus was God, then why did He did not know the hour of His own coming {Matt. 24:35-36}? This and other questions of this type are answered actually very easily and when you understand this concept MUCH confusion disappears!

In John 1:1 we are told: "In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word WAS GOD" and then in John 1:14 we read: "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us".

Jesus has 2 natures: one is 100% Human, the other 100% Divine. Many think that Jesus stopped being God when He came to earth, but this is false. Instead of "subtraction", think of it as "addition " Jesus ADDED a human nature to Himself. In fact we are told in

Philippians 2:6-8 "who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 2:7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

The Greek word here for "emptied" means that Christ laid aside His divine attributes and chose not to use them at certain times; however, there are times when He does use them. For instance, in Matthew 12:25 we read: "And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, "Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand." This is a example of Jesus demonstrating His omniscience {All- Knowing }. Another example is when Jesus is in the boat with the disciples. We read in Mark 4:38-40: "But Jesus was in the back of the boat, asleep on a cushion. So they woke him up and asked him, "Teacher, don't you care that we're going to die?" v-39--And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. -v--41--They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

This is a great example of Jesus being omnipotent by calming the wind and the waves, yet He is in the boat sleeping. We know that God doesn't sleep, and man can not control nature, so what we see is Christ's dual natures.

This is how you answer the question: did Jesus know all things? In His human nature "no", but in His divine nature "YES"! Consider the following when you are asked a question about Jesus.

JESUS' DIVINE NATURE:

Uncaused

Unchanging

Knowledge is INFINITE

Necessary Being

All-Powerful

Simple Being {Not composed of parts}

INDEPENDENT


JESUS' HUMAN NATURE:

Caused

Changing

Knowledge IS finite

Limited Power

Composed Being

Dependent


This hopefully will help clear up much of the confusion. Let us sit in awe and wonder of our amazing and great God as it was Him and Him ALONE who sacrificed His Son, the Second Person of the Trinity so that we may live!!!

Away In A Manger

Beautiful song full of meaning. We should never lose the wonder of the incarnation and the marvelous love bestowed on us by our Lord. Jesus Christ the 2nd person of the Trinity, God the Son took on a human nature and took the punishment for our sin so that we can be reconciled to God! How marvelous, how wonderful that our God has done this. Be sure this season to be sure to share the Gospel, the good news of Christmas. Pray that God will put someone in your path that you can share with and be bold!

The Emperor Has No Clothes

Well known Atheist and outspoken critic of Christianity was recently asked why he would not debate arguably the best Christian apologist today. As you will see Dawkins gives a LAME answer and in the process is exposed. Why is he willing to debate a Pastor or a Bishop, but will not debate a trained philosopher and apologist? Because he would get demolished and he knows it!

Dr. Walter Martin

Is there salvation outside of Jesus? Dr. Martin answers this question and others!

Charlie Brown Gets It!!

To bad we do not have shows like this anymore during Christmas time reminding us of what Christmas is about, the need for a Saviour

Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus

http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/content/files/CWS/robbowmanjwsandJesusChrist.mp3

CLICK HERE

Very good lecture on what the JWs believe about Jesus so when they come to your door you know how to respond

Steven Curtis Chapman

Romans 6:14-19

For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be! 16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

DNA vs The Book of Mormon

This video demonstrates many of the fatal flaws that are associated with the claims of Mormonism. In this new DVD it challenges fundamental Mormon theology. To get your copy go to amazon.com

Natural Law

One does not need to have the Bible to know basic laws of morality. Those who say Atheists can not be moral or those who are not Christians can not be moral people are in error. One does not need the Bible nor does one need to believe in God to have a good structure of morals to which they live by.

However, God must exist for there to be an objective moral standard. Objective moral values say that for instance killing a baby for fun, is objectively wrong, which means it is a law that is valid and binding whether anyone believes it or not. Subjective moral values is all that would exist if there was no God (Transcendent Anchor) which would mean one could not say in any objective sense that killing a baby for fun was wrong. It might be your opinion, but why is your opinion better than others?

This is why God must exist for there to be a ground for an objective standard, even atheists can be moral because even though they supress the truth, God does exist. However, if there was no God there would be no objective moral values.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all those who follow this blog. I have been very blessed to be able to run this blog and get the information out there for people to see it, and plan to continue as long as the Lord allows. I am a student at Southern Evangelical Bible College working on my B.A. in Religous Studies. After bible college I plan to go to the Seminary at Southern and continue my education with a M.A. in Christian Apologetics with a concentration in philosophy (For those who have been asking). I hope those who come to this blog are blessed and equipped to go and defend the historic Christian faith, to which we have much to be thankful for!

Jesus Christ or Joseph Smith?

This video goes through the claims of both men and by so doing show that either Jesus or Joseph Smith is wrong. The Law of non-contradiction says two opposing claims can not be both true and false at the same time and in the same sense, thus both can not be correct in what they taught.

To order a DVD of this program visit http://www.goodnewsforlds.org/store.html

Biblical Manuscripts

Can we get back to the originals?

Resurrection, Fact or Fiction?

http://www.cru.stuorg.iastate.edu/debate/Avalos-Craig%20Resurrection%20Debate.mp3
CLICK HERE

Dr. William Lane Craig debates outspoken atheist Dr. Hector Avalos.
Dr. Avalos is a very outspoken atheist and often tries to humiliate his opponent, however in this debate Dr. Craig was ready for him, enjoy!

Why Pro Life

Greg Koukl responds to a lady who is pro-choice and explains why the pro life position is the most logical and rational position to defend

Lee Strobel

Refuting the latest attacks on the resurrection of Christ

The Bible vs The Book of Mormon

Many are confused as to what some of the differences are between these 2 books. This excellent video will go over in detail as to which book should be trusted and which is full of holes, enjoy!

Dr. Phil Fernandes

Dr. Phil Fernandes - "Refuting the New Atheists" from Gabe Ginorio on Vimeo.

Dr. Fernandes responds to the "New Atheists" and dismantles their arguments and demonstrates why Theism is more plausible then Atheism, be sure to get Dr. Fernandes new book " The Atheist Delusion". You can get this from amazon.com, enjoy!

Be sure to visit Dr. Fernandes website http://instituteofbiblicaldefense.com/

Did Jesus Rise From The Dead?

Dr. Mike Licona debates Muslim Apologist Shabir Ally on the resurrection of Christ.

Dr. Licona will be speaking at the church I attend on Sunday morning starting at 9:30 am, the address is

Community Fellowship Church
217 North Trade Street
Matthews, NC
28105

Frank Turek Vs Christopher Hitchens

Frank Turek vs. Christopher Hitchens: What Best Explains Reality: Theism or Atheism? from Andrew Ketchum on Vimeo.

Outspoken Atheist Christopher Hitchens debates Christian Apologist Dr. Frank Turek, this is there 2nd debate, enjoy!

Did Humans Evolve From Ape Like Ancestors?

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/wow/did-humans-really-evolve
CLICK HERE

Dr. David Menton from Answers In Genesis debunks this old fairy tale

PBS, NOVA and Propaganda

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2009/11/03/unbecoming-of-humans
CLICK HERE

Good article by Answers In Genesis talking about NOVAS new assault on the Bible

Scott Klusendorf

Learn how to destroy the arguments for abortion in 5 minutes. Make sure to visit Mr. Klusendorfs website http://www.prolifetraining.com/

Dr. Moreland vs Dr. Tabash

Is The Bible Bogus?

Michael Shermer vs Dr. Ben Witherington on the reliability of the Bible, it is a 10 min crossfire debate, enjoy!

Silent Scream; EXTREMELY GRAPHIC

Think Abortion is not murder? I challenge you to watch this film. This video is EXTREMELY GRAPHIC; I show this video for the same reason we show videos and pictures of the holocaust and the abuses of slavery. Pictures convey images words can not, and hopefully this will encourage you personally to get involved. The 40 days for life campaign ended yesterday, and after 40 days there were 42 babies saved in Charlotte because people gave of there time and came out in peaceful prayer and protest. We need people to come out and stand with us, those wanting to join us on Saturdays for prayer and peaceful protest, e-mail me at sola.scripture@yahoo.com

Happy Reformation Day October 31st

To celebrate the protestant reformation I have linked the 2003 award winning movie of the story of reformer, Martin Luther, enjoy

November 1st

I will be finishing up my series on Intelligent Design This Sunday, service starts at 9:30 am

The address is Community Fellowship Church
217 North Trade Street
Matthews, NC
28105

James Patrick Holding

Mr. Holding debunks the myth that Jesus never existed as a historical person, please watch this video to show you how to refute these silly claims. I recommend Mr. Holdings book "Shattering The Christ Myth". Be sure to visit his website at http://www.tektonics.org/

Ravi Zacharias

There is much truth in this parable, listen and take heed!

Dr. William Lane Craig

Who designed the Designer? This is a question that is often leveled at Theists. In this short video Dr. Craig explains why this objection fails

Does God Exist?

http://www.brianauten.com/Apologetics/geivett-shook-debate.mp3
CLICK HERE visit www.apologetics315.blogspot.com


Dr. Geivett is a professor of philosophy at Biola. He debates Atheist philosopher Dr. John Shook

Sunday October 25th

I will continue teaching my series on Intelligent Design. This Sunday I will be focusing on biology and the problems with the Neo-Darwinian view

Fossil Flap

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33416595/ns/technology_and_science-science/?gt1=43001
CLICK HERE

AP-------Remember Ida, the fossil discovery announced last May with its own book and TV documentary? A publicity blitz called it "the link" that would reveal the earliest evolutionary roots of monkeys, apes and humans.

Experts protested that Ida wasn't even a close relative. And now a new analysis supports their reaction.

In fact, Ida is as far removed from the monkey-ape-human ancestry as a primate could be, says Erik Seiffert of Stony Brook University in New York."

Problem Of Evil

Several philosophers attempt to answer the question

Dr. William Lane Craig

In this clip they go over some of Aquinas arguments from Gods existence

Dr. William Lane Craig

Dr. Craig exposes Richard Dawkins silly arguments, and challenges the outspoken atheist to debate him

Dr. Geisler vs Dr. Kurtz

Funny how the Atheist always claims to follow where the scientific evidence leads, until it works against them and then they retreat unto the great unknown

Dr. Frank Turek

I think Dr. Turek did an excellent job dealing with this skeptic. I recommend His and Dr. Geislers book, "I don't Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist"

Problem Of Evil

The Existence and the Persistence of Evil is used as a argument against God's existence, but is this a sound argument?

In order to say something is evil, one must first know what is good, for there must be standard that separates good from evil. However, if Naturalism is true, then how do you make the distinction between good and evil if there is no objective transcendent anchor? The difference between subjectivity and objectivity is that if something is objective, then it is valid and binding regardless of one's opinion and subjectivity is rooted in personal preference or taste. If there is not an objective standard, then nothing is objectively evil, but rather everyone determines right from wrong based upon their personal opinion.

However, if this is so, then how can we say child abuse is objectively wrong or that The Holocaust was objectively evil? Only if there is a objective transcendent standard, which separates good from evil, can we make objective moral judgements. This of course is not to say that atheists can't be moral. Many are, but they must borrow from the Theist's worldview in order to make moral judgements of what is "good" and "evil".

I will write more on this in the coming weeks, but the next time that an atheist wants to use the Problem of Evil as an argument against the God of the Bible, remind him that he is borrowing capital from the Theist's worldview in order to do so!

Intelligent Design

I will be teaching on Intelligent Design for the next 3 adult Sunday school lessons at CFC, all are welcome to come, we start at 9:30

Community Fellowship Church
217 North Trade Street
Matthews, NC
28105

Ethics

Atheists confuse whether someone must have belief in God to be good, and God being the ground in order for objective moral values to exist

The Greatest Show on Earth??

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/250617/september-30-2009/richard-dawkins CLICK HERE

Richard Dawkins on the "Colbert Report" talking about his new book

Sufficiency Of Scripture

How did we get the books in the New Testament? How do we know the right books were canonized? For more on this I would recommend Dr. Norman Geisler and William Nix book "From God To Us". If you would like a more comprehensive work, get their book " From God To Us"

ST. Thomas Aquinas

VERY COOL!!

Bill O'Reilly vs. 'Atheist' Richard Dawkins

O'Reilly is not a trained theologian or is he an apologist, but the interview was interesting

A Moral Monster?

http://www.elfpodcast.com/ELF/podcast/mp3/1013pod.mp3
CLICK HERE Audio taken from http://www.elfpodcast.com/

Is the God of the OT a moral monster? Many skeptics claim the God of the Old Testament is cruel and murderous, while the God of the NT is very different. Is the God of the OT really a tyrant?

Listen to this audio by philosopher and NT scholar Dr. Peter S. Williams

Dr. William Lane Craig vs Dr. Vic Stenger

http://www.bringyou.to/CraigStengerDebate.mp3
CLICK HERE

Dr. William Lane Craig Philosopher and NT scholar debates outspoken atheist Dr. Victor Stenger, author of "God the failed hypothesis"

From Goo to You via the Zoo

http://creation.com/ardipithecus-again
CLICK HERE


The scientific community has again declared their latest find will completely rewrite what we know about human evolution. Much wiser to put your faith in the unchanging immutable God who can not lie then man who is sinful and rebellious.

Evils of Abortion

Why I am NOT a 5 point Calvinist

http://www.calvaryftl.org/AWMedia/MediaDesk.cfm?fn=G5146&format=RealVideo&quality=lo
CLICK HERE


Dr. Geisler gives this talk "5 Reasons I am not a 5 point Calvinist"

There are great scholars on both sides of the issue. While I am not a Calvinist, I certainly thank God for their contributions to the faith and for my favorite teacher- Dr. John Macarthur!

This Sunday October 4th

I will be preaching the Sunday morning service at Community Fellowship Church at 10:45 in the morning. The address is 217 North Trade Street Matthews, NC 28105 704-469-7832

All are welcome to come