by Phillip Larsen | Jul 31, 2014
Apologetics is important. Apologetics codify what we believe in. They allow for us to answer the question “Why.” The answer to the question “Why” is where apologetics lie.
Answering “Why” allows us to have our beliefs engrain themselves into our being. If we can answer the question “why do I believe what I believe?”, then I am able to defend those beliefs against doubt, disbelief, and even attack from the enemy.
Apologetics do not lie within the “what we believe” because if we answer “what” without knowing the “why”, then what we believe is an arbitrary set of facts that have no application in our lives. Like in our middle school algebra, showing our work on how we got to the right answer is just as important as the answer itself. Knowing how to get the answer is just as important as the answer itself.
That is why I love apologetics so much. Scripture has modern application to our lives, and failing both to recognize that and to teach that is detrimental to our individual walk with Christ and the corporate gathering of believers each and every Sunday. Teaching people to strive for the reason behind their beliefs as much as the target of their belief has created and will create a foundation for vast spiritual growth that will sustain the turbulence of indecision and doubt that has written about time and again as the millennial generation has come of age.
An example of the practicality of Scripture is demonstrated in a study of general economic principles that was written about on the three things that, if done, usually result in economic stability. The part of the story that does not get written about is that the three principles discussed are scriptural in their nature.
The first general principle is to graduate from high school. A high school diploma is incredibly important when it comes to finding a job that not only pays well on the outset but also has a career track that will result in a greater income in the long run. The lack of a high school diploma typically means that the individual will be stuck in the lowest quadrant of the socio-economic division. This is further demonstrated by the fact that most studies show that a college diploma is typically worth $1 million more than a high school diploma in the course of an individual’s working life.
What we sometimes forget is that God wants us to thirst for knowledge and wisdom. The natural and developed intelligence of Jesus during the incarnation is something that we can hardly fathom. Dallas Willard puts it best in his most acclaimed worked The Divine Conspiracy.
“He is not just nice, he is brilliant. He is the smartest man who ever lived. He is now supervising the entire course of world history (Revelation 1:5) while simultaneously preparing the rest of the universe for our future role in it (John 14:2). He always has the best information on everything and certainly also on the things that matter most in human life.”
If we are to believe that our calling as Christians is to model ourselves after Christ, then that example includes the fact that Jesus wants us to develop ourselves intellectually and to increase our cognitive abilities to the absolute best that they can be. We take our initial step of faith blindly, but that doesn’t mean that our entire faith journey is done so with our eyes closed.
The second general principle is to not quit a job until you have another one lined up. This seems like a no-brainer, but as our society produces less loyalty on both sides of the employer/employee relationship, it is sometimes too easy to make a snap decision and decide to leave a job that you don’t enjoy. According to LinkedIn (Social Media site dedicated to professionals), 85% of the American workforce will be active in their search for a new job. That means that if you are to decide to jettison your daily grind of your less-than-satisfying-paycheck-acquiring mechanism, then not only are you competing for the new job with the unemployed, but also the vast majority of the current working population as well. With these kind of odds, leaving your two-week notice without a plan is to have the simple numerical odds work against you.
Quality of work and work ethic are topics that do not escape the scope of scripture. God desires us to work and to work with excellence. God desires our very best as if we were under His direct supervision rather than that of our current boss (Col. 3:23, Eph. 6:7). Our natural working position is to offer our very best. How we work is to be an offering to God, and God deserves the very best that we have to offer. Looking for a new job is not necessarily a bad thing, but during the search, Scripture demands that we find a place where we can strive for excellence and serve others in a way that makes it obvious that Christ is the most important thing in our lives.
The final general principle for economic stability is to avoid having children before marriage. Out of all the general principles, this may be the most controversial, because of the overt sexual nature of our society. The subject of sex and the church is one that always evokes controversy, because we have abdicated this subject because of its…well…touchy nature. Because of this, the by-product is that the truths of scripture have been lost as society formulates its own relative morality when it comes to sex.
Much has been written about the income disparity of the average family and how the wages of the middle class have stagnated since the early 90’s. An article in the Wall Street Journal details that the median income of a married family is roughly three times that of a single parent household. Furthermore, the statistics show that the number of single parent households has risen steadily in the same time frame. Thus, the rising of single parent households, and the fact that single parent households earning power is exponentially diminished comparatively, the economic statistics bear this out.
It is no secret that even in the church’s sporadic sex education, which they advocate for abstinence before marriage. Matthew 19:5 details the model in which God intended for a young person to leave their father and mother and start a family of their own. When that happens, husband and wife become “one flesh”. In this instance the lack of apologetics shines through as those who claim to follow Christ and also admit to having sex before marriage has risen to close to 80% according to recent surveys. The truth of the matter is that abstinence education is not a dusty puritanical suggestion of days gone by, but rather practical advice to avoid the economic albatross of single parenthood. It turns out, that God provides us with these structures within scripture for no other reason than for our benefit. When we engage in these behaviors and the effect is our destruction, this is nothing more than an example of causation and nothing more.
Connecting what we are teaching in Scripture to the practicalities of the everyday lives of the people around us. We must do that for no other reason than we love them and care about their well-being. Without practical application, there is no apologetic. Without love as the bedrock of our teaching, we are just cymbals and gongs.
by Meagan Thomas | Jun 24, 2014
As I sit here, staring at my computer for any inspiration, in addition to desperately observing my surroundings and finding the deeper meanings in everything, my music playlist has saved me once again from the deep, deep pit of writer’s block! My Spotify playlist is consisted of more history more than I realized.
From the civil rights liberations interlaced in Aloe Blacc’s “The Man”, Bastille’s echoing, rock alternative eulogy in “Pompeii”, to the classic Coldplay song that interprets Napoleon Bonaparte’s triumphs and failures in “Viva La Vida”. History not only shapes the world into what it is today, it becomes inspiration to the culture of music; it has always been and always will be a theme in music.
If historical events can be molded into a song that dominates the charts and their lyrics that can influence people to burst out unashamedly, what if the Christian music scene followed in those same footsteps, and derived their lyrics from events from the Bible? Yes, there are countless songs out there that are based solely on specific verse, but what if there was a song based on David’s life, before he was anointed as king; he was chased down by a power-hungry, evil spirit-influenced king for almost 20 years. That would be one intense, rock/screamo anthem.
It would force people to listen the lyrics carefully, and they would interpret the Gospel in such a way that it can be a bridge into today’s music scene and reach for the lost. However, I know for a fact there is a band out there that has experimented with this method of producing music: the International House of Prayer’s, based in Kansas City, Mo., Electro-Indie band, Pas Neos.
Pas Neos, in Greek translation meaning “All things new”, is a band that sings straight-up scripture, in a way where all people can understand and interpret the Gospel for themselves. From the times when Joshua conquered city after city, to the life of Jesus and relatable parables that reached out for all ears who wanted to hear.
As this is an underground method of spreading the Gospel, I believe that people do respond to it, whether it be strongly for or against it; nonetheless, it has people talking about the most controversial figure in human history and questioning the true meaning of life and where to find it. Either way, Satan is losing because even if people may not understand or believe in Scripture now, they are talking about Christ, seeds are being sown in their hearts and may surrender and believe later in life.
With their electric riffs, atmospheric melodies and powerful vocals, literally and metaphorically, Pas Neos lures you in with its mysterious lyrics and forces you to reflect on the words they are replicating from Scripture. People get to relive the Gospel through the music, as Christ spoke to masses thousands of years ago. To watch the power of their music, check out the link below as they depict the battles of Joshua and God placing his enemies into his hands and “Take it All Back”.
Here in modern terms, if Jesus were a musician, I believe He would reach out in a way similar to this, as He shared parables throughout His life. There would be the beautiful strokes of the instruments and raw words speaking of hope, resulting in music that would attract all ears. There would be crowds by the thousands, as their hungry hope for revolution is fed in listening to whom they believed would overthrow a corrupt government, but there would only be a few who would truly follow Him and listen/digest to what He has to say, and scrape underneath the surface. The disciples were His crew and got to know Him on a level that required full dedication of their lives to Him; they were the ultimate roadies and died for the One they followed to share the message of love He offered then, and today.
Consider this: Would you rather be swallowed by a crowd that only gets to see Him from a distance, or would you rather be with Him, with a VIP pass and follow Him all the days of your life?
by James Hunt | Jun 5, 2014
There is an unfinished cabin in my distant memory – a dream begun in my pre-pubescent years but left undone.
It was a summer day in the small town of Readfield, Maine. The humid warmth of the New England country air mixed with the inviting scent of the pine forest behind my grandmother’s house was too much for my cousins, my older brother and me to resist. Adventure lay ahead of us just across the trickling creek and under the canopy of the soaring trees. Running through the shaded pinewoods was not only a delight to smell; it was also a cushioned run over the thick carpet of pine needles covering the forest floor. “I could live here forever!” I thought.
Imagination began to take tangible form as we decided to build a small log cabin. Short on tools but high on interest, we began a search for small trees to chop down and drag to the site. With axe in hand and a determined spirit, the effort began. But, alas, a short summer day is just not enough time to satisfy the desires and demands of a summer dream.
Many summers have come and gone since then. Wrinkles encroach upon my once youthful face even as hair follicles prove to be fair-weather friends on the top of my head. But I remember. The dream hasn’t died, though the logs that were laid so many years ago have no doubt since disappeared from the forest floor.
There is a sense of unrealized dreams that perhaps lay deep within us all. Some are unfinished dreams of a distant memory. Others are hopes for a better time somewhere on the road before us. I don’t know if I’ll ever get my pine-forest-nestled cabin in this lifetime; however, perhaps someday, in that eternal day of global renewal, perhaps there will still be a Maine forest. If so, maybe I’ll have time to build my cabin then. Meanwhile, if you see me with my feet propped up and a dreamy look in my eyes I might be remembering.
by Ryan Smith | Apr 17, 2014
Easter is approaching. Eggs are being dyed, Peeps are being microwaved, and kids are being fitted for uncomfortable pastel suits. As I’ve been preparing for Easter, I’ve been listening to a lot of songs, messages, and other avenues to point me to the glory of God displayed through the death, burial and resurrection.
As I have been walking this journey, I’ve noticed a rock in my shoe. It keeps poking at me, causing me to address it, and I am curious to throw it out and see where it lands.
Question: Did God the Father turn His face away from God the Son?
Our immediate response is in the affirmative as it has been told to us and sung about in dramatic fashion. The problem is it is not in the Scripture. Before you come burning down my house crying, “Heretic!” let me address a few questions.
Does the Bible say the Father turned His face away from the Son?
No it does not. This seems inferred based on the crucifixion accounts in Matthew and Mark in which Jesus calls out, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” Luke and John do not record the phrase, but do record other phrases (as well as do Matthew and Mark) showing Jesus’ control and intentionality over the painful proceedings (Luke 23:28, 34, 43, 46; John 19:26-27, 28-30). In fact, virtually every word and act coming from Jesus on the cross is not from a place of helplessness or loss, but in demonstrating control, fulfilling Scripture, and considering those around.
What could Jesus have meant?
John, writing to a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience does an excellent work throughout his book pointing out Christ’s fulfillment of Scripture and explaining events. In John 19:24, John notes the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothes in order to fulfill Scripture. The Scripture he points to is Psalm 22.
There is something important to consider here. The Jewish people of that time were vastly more knowledgeable of their Scriptures than we are today. For many of them, the Law, Prophets, and Writings were committed to memory. In referencing a passage, they would simply say the first line – calling into mind the purpose, occasion, and emphasis of the passage as a whole.
This would be similar to if I were to say, “The Lord is my shepherd…” You would apply the presence of God through the valley of the shadow of death, beside cool waters, and recall his comforting rod and staff. Or if I said, “We the people…” the words would call into mind a much greater body of work than the introduction itself.
This is why it is important to consider Jesus’ words, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” and John’s mention of fulfilled Scripture in Psalm 22.
Jesus in a loud voice shouted to a largely Jewish hearing these scorching words. Interestingly enough, they are the first words of Psalm 22 found in verse 1. Here are some other phrases found in the Psalm:
- “All who see me mock me…they wag their heads.” – v. 7 (reference Matt. 27:39, Mark 15:29)
- “My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.” – v. 15 (reference John 19:28)
- “For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.” – v. 16 (reference Luke 24:40, Isaiah 53:5)
- “They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” – v. 18 (reference John 19:24)
It is easy to see why Jesus is calling the people’s attention to Psalm 22. But also note what else Jesus calls to mind in the Psalm. Verses 1-2, and 11-18 describe a horrific situation of agony, mocking, and impending death.
However verses 3-10 and 19-24 recall God’s faithfulness, deliverance, and power to save. Verses 25-31 are a worshipful doxology of God’s great deliverance for a people to come. It describes a turning to the Lord on a global scale and the proclamation of righteousness among a people yet unborn. And it shall be told to them that (God) has done it (vs. 31).
In the midst of all this come the comforting words of verse 24, “For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him.”
Is Jesus (as well as Matthew and Mark) claiming the words of Psalm 22 to describe God’s overwhelming deliverance, presence, faithfulness and victory in the most dire of situations? I believe so. To necessitate the broken fellowship of the Trinity and the abandonment of the Son by the Father is at best an implication of the text, not an expression of it.
So what does this mean and why should we care this Easter?
- He made Him who knew no sin to become sin on our behalf. The full penalty of sin is paid – every ounce – in Christ Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross. He has done it (Ps. 22:31), it is finished (John 19:30).
- God the Son sovereignly both laid His life down and took it back up in obedience to God the Father (John 10:18, 17:1).
- The cross was not Divine Child Abuse or a break in the unbreakable. The cross was a beautiful act of Trinitarian fellowship, not a broken disunity (John 17:19, 26).
God’s sovereignty over the cross is equal to his sovereignty over the resurrection. Both in life and death, sin and righteousness, God is sovereign, present, and will be glorified. The Son loves the will of the Father, and the Father loves the obedience of the Son.
Let me be clear. I am not implying this was a joyful and happy experience for God the Father, Son or Spirit. I also want to be clear that the Bible teaches there is a literal hell in which God will remove His merciful presence. I’m just not sure he removed it in forsaking Christ on the cross.
As we celebrate the resurrection this Easter, let us remember the power of the cross as well. As Abraham did not look away from Isaac, yet sternly rested in the will of God, Jesus the true sacrificial son rested in the will of God and beheld his great Father who would not leave nor forsake him.
Glory to God.
by Angela Sanders | Mar 3, 2014
I don’t know a single parent who would encourage, or even allow, a friendship between their child and another person who wanted to hurt them. Why, then, are some parents so permissive when it comes to the relationship between their child and the world?
Make no mistake. Satan is the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4). His intent is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He is the ultimate predator (1 Pet. 5:8), yet parents—Christian parents—allow their children to spend concentrated time under his influence.
Parents who expect honor and obedience from their children are allowing them to watch sitcoms that mock mothers, emasculate fathers, and feature sassy, out-spoken children as protagonists.
Parents who hold marriage to be a sacred covenant between one man and one woman are allowing their children to watch movies and read books that make extramarital affairs, homosexual relationships, and divorce seem acceptable.
Parents who promote purity, love, and forgiveness are allowing their children to listen to music with violent, hateful lyrics and lewd themes.
And the list goes on.
Granted, exposure to the world is inevitable. We do live in it, after all, but friendship with the world is wrong. To be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God (James 4:4). Yet, some parents actually encourage the premature exposure of their children to worldly things, claiming it will make their children stronger, teach them to think for themselves, and prepare them for adulthood.
I doubt it.
Premature exposure to corruption and perversion will, more likely, instill fear in their hearts, confuse their minds, and discourage them before the foundation of Truth we are laying (or ought to be laying) even has a chance to set.
Sooner or later, all children grow up. Almost all leave the nest. At that time, they will make decisions on their own. In the meantime, we must, even as we encourage them to become increasingly independent, help them establish boundaries that promote personal spiritual health and intimacy with the One who loves them most.
Wonder why kids today are insecure, angry, and afraid? How would you feel after hanging out with a predator?
by James Hunt | Jan 29, 2014
No one likes a deserter – you know, that person you thought you could count on; yet, in your greatest hour of need is nowhere to be found.
The military certainly frowns on deserters. But don’t most of us, military or not? If you’ve lived any length of time on this globe you’ve probably experienced the rancid taste of a relationship soured through disappointment. The person (Friend, relative, whatever) did not live up to your expectation of loyalty and support when you needed them most.
Paul experienced this in his ministry on multiple occasions. Acts 13:13 records one such episode. In this particular case, Paul and his ministry team were about to move on to the next place of Gospel evangelizing when one of their companions, John Mark, decided that going back to the comfort of home seemed a more attractive next move. And so, off John Mark went – back home to Jerusalem.
Paul and his team continued on and experienced some pretty severe opposition and threats as reward for their evangelizing efforts. Many were saved; however, a price was paid both emotionally and physically by Paul and Barnabbas. After some time they decided to pay a visit to Jerusalem and then on to deliver a letter from the Jerusalem Council to the church in Antioch.
When the time came for Paul and Barnabbas to move on, a sharp disagreement arose between these two ministry soldiers. Barnabbas wanted to take John Mark with them; however, Paul was settled in his conviction that this Mark was not reliable. He was a deserter and couldn’t be counted on when it really mattered. Acts 15:36-41 describes the separation of Paul and Barnabbas as they went off to do ministry with new assistants. Paul took Silas, and Barnabbas took Mark.
Around A.D.60, Paul wrote a few letters (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, for example). One of the letters Paul penned around this time was a tiny little letter to a guy named Philemon. Essentially, this letter is a personal appeal from Paul to Philemon for the latter to receive back a runaway slave named Onesimus.
Prior to receiving Christ, Onesimus had deserted Philemon, his master, and had fled to another city. Somehow Onesimus came under the Gospel preaching of Paul and was saved. Paul found Onesimus to be very useful to him – a real blessing of service was given by this runaway slave-now-brother to Paul. In describing the new and improved Onesimus, Paul employs a play on words to explain the change in this man. In the English it simply says, “Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.” (vs.11) Paul is asking for Philemon to show grace in receiving Onesimus back as a brother in Christ.
Fast-forward about five years. It is now around A.D.65, and Paul knows that his time on earth is about over. You can tell in this short second letter to Timothy that he is aware of his impending demise. As he ends the letter we call 2 Timothy, he talks about some who have deserted him. But then he says something astounding, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.” Paul uses the same Greek word to describe his updated opinion of John Mark that he used when he recommended grace to be shown by Philemon to Onesimus, the man who had become so useful.
Onesimus and John Mark both needed grace. Paul knew Philemon needed to give grace. Perhaps Paul learned in the five years that passed since his letter to Philemon that he himself needed to give grace.
Deserters need grace. Those deserted need to learn grace. Deserters can become ministry performers, perhaps, if we will give them grace to try again. Interesting that, at the end of Paul’s life, his opinion ended up agreeing with Barnabbas’, don’t you think?
Grace wins. Grace enables. Grace gives space. Grace restores repentant deserters. Grace melts hearts once deserted. Learn grace.