Apologetics Friday (but on sunday)---Thinking about thinking

Thinking about thinking Faith and Reason Ideas and their consequences Logic and emotions Philosophy 1. Faith and Reason What is faith? Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the assurance of the things we hope for and the conviction of things that we have not seen. What is reason? A basis or cause for some belief or action. Some have said, “Faith is a blind leap into the dark”. What do you think? Do you have to abandon reason to have faith? God has given us both faith and reason. Christ does not call us to “leap into the dark”, but step into the light. 1 John 1:5,6 2. Ideas and their Consequences We need to understand the consequences of our ideas and beliefs. The bible commands it. 1 Peter 3:15 God has given us a mind to think with and tells us to use it for his glory. Romans 12:2 and Matthew 22:37 Our ideas or beliefs always have consequences. Think about this for a second. If you believe that God is holy and just and there will be a day of judgment, that belief has consequences for your life. You will not want to rebel against this holy God. The consequence of your belief is a change in your heart towards God. And that will result in a change in your actions towards God. Ideas can have good or bad consequences. Those who believe they can breathe under water may drown trying to. Those who believe that gravity doesn’t affect them may jump off of the empire state building. Muslims who believe that martyrdom will get them to heaven will fly planes into buildings. This is a bad consequence that stems from bad ideas. On the other hand, believing that getting your shots from the doctor may keep you from getting the measles. Believing that there is a cure for cancer has lead to many major medical breakthroughs. So you see that some ideas have good consequences. But those consequences come from the root of the issue and that is whether or not the belief is true or valid. 3. Logic and Emotions Logic is a gift from God and is to be used for his glory. God has made us as reasonable creatures. And reasonable creatures should strive to think logically. God has also made us emotional creatures. This means that our emotions and logic should not contradict each other but compliment. For example, looking both ways before crossing the street is a logical thing to do. If you cross safely, your emotions are stable and you are pleased. If you look both ways and then proceed to cross and are nearly hit by the moving traffic, you emotions react. Your heart beats rapidly, you tremble, and you are scared. This emotional response is also logical. It makes sense that you would react this way, you were nearly killed! So logic and emotions are not opposed, but they can be unbalanced. Logic and emotions must be complimentary to one another. Emotions are good but they cannot determine what is true. Feeling good about something does not make it good. If smacking your brother makes you happy, it doesn’t mean that it was right. Emotions are the part of the soul that appreciates and responds to life. We cannot trust our emotions to determine truth for us. But when the truth is revealed to us, let us not stifle our emotions. Let them well up with worship to our God. Let them compliment the truth and logic that you found. Emotions cannot be the key factor for reasoning. 4. Philosophy Philosophy has often been described as thinking about thinking. Proverbs 4:5,6 We should aspire to gain this wisdom. The greek words that make up the word philosophy are “philia”, which means love, and “Sophia” which means wisdom. So the word “philosophy” means “loving wisdom”. This is not anti-christian. We should not be scared of philosophy. Although some philosophers and their thoughts are hostile to Christianity, we should not be afraid to examine why we think the way we do. Philosophy has determined much of the way you think right now. Many clichés that you have heard came from the lips of philosophers. Some of the greatest theologians of the church were also philosophers: Augustine, Aquinas, Anselm, and Jonathan Edwards. Philosophy asks questions such as “What is real?” “How do you know it is real?” “What is truly good?” The problem comes when we seek our reasoning above the reasoning of scripture. Scripture must be our final authority. This is even philosophical. We turn to scripture because it is truth. All philosophy and philosophers desire to be true. Truth is the goal of philosophy and the bible is our ultimate source for finding it.

Apologetics Friday----The Existence of God

The Existence of God 1. The Law of Inertia (first cause) 2. The Ordering of Creation 3. Incurably religious Human Beings 4. Moral Laws Objections to the Existence of God 1. Christianity is just a crutch 2. Paradox of the Stone 3. Christianity is exclusive 1. The Law of Inertia The law of inertia states that “An object at rest tends to stay at rest and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force”. This is the first of Newton’s Laws. If this law is true, then there must be a first cause. There must be something that starts things off. Why does the earth rotate around the sun while spinning itself? The plates beneath the earth shift and stars fly through the universe. Comets and asteroids fly through our universe….what sends them flying? There has to be a first cause and that first cause is God. 2. The ordering of Creation Every building you see in your town was designed by someone. Buildings do not evolve on their own. They do not just pop out of the ground with 2x4 studs and trusses. Someone designs them and someone builds them. They have an order to them. So does every “natural” thing. Trees function a certain way. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It is the same oxygen that we breath. Is that just a fluke? The human eye is so complex that all parts of it are dependant upon the others for their existence. So it is impossible for the eye to evolve. All parts must be present or it cannot exist. 3. Incurably religious human beings Have you ever noticed that almost everyone believes in a god of some form? Don’t confuse this with faith but this is just a simple belief that “a god” exists. Why is that? I think it is because of Romans 1:19,20. Your conscience can’t deny it. During times of disaster such as tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc… you can’t find an atheist! Everyone believes in a god when they are about to die. Not necessarily faith, just belief. Even atheists have beliefs. 4. Moral Law Even those who deny the existence of a God have a sense of right and wrong. What sets that standard for them? If there is no supreme being that sets the standards, how do they know what is right? How can they say that rape and murder are wrong? By what standard are they measuring those things? The staunchest atheist will tell you that murdering innocent children is wrong. When they tell you this, ask them how they come to that conclusion. Objections to the Existence of God 1. Christianity is just a crutch for weak people. When one considers the fact that over 500 people saw the resurrected Christ, I am not so sure that this faith is a crutch. If anyone ever knew how to effectively kill a person, it was the Romans. Jesus died. The Romans would not have messed this up. They were the best at killing people. The “swoon theory” is full of holes. Had Jesus remained dead, Christians should be the most pitied of all people on the earth. But he didn’t remain dead. He is alive! That is not a leap into the dark, it is a step into the light. 2. The paradox of the Stone The paradox of the stone is the question of God’s omnipotence. It goes like this, “Is it possible for God to create a stone so heavy that he could not lift it?” If you answer “no”, then God cannot do everything and if you answer “yes”, then God still cannot do everything. At first glance you may think that this is a valid question but let’s look a little deeper at it. First of all, the atheist (or whoever) is posing a question that they wish for you to answer logically but the question is not logical. The “Law of Non-Contradiction” states that two truths cannot be opposed to each other. God’s omnipotence is defined by Thomas Aquinas as saying that God can do anything that is possible. This would include things that are impossible to you and me. God could take the earth and cast it into another galaxy. You and I could not do that. But for God to contradict himself or oppose himself can never be an option. That option is non-existent. The question cannot be answered without a little understanding of term “omnipotent” and all sides using logic. Some have said that God could indeed do both of these even though it is a contradiction. The problem with that is that it denies the orderly ways that we see God revealed in scripture. This paints a picture of a God who does things arbitrarily. This is not the God of the bible. 3. Christianity is exclusive. Some say our God cannot exist if it denies all other forms of religion. This argument will get nowhere. If a God exists, and he is really God, then he can be as exclusive as he wants. The reality is that God has commanded all men everywhere to repent and believe. He is not excluding you, he is inviting you. If you choose another way, then you have excluded yourself. To be God means to be Sovereign. Something has to be ultimately sovereign. If God is not sovereign, then whatever denies him is sovereign over him. God is real and he is Sovereign.

Prayer

Hey, this is Derek. I just wanted to ask you all to pray for me tomorrow as I share the gospel with the youth group at Master's church. Marc (the youth minister) asked me to speak a few weeks ago and, right away, I knew that God wanted me to preach the gospel to these youth. Many of them are lost and I'm praying that God will move in their hearts tomorrow and claim them as His own. Thanks guys.

Apologetics Friday--Part 1

Dr. Rick Cornish has published a series of books that are great tools for quickly getting a grasp of subjects. The books that I know of are called, "5 Minute Apologist", "5 Minute Theologian", and "5 Minute Church Historian". They give you the barebones facts about events, doctrines, or whatever. "5 Minute Apologist" is the one that I personally own and have used some of his teachings with my youth group. I recommend picking this little book up and reading it and referencing it. Especially if you are pressed for time and have a desire for understanding. These little books are great for bible studies and contributing godly answers in a time when everyone sees truth as relative. Here is the first of a series that I have written that I will be teaching the youth in April. I have adapted much information from his book to do so. Enjoy! Some common worldviews 1. Theism 2. Polytheism 3. Deism 4. Atheism 5. Humanism 6. Pluralism 7. Post-modernism 1. Theism Q. What is theism? A. Theism is the belief in one infinite, personal God. Deuteronomy 6:4 1 Corinthians 8:6 Why I am a theist 1. Theism has undeniable evidence. 2. It is the explanation of good and evil. 3. Logic, science, and reason all support theism. 2.Polytheism Q. What is polytheism? A. Polytheism is the belief in many finite, personal gods who rule distinct realms of the universe. (exp. Greek mythology) Problems with polytheism 1. Nature is eternal, not the gods. Therefore, nature has given birth to the Gods which is opposed to God creating nature. 2. The world is an arena of chaotic competition between the gods. Their interests clash with one another. 3. These gods are finite which means they do not live forever. 4. “Multiple gods” fails by definition. There cannot be more than one God or else he is not really god. 5. These gods have the same weaknesses as humans. What is so godlike about that? 3. Deism Q. What is Deism? A. Deism believes that God created the world, but then turned his back and is uninvolved and unconcerned with it. God set the world to run by natural law. Problems with Deism 1. Deism denies miracles because God does not intervene with humanity. The problem with this is that it contradicts itself. Creation of the world from nothing fits into the miracle category. If there are no miracles, then there cannot be a created universe. 2. No consequences for anything. Nothing really matters because we face no judgment, no eternal life, no salvation. 3. Modern science has demonstrated that the universe is not mechanical. The so called “absolute natural laws” are not absolute after all. 4. Atheism Q. What is Atheism? A. Atheism is the belief that there is no God. Problems with Atheism 1. It cannot be affirmed. No one can prove that there isn’t a God. 2. All atheists believe that some things are right and some things are wrong. Without a moral standard given by a holy God, then right and wrong do not exist. They believe things to be evil but cannot give an explanation of what determines it to be evil. There must be a “good” to define a “bad”. 3. They cannot live out their belief. They get angry when people die but cannot explain their anger. They shouldn’t be mad. For an atheist, death should be completely natural. 5. Humanism Q. What is Humanism? A. Humanism is the belief that humans are the supreme being. It is the belief that we find the solutions to life’s problems within ourselves. Problems with Humanism 1. If humans are supreme, which race, gender, color, social status, or genetic make-up determines the path for the human race? 2. Why do we have undesirable traits such as hatred, envy, and pride? If we are God, then shouldn’t these things be changed by our determination? Why aren’t they? 3. At what point did humans discover their divinity? 6. Pluralism Q. What is pluralism? A. Pluralism is the belief that all religions and worldviews are equally valid. Problems with Pluralism 1. Pluralism claims to be an exclusive truth in itself. It contradicts itself. The very thing it tries to overcome, it produces. 2. It violates logic. Jesus and Muhammad cannot both be the only, final source of God’s truth. 3. It destroys morality. This view will lead to spiritual implosion. It would take good and evil and make them the interchangeable with no distinctions between them. 7. Post-Modernism Q. What is post-modernism? A. Post-modernism is the belief that nothing can be absolutely true and it rejects all other worldviews. Problems with Post-modernism 1. Post-modernism is a contradiction within itself. It denies all worldviews but it is a worldview within itself. 2. Everyone believes something. If you reject that last sentence, you reject it because you believe something else. 3. If nothing is absolute, then nothing can be truly known. If you have any questions or would like further explanation of a point, please leave a comment saying so. This is just basically the outline for the first study. Some of it may not make sense without some explanation.

Derek's Playlist

Alright, since Andrew has thrown down the challenge, I will accept and share my own playlist. 1) This World (Caedmon's Call)- Caedom's Call is my absolute favorite band and this is one of my favorite songs from them, if not my favorite. They have so many great songs that it's near impossible for me to pick just one. Which is why number 2 is... 2) Not The Land (Caedmon's Call)- Hey, it's my list, I can feature as many artists as I want! This is one of the most rocking songs I have ever heard, especially when the chorus kicks in and Derek really adds the growl to his voice. Ahhh, musical bliss. 3) When He Calls (I'll Fly Away) (Gold City)- That looks a little confusing- Gold City is the artist, not I'll Fly Away. I have to have at least one southern gospel song on this list, and chances are it's going to be about heaven. The studio version is pretty good, but it's amazing live. The tenor singer finishes the song with a note that would make a dog's ears bleed. 4) Callin' Baton Rouge (Garth Brooks)- Oh man, oh man. This song pumps me up every single time I hear it. My favorite version is from his Double Live album- when every thing drops out but the drums in the chorus, I can't help but pound my fist in the air and belt out those lyrics at the top of my lungs... "Hurry up won't you put her on the line, I gotta talk to the girl just-a one more time" 5) For The Love Of God (Andrew Peterson)- This happens to be the most played songs in my itunes. Andrew Peterson is one of the greatest songwriters I've ever heard. He uses the lyrics and music to paint masterpieces in the minds of his listeners. This is a great song about his family and love. 6) Washin' & Wonderin' (Stroke 9)- I can't stay away from that catchy, 90's, power-pop rock. (I'm not sure if that's a real genre, or if I just made that up). Sam (ex-JMB drummer) and I used to jam on this song back in 7th grade. Man, those were the days. 7) Dance (Derek Webb)- Although not one of his more deep, theologically challenging songs, Dance is a great tune nonetheless. Derek wrote this song after a conversation with his grandmother as she told him her entire life story. 8) Take It Easy (The Eagles)- I love when the banjo kicks in about half way through. 9) Tiny Dancer (Elton John)- I used to play and sing this song all the time (don't ask me to now, I've already retired it... a few times) so whenever I hear it, it brings back many fond memories. I remember playing this song once at GSP for Mary Beth... it's probably why she digs me so much. 10) Cruel Kindness (Inside Out)- I love a cappella groups and this is the best one I've heard. If I had to pick a favorite song from Inside Out, it would probably be this one for the great background harmonies in the chorus. 11) Friend Like You (Big Daddy Weave)- If I ever get in a good bass playing mood, this is usually the song I want to hear. Each bass line on the album is solid, interesting, and downright fun to play. This song always gets my blood flowing and my fingers itching to groove. 12) God Only Knows (The Beach Boys)- I feel that the Beach Boys are too often unappreciated in the music world and the genius of Brian Wilson was too easily forgotten. I especially love the end of this song when the vocals start layering on top of each other. 13) Piano Man (Billy Joel)- Here's another song I have played many times, but I still never get tired of hearing it. This was the first song that Mary Beth heard me sing and play so it has some special meaning to me. I love the line "And the piano it sounds like a carnival and the microphone smells like a beer." On the word "carnival", he sings it more as a shout and slightly out of tune... I'm not quite sure why I like that part so much, but I do.

Andrew's Playlist

Here's my playlist - a la iTunes Celebrity Playlists.... sans the "Celebrity" part... 1. Ants Marching (Dave Matthews Band) – my all-time favorite song by my all-time favorite band. Not so much for the lyrics, but the energy of the music, especially live. 2. Hold Fast (MercyMe) – the first time I heard this song, I thought it was one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever heard. I still feel like that way, and it’s just as powerful live as the studio cut. 3. Superstition (Stevie Wonder) – the horn lick in this song is one of the catchiest snippets of music ever. Funky. 4. Pictures of You (The Cure) – I’m a child of the 80s, so I figured I needed to have an 80s song or two. 5. Here Am I (MercyMe) – the epitome of living the Christian life. We’re called to “go.” 6. Where the Streets Have No Name (U2) – one of those songs you wish were longer. If U2 wrote five more verses and repeated the chorus several more times, I wouldn’t have complained. 7. Speed of Sound (Coldplay) – my favorite song from 2005. I would love to see Coldplay live, and hear this anthem. 8. Is It Any Wonder (Keane) – another rock anthem. I would love to be a part of writing a song like this. I have a rule to only play this song loud in my car. All talking stops, the volume goes up, and I just listen. 9. Wonderful Cross – I didn’t label an artist for this because it’s been performed by praise bands everywhere. I prefer David Crowder Band’s version, which I’ve heard twice live. Aside from that, I think the Josh Martin Band’s version is second-best. Not to mention it’s a song about the focus of my faith. 10. Every Breath You Take (Sting) – Another great 80s song. 11. To Make You Feel My Love (Garth Brooks) – everyone has their favorite love song, and this is mine. (maybe the rest of the band will post theirs?? hint, hint) Later, Andrew

Apologetics Fridays

Hey for the next few weeks I will be putting up some stuff about apologetics on fridays. I don't think that you can ever reason someone to faith but I do believe that God has used apologetics for many things. It is definately a great tool for evagelism. It will "stop the mouths" of those who would lead others astray. It will also help us to know why we believe what we believe. Most imporantly, we have a biblical mandate given to us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready to give an account for the hope that we have. We are not only commanded to tell people what we believe, but why we believe it. We will start next friday with establishing a biblical worldview. This is becoming more and more crucial in this post-modern age we live in. We will discuss post-modernism as well. until next friday.............