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KNOW WHAT
YOU BELIEVE?
AND DO YOU KNOW WHY?
.
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS
AND RESOURCE GUIDE
HUGO SCHRAER
2015
doyouknowwhyyoubelieve@gmail.com
1
WARNING!!
If you are a Christian student and planning to
go to college, statistics indicate that you have a
70% probability of abandoning your Christian
beliefs! And thats before you finish your freshmen
year!
If you are not planning on going to college, you
still have a 61% probability of abandoning your
Christian beliefs after high school.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHY THIS RESOURCE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1. SELF-CHECK - HOW GOOD ARE YOU? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2. WORLDVIEW AND PHILOSOPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
WORLDVIEWS AND COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
3. CHALLENGING STATEMENTS FOR CHRISTIANS . . . . . . . . 45
THERE IS NO TRUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
CHRISTIANS NEED TO STOP BEING INTOLERANT . . . . . . . . . 52
ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
YOU SHOULDN'T JUDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
CHRISTIANS ARE HYPOCRITES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
SCIENCE IS THE ONLY WAY WE CAN KNOW REALITY . . . . . . 64
HAS ANYONE SEEN OR HEARD GOD? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD AND ISNT WORTHY OF WORSHIP . 66
CHRISTIANITY IS JUST A CRUTCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
BELIEFS ARE DUE TO CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . 69
IF I DON'T ACCEPT JESUS WILL I GO TO HELL? . . . . . . . . . . 71
If God Is All Powerful, Can He Make A Rock So Big . . . . . 72
JESUS IS A COPY CAT SAVIOR and CHRISTIANITY
IS A COPY CAT RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE BIBLE IS DEROGATORY TO WOMEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
THE BIBLE PROMOTES SLAVERY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REVISIONIST HISTORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. APOLOGETICS (To Make A Defense For) . . . . . . . . . . . .
REASONS TO LEARN EVIDENCES FOR CHRISTIANITY . . . . . .
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76
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97
5. EVIDENCES FOR CHRISTIANITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
TRUTH ICE CREAM OR INSULIN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107
GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
GOD, EVIL, AND PAIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
CAN EVOLUTION EXPLAIN MORALS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
WHO CREATED GOD? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
THE BIBLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
ARCHEOLOGICAL EVIDENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
PROPHETIC EVIDENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
MANUSCRIPT EVIDENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
WHAT ABOUT CLAIMED SCIENTIFIC ERRORS IN THE BIBLE? 149
A CHALLENGE TO THE BIBLE FROM WITHIN . . . . . . . . . . 150
JESUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
THE TRINITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
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8. SALVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
WHY IS SALVATION NECESSARY? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
WHY CANT GOD JUST FORGIVE OUR SIN
Introduction
Have you ever really thought about what will happen to you
after this life? Have you really thought about why you believe what
you do about what happens after this life? Many people have
beliefs theyve accepted without ever really checking to see if there
are evidences for those beliefs.
I remember when I was in high school I didnt give much
thought to the reasons for the beliefs I had, including the beliefs that
had to do with what happens after we die. At that time I believed
that God would weigh my good works against my bad, and if my
good outweighed my bad, I would get to go to heaven. Kind of like
GRADING ON THE CURVE. I accepted many of the beliefs I held
because I was raised with them. While in high school, I started to
think about what I believed, and also the reasons I had to justify
what I believed. I wanted the reasons for my beliefs to be more
than just because I was raised with them.
Since high school, Ive found evidences which have
changed some of my beliefs, especially my belief about going to
heaven and my good outweighing my bad. Ive also found
evidences which have reinforced other beliefs. Maybe you have
started to think about what you believe, and why. If you havent yet
started to think about the reasons you believe what you do, I hope
the information in this guide will motivate you to consider the
importance of what you believe, and to really consider the
evidences you have to believe what you believe.
If you were already wondering, Why is what we believe
important? That is a great question! The reason it is important is
because most of us live consistent with what we really believe.
Beliefs, (or ideas), have consequences, and the consequences of
some beliefs can last for all eternity.
If the teachings of Christianity about what happens after this
life are true, then all of us will spend eternity in one of two places.
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Having this knowledge and the links in this guide will give you the
ability to search for and learn more about the specific terms.
While knowing this terminology is important. It is equally
important to realize that many of these terms are likely to confuse a
person you are talking with if they dont know the terms. I touch a
little more on this, and some of the concerns in the section, SHARING
THE TRUTHS OF CHRISTIANITY.
Two specific terms you will see used more than a few times
throughout this guide, are ARGUMENT and PROOF. The way
ARGUMENT is used here is not as a quarrel or heated disagreement.
In this guide these terms are used in the LEGAL sense, similar to a
courtroom. In a courtroom, the attorneys present ARGUMENTS about
the guilt or innocence of the defendant. They then provide evidence
or PROOFS to support their argument. Greg Koukl of www.str.org
found this very humorous illustration of this EVIDENCE / PROOF type
of argument.
Argument Clinic - John Cleese and Michael Palin - Monty Python
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUIA40uLlKw
Here are additional sites on evidences and logic:
Logical Fallacies www.logicalfallacies.info
Fallacy Files
www.fallacyfiles.org/taxonomy.html
Fallacy Detective http://christianlogic.com
Straight Thinking
www.reasons.org/explore/type/straight-thinking
I think the most accurate way to view this guide, is to view it
as a TOOLBOX and the different materials and methods as TOOLS.
My desire is not only that you know that tools exist, but also that
you are able to gain a proficiency with the various tools. This way
you can be encouraged in what you believe as a Christian, be able
to share these truths effectively with others and also be able to
defend against challenges to what you believe.
Think about taking tests in school. When was the last time
you enjoyed taking a pop-quiz or looked forward to a test or a final?
If you werent confident in your knowledge of the subject, you
probably werent very excited. But what if you had studied well and
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say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already
committed adultery with her in his heart." The Bible mentions both
adulterers and fornicators, (those who have had sex before
marriage), as being in the same dilemma. Have you ever looked at
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another person with lust? Then what does that make you? You are
an adulterer, right? And yes, Im guilty of this one also.
If we are honest we have to admit that we have broken all
three of these commandments. In breaking just these three, by
definition WE ARE LYING THIEVING ADULTERERS AT HEART. If God
were to judge us, would he find us innocent or guilty? I know I would
be found guilty. What if we looked at how successful weve been in
obeying the other seven commandments? Would this help us? If
youre like me, then no. Most of us have broken almost all of them
too, because the Bible indicates that we are not only guilty because
of our actions, but also guilty because of our motivations.
You may not use the Ten Commandments as your standard
for GOOD. If not, thats fine. What is your standard then? How do
you want others to treat you? Dont steal, dont lie, dont murder,
etc.? Hmmm, those standards are pretty similar to the Ten
Commandments, arent they?
Jay Wegter proposes a scenario to think about. He asks,
Could you claim to love and care for one of your friends, and
at the same time hate them in your heart, slander them, steal
from them, lie to them, treat them as a sex object, and plan
their murder?
Of course you cant. You know that its impossible to claim
that you love and care for your friend, and do the other things to
them too. Right?
Now think about this. Do you know you cant do this
because someone told you, or do you know it instinctively? You
dont need to be told, do you? Jay Wegter points out that the big
surprise about this question is that if you look at it closer, you will
see that six of the Ten Commandments are referenced in it.
Surprised? When you really think about this, you know these things
instinctively. Deep down dont you want others to live by these
commandments, at least in how they treat you? When you consider
the above scenario wouldnt it be fair to conclude that even if you
are not a Christian, you really do consider the Ten Commandments
a beneficial standard which we could all benefit from following?
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obeying the law. The law was given to show us how sinful we are.
Many believe that the closer they live up to the standards in the
Bible, the closer they are to going to heaven. According to the Bible,
this verse shows that our efforts will never make us good enough.
The second part of Romans 3:20 actually shows the purpose of the
law: The law was given to show us how sinful we are. Many
people mistakenly treat the Bible as a standard to try to live up to,
to establish how good they are.
So, one of the purposes of the Bible is not to show us how
good we need to be but actually to show us how bad we already
are. If you think of a mirror, when you look into it, are you looking
to see how perfect your appearance is or are you looking to see
what in your appearance needs improvement? What needs
improvement, right? The law is similar to the mirror in that it shows
us our true sinful condition. The difference is that unlike our
appearance in the mirror, we cant change our sinful condition.
A quote I heard some years ago shows the reality of sin and
how appealing it can seem,
Sin will take you farther than you want to go,
keep you longer than you want to stay,
and cost you more than you want to pay.
Consider Romans 3:23, "All have sinned and fall short of
the Glory of God". Romans 6:23 states, The wages of sin is
death. These two verses show how widespread sin is, ALL HAVE
SINNED, and also what we earn for our sin, DEATH.
What do you think of when you hear the word WAGES?
Arent wages what we earn for what we do? DEATH is separation
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from God forever. So, being guilty of sin, the WAGES we have all
EARNED is eternal separation from God forever. Since God is
everywhere but hell, HELL is the only place we can go to be
separated from him. We have a big problem, dont we? If hell is
what we deserve then what hope do we have?
The second part of Romans 6:23 actually shows us, . but
the gift of God, is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Think about the phrase, The gift of God. Can we earn a
gift? No. A gift is something that can only be given or received.
We cant earn it, only accept it. Think about the last person you
gave a gift to. If while you were giving it to them they tried to pay
you for it, would you consider their attempt to pay you a compliment
or an insult? An insult, right? I know I would consider it an insult.
John 3:16 states For God so loved the world, that he GAVE HIS
SON, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have
eternal life. To believe in Jesus means; to believe Jesus is God,
ONLY
in Gods sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we
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is not something to
achieve, it is the mirror we hold up to our lives which shows us our
true condition according to Gods standard.
LAW
God has indicated that none of us are good enough, nor can
we be, because we are not qualified to pay the sin debt we owe.
He is the only one qualified to pay our debt. His payment is based
solely on our acceptance of it. It is not dependent on how good we
are, how intelligent, how capable, how much money we have, how
much power, etc. His gift is freely available to all, regardless of what
we have to offer, so that everyone can freely choose to receive it.
This is because Jesus is God, and He is qualified to pay our debt.
He did it all.
So, the question we must answer is, Is this true? Are the
claims of Christianity true? If they are not true, then none of this
matters at all. You may be reading this truly believing that it isnt
true. Is there any possibility that you could you be wrong? If there
is even the slightest chance that Heaven and hell exist and that
Christianity is true, and that Jesus actually died to pay the penalty
for the sin we commit, isnt it worth investing a little time to consider
the evidences and their implications?
You might be asking the same question of me. Is it possible
that I could be wrong? I would certainly answer Yes. I fully admit
that there is the possibility I could be wrong. You may wonder then,
Why would I try to persuade others about a belief which could
be wrong? That would be a very fair question, and one Ive asked
myself over time. The answer I keep coming back to is that the
evidences confirming the truths of Christianity, God, Jesus, and the
Bible are so overwhelming compared to any evidences proposed
against them. If there was a belief other than Christianity which
better fit the available evidences, I certainly would change to that
belief. It is because of my focus on what the evidences prove that
I accept Christianity.
So the question is, Can a case be made in support of
Christianitys claims, and are you willing to invest some time
to consider such a case? Rather than make a decision based
on what people hope is true, lets consider evidences which can be
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WHY AM I HERE?
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIFE?
WHERE DID I COME FROM? WHERE AM I GOING WHEN I DIE?
IS THERE A GOD?
IS THERE LIFE AFTER DEATH?
____________________
If you are not familiar with the term WORLDVIEW, it is simply
the way a person VIEWS THE WORLD. A worldview the collection of
ideas which frame how a person considers what is true about the
world. It is not always based upon good evidences.
www.thefreedictionary.com gives the following definition:
WORLDVIEW: A collection of beliefs about life and the universe
held by an individual or a group.
Ive included this section so that you can gain an
understanding as to why people usually accept the beliefs and
ideas that they do. Considering the reasons why people believe
what they believe, and that a persons worldview is such an
influence to their beliefs and ideas, I believe this is one of the most
important sections in this guide. You might find it surprising that the
beliefs many people have are as much determined by how they
view the world as they are determined by the evidence.
Another word having similar meaning to WORLDVIEW is
PHILOSOPHY, or way of thinking. www.thefreedictionary.com gives
two of the definitions for philosophy as:
say what cold is, a standard of light before we can say what dark is,
and a standard of good before we can say what evil is.
This LOGICAL CONCLUSION of Atheism has existed for many
years as a challenge to evolution and Atheism, because there is no
explanation of the existence of morality. When you think about it,
we know that there are RIGHT and WRONG or GOOD and BAD
motivations, and we know without being taught. The existence of
right and wrong is evidenced by most Atheists living consistent with
a moral standard they have decided. The death of an attacker by
one protecting the one who is being attacked is a motivation to do
GOOD, while the death of someone through the pre-meditation by
another shows a motivation to do BAD. While the death of an
individual is the end result in both examples, it is the MOTIVATION
behind the action that is important. Motivations are very important.
Penalties in our legal system are based on a persons motivations.
Again, this RIGHT OR WRONG is called MORALITY.
Is There an Objective Moral Law? - Frank Turek
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOJeseNJneg
There is a recent challenge to the basis for morality being
evidence for God. The challenge is that morals can be explained
through evolution; that evolution can not only sufficiently explain
changes in biology but changes in morality as well. According to
Atheists, the evolution of morals eliminates the need for God. In the
CAN EVOLUTION EXPLAIN MORALITY? section, I go into additional
detail about this, and provide links to resources relating to this
recent Evolutionary argument. These resources will allow you to
gain a much better understanding of this recent development, as
well as the arguments against this evolutionary explanation for
morality.
Again, the Christian Worldview is one where there is a
perfect God, who can see everything we do, knows every thought
we think, knows our motivations, and we are accountable to this
God for our actions, thoughts, and motivations. This accountability
should cause us to be concerned about what we think and do,
because these motivations, thoughts, and actions have eternal
consequences. If we are representatives of Christ in this life, then
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Think of your own life. If you are a Christian and you found
that to live a Biblical Worldview meant that you would need to live
differently than you do currently, would you be willing to change how
you live? Questions that effectively capture this idea are, Will we
make the Bible flexible to our human reasoning, or will we
make our hearts, lives, and motivations flexible to the Bible?
and Should a Biblical Worldview have an effect on my life; in
how I think and what I do?
You may be thinking, But if my lifestyle is the same as
the other Christians I know. Doesnt that mean that Im living
as a Christian? Think a little further, if only 1 in 200 of those age
18-23 even know what a worldview is, isnt it more probable that
you and your friends are part of the 199 and not the 1? If part of
the 199, how would you ever know you are living like a true Christian
consistent with a Biblical Worldview?
It is easy to forget that most of us live in a bubble, finding it
easy to live like our friends. If our friends claim to be Christian and
we live like them, we think of ourselves as Christian too. However,
living like your friends is not the same as living like a Christian. If
you are a Christian, have you ever questioned the lifestyle you
accept and live? Think about your non-Christian friends. How does
your lifestyle compare to theirs?
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Testing Worldviews
http://testingworldviews.com
The Power of the Christian Worldview In Pagan Evangelism
http://truthxchange.com/media/2007/01/21/the-powerof-the-christian-worldview-in-pagan-evangelism
Worldview Weekend Online Academy
www.worldviewweekend.com/academy/topics.php#topic84
How Some Postmodern Kids Used Logic in Berkeley
www.conversantlife.com/theology/how-somepostmodern-kids-used-logic-in-berkeley
Christian Student Vs. Atheist Professor Collection
http://walkingasjesusdid.blogspot.com/2012/04/christianstudent-vs-atheist-professor_3470.html
Sites on Worldviews:
http://allaboutworldview.org
www.xenos.org/classes/papers/5wldview.htm
www.summit.org/resources/worldview-chart
www.bibleculture.org/text/worldview/worldview_comparis
on_chart.pdf
www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_worldview/whats
_a_christian_worldview.aspx
www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian_worldview
/why_is_a_christian_worldview_important.aspx
Real Life Challenges on Campuses
http://campusreform.org
www.c-span.org/video/?193268-2/political-correctnessdiversity-campus
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/crossexamined/id402803400?mt=2
(Cross Examined October 29, 2014: Getting Ready for Campus)
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Planck Time
Planck time
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck_time
In Science We Trust
www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=1
2&article=4758
Is God Real? Does Science Answer "Is There a God?"
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/is_god_real.html
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3. CHALLENGING STATEMENTS
FOR CHRISTIANS
Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an
extraordinary destiny... C. S Lewis
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity;
an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill
How would you respond to the following?
There is no truth
All roads lead to God
You cant know anything for sure
We dont allow the view of Christianity, we allow all views.
Christians shouldnt be so intolerant
In this section, we will look at some of the statements made
to Christians; statements which can seem quite challenging . . . at
first. In this section particularly, I want you to remember:
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you
love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love
one another. By this all men will know that you are My
disciples, if you have love for one another."
It is easy to feel personally insulted when our beliefs are
challenged, but it is important to remember that ultimately it is God
who is being challenged, not us. We must remember that God
doesnt need our help to defend Him. However, if we have
developed the skills which this guide and other resources will help
with, He does offer us the privilege of being involved in the process,
not so much to defend Him, but to defend truth and correct error.
There is no challenge to Christianity that should upset us. If
we find ourselves upset we need to increase our knowledge on the
subject and remember Greg Koukls statement, When talking
with someone, if either of you get upset, you lose. This section
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* THERE IS NO TRUTH
When someone states, There is no truth, they are stating
THE TRUTH, that THERE IS NO TRUTH, also called MAKING A TRUTH
CLAIM. This is a clear contradiction because there cant be a TRUE
statement about there being NO TRUTH, if TRUTH doesnt exist.
When they state, There are no absolutes, they are stating the
ABSOLUTE, that there are NO ABSOLUTES. Another contradiction.
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Nothing can be known for sure, you can ask, Well how then
can we know THAT for sure?
One of the increasingly common phrases which is similar in
meaning to There is no truth, is Thats true for you, but not
for me, or Im glad you found a truth that works for you,
implying that different people can believe different truths which
are contradictory to each other. When you say something like,
The Bible says . . . a person might respond, Im glad the Bible
is true for you, but it is not true for me.
These statements demonstrate one type of truth called
otherwise they wouldnt criticize you, would they? Greg Koukl uses
the following conversation example to demonstrate how to respond
to someone claiming you are intolerant. This should effectively
show them that they are the ones actually demonstrating
intolerance.
Challenger: Youre intolerant!
You: Can you tell me what you mean by that? Why would
you consider me an intolerant person?
Challenger: Well, its clear you think youre right about
fill in the blank, and you think everyone who disagrees
with you is wrong.
You: I guess I do think my views are correct. Its always
possible I could be mistaken, but I dont think I am. But
what about you? You seem to be disagreeing with me.
Dont you think your views are right?
Challenger: Yes, I think Im right, too. But Im not
intolerant. You are.
You: Thats the part that confuses me. Why is it when I
think Im right, Im intolerant, but when you think
youre right, youre just right? What am I missing?
views. And they dont allow Christianity because of the truth claim
we make.
Again, this is because the teaching of Christianity, that there
is only one way to God, is exclusive, and that contradictory views
cant be true. If those who believed this allowed the Christian view,
they would be allowing the view that they are wrong. If there is only
one way to God, the belief of Christianity automatically excludes
any other contradictory belief. Can you see how the All roads . .
., and All views . . . statements are not accepting of all views
and are self-contradictory statements? As well, the last statement
is one of intolerance, because they dont want Christians sharing
their beliefs. Again, Christianity allows all views. It just doesnt
agree that all views are true, but it doesnt try to keep those who
believe those views from believing them.
In a nutshell, the NEW definition of Tolerance is to treat all
views as TRUE, not just to be accepting of all views. Again, for nonChristians to have this new view of tolerance would require that they
believe that Christianity is true. But Christianity teaches that beliefs
contradictory to Christianity are false. The non-Christians who
claim that Christians are intolerant DONT THINK THAT CHRISTIANITY
SHOULD BE ALLOWED primarily because we believe that beliefs
contradictory to Christianity are false. Non-Christians of this attitude
believe that Christianity is false and not true. Since they dont
consider it true, they are showing themselves to be intolerant. As
well, while Christians allow even views we believe are wrong, these
non-Christians dont even allow the Christian view. So who is really
demonstrating intolerance?
One of the illustrations sometimes used by those holding
this belief, that ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD, is The Blind Men and the
Elephant, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_men_and_an_elephant.
If you are not familiar with this Indian proverb, it is used to
illustrate the limitations of our ability to come to the full truth about
something. This is because we usually dont have all the
information. In the proverb, there are 6 blind men who encounter
an elephant for the first time. They are trying to determine what the
elephant is like, and each is near a different part of the animal.
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The one touching the leg claims the elephant is like a tree.
The one touching the tail claims the elephant is like a rope. The
one touching the side claims the elephant is like a wall. The one
touching the tusk claims the elephant is like a spear, and so on with
the other two. The six men get into a heated argument (the nonlegal type) as to what the elephant is like, because each man insists
that he is right. A wise man was passing by and saw them arguing.
He told them that all of them were partially right, but since each was
touching a different part of the elephant they didnt have all the truth.
They only had part of the truth.
When someone uses this Indian proverb to claim that a
Christian cant know the truth, it sounds reasonable. But is it
accurate? It is true that we dont have all knowledge, and knowing
this, it seems fair to apply the proverb. However, when the
illustration is used we must keep in mind that the person using it
doesnt have all knowledge either. However, they are proposing
the proverb and inferring that they DO have all knowledge. They
are inferring that they have the full perspective, and can see that
everyone else, especially Christians, only have a limited
perspective and limited knowledge.
That is why it is self-contradictory for someone to use this
proverb against a Christians claims of truth. They are saying that
THEY HAVE ALL KNOWLEDGE TO KNOW THAT NO ONE HAS ALL KNOWLEDGE. If no
one can have all knowledge, then they cant have all knowledge to
know that no one has all knowledge. The other detail not
considered, is that the God of the universe does have all
knowledge, and if he truly has communicated truths and proven
himself true, we can rely on his information even if we dont know
everything.
Since he has revealed himself both through
supernatural evidences and in the Bible, we can know things that
we wouldnt otherwise be able to know through our limited
perspectives. Youll see these evidences in the EVIDENCES FOR
CHRISTIANITY section.
Here is a great video showing the problem with this illustration.
Challenge Response: The Blind Men and the Elephant
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO-25yKxQ9M#t=47
The Cheap Shot of "Intolerance"
www.christianity.com/blogs/trevin-wax/the-cheap-shot-ofintolerance.html
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In this video Oprah tells how she rejected the idea of the
God of the Bible because of this description of God being jealous.
Oprah really believes God is Jealous of her
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxao4LmTMfU&spfreload=1
When we think of the human emotion of JEALOUSY, it is
understandable that some would come to the conclusion Oprah
has. www.thefreedictionary.com uses the following words in its
definition of JEALOUS: ENVIOUS, RESENTFUL, FEARFUL, and WARY. It
seems almost ridiculous to even think of applying these words to
God as he is represented in the Bible. That the God of the universe
would experience any of these emotions seems absurd. Is there
another way to consider the term used by God of Himself?
www.thefreedictionary.com lists the 5th definition of jealousy
as: Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic: a jealous god.
Ezekiel 39:25b states, "and I will be jealous for my holy name.
When we consider this definition and the verse, we get a better
understanding of the kind of JEALOUSY God is indicating. According
to this definition, God is jealous, (or intolerant of disloyalty or
infidelity), for his holy name. This makes perfect sense when
thinking of the God of the Bible. God is intolerant of our disloyalty
or infidelity, or anything which would contribute to intolerance or
disloyalty to Him. This is fully consistent with the character of God
as He is described in the Bible.
Greg Koukl explained to a caller that since God has created
us and done so much for us, he is jealous for us and against
anything that would take our affections from him. God isnt jealous
OF us, but FOR us.
The illustration Greg used is that of a couples relationship.
Think about a couple you know. Would one of the two people have
the right to be jealous if they found out that the other person was
having romantic feelings for someone other than them? Think
about yourself. If you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, would it be OK
to be jealous if they were showing more than a friendly interest in
another? Of course it would. You have something special with that
person, and for them be this inconsiderate would be to show a lack
of concern and respect for the relationship they have with you.
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of the students. She waited until everyone was gone so that she
wasnt putting him on the spot, which allowed her to be more direct.
Janices professor had probably never had a Christian
student point out the inconsistency of the professors statements
before. How do we respond when someone claims that we only
believe in Christianity because we were brought up in a Christian
culture, and/or household, and why was Janices response to this
professor so effective?
It wasnt immediately apparent to me what the contradiction
was in what the professor said. What Janice pointed out to her
professor is that he was really claiming that beliefs are only based
upon culture and geography, and not on truths. Like The Blind
Men and the Elephant parable, he implied that he saw the topic
from a position of full understanding and objectivity, and implied that
Janice and Alicia only had a partial understanding. Considering the
professors statement, Lets just drop the topic of whos right
and whos wrong, the professors belief is that no one can be fully
objective about right and wrong. Of course, he believes himself to
be fully objective.
Calling on and asking the questions he asked of Janice and
Alicia, he implied that he was the only one who had objectivity,
which contradicts his implication that no one can be objective. His
comments show that what he believed to be true was that religious
beliefs are really only based upon where a person is born and
raised and the culture they live in. He gives no indication that he is
religious, and implies that he IS able to be objective.
A few other thoughts about someone holding this
perspective. If they are an Atheist, did they grow up in an Atheist
home? Ive read that many atheists actually grew up in religious
homes. If the person posing these questions about geography and
culture is an Atheist, but they grow up in a religious household, their
conclusion from their questions contradicts their own experience.
Geography as the Most Important Predictor of Religion
www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&
article=2789
www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=12&
article=4133
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When you think about the question, you can see that if only the
single word answer yes is given, the person will leave with the
impression that they are going to hell simply because they picked
the wrong preference of religion. If only the single word answer
no is given, the person will have a misunderstanding of salvation.
It will seem to them very trivial on Gods part that they might have
lived a GOOD life, and are still going to hell.
Since it is impossible to provide an adequate answer to this
question using only a single word answer, a question like this needs
to be answered very tactfully so that the person asking the question
comes to a full understanding of the importance of their question.
A single word answer cannot provide this needed understanding
and perspective.
Greg Koukl stresses that if someone presses you for a single
word answer and is not willing to give you the time necessary to
give them a full answer, you are not obligated to answer at all. You
could respond, The subject is much too important to give a
single word answer to. If you are really interested in an answer
rather than just a quick response, Im happy to talk with you.
If you wont give me the time to show your question the respect
it deserves, you must not be that serious about the question
and the answer must not be that important to you.
Review Greg Koukls effective method of responding to this:
Am I Going to Hell? www.str.org/articles/am-i-going-to-hell
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* REVISIONIST HISTORY
A non-question challenge to Christianity and related to
some of the misinformation we have already looked at is what is
called HISTORICAL REVISIONISM. Historical Revisionism is the
revising of the record of the past so that people will believe different
in the present. This can be done either by changing the details and
facts of the historical record, or by leaving out critical details. If the
United States wasnt founded based on the principles of the Bible,
how can we object when we see the country moving toward nonChristian values?
There is much misinformation about the significant influence
of Christianity on the foundation of the United States, about its
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HISTORICAL REVISIONISM
What are Some Examples of Historical Revisionism?
www.probe.org/what-are-some-examples-of-historicalrevisionism
Who Do You Believe, the Revisionists or the Founding Fathers?
www.revolutionarywararchives.org/revisionist.html
The Founding Fathers: Faith or Fiction?
http://god-and-logic.blogspot.com/2010/04/founding-fathersfaith-or-fiction.html
Religious Founders? Read Their Writings
www.wallbuilders.com/libissuesarticles.asp?id=161
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EDUCATIONAL REVISIONSIM
Historic fail? Greatest Americans missing from proposed curriculum
www.foxnews.com/us/2014/08/07/historic-fail-greatestamericans-missing-from-proposed-curriculum
AP Downgrades History
www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3201737/posts
My Comments on the U.S. History Standards
www.facebook.com/notes/marjorie-holsten/my-comments-onthe-us-history-standards-please-help-me-keep-this-frombecoming-t/226981890650639
Comments on US History Standards from an Attorney and
Teacher of the Constitution
http://edlibertywatch.org/2011/05/403
Students Walk Out of Class - Protest School Rewriting of History:
"You can't Change History"
http://freedomoutpost.com/2014/09/students-walk-class-protestschool-rewriting-history-cant-change-history
Revisionism: How to Identify It In Your Children's Textbooks
www.wallbuilders.com/libissuesarticles.asp?id=112
Colorado Tries to Follow Texas & Stop APUSH, Left Hijacks
Narrative over Patriotism.
www.breitbart.com/texas/2014/09/27/colorado-tries-to-followtexas-stop-apush-left-hijacks-narrative-over-patriotism
Why The Public School System Teaches Revisionist History
http://westernconservatory.com/articles/why-public-school-systemteaches-revisionist-history
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PROMOTING ISLAM
Islam, Anti-Semitism Sneak Into Tennessee Textbooks
http://political-conservatives.blogspot.com/2014/11/what-arewe-doing-with-our-education.html
Islam in a Public School
www.wnd.com/2014/01/islam-in-a-public-school
The Islamization of American Public School Children
www.thecommonsenseshow.com/2014/12/29/islamizationamerican-public-school-children
How Historic Revisionism Justifies Islamic Terrorism
www.christianpost.com/news/how-historic-revisionismjustifies-islamic-terrorism-107816/
Is President Obama Correct: Is America No Longer a Christian
Nation?
www.wallbuilders.com/libissuesarticles.asp?id=23909
____________________
Individuals using the challenges indicated in this section
knowingly or unknowingly attempt to marginalize the validity of
Christianity. It is important to realize with these challenging
statements that most of them do not do anything to disprove the
truth of the claims of Christianity. People will use them primarily to
silence unprepared Christians, and they are unfortunately effective
at doing this. This is confirmed by the number of Christians
unprepared to answer these challenges. When Christians are
unprepared to answer the challengers, the challengers avoid
having to deal with the truths of Christianity and the answers to
those challenges.
Hopefully you see how these challenges can be responded
to effectively using examples in this guide. These answers apply to
the challenges whether or not the persons using these challenges
knowingly use them as diversions, or that they have only heard
others use the challenges and not really investigated their truth.
Use these additional websites to gain greater knowledge of
many of the techniques used by challengers, and how to answers
them.
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isnt enough for some to believe different, they feel the need to
attack the person and not produce any kind of convincing response.
The following links show the credentials of the speaker Steve
Austin. STEVE AUSTIN - BIO
http://creationwiki.org/Steve_Austin#Videos
http://donotbedeceived.org/dr-steve-austin-bio
Heres a video showing an Evolutionist scientist claiming that
Creationist scientists arent scientists, because they come up with
conclusions different than Evolutionists.
SHORTEST SCIENTIST VS CREATIONIST DEBATE EVER.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=txzOIGulUIQ
NOTE: Im not implying that all Evolutionary scientists do
this, but you need to realize that there are some who do.
They believe that only evolutionary explanations are
credible explanations and that Creationist explanations do
not need to be taken seriously, because Its not real
science. They wont even consider the evidence a Creation
scientist presents because they are a Creationist.
The following video shows how to simulate the forming of strata
layers quickly by using a jar, water, and some dirt. I call it NOAHS
FLOOD IN A JAR.
TESTING SOIL FOR CLAY CONTENT
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh211b8b5FE
HOW FAST?
https://answersingenesis.org/fossils/how-are-fossilsformed/how-fast
The first video below shows how circular reasoning is used
by Evolutionists to date fossils and strata layers. The 2nd and 3rd
videos are by Evolutionists demonstrating the circular-reasoning
mentioned in the first video.
EVOLUTIONISTS DATE ROCKS & FOSSILS WITH CIRCULAR REASONING
www.youtube.com/watch?v=efcJEIV2RAk
HOW DO WE KNOW HOW OLD FOSSILS ARE?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2GNJ6tfbY0
AGE, ROCKS, AND INDEX FOSSILS.MP4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydDuT5V9zwM
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REPUTATION:
Ex: A stain on one's character.
The way you present the information and your character can
have a big impact, positive or negative, as to how receptive a
person is to considering the information you present.
An example of the impact of character is that of Kent Hovind.
He is a Creationist, and has a video series called the CREATION
SEMINAR. It has a lot of great information, with other creationists
questioning some of the content. Still, it is very good. Here is a link
where you can see the videos online:
CREATION SEMINAR - Kent Hovind
www.truthingenesis.com/creation-seminar-by-dr-kent-hovind
Unfortunately though, his evidences for Creation are not
considered because he was sent to prison for not paying taxes. He
indicates that a layer convinced him that he wasnt legally obligated
to pay them. The result of his situation is the ridicule of both
Creationism and Christianity. Even though some have this belief, I
think you will still find value in much of the content of his videos.
Kent Hovind is Still in Jail
http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/03/17/kenthovind-is-still-in-jail-a
As indicated previously, we need to remember that even
with what we might consider great evidences, a person will
sometimes still not be willing to consider the evidence because of
their worldview. Remember the question from earlier?
What evidences against Christianity would you need to
see to consider giving up your beliefs about God, Jesus,
the Bible, etc.?
The more evidences we know for what we believe, the
harder it is for others to persuade us to believe differently. This the
same whether the evidences we believe are for or against
Christianity. Others feel as strongly about what they believe as we
do about what we believe, and they will not readily be open to
considering the evidences presented.
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starting a new endeavor, but in truth, we are able to find the time
for those things we think are important enough to spend time on.
Right? When you think about it, none of us will ever have enough
time to do everything we want to do in this life. It ultimately comes
down to how we choose to spend our time. As Ive told my sons,
When you choose to spend your time doing something, you
automatically choose not to spend that time doing something
else.
So, when we choose to spend time; watching TV, gaming,
texting, surfing, listening to music, etc., we have automatically
chosen not to spend that same time reading our Bible, praying,
learning the evidences for our faith, etc. Its not a matter of not
having enough time, its how we spend the time we have been
given. Again, dont we always make or find the time for what we
feel is important? When was the last time you thought, I just dont
have time to eat today. or I just dont have time to shower or
get dressed today?
What is important to you? What do you find the easiest
activity to make time for? I remember someone saying, What you
spend your time on is what controls you. The following video
shows the average time spent on various daily tasks. I hope you
are as surprised at the end as I was. It really gives perspective as
to how much time we actually waste each day.
How do you spend your time?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv5zNYZlNFI
Also pertaining to time, what we spend the greatest amount
of time on is often what we consider the most important thing in our
lives. It is what drives us, what fulfills us, in some cases it might be
considered what we worship. If it is more important than anything
else in our life, it might even be considered our god. Granted jobs,
careers and education take our time, but what is our motivation in
spending time on a career or education? Are we ultimately looking
to acquire money, power, fame, etc. through a career or education
toward that career? The following is a great video showing how we
turn different things into gods in our life.
Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mK65lpveSM
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With all of this in mind, think about how you spend your time.
Would God more honored by you changing your priorities or not?
God wont force you to change what you do, but realize that once
youve passed from this life, the one thing you will never again have
the opportunity to do is to reach others for Christ. Hopefully this
should prompt us to think about how we spend our time.
Where do we get time from anyway? Have you ever thought
of the resource of TIME as being a gift that God has given us? If
God were to consider your job as being how you use the time He
has given you, what kind of JOB EVALUATION would He give you for
how youve SPENT His time? Would you receive a promotion, a
disciplinary write-up, or would you deserve to get fired? I regularly
think about how I spend HIS time, and I hope you will think about
this now too.
The key verse in the Bible about Apologetics is: 1 Peter 3:15
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being
prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason
for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
Notice that the end of the verse emphasizes with gentleness and
respect.
Again, our task is not to embarrass another or put them in
their place and win the argument. Our task is to win their heart for
Christ. It is important to remember that people who have beliefs
contradictory to Christianity, often hold to these beliefs as strongly
as we hold to what we believe. They SINCERELY BELIEVE what they
believe, just as you sincerely believe what you believe. Remember
however, sincerity is not the same as truth.
As mentioned previously, think about the evidences you
would need to see to abandon what you believe. Do you
understand now why a person may not immediately accept
Christianity when they first start to learn about the evidences? It
may take them time to consider this new information, especially in
light of their current beliefs. That is why the most important task is
to show where the evidence leads, and to do so with gentleness
and respect.
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They shared with him prophesies from the Old Testament and
showed how these prophesies were fulfilled by Christ. The day
after my friend almost pulled the trigger and then came to his
senses, these officers led him to accept Christ as his savior, saving
his life, and his eternal destiny. I truly believe it was because these
officers had showed my friend evidences that he did not kill himself.
As Christians, it is easy to come to the mistaken conclusion
that since we have accepted Christ, there is something special
about us. Some may even think they did something to deserve
salvation. Remember, the ONLY thing that makes us different from
those who havent accepted Christs payment for sin on the cross,
is just that. They havent accepted Christs payment for their sin.
The truth is that none of are worthy of salvation or ever could
be. There is absolutely nothing better, holier, more deserving, or
worthier about one who has accepted Christs sacrifice as
compared to a person who hasnt. The gift of Christ's payment for
our sin by dying on the cross is exactly that, a GIFT. Jesus did
everything to provide this gift. We have done nothing to deserve
his GIFT, nor is there anything we can do to EARN this gift.
Once again, think back to what I wrote about a GIFT in the
SELF-CHECK section. Can you earn a gift? If you could EARN it,
it wouldnt be a gift, would it? You cant earn a gift. Since what
Christ offers is a free gift, (Christ has done all the work by his
sacrifice on the cross paying for our sin), there is NOTHING we can
do to take credit for our salvation. There is NOTHING that we can
point to in ourselves making us deserving of this gift. The ONLY
thing we can point to is what Christ accomplished on the cross,
NOTHING ELSE, because he did everything! Remember, it is a free
gift. The only thing we can do, is either accept His gift or reject His
gift.
Reality Paul Washer Sermon Jam
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygf3MWEbd3w
In the next section we will look at some of the numerous
evidences that exist for Christianity as a defense for the truths of
Christianity. Once again, APOLOGETICS is giving a defense for what
one believes. Giving a defense for Christianity is called CHRISTIAN
APOLOGETICS. And again, the key verse in the Bible for the
defense of Christianity, is 1 Peter 3:15:
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Truth is Not Ice Cream audio - Greg Koukl (FAITH starts at 40:40)
http://vailchristian.com/podcast/?powerpress_pinw=27podcast
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NON-CONTRADICTION.
If God exists and He has communicated to us, then which
volume claiming to be from Him shows evidence of this?
If the BIBLE, which claims to be from God, proves to be
from God, then any volume which contradicts the BIBLE
is automatically false, according to the LAW OF NONCONTRADICTION.
If the Bible proves to be from God, we then have a
decision to make about the central personality of the
Bible, JESUS CHRIST, whether we like it or not.
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didnt believe their flavor was the best flavor. It would be very
strange for someone to do that, wouldnt it?
The first scenario, I think this flavor is best, and you
think a different flavor is best, is an example of a SUBJECTIVE
TRUTH claim. It is a truth about the SUBJECT, about each PERSON
and THEIR PREFERENCE of ice cream flavor, not the ice cream itself.
In this example, it is the truth about whoever is claiming that their
flavor is the best. It is about their personal likes and dislikes.
When many look at different beliefs, they look at them
subjectively. Christianity works for you, it is your BELIEF FLAVOR,
but they have a different BELIEF FLAVOR that works for them. They
are happy for you whether or not your belief flavor is their belief
flavor. They are fine with you having a different BELIEF FLAVOR.
That is unless of course you insist that your belief flavor is the BEST
FLAVOR or THE ONLY TRUE FLAVOR, and then go on to tell them that
if they dont believe your BELIEF FLAVOR is the best, they will go to
hell.
The second scenario above is an example of OBJECTIVE
TRUTH. It is a truth about the OBJECT, about the ice cream. It is
about the claim itself, not the preference of the person making the
claim. When we state that Christianity is the truth, we mean it
OBJECTIVELY, that it is actually true for all people everywhere, not
just that we LIKE it best. Many look at our claim about the truth of
Christianity as a SUBJECTIVE TRUTH, as an Ice Cream kind of truth.
Gregs effective illustration for OBJECTIVE TRUTH is to see it
like insulin, and not like ice cream. Think about having a friend with
diabetes. What if one day they decided that chocolate ice cream
was the best treatment for diabetes because they liked the flavor?
Would you feel awkward trying to convince them that they were
wrong? Of course not. Would you think it appropriate to try to talk
them out of this CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM treatment? Of course.
You can see in this scenario that the focus is the treatment
of the diabetes, not what someones personal preference of
treatment is. With beliefs, like medical treatments, we want to
choose beliefs that work, beliefs that are true.
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clarify this difference to those you talk with. There are some very
effective techniques for clarifying a persons understanding of
TRUTH in the TACTICS section.
One very effective question to get a clearer understanding
of a persons belief, and the first TACTICS question is, What do
you mean by that? If they were to say something like All roads
lead to heaven, you could ask,What do you mean by All
roads?
Truth is Not Ice Cream audio - Greg Koukl
http://vailchristian.com/podcast/?powerpress_pinw=27-podcast
Lets look at a few statements and see if we can tell whether they
are SUBJECTIVE (ICE CREAM) or OBJECTIVE (INSULIN).
1. 2 + 2 = 4
2. Disneyland is better than Magic Mountain.
3. The 2011 Toyota Camry is ugly.
4. 99% of U.S households have at least one TV set.
5. Television is more important than anything else to poor people.
6. Apple only allows company approved apps to be installed on
iOS devices.
7. 53% of Americans pay federal income tax.
8. God exists.
9. Premarital sex is immoral.
The answers (O = objective, S = subjective):
1:O, 2:S, 3:S, 4:O, 5:S, 6:O, 7:O, 8:O, 9:O
Are you surprised to find that statements 8 and 9 are
OBJECTIVE statements? Many students will initially answer that both
are subjective. Statement 8 is easier to see as objective when we
realize that God either exists or doesnt exist, and since the
statement has to do with God and not our belief about Him, it is an
objective statement. Statement 9 is a little more difficult, in that
many will answer based on how they FEEL about premarital sex,
and not consider MORALS being truly objective. Similar to actual
truths being objective and not subjective, morals are actually
objective and not subjective because RIGHT AND WRONG are
determined by God and not our likes or dislikes. Morality will be
covered more shortly. This video by Frank Turek demonstrates the
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Way, THE TRUTH, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. Jesus claimed to be THE TRUTH not just A TRUTH. He
is ULTIMATE TRUTH, so when you point to TRUTH as the foundation
for everything, you are actually pointing to God as that foundation.
With OBJECTIVE TRUTH we can evaluate beliefs and
teachings as to their truthfulness. Whichever belief proves to be
OBJECTIVELY TRUE, any beliefs that contradict that true belief are
AUTOMATICALLY FALSE. IF there is ONE GOD, the teachings of many
Gods, no God, you are God, and any other contradictory beliefs
about GOD are automatically false. IF there is NO GOD, then the
teaching of One God, many gods, and you are god are
automatically false. The same is true for any of the other options
about the truth of God(s) existence or non-existence. This is the
same with most areas of knowledge. Think about most math
problems, all the given answers can be false, but only one answer
can be true.
This aspect of the truthfulness of something is called the LAW OF
NON-CONTRADICTION:
The Law of Non-Contradiction:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_noncontradiction.
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What was the belief about the Earth after 1492? Eventually almost
everyone believed it was spherical. Was the earth flat before 1492
because people believed it was flat, and then in 1492 because of
Columbus it became spherical because people changed their
belief? Or was it always a sphere? Did it matter that at one time
almost the entire world believed the Earth was flat? No. So truth is
not based upon the number of people who believe something, is it?
So you see, truth is not dependent on how much confidence
one has in something or how popular the belief either.
It is my understanding that there are over 20 religious
volumes which claim to be inspired by God. According to the LAW
OF NON CONTRADICTION, if one volume proves to be from God any
other book contradictory to that volume is automatically not from
God.
Lets consider the Bible and the implications if true. The
Bible speaks of the person Jesus the Christ. It indicates that Jesus
Christ died on the cross to pay the debt for the sin we have
committed so that everyone might have the opportunity to receive
eternal life. The Bible also indicates that none of us can do anything
to be worthy of receiving the gift he offers. Isaiah 64:6 But we are
all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.
If everything we try to do is described as FILTHY RAGS, then
the only hope we have is not in anything we can do but only in one
who actually has the qualifications and ability to pay the debt we
owe. Our only hope is to accept Christ's payment for our sin, (which
we don't deserve and cant earn), so that we can receive Gods gift
of eternal life. If the Bible is true, we have no choice but to make a
decision about this person Jesus Christ, his claims to divinity, and
his claims to be able to take away sin. Can you see that If we
choose not to choose, we have still made a choice? Not choosing
is actually making a choice to reject his gift. So the question is, Is
the Bible true?
Think again about the idea of TOLERANCE, that what
everyone believes is TRUE (subjective), even where one persons
belief contradicts another persons belief. If what everyone believes
is TRUE, then what about the different beliefs in God? What about
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Straight Thinking
www.reasons.org/explore/type/straight-thinking
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* GOD
Now that we have a better understanding of truth, we can
apply this understanding to the different beliefs about God(s).
Whichever teaching about God or gods is true, any contradictory
beliefs or teachings to the true teaching are automatically false.
The major beliefs about God are: 1) There is one God, 2)
There are many gods, 3) There is no god, or 4) You are god. Can
you see that whichever belief is true, the other beliefs are
automatically false? If there truly is no God, then the teaching of
ONE GOD, MANY GODS, or YOU ARE GOD are automatically false. The
same is true for any of the other beliefs about God.
Consider the existence of the universe. The three major options for
the existence of the universe are:
1. It has always existed
2. It created itself
3. It was brought into existence by a being outside of time,
space, and matter.
Einstein was one of the scientists within the last 100 years
who proved that the universe (TIME, SPACE, MATTER), had an
origination point sometime in the past. He proved, that the universe
had a beginning at some point in the past, and so it hasnt always
existed. So the first option, that THE UNIVERSE HAS ALWAYS EXISTED,
that it is eternal, HAS BEEN DISPROVED.
Is The Universe Eternal?
www.gotquestions.org/universe-eternal.html
The Universe is Not Eternal, But Had A Beginning
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/beginning.html
Origin Of The Universe Quote from well-known scientists
www.veritas-ucsb.org/library/origins/quotes/universe.html
The second option is that the universe brought itself into
existence. For the universe to bring itself into existence, the
universe would already need to exist first to be able to bring itself
into existence. Essentially, IT WOULD NEED TO EXIST, BEFORE IT
EXISTED. Does that sound logical to you? To say that the universe
created itself, is philosophically and logically impossible.
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Sites on God:
www.godandscience.org
www.allaboutgod.com
www.everystudent.com/menus/existence.html
www.evidence.info/html/Evidences (use capital E)
www.gotquestions.org/questions_God.html
www.alwaysbeready.com (Click God, Evidence for at left)
If you receive an Unsupported Browser, click HOME at lower left.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster.
http://www.str.org/blog/the-flying-spaghetti-monster-video
Greg Koukl effectively illustrates the difference between
NO EVIDENCE and NOT ACCEPTED EVIDENCE in this video.
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10-The American
Experiment,
11-Labor: Created
to Create,
12-God Cares; Do I
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3. Since evil exists, God either lacks the will or the ability to
save us from evil.
4. If He lacks the will, He is not all-loving.
5. If He lacks the ability, He is not all-powerful.
6. Therefore, the existence of evil stands as evidence that
God cannot be both all-loving and all-powerful, or it is
evidence that God doesn't exist at all.
This argument sounds very logical and convincing at first,
because the only options considered as proof or disproof of the
existence of God in reference to EVIL are the ones given. What if
there is another way to look at the issue of EVIL?
Greg Koukl, (www.str.org) gives insight into this subject.
When you look at the above references to EVIL, the underlying
assumption in the statements is that EVIL is an ACTUAL THING, that
it is a substance that has material properties which can be
measured. The statements are valid if evil is an actual thing. But
that is the question. Is EVIL a thing?
Lets look at a few illustrations which answer the question.
One of Greg Koukls illustrations for the concept of EVIL is HOT AND
COLD. When we say that something is cold, we are not referring to
cold as a substance, but as a description of a lack of HEAT ENERGY.
Heat energy can be measured, but there is not a measurement for
COLD ENERGY because there is no such thing as cold energy.
The other illustration he uses is LIGHT AND DARK. The same
is true with the concept of DARK as the concept of COLD. DARK
doesnt exist in and of itself. DARKNESS is a description of the
absence of light. You can measure LIGHT, but you cant measure
DARK.
My favorite illustration from Greg Koukl is that of a donut.
Think about a regular glazed donut and the opening in the center.
This opening is called a DONUT HOLE. Have you ever eaten a donut
hole? Not the small pieces of dough that are sold at donut stores,
but have you ever eaten the opening in the center of a donut called
the DONUT HOLE? You havent, have you? You see, the DONUT
HOLE in the center of a regular donut is not a substance itself. The
name DONUT HOLE describes where the donut is not. Greg Koukl
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action when I was avoiding doing so. If we are honest, pain can be
a great motivating factor in our lives. Can you think of times in your
life when pain caused you to make a change? Maybe change a
relationship or a circumstance?
I remember hearing Greg Koukl mention in one of his
programs a reason for some of the discomforts we experience. He
gave the example of Arnold Schwarzenegger, when Arnold was a
body builder. Greg asked if Arnold had been born with the physique
that he had when he won the Mr. Universe competitions. The
obvious answer is that he hadnt. He had the genetic makeup, the
particular physiology necessary to eventually win the Mr. Olympia
contest seven times, but he wasnt born with his Mr. Universe
physique. Arnold had to train many hours a day for years to develop
his physique.
Greg said, God wants to change us into the type of
people he wants to spend eternity with. He wants to change us
to have the qualities and characteristics we dont currently have, or
dont have to the degree he desires; characteristics of patience,
forgiveness, thanksgiving, long-suffering, etc. The only way for us
to acquire these characteristics is for God to allow us to experience
troubles and difficulties necessary to develop the characteristics.
Like Arnold working against the force of the weights, it is only in
those times of difficulty and inconvenience where we have the
opportunity to develop those valued qualities.
The characteristics which God is looking to develop are
those we value in others and ourselves too. However, they are
things which God cannot simply create us with. Like the SQUARE
CIRCLE, mentioned earlier God cannot do certain things. This is one
of the things that He cant do. He cant automatically make us to be
thankful without an experience requiring us to express
thankfulness. Greg indicates that the only way to develop
forgiveness, is to experience a situation where we have to show
forgiveness. Similarly, the only way we can develop other qualities,
is to experience circumstances which give us the opportunity to
exercise those qualities as well.
Think about the CHARACTERISTIC of PATIENCE. Have you
ever heard anyone say, Give me patience, and give it to me
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EFFECT.
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there is no god.
These verses show that GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING, that HE IS
THE FIRST GOD AND THE LAST GOD, AND BESIDES HIM, THERE IS NO
GOD. Since he knows everything, and knows that there is no other
God, then according to the Bible there cant be another God who
created Him. These are very specific claims. As you will see in the
next section on the evidences for the Bible being from God; if the
Bible shows evidence that it is from God, and true, and the above
verses are in the Bible, then the above verses are by default, true.
Who Created God?
www.gotquestions.org/who-created-God.html
http://christiananswers.net/q-aig/aig-c039.html
www.comereason.org/exst_god/exs010.asp
http://whocreatedgod.net/
www.compellingtruth.org/who-created-God.html
www.doesgodexist.org/Pamphlets/WhoCreatedGod.html
the FIRST CAUSE. The logical conclusion would be that God was
there at the beginning, and he has provided information about the
beginning.
If we think about the Atheist belief that there is no God, and
the proof that the universe came into existence in the past, the
logical conclusion is the entire universe came about out of nothing,
with no help whatsoever. A direct statement that illustrates this
effectively is, Nothing times nothing equals everything. This
is a theory actually promoted by some Atheistic physicists, that
quantum physics could generate something coming out of nothing.
One particular example is a recent book by Steven Hawking.
In it Hawking claims that with gravity the universe will come into
existence on its own, so there is no need for God. But doesnt that
ultimately mean that you have either eternal God or eternal gravity?
This would also apply to anything else any scientist indicates could
bring the universe into existence without God. If gravity has always
existed then were faced with the question, Where did gravity
come from? The existence of ETERNAL GRAVITY doesnt qualify
as NOTHING existing at the beginning as some will claimed.
John Lennox illustrates a major problem with this theory
using a JET ENGINE. He states that the laws of physics can describe
HOW a jet engine works, but it doesnt answer WHY the jet engine
exists. LAWS may be able to answer the HOW question dealing with
function, but they can't describe WHY the jet engine was invented.
John Lennox indicates that even with physics and the inventors
mind you still need matter. He states, Matter is humble stuff, but
it cannot be produced by laws". I believe John Lennox also made
the following quote which provides an additional illustration for this
idea, Science nor scientific theory didn't, in fact couldn't have
brought the universe into existence. The sun rises in the east
and sets in the west, but science can't cause the movement of
the sun.
When considering the evidence that the universe had a
beginning, and then looking at the two options that there is a God
or there is no God, which option is more logical to believe?
Remember, dont choose based upon what is more popular or what
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you might really want or prefer. Choose what the most logical
conclusion based on the evidence.
A Matter of Gravity - Prof John Lennox
This answers the challenge of Stephen Hawking
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xy4gMVlUCE
Bethinking 2/6: John Lennox on Stephen Hawking's "The Grand Design"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eHfhbP1K_4
Why Do Some Physicists Talk Nonsense about Nothing?
http://maverickphilosopher.typepad.com/maverick_philoso
pher/2012/01/why-do-physicists-talk-nonsense.html
Ravi Zacharias Answers Stephen Hawking Parts 1 and 2
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wMyMmjPgLs
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHUh9S6Kg7Y
* THE BIBLE
As previously indicated, the Bible is one of over 20 religious
works claiming to be inspired by God. There are the Hindu Vedas,
the Quran, the Book of Mormon, etc. If the evidence proves the
Bible as actually being from God, any other religious book which
contradicts the Bibles teachings is automatically false and not from
God.
One of the ways bank tellers are trained to spot forgeries is
by handling authentic currency. They handle so much currency that
they become VERY familiar with it; with its feel, thickness, scent,
sound, etc. They become so familiar with the authentic that when a
forged bill just passes over their fingertips, the teller knows
immediately. They dont need to be trained in all the forgery
techniques, they just need to be VERY familiar with the authentic.
www.bankersonline.com/security/gurus_sec1001d.html
This is why in this guide, we will primarily look at the
evidences for the Bible and not so much the specific challenges to
the bible nor specific differences between Christianity and other
religions. Similar to truth being applied in the previous examples, if
the Bible is proven to be from God, any other book claiming to be
from God and contradicting the Bible is automatically false. This
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doesnt mean that these books dont contain ANY truth, but if the
Bible is from God, and doesnt have error, and these other volumes
contradict the Bible in areas, that means that these other volumes
have errors and cant be from God. For further study on the
differences between Christianity and other religions, check this link:
www.patheos.com/Library/Lenses/Side-By-Side. This will allow
you to compare the teachings of different religions side-by-side.
While we wont be covering most other religions in any
detail, it is important to address the claim some people make. The
claim is that most religions are basically the same, so what is the
real issue? After all, they all teach a belief in god, right? The
following links will give much greater insight into this idea. Greg
Koukl uses the illustration of aspirin and arsenic. He states that
while they are both white and come in powdered form, it is not the
similarities but the differences that matter.
The Christian Story Greg Koukl
www.str.org/articles/the-christian-story
When studying religions, the point is not to focus on the things that are
similar because its the differences that really matter. Greg Koukl
Arent All Religions the Same?
http://revstephenj.com/2014/05/22/arent-all-religions-the-same
Religious Stew
www.equip.org/articles/religious-stew
All Religions Are Basically the Same
www.str.org/blog/all-religions-are-basically-the-same
Some of the main challenges to the Bible are the supposed
contradictions in it. If you are interested in finding out about many
of the supposed contradictions in the Bible and answers to those
contradictions, go here: http://defendinginerrancy.com/bibledifficulties
The answers to these contradictions, combined with all the
evidences presented in this guide should go a long way toward
answering the challenges raised against the Bible.
Remember the concept of TRUTH, that if something can be
proven true, anything that contradicts it is automatically false. If the
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Bible proves to be true, you can have confidence in it. And even if
you dont have an answer to a challenge someone might make, you
can have confidence that there is an answer.
If you look at the evidence supporting the Bible and apply
the same standards to any other religious book, you will see the
tremendous amount of evidence in support of the Bible, which is
lacking in any other book claiming to be from God and which
contradicts the Bible.
The evidences for Bible being from God which we will briefly
examine are in four areas:
1. Archeological Evidences: The accuracy of history, places, and
people indicated.
2. Prophesy and Statistics: The probability of predicting the
future, with very specific details.
3. Manuscript Evidence: The evidence for the credibility of the
original documents, and the consistency of those documents.
4. Scientific Evidences: The scientific accuracy of historical
writings. Verifiable scientific principals are indicated, and
scientific concepts are described accurately well in advance of
them being discovered through more modern scientific
observations.
How Accurate is the Bible?
https://bible.org/article/how-accurate-bible
Is the Bible Fact or Fiction? Josh McDowell
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvNdqyrOVls
* Archaeological Evidences: Nelson Glueck is a renowned
Jewish archaeologist. He wrote: "It may be stated categorically
that no archaeological discovery has ever invalidated a biblical
reference."
http://christiananswers.net/archaeology
www.bibleevidences.com/archeology.htm
www.faithfacts.org/search-for-truth/maps/archaeologicaland-external-evidence
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Date
Written
Homer (Iliad)
900 B.C.
400 BC
500 yrs.
643
95%
Herodotus
480-425 BC
900 AD
1300 yrs.
Thucydides
460-400 BC
900 AD
1300 yrs.
Plato
427-347 BC
900 AD
1200 yrs.
384-322 BC 1100AD
1400 yrs.
49
Pliny
61-113 AD
850 AD
750 yrs.
Suetonius
75-160 AD
950 AD
800 yrs.
New
Testament
50-100 AD
130 AD
Less than
100 years
24,000+
99.5%
Aristotle
Accuracy
of Copies
ATOMIC STRUCTURE:
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was
created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out
of things that are visible.
This is an accurate description of the atomic structure of
matter, and was written 2000 years ago. The electron microscope,
necessary to view a molecule or atom, wasnt invented until 1930.
www.inplainsite.org/html/scientific_facts_in_the_bible.html
(In the Earth section)
BLOOD REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN LIFE:
Leviticus 17:11 The life of the flesh is in the blood
This was written 3000 years ago. Even up to almost 1800,
sick people would be BLED to resolve IMBALANCES, sometimes
resulting in death.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodletting
THE VAST NUMBER OF STARS:
Jeremiah 33:22 I will make the descendants of David my servant
WATER EVAPORATION:
Job 36:27 He draws up the drops of water, which distill as rain to
the streams
Nils Wallerius 1706-1764 was a Swedish physicist,
philosopher and theologian. He was one of the first scientists to
study and document the characteristics of evaporation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nils_Wallerius
GENETIC CLASSIFICATION:
Genesis 1:21-31 v21 So God created . . . and every living thing
. . . according to their kinds, and every winged bird according
to its kind. v24 . . . according to their kinds . . . each according
to its kind. v25 God made the wild animals according to their
kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the
creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds.
The modern science of genetics, seeking to
understand this process, began with the work of Gregor
Mendel in the mid-19th century
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetics
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the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you
will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change
them like a robe, and they will pass away
Isaiah 51:6 . . . for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will
wear out like a garment,
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words
will not pass away.
Nicolas Lonard Sadi Carnot 1796 1832 was a French
military engineer and physicist, often described as the
"The Father of Thermodynamics"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_L%C3%A9onard_Sadi
_Carnot
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profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped
for every good work.
It is clear through this verse and the confirmation of the
different evidences, (Scientific, Archaeological, etc.), that the Bible
contains all we need to know, and is the ONLY reference proving to
be from God and necessary to answer the important questions
concerning God, our lives, our eternal destination, etc. There are
some religions which consider the Bible authoritative, but they use
a slightly changed Bible, or consider other works on the same level
of authority as well to support their unbiblical teachings. This verse
shows that this is not the position of God. If we think about it
logically, isnt it foolish to think that this God who is outside of time,
who has created 100 billion galaxies out of nothing, etc. would have
left anything necessary out of the book which He has provided.
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Matthew 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass
away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is
accomplished.
John 10:35b Jesus answered them ". . . to whom the word of God
man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the
Holy Spirit.
INERRANCY OF THE BIBLE ADDITIONAL VERSES
www.openbible.info/topics/inerrancy_of_the_bible
The Bible is described as the Word of God, is truth, is
profitable for teaching . . . for every good work, cannot be
broken and will stand forever. The God of the universe knows
everything, created all 100 billion galaxies out of nothing, and is
outside of time. If this amazing God has provided this incredible
resource for us, should we conclude that He is also able to keep it
the way that he has promised? Of course we can!
If you are not familiar with the word INERRANCY, it has to do with
ERROR. www.thefreedictionary.com defines INERRANCY as: Freedom
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BIBLE ACCURACY
www.4truth.net/accuracy
Here is Norman Geislers presentation at the VERITAS 2014 NATIONAL
APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE:
ACTS 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in
Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining
the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.
My intention in including this section is that you will be aware
of what is being taught in evangelical seminaries, especially if you
are planning on going into ministry and attending one of these
seminaries. Most of these seminaries were originally started as an
answer to this CHALLENGE TO THE INERRANCY OF THE BIBLE back in
1914-15. 100 years later, this challenge to inerrancy is being
advanced now at these very seminaries.
I highly recommend David Farnells presentation on this subject:
* JESUS
If the Bible proves itself as the only book truly inspired by
God, we can trust in everything written there. One of the proofs that
the Bible is inspired is PROPHESY. Fulfilled prophesy is a proof
exclusive to the Bible. No other book claiming to be from God has
the evidence of detailed prophetic fulfillment that the Bible does.
The following site compares prophesies between the Bible
and the Quran
The Qur'an (Koran) vs. The Bible: Predictions of human actions show
which one is truly from God
http://worldview3.50webs.com/quranvbible.html
Below are just a few of the over 300 specific prophesies
written in the old testament just about Jesus Christ during his life
and death. He fulfilled all of them!
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have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from all sin.
The 1st Corinthians verse above clearly shows that without
Christs resurrection, our sins are not forgiven and others should
pity us. Jesus resurrection is one of the most important events in
the Bible. Hebrews 9:22, 10:19 and 1 John 1:7, show that only the
shedding of blood of Jesus forgives and cleanses us from sin.
Dont these two verses seem to contradict each other? One
verse indicates RESURRECTION is necessary while the other
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to tell this to no one, saying, The Son of Man must suffer many
things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes,
and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
Do you see how these two verses actually work together?
Jesus resurrection three days after dying on the cross proves that
He is God. And his dying on the cross shows that he paid the price
for our sin using his own blood. His prediction about His
resurrection was also true.
Evidence for the Resurrection Josh McDowell
www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/josh2.html
There are those who challenge the validity of the Bible,
because of supposed contradictions similar to this one. Some want
the bible to be false so that they can feel more confident in their
belief that there is no reason to believe in the existence of God.
The supposed contradictions are proof to them that the Bible
has errors, and cant be from God. They therefore dont try to find
an answer for the supposed contradiction because an answer
would conflict with what theyve already decided to believe. The
supposed contradictions confirm their worldview.
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www.thepoachedegg.net/the-poached-egg/2014/02/allegedbible-contradictions-5-questions-to-ask-before-youanswer-objections.html
When all the evidence is considered, it is not difficult to
come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ is who the Bible says, and
who He claimed to be, God in human flesh. Considering the
evidences demonstrating fairly conclusively the truth that Jesus is
God, do you want to be one who chooses to ignore these evidences
and the implications of rejecting His payment for your sin?
SITES ON JESUS:
The Real Face of Jesus Amazing documentary on the Shroud of Turin!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNJPJ4JwHeE
If you find the video has been pulled,
do a Bing video search for THE REAL FACE OF JESUS
Other Sites With Evidence About Jesus
www.allaboutgod.com/is-jesus-god.htm
www.christiananswers.net/jesus/home.html
www.everystudent.com/menus/jesus.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcJ9i_apd_E
www.jesusevidence.org
www.risenjesus.com/top-10-myths-about-jesusresurrection
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay_Db4RwZ_M
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iyxR8uE9GQ
One more point. There are some who believe that Jesus
never died and so He could never have been resurrected. They
conclude that, There cant be a resurrection from the dead, if
the body never died. This belief ignores a few major facts:
Rome had been performing crucifixions as a capital
punishment for hundreds of years. They were experts at
performing crucifixions, and wouldnt have made the
mistake of allowing someone to survive the ordeal.
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160
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* THE TRINITY
This is one of the doctrines of the Bible which most will admit
is difficult to understand. This lack of understanding has caused
some to determine that it cant be true. The fact is that we will never
fully understanding the doctrine. Even so, we can accept it if it is
true even if we dont understand it. As we will see, TRUTH is not
determined by our UNDERSTANDING of something.
Christianity teaches that Jesus is one of three persons of the
TRINITY, also referred to as the GODHEAD. Jesus is co-equal with
God the Father and also God the Holy Spirit. However, each of the
Persons of the Godhead have different roles.
Some claim that the Trinity isnt a Biblical concept because
the word TRINITY is not found in the Bible. It is true that the word
TRINITY is not found in the Bible. The term MONOTHEISM isnt
found in the Bible either, but few would deny that MONOTHEISM is
clearly taught in the Bible. Like Monotheism, if the concept of the
TRINITY is taught, does it really matter that the Bible doesnt use a
particular word to describe the concept?
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it.
baptizing them in the name [singular] of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. [plural]
We are not baptizing in multiple names, but ONE NAME.
There is but one God and Lord to baptize in the name of.
But we are also to baptize in the one name of the threeperson Lord Father, Son and Spirit.
1 John 5:7 For there are three who bear witness in heaven: the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one.
This verse states the concept clearly.
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Amen.
This verse gives us a glimpse into the different rolls the persons
of the Trinity take.
saw it and was glad. The Jews said to Him, You are not yet fifty
years old, and have You seen Abraham? Jesus said to them, Most
assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.
This shows that Jesus existed as God before his human life,
and also referencing God speaking to Moses in Exodus 3:14:
Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, I am who I am. And he said,
Say this to the people of Israel, I am has sent me to you.
Hebrews 1:8 But of the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is
forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your
kingdom.
God the Father refers to the Son as O God, and that the
Son has a kingdom.
Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and
forever.
This verse shows that Jesus Christ doesnt change. God the
Father doesnt change. Being that Christ doesnt change,
both He and the Father are God.
heart to lie to the Holy Spirit . . . You have not lied to man but to
God.
Lying to the Holy Spirit is the same as lying to God
2 Corinthians 3:17 "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the
in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the
church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
The Spirit is capable of MAKING.
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Acts 8:29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and overtake
this chariot.'
Acts 10:19 And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit
said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you.
The Spirit is capable of COMMUNICATING
Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by
send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your
remembrance all that I have said to you.
The Spirit is capable of TEACHING
John 16:12-15 I still have many things to say to you, but you
cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide
you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority,
but whatever he hears he will speak"
The Spirit is capable of GUIDING and has his own authority
Hebrews 10:29 ". . . and has insulted the Spirit of grace?"
The Spirit is capable of BEING INSULTED
These verses clearly teach the concept of the Trinity; that
there are three distinct Persons in the Godhead, and that there is
only one God. Each Person is not the other person, yet they are all
the one God. The truth of this concept is not based upon our
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Taiwan:www.thefreelibrary.com/Pentecost+of+the+Hills+i
n+Taiwan%3a+The+Christian+Faith+Among+the...a060138400 Check the last paragraph of the article.
Maraland:
Check the section Literature work and Bible translation.
Ghana:www.thefreelibrary.com/%22Obstinate%22+pastor+
and+pioneer+historian%3a+the+impact+of+Basel
+Mission...-a0197989375
Check the section Ideas on African Languages and the "Nation"
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Jesus Christ, as only God can forgive sin, and only Jesus Christ
offered the necessary sacrifice to pay for sin.
Considering again the objection raised of the deaths by
Christianity through history, it is absolutely tragic that 10 deaths,
much less 1,000,000+ deaths, are attributed to those who have
caused them in the name of Christianity. It is important however to
consider the teachings of Jesus, and then compare His teachings
to the actions of these individuals who killed IN THE NAME OF GOD.
Can one truly claim to act In the name of God, when they are
acting opposite the teachings of Christ?
This link shows the facts of the Crusades,
www.inplainsite.org/html/atheism_or_christianity.html
The same site answers many of the Barriers to Faith
www.inplainsite.org/html/Page3a_barriers_to_faith.html
I asked the question earlier, Isnt one measure of a beliefsystem, the actual benefits of that belief-system? If we were
to consider the same question in regards to other belief systems
and whether or not they have been a benefit to the world, what do
the facts show? The first link above exposes the lie of MILLIONS AND
MILLIONS OF PEOPLE DYING because of Christianity, and shows the
real influence on the world that the philosophies of Atheism and
Secularism have had.
Many non-Christians claim that the deaths caused in the
Salem Witch Trials and the Inquisitions, were done to force the
spread of Christianity, or because the persons being killed violated
Christian standards. Because of this, they claim that Christianity is
the cause of the deaths.
Some non-Christians object to claim that the deaths caused
by Hitler, Mao, Stalin, and others were caused because of Atheism.
They believe that since the murders werent committed to forward
Atheism, the deaths shouldnt be attributed to Atheism.
Is it reasonable to conclude that Christianity is responsible
for the deaths blamed on it when the deaths are caused by those
working in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ, but not
conclude that Atheism is responsible for the deaths which
happened under Atheistic and Secular leaders living consistently
with the philosophies of atheism and secularism?
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all wrongs.
Matthew 22:3739 Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the LORD
your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is
like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this that he lay down
see how the benefits indicated earlier are quite consistent with the
teachings of Christianity.
What about Atheism? Some non-Christians will object that
Atheism isnt a religion and shouldnt be considered. It is a philosophy
though, like Christianity, which makes it valid to consider in reference
to the deaths in history. With no book similar to the Bible to quote from
we are limited to the observation of the events in the world which are
consistent with the teachings of the philosophy itself. The philosophy
of Atheism when taken to its logical conclusion is that without God,
nothing is evil nor prohibited. Once again, Atheists can and do live
moral lives, but without God there is no foundation for Atheistic
morality.
What is atheism?http://carm.org/what-is-atheism
When we consider the philosophy of Atheism, and then look
at the actions of Marx, Stalin, Lenin, Mao Zedong, and Pol Pot in
history, is this philosophy consistent with the actions of these
leaders? Lets look at the events in history.
Think back to the WORLDVIEW section. People usually act
consistent with their worldview or philosophy and a person doesnt
need to have intentionally determined to push their worldview.
Their actions give insight to their motivations, and are the evidence
of their true worldview.
Atheism has no OBJECTIVE foundation for right of wrong. As
such, while most Atheists live according to a moral standard they
have determined (SUBJECTIVE), there is no foundation for an
absolute morality in Atheism. Some leaders in history who hold to
an Atheistic worldview have lived consistent with the belief that
there is no God or morality. Killing is a means to an end, and in
some instances in history, the killing of millions of people. Many
were killed because of their belief that there was a God and many
were not. Either way, killing millions of people toward an end is
consistent with an Atheist philosophy and not a Christian
philosophy. And this is regardless of whether Atheism is promoted
or not.
Atheism / Secularism Influence on Life
www.missiontoamerica.org/faith/atheism-influence-onlife.html
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investing time with in this life. Do you love your friends and loved
ones enough to share this knowledge with them? Do you hesitate
sharing with others, and instead hope that someone else might
share Christs gift of salvation?
I believe the main reason that many of us avoid sharing
Christs gift of salvation is because many of us dont know how to
talk with others without feeling unprepared. Many of us hesitate to
share because we feel the person we want to share with will ask us
questions we wont be able to answer. If this describes the
hesitation you have, I know how you feel. I have been there too,
but because of the methods developed by others included in this
section, I have a much greater confidence in being able to raise the
important questions most people dont bother to consider.
I believe the information in this guide will give you much
greater confidence too, not only in your knowledge of Christianity
and your confidence in its truths, but also in your ability to share the
truths of Christianity with others. This section of this guide covers
two aspects to sharing the truths of Christianity which will increase
your confidence and effectiveness in sharing with others.
The first part is the method taught by The Way of The
Master ministry. Youve already seen this method used in the
SELF-CHECK section. It is one of the most effective techniques Ive
seen to bring a person to the realization of their sinfulness and need
for a Savior. The second part deals with being able to respond to
questions and challenges in a conversation. As mentioned earlier,
often a challenger doesnt realize that their question or challenge
has logical inconsistencies. This method allows you to guide the
conversation and show the logical inconsistencies of the challenge
without the other person feeling insulted.
persuade people of their need for a Savior. Ray and Kirk Cameron
demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in videos on their
website: www.wayofthemaster.com/watchwitnessing.shtml.
One video I think is of particular importance to watch is the
one with Kirk Cameron talking to the Santa Monica Gang Members.
It can be viewed at the above link and also on YouTube at:
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* TACTICS
The second aspect of sharing the truths of Christianity is
based upon the TACTICS IN DEFENDING THE FAITH resource by Greg
Koukl. It comes from his DVD by the same title, and his book,
TACTICS: A GAME PLAN FOR DISCUSSION YOUR CHRISTIAN CONVICTIONS.
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Trinity
Anointing
Born Again
Repent
Fellowshipping
Love Gift/Offering
The Word - The Bible
Ask Jesus into your heart
Verse 22b: I have become all things to all people so that by all
possible means I might save some.
Whenever possible, we should make our message as easy
to understand as possible to others we speak with.
How NOT to Speak Christianese
http://evangelism.intervarsity.org/how/conversation/how-notspeak-christianese
Here are a few sites defining many of these terms/phrases
that can confuse people we talk with. It might be a good exercise
to see if you can come up with your own way of describe these
terms and phrases so that you can better communicate to those
you want to reach.
www.genuineleatherbible.net/2012/religious-terms-thatconfuse-non-christians
www.aboundingjoy.com/Bible%20studies/terminology.htm
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Can you see that this is part of the persons worldview, that
there cant be a God who created them and then holds them
responsible for the sin they commit? They are basing what they
believe on their worldview, their likes and dislikes rather than
evidences. They are expressing a subjective view of truth. As
shown in the TRUTH section, the real truth of something has nothing
to do with what we like or dislike, what were confident about, or
what is popular.
In other areas of our lives, if we have evidence but we dont
like the conclusion the evidence determines, do we say that we just
dont believe the conclusion because we dont like it? Across the
country there are thousands of inmates who are serving time in
prisons because the evidence brought during their trial proved their
guilt. They are sitting in a prison cell, even though they didnt
LIKE the consequences of the truth indicated by the evidence.
Another possible reason for my friends objection is that they
dont understand how a loving God would allow this
situation. Theyve already concluded that if God would do this then
God isnt loving as Christians claim. Looking back to the TRUTH
section, truth again is also not based upon whether we understand
something or not. How many things would cease to exist if they
depended on everyones understanding of them? Nuclear reactors,
the space shuttle, Wi-Fi, internal combustion engines, etc. would all
cease to exist. If we dont understand something, is it possible that
we dont have all the information and that we havent considered
that additional information? And are we willing to consider
additional information?
As was indicated earlier, God being all-powerful doesnt
mean that God can violate the laws of logic. God has all the power
to do anything that power requires. However, regardless of how
much power God has He cant make a square circle. So could our
sin nature be one of the inevitable realities of being created with
FREE WILL? And if God knows everything and chose to create us
with a free will so that we could freely choose to love and worship
Him, He also knew creating us with this choice would require the
brutal death of His Son on the cross.
When we ask the following question, we focus on ourselves.
Why God would create us knowing we would sin?
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GOD IS GOOD:
Luke 18:19 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good?
GOD IS UNCHANGEABLE:
Malachi 3:6 For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O
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Since God does not change, his promises will never change. His
love for us will never change, and his judgment on sin will never
change. We can fully rely Gods promises.
GOD
Who is this statement focusing on, God or us? There are 2 Is and
2 Mes. Again, ITS NOT ABOUT US. For us to ask a question like
this only focuses on ourselves. It may be sincere but it isnt looking
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* MORMONISM
Mormonism teaches a Father God, Jesus Christ, and a Holy
Spirit. They teach on sin, salvation, and atonement, and use many
terms similar to Christianity. Mormonism also has the name of
JESUS CHRIST in the full name of the church. This is where the
abbreviation LDS originates, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF
LATTER DAY SAINTS. It is important to realize that just because the
same name or terminology is used doesnt mean that a religion has
the same meaning for that name or the terminology used.
Mormons may feel that they are being persecuted by those
who point out specifics about the Mormon religion which are
inconsistent with Christian teachings. Since this Criticism issue is
raised by Mormons, we should consider the original Mormon
criticisms of Christian churches. This link clearly shows the
criticisms of Christianity raised by the founding and influential
members of the Mormon Church and that it began long before
teachings of Mormonism were challenged.
BOOK OF MORMON
www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng Current
https://archive.org/details/bookmormon01smitgoog 1840 version
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc?lang=eng
http://sacred-texts.com/mor/dc/index.htm
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp?lang=eng Current
https://archive.org/details/pearlofgreatpric00hall 1867 version
MORMON DOCTRINE - Bruce R. McConkie
www.josephsmithacademy.org/inspira/ebooks/mormon-doctrine
JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES
http://journalofdiscourses.com
As man now is, God once was; as God is now man may be.
http://www.mrm.org/lorenzo-snow-couplet
"God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits
enthroned in yonder heavens!"
KING FOLLETT DISCOURSE - 3rd Section - GOD IS AN EXALTED MAN
www.lds.org/ensign/1971/04/the-king-follett-sermon?lang=eng
"Here, then, is eternal lifeto know the only wise and true God; and you
have got to learn how to be gods yourselves"
KING FOLLETT DISCOURSE 4th Section - ETERNAL LIFE TO KNOW GOD AND JESUS CHRIST
www.lds.org/ensign/1971/04/the-king-follett-sermon?lang=eng
Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are
only one God! I say that is a strange God anyhowthree in one, and one in
three! It is a curious organization All are to be crammed into one God,
according to sectarianism. It would make the biggest God in all the world.
He would be a wonderfully big God he would be a giant or a monster
TEACHINGS OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH - p. 372
http://scriptures.byu.edu/tpjs/STPJS.pdf
"We cannot remember that Lucifer, a son of God the Father, a brother of Jesus
Christ, rebelled against Gods plan" Robert D. Hales - Presiding Bishop
THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD: RETURN WITH HONOR - Paragraph 3
www.lds.org/general-conference/1990/04/the-aaronicpriesthood-return-withhonor?lang=eng&query=aaronic+priesthood%3a+return+
with+honor
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"It is the Devil, the mighty Lucifer, the great prince of the angels, the
brother of Jesus"
http://journalofdiscourses.com/6/31 - Paragraph 12
no less a person than Jesus Christ was married on that occasion
http://journalofdiscourses.com/4/49 - Paragraph 11
We say it was Jesus Christ who was married
http://journalofdiscourses.com/2/18 - Paragraphs 34 and 35
"The Christian world, so called, are heathens as to their knowledge of the
salvation of God" - Brigham Young
http://journalofdiscourses.com/8/44 - Paragraph 3
We know that it is by grace that we are saved AFTER ALL WE CAN DO
www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/25?lang=eng - 2 Nephi 25:23
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly;
we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God."
www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1.8?lang=eng Articles of Faith 1:8
The Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible, and also
contradicts other inspired Mormon works.
THE BOOK OF MORMON VS THE BIBLE
www.equip.org/article/the-book-of-mormon-vs-thebible/#christian-books-2
THE BOOK OF MORMON CONTRADICTS ITSELF, OTHER INSPIRED
MORMON WRITINGS AND CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE!
www.bible.ca/mor-contradictions.htm
BIBLE AND BOOK OF MORMON CONTRADICTIONS
www.utlm.org/onlineresources/bibleandbomcontradictions.htm
THE BIBLE OR THE BOOK OF MORMON?
www.str.org/articles/the-bible-or-the-book-of-mormon
This link also answers the Mormon claim:
We believe in the Bible insofar as it has been translated correctly.
Consider prophesies made by Mormon leaders. God
indicates that fulfilled prophesy is one of the verifications as to
whether those prophesying are speaking for God or not. If the
prophesy does not come true, the one making the prophesy is not
speaking for God.
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the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message
the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken
presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."
1 John instructs us to test any prophecy claiming to be from God.
1 John 4:1 "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the
spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false
prophets have gone out into the world."
What was the punishment in the Old Testament for a false
prophet?
Deuteronomy 18:20 "But the prophet who presumes to speak a
https://byustudies.byu.edu/hc/5/21.html#HOC
SUMMARY OF VOL.5 IN THE INTRODUCTION REFERENCES THE YEAR 1842
https://byustudies.byu.edu/hc/hcpgs/hc.aspx
https://byustudies.byu.edu/hc/2/14.html#HOC
SUMMARY OF VOL.2 IN THE INTRODUCTION REFERENCES THE YEAR 1837
https://byustudies.byu.edu/hc/hcpgs/hc.aspx
SITES SHOWING FAILED PROPHESIES
https://carm.org/false-prophecies-of-joseph-smith
http://saintsalive.com/resourcelibrary/mormonism/testing-theprophecies-of-joseph-smithhttp://mit.irr.org/failed-prophecies-of-joseph-smith
www.exmormon.org/prophet.htm
www.utlm.org/onlineresources/falseprophecies.htm
Again, I have no criticism of the Mormon people or their
sincerity and dedication. I bring this information to light because of
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MORMONISM
www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?currSection=sermonst
opic&keyword=Mormon&keyworddesc=Mormonism
MORMONISM
www.towertotruth.net/Mormon/mormon_main.htm
MORMONISM
www.towertotruth.net/audio.htm#mormon
* JEHOVAHS WITNESS
Jehovahs Witnesses like Mormons are very sincere in their
beliefs. We commend them for their dedication to what they believe
as the truth. As with Mormons, we do not challenge the dedication
and sincerity of Jehovahs Witnesses. We challenge the teachings
of the organization as those teachings compare to the ESSENTIALS
OF CHRISTIANITY. We want to focus on the truths of the teachings,
not the sincerity of those who hold these beliefs. I stress again that
TRUTH is not determined by our SINCERITY or DEDICATION.
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THE TRINITY
The Jehovahs Witness Religion rejects the teaching of the
Trinity, as evidenced by quotations from two of the religions leaders.
How strange that any should attempt to misuse and
pervert these our Lords words, to make them support the
unreasonable and unscriptural doctrine of a Trinity, three
Gods in one person. (Atonement Between God and Man/
Studies In The Scriptures Vol. 5, page 76, 1912) Charles Taze
Russell
http://jehovah.net.au/books/5-The-At-one-ment-BetweenGod-and-Man-1.11Mb.pdf
That there are three gods in one; God the Father, God the
Son, God the Holy Spirit, all there equal in power,
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to lie to the Holy Spirit . . . You have not lied to man but to God.
The Holy Spirit can be lied to and is also referred to as God.
2 Cor 13:14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance
all that I said to you." (He not it)
The Holy Spirit can teach.
John 16:13-15 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide
you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative,
but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you
what is to come. He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and
shall disclose it to you.
The Holy Spirit can guide, speak, and disclose.
Romans 8:27 "And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of
the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to
the will of God."
The Holy Spirit can intercede.
Even Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as Him and not It.
John 16:7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage
that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to
you. But if I go, I will send HIM to you.
Do these verses seem to describe a person or an impersonal force,
and does this verse give at least one name to the Holy Spirit, the
Helper?
Consider also the verses which describe God both in the
singular and the plural. These verses demonstrate the concept of
the One God being composed of the three persons.
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baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit" "Baptize in the name" singular, not "names" plural
It is important to stress again the command of the Bible, and
also the emphasis the Bible places on itself as the only true
authority to best learn the characteristics of God.
2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God a workman
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The author
conclusion?
then
asks
What
is
the
reasonable
In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God,
and the Word was a god." John 1:1 New World Translation
Jehovahs Witness teaching is that Jesus is not Jehovah
God. He is a separate and lesser god. They teach that Jesus was
actually created and was Michael the Archangel before his earthly
existence, and they also teach that he is savior.
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that ONLY Mary Magdalene visited the tomb. Mary Magdalene was
the only woman John references, not the only woman there.
In the same way, Jesus was there at the beginning, but the
Bible never claims that Jesus didnt exist until the beginning of time.
If this reference to THE BEGINNING means the beginning of time then
even Almighty God would have been there also, because He
already existed before the beginning of time. By the authors
reasoning, if Jehovah God was there at the beginning He couldnt
then be eternal. This isnt a logical conclusion.
Now look at the NEW WORLD TRANSLATION of Colossians 1:16,
Colossians 1:16 because by means of him all OTHER things were
son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means,
God with us).
Hebrews 1:8 But of the Son He (God) says, Your throne, O
true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life.
Colossians 2:9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells
bodily
John 20:28 Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God!
Isaiah 10:20-21 In that day the remnant of Israel and the
holy angels.
John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence
with the glory that I had with You before the world existed.
If God does not share His glory with any other, and Jesus
wasnt God, the previous verses would not be logical. The
only way that the previous verses are logical is if Jesus Christ
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is the same God as God the Father, and that Jesus Christ
and God are separate persons.
Again, when Jesus Christ took on His human nature, it
limited his attributes as God. JOHN 17:5 illustrates this, and that
Christ would once again be glorified as He had before.
If Jesus is God, it is acceptable for Him to not only request
Glory He indicates that He had, it is also fully acceptable for Him to
receive glory, and thus, does not contradict the verses stating that
God will not give His glory to another.
THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT ONLY GOD IS TO BE WORSHIPPED.
Exodus 34:14 "for you shall worship no other god, for the
things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship
at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to
me, You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and
your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words
of this book. Worship God. also Revelation 19:10
Even Jesus Stated That Only God Is To Be Worshipped.
Matthew 4:9-11 "And he said to him, All these I will give you,
if you will fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him,
Be gone, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the
Lord your God and him only shall you serve.
Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered him, It is written, You shall
worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.
DOES JESUS ACCEPT WORSHIP AS GOD?
From the angels
Hebrews 1:6 "And again, when he brings the firstborn into the
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give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come,
and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and
the springs of water. (Remind me again, who made everything?)
From everyone eventually
Philippians 2:10-11 so that at the name of Jesus every knee
should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.
DID JESUS RECEIVE WORSHIP AS GOD?
http://letusreason.org/Trin18.htm
JEHOVAHS WITNESS TEACHING ON SALVATION
Jehovahs Witness teach a different doctrine of salvation
than what is taught by Christianity and the Bible. They teach that
there are four requirements to be saved. In the Watchtower February 15, 1983 issue:
1. Taking in knowledge of the true God and of Jesus Christ
2. Obeying Gods laws and conforming to the moral
requirements set by the Bible
3. Being associated with Gods Channel, his organization
. . . To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must
identify that organization and server God as part of it.
4. Showing Loyalty to God
The issue is unavailable online on the Jehovahs Witness website,
but click the Feb 15, 1983 link at this site to see a picture:
www.spiritualhostages.org/questions/what-do-jehovah'switnesses-say-is-required-of-salvation/
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trembling"
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT SALVATION?
The SALVATION section toward the end shows many
aspects of salvation taught in the Bible. These verses in James and
Philippians are part of salvation, but not in the way Jehovahs
Witnesses or Mormons use them. The importance of works is not
in that there is anything we can do for our salvation, as if we could
do anything. The importance of works is that it is one of the
evidences of our decision to accept Christ. There is nothing we can
do to justify our salvation. It is fully and completely the work of
Jesus Christ. Our works dont save us, they ONLY give evidence
of our being saved.
Weve already seen the two following verses. They both
show that God the Father, and Jesus are involved in the work of
Salvation. This make sense as only God can save.
Titus 1:3-4 and at the proper time manifested in his word
www.godandscience.org/cults/savior.html
PROPHESIES BY JEHOVAHS WITNESS ORGANIZATION
As is also consistent with Mormons, Jehovahs Witness
teachings include Prophesies about future events. Considering the
other evidences of the errors of the Jehovahs Witness organization
in this section, in their teachings on the essentials of Christianity,
should we expect that their prophesies will be accurate?
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In this chapter we present the Bible evidence which indicates that six
thousand years from the creation of Adam were complete with A.D. 1874;
and hence that, since A.D. 1872, we are chronologically entered upon the
seventh thousand or the Millennium - the forepart of which, the 'Day of the
Lord,' the 'day of trouble,' is to witness the breaking into pieces of the
kingdoms of this world and the establishment of the Kingdom of God under
the whole heavens. (Charles T. Russell: Studies in the Scriptures vol.2 - The
Time Is At Hand, 1913 ed . p.33)
http://jehovah.net.au/books/2-The-Time-Is-At-Hand-.87Mb.pdf
Does it seem that there has been any breaking into pieces of
the kingdoms of this world and the establishment of the Kingdom of God
under the whole heavens for the past 100+ years?
LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the
LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously.
Do not be afraid of him."
1st John instructs us to test the prophecy claiming to be from God.
1 John 4:1 "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the
spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false
prophets have gone out into the world."
And again, what was the punishment for a false prophet?
Deuteronomy 18:20 "But the prophet who presumes to speak a word
in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who
speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die."
Deuteronomy 13:5 "That prophet or dreamer must be put to death,
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The Bible has proven itself through accuracy over time and
through prophecy. How do the quotes by Charles Taze Russell
compare to the Bibles accuracy?
2 Timothy 3:15-17 from infancy you have known the holy
REVELATION or the entire Bible, can you think of any reason why
any of these works; BOOK OF MORMON, PEARL OF GREAT PRICE,
THE WATCHTOWER, AWAKE, and STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES with
their false prophesies which contradict Biblical Teaching wouldnt
fall under Gods warning of adding to or taking away from? If
these works and failed prophesies qualify, do you really want to be
associated with one of these religions?
We have seen that the Bible teaches that there is only one
God and that God knows everything and knows of no other Gods.
This one and only God doesnt share His glory with any other, and
is the only one to be worshipped. The Bible teaches that Jesus
created everything that has always existed, that He received Glory,
and accepted worship. The Bible also teaches that the Holy Spirit
has personal characteristics with even Jesus referring to the Holy
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WITNESSING TIPS
www.towertotruth.net/witnessing_tips.htm
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
www.towertotruth.net/JW/jw_main.htm
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?keyword=Jehovah%2
7s+Witnesses&selectsearch=
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
www.towertotruth.net/JW/jw_main.htm
* ISLAM
There are significant differences between the doctrines of
Christianity and Islam; in the nature of God as Trinity, the identity of
Jesus Christ, and Salvation. As such, we come back to the concept
of Truth, and again The Law of Non-Contradiction. Remember, two
contradictory concepts/beliefs/ideas cannot both be true at the
same time and in the same way. Since these teachings are
contradictory, if either Christianity or Islam is true, the other is
automatically false. If you have the wrong savior, you dont have a
salvation that works.
This segment on Islam and the following one on Wicca are
the last segments to be added to this guide. Unfortunately due to
obligations and lack of time, I am limited to providing links to
websites on the two religions. My apologies for any inconvenience,
and hopefully these links will provide you with the resources to
sufficiently research the information at your convenience.
You will find likely find duplicated information between some
of the different websites. I believe that seeing the information
presented in the different ways these websites do help to gain a
more complete understanding of the different subjects.
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SITES ON ISLAM
HISTORY OF ISLAM http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Islam
ABOUT ISLAM
www.christiananswers.net/evangelism/beliefs/islam.html
WHAT IS ISLAM? www.truthnet.org/islam/whatisislam.html
HISTORY OF MUHAMMAD & ISLAM
http://bibleprobe.com/muhammad.htm
ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY www.dianedew.com/islam.htm
COMPARISON GRID BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAMIC
DOCTRINE
https://carm.org/comparison-grid-between-christianity-andislamic-doctrine
CONTENDER MINISTRIES ISLAM
http://contenderministries.org/islam.php
THE QUR'AN VS. THE BIBLE
http://worldview3.50webs.com/quranvbible.html
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM: A SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON
www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/Jesus-Muhammad.htm
SCIENTIFIC ERRORS, CONTRADICTIONS, AND INCONSISTENCIES
IN THE QUR'AN
www.faithdefenders.com/articles/worldreligions/Scientific_
Errors_in_the_Quran.html
www.faithdefenders.com/articles/worldreligions/Contardict
ions_and_Inconsistencies_Quran.html
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WITNESSING TO MUSLIMS
www.gotquestions.org/witnessing-Muslims.html
www.livingwaters.com/witnessingtool/howtowitnesstomuslim
s.shtml
http://arabsforchrist.org/witnessing101
http://standupforthetruth.com/2011/08/7-tips-for-witnessingto-muslims
www.equip.org/search/?q=WITNESSING%20TO%20MUSLI
MS
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/OnlineDiscipleship/UnderstandingI
slam/Witnessing_to_Muslims.aspx
https://carm.org/questions-muslims
www.learnthebible.org/witnessing-to-muslims.html
www.answering-islam.org/Christians/index.html
www.answering-islam.org/Gilchrist/Vol1/index.html
http://engagingwithislam.org/training
www.4truth.net/fourtruthpbworld.aspx?pageid=8589953031
http://bibleanswerstodayblog.com/how-to-witness-to-amuslim
http://edrodgers.net/witnessing-to-muslims-using-the-quran
http://216.198.197.57/Truth%20to%20Say%20to%20Muslim
s%20-%20Camel%20Method.htm
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A NEW CONCERN
There is a recent movement of the last decade or so called
the Insider Movement, also referred to as CHRISLAM. From the
description, it looks to offer Muslims the opportunity to come to
Christ, while still holding to Muslim practices and beliefs. The
following will allow you to gain a greater understanding of this
movement, and the concerns voiced by Greg Koukl and others.
www.gotquestions.org/Chrislam.html
www.str.org/Media/Default/Publications/DigitalSG_1112_
New-1.pdf
www.cc.org/blog/presbyterians_boost_new_chrislam_religion
www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/piper-responds-to-theinsider-movement
* WICCA
Wicca, like Islam, doesnt claim to be Christian as the
Mormon and Jehovahs Witness religions do. I have included
Wicca because it is considered by some to be the fastest growing
religion among young people and especially girls. The following
description is from the referenced link, and gives some of the
reasons for its growth:
Wicca is a fast growing religion. Some have said
that it is the fastest growing religion in America. Whether
or not that is true, the fact remains that the number one
source of numbers in the Wiccan ranks, are the young.
In our postmodern world where moral absolutes
are disparaged and truth statements are doubted, Wicca
fits right in. It offers a subjective religious experience that
is aided by your own invention. Wicca is the religion of
nature worship, of gods and goddesses, of spells and
incantations designed to bring influence upon
circumstances and/or people.
Youth sometimes get lost in that transition between
childhood and adulthood, and often do not know what
direction to go to find truth and meaning. But this does not
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WICCA
https://carm.org/wicca
WICCA AND PAGANISM
http://www.christiananswers.net/evangelism/beliefs/wicca
.html
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8. SALVATION
He who created us without our help will not save us
without our consent. Augustine
Christ died for men precisely because men are not worth
dying for; to make them worth it. C.S. Lewis
cross to fulfill the payment penalty for our sin. If we decide to accept
this gift He offers, we will spend eternity in a relationship with Him.
If we dont accept the gift He offers, we will spend eternity in a
location separated from Him. Our desire to live our lives consistent
with Gods desires is the evidence of our having truly accepted his
gift. Will we still fail? Yes, but our desire will be to live for Him.
One of the most important things we can do is to have a
good understanding of the meaning of the words in the Bible.
Misunderstanding the meanings of words in the Bible will cause us
to misunderstand the Bible. When I was young and would ask my
dad what a word meant, he would ask me to read the sentence the
word was in so that he could see how the word was used. Words
frequently have different meanings depending on how they are
used. When you see all the ways a word is used, it gives much
better understanding of that word.
A Concordance is a tool for studying the Bible, which allows
you to see all the verses that contain a particular word. This allows
you to get a very good understanding of the full Biblical meaning of
a word used in the Bible.
Online Concordance: www.biblesuite.com
Another good Bible tool site: www.openbible.info
This section on salvation is similar in that we will look at
many verses which speak to the subject of Salvation, so that we
gain a more complete understanding of the way the Bible means
SALVATION. Like the term TRINITY though, there are verses which
dont use the word SALVATION. Even so, the concept is taught in
the verses. These verses will show why salvation is necessary,
what Christ did to provide it, and how to receive it. I have used a
series of questions Ive wondered about when younger or heard
people ask as the framework to provide the information on the
different aspects of salvation.
I believe that most of us have initially thought that our
Salvation was based upon how GOOD we were, and how many
GOOD WORKS we had done. We initially thought that God would
then weigh our works to see whether our GOOD outweighs our BAD,
and if our GOOD outweighed our BAD, we would go to Heaven.
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with us. These presentations will provide you with greater insight
into this truly Awesome God the Bible communicates to us.
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD LOUIE GIGLIO
www.youtube.com/watch?v=azFFc20_Ub4
INDESCRIBABLE LOUIE GIGLIO
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNgJhuICrVA
To keep things in perspective, Louie Giglios first
presentation just barely covers our own Milky Way Galaxy. The
second presentation expands coverage to a very small area of the
universe. In the Evidences section, I listed a link for the Hubble
Ultra Deep Field. An absolutely breathtaking picture taken of an
area of the sky smaller than the visible moon, showing an incredible
4000 of the 100 Billion Galaxies estimated to exist, with each galaxy
having an average of 100 Billion stars. The creator of this incredible
universe is the God we have offended with our sin. His is the God
the Bible indicates.
Are you starting to feel a little insignificant? Me too. And
yet, as insignificant as we might consider ourselves, this
incomprehensible God loves us so much that He would die on the
Cross to pay the sin debt that we owe.
Do you think of this awe-Inspiring God in the way that these
presentations and the Hubble Ultra Deep Field show Him to be?
According to the Law of Cause and Effect, this God has more
power than the entire Universe, all 100+ billion galaxies of 100+
billion stars in each galaxy, and created it from nothing. He knows
everything and exists everywhere. And to think, he probably
created the entire universe for no other reason than to demonstrate
His power and glory.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
light. God cannot share his presence with sin and so he cannot
exist with us in our current condition because we are sinful. This
is why he provided a way of salvation through Christ, so that we
would have the incredible privilege to spend eternity with him in
heaven.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For our sake God made Christ to be sin who
WHY
WHY
DOES THERE
Some have wondered why God couldnt just forgive our sin.
After all, if he is God, cant he do anything? Remember, just
because God is all powerful this doesnt mean that he can do
anything. Some issues cant be solved by power.
Think about God as a judge. The Bible refers to him as a
RIGHTEOUS JUDGE: Psalm 7:11 God is a righteous judge, and a
God who feels indignation every day. Think for a moment about
someone committing a horrendous crime against you or one of your
loved ones or friends. Now think about the person being caught
and standing before the judge. How would you feel if the judge
decided to let them go without any sentence simply because the
person hadnt done anything wrong before? If the judge released
them would you feel that the judge was a RIGHTEOUS judge or would
you consider them a terrible judge? If God is a righteous judge he
must judge sin and require a penalty, because to not do so would
mean that he wasnt a righteous judge.
An illustration Ive heard as to what Jesus does is that of a
owning a very expensive collectible car in mint condition. Think
about owning such a car. Would you own a classic collectable, or
a new exotic?
Now, suppose you let a friend drive it and they got into a
major accident that caused major body and structural damage?
You can forgive them but what is still required? The car still needs
to be repaired and a payment has to be made to repair that damage.
If you pay for the damage you have effectively paid the debt they
owed.
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IS SIN REALLY THAT BAD, AND WHY DOES GOD HATE SIN?
Isaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between
you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so
that he does not hear.
Sin takes many forms. It can be aggressive as in rape and
murder. It can be passive as when we do not do what is right
and let others suffer. Sin can take the form of
misrepresentation so that such things as adultery is called
an affair, Homosexuality is called an alternative lifestyle,
and abortion is called the right to choose.
http://carm.org/why-god-hates-sin
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God.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through
one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men
because all sinned
The verses indicate NONE and ALL, not many or most. It is
clear that everyone has sinned and has failed to live up to Gods
standard. If there was any doubt of our tendency to sin we need
only look to Adam and Eve in The Garden of Eden, in Genesis. We
see that Adam and Eve failed only having one command to follow.
Genesis 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good
and evil you shall not eat.
They couldnt even do that. They couldnt even follow just one
command. If they couldnt keep from violating just one command
then what hope is there for us to keep most of Gods commands?
No hope at all. Considering this fact as confirmed by the SELFCHECK section, its pretty easy to see that everyone has sinned and
needs salvation.
I believe God has shown us through the example of Adam
and Eve that even if there were only one command, each of us
would eventually violate the command, showing our true need for
his gift of salvation.
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If God knew that Adam and Eve would sin, why did He create them?
http://www.gotquestions.org/if-God-knew-Adam-Evesin.html
Ultimately, God created us to bring glory to himself.
Everything God does, everything He doesnt do, everything He
allows or doesnt allow, is ultimately for His glory. Even the
punishment of sin brings Him Glory, because He is glorified in His
righteousness. He created all 100 billion galaxies out of nothing for
His glory. He has created us for His own glory! And he has
provided the opportunity for salvation to all so that He will be
glorified.
Isaiah 43:6-7 Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the
our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth.
The unfortunate truth, is that since we have free will to
choose or reject God, some will choose to reject Him and His gift.
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someone a gift and as you are handing it to them they try to pay
you for it. Would you feel that their attempt to pay you was a
compliment or an insult? An insult of course!
This is the same with God. If we try to earn the gift he offers,
through our good works, we insult God. We are essentially saying,
Jesus dying on the cross wasnt enough to pay for my sin. I
need to do something. This is the typical human reaction. We
have difficulty accepting something of great value, when its given
without strings or if we havent earned it. If we feel we did
something we feel more worthy of what has been given to us.
Romans 6:23a also states, Eternal life through Jesus Christ our
Lord, and NOT through Jesus Christ our Lord after all we can
do. Since Jesus is God He is the only one qualified to pay the
price for my sin. And since it states through Jesus Christ our Lord
it only applies if Jesus Christ IS our Lord.
James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the
IF JESUS
James 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also
of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.
John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish,
and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
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God not only offers us the gift of salvation but also the
knowledge that if we are truly saved we can be fully confident in that
salvation. If Christ paid an infinite price to guarantee my eternal
destination, God wont let anything affect his investment.
Ive learned that if weve truly accepted Christs payment for
our sin, God gives us the confidence that our salvation is secure.
This way we can quit wasting time worrying about whether or not
we are saved and invest our time reaching others with the message
of Gods gift of salvation.
Salvation means that Christ has paid for our sin.
Unfortunately, in this life, salvation doesnt mean that we no longer
sin. We certainly will sin but our lifestyle wont be to sin.
1 John 1:8-10 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If
we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not
in us.
Christ will forgive us of our sin if we have decided to accept
his gift of salvation, but his forgiveness doesnt necessarily remove
the consequences or our sin. As an example, if a Christian drives
drunk and injures or kills someone Christ will forgive this sin, but the
Christian is still subject to the penalties and punishments of the laws
of the land.
Another saying I like in reference to sin is, Sin will keep
you from the Bible, or the Bible will keep you from sin. Are
you regularly reading your Bible? Also, as 1 John 1:8-10 indicates,
we will all continue to sin. However if we are truly saved God will
not allow us to remain comfortable in our sin.
for him. while we were still sinners this part of the verse shows
that God didnt wait for us to get better. He died for us while we
were still sinners. And He did this knowing that many of those he
died for will never choose to accept Him.
Salvation and the Work of Christ An in-depth study
http://godswordforyou.com/bible-studies/salvation-and-thework-of-christ.html
FORGIVEN EVEN IF
money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is
vanity."
I Am Second - www.iamsecond.com
This site shows individuals who give their video testimonies.
Some are well-known celebrities you may have seen before. They
tell in their testimonies about an issue they dealt with and the pain
caused by that issue, and how God met them and their decision to
turn to him. If you have or are currently experiencing a similar
situation, I hope you find inspiration in their experiences. If Christ
loved you so much to Die on the cross for your sin He wants to
reach you in your situation and provide healing in your pain. All you
need to do is to call to him and ask him.
SO WHAT NOW?
Romans 10:9-10 if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is
Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead,
you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified,
and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
If you are a not a Christian and you have gone through this
guide and particularly this section, you have a decision to make.
You can accept the information and make the decision to accept
the gift Christ offers. Or you can reject Christs gift and Him having
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first priority in your life. Youll continue going in the direction youve
been going, that direction which all of us were headed, which
eventually leads to an eternal separation from him.
God will not force you to choose Him. He has done
everything possible for you to be saved, but the decision is still
yours. If you dont want to spend eternity with God and with Jesus
Christ as your Lord and Savior, he will not force you.
If you have reached the point of making a decision to accept
Christs priceless gift of salvation, and you have chosen to live for
him and not yourself anymore, you can pray the following prayer to
God. It comes from the following webpage. I recommend reading
the entire page. Remember, God knows your heart and motivation
before you pray.
Prayer of Salvation
www.allaboutgod.com/prayer-of-salvation.htm
Father, I know that I have broken your laws
and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly
sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful
life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid
sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ
died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is
alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become
the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from
this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help
me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my
life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Paul Washer states, It doesn't matter whether or not you
know Jesus. It does matter whether or not Jesus knows you.
To better illustrate this, he indicates that it is not a matter of us
going up to the Whitehouse and saying that we know the
President that is what allows us in, it is a matter of the
president saying that he knows us.
When it comes to Salvation, you have only two choices; to
accept the payment Christ made for the sin you have committed
and meet Jesus Christ in this life as Savior, or to try to pay yourself
for the infinite debt owed and meet Christ after this life as a
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CLOSING THOUGHTS
I hope you have found value in the information in this guide
and in the resources listed in the following section and throughout.
If you are a Christian, I hope you now have a better
understanding of the incomprehensible God we worship. I hope
you also have a better understanding of what it means to be a
Christian, and that this guide has helped correct any misinformation
you formerly believed as true. I hope this guide has also shown you
the value of being able to provide evidences for the truths of
Christianity you believe, and that has provided you with a stressfree and skillful method of sharing the Gospel message with others.
I hope you also realize a much greater confidence in what you
believe, and feel that you can be much more capable in defending
your faith to those challenging what you believe, and correcting
misinformation.
If you havent accepted the claims of Christianity, I hope the
information and resources in this guide have shown that Christianity
is worth investigating, not because Christians hope that it is true,
but because of the abundance of evidence to confirm it. If you are
in this last group, I hope this information motivates you to seriously
consider these numerous evidences for the truths of Christianity,
and the implications for your life and where you will spend eternity.
Thank you again for your time in reading through this guide
and considering the information, and may God bless you for it.
Hugo Schraer
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* GROWING AS A CHRISTIAN
As a Christian student you not only need knowledge in what
you believe and why but you also need to have resources to grow as
a Christian. If you are a Christian are you growing? Do you find
yourself at the same maturity level in your walk and knowledge level
on Biblical subjects as you were a year ago? If so, youre probably not
growing.
As Christians, we will never exhaust the knowledge we can
learn, and since God is eternal I believe it will take an eternity to learn
of Him. One of my greatest anticipations when I pass from this life, is
to a great memory too!
As Christians we usually gain the greatest satisfaction when
we are in the will of God, and also being used of God. Jay Wegter
emphasizes in Every Mans Battle Pt1 at 51:12 the character and
qualities of the man God will use.
Every Mans Battle - Jay Wegter
Pt1 www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=32008027544
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Paul Washer: (there are many links to other great sermons by Paul Washer)
The Importance of Prayer for Christians
www.youtube.com/watch?v=53P-L7wu4h0
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* THE BIBLE
Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the
problems men face. Ronald Reagan
"Sin will keep you from this Book or this Book will keep you
from sin" D.L. Moody
"A thorough understanding of the BIBLE is better than a college
education" Theodore Roosevelt
"Here then, is the real problem of our negligence. We fail in our
duty to study God's Word not so much because it is difficult to
understand, no so much because it is dull and boring, but
because it is work. Our problem is not a lack of intelligence or
lack of passion. Our problem is that we are lazy." R.C. Sproul
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www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/?version=esv
NEVER READ A BIBLE VERSE Greg Koukl
http://www.str.org/articles/never-read-a-bible-verse
BIBLE STUDY AND EDUCATION
http://bibleresources.org/how-to-study-bible
www.biblestudy.org
http://biblestudylessons.com
www.biblestudytools.com
www.biblicaltraining.org
www.free-bible-study.org/bible-study-links.html
http://freebibleseminary.net
www.gotquestions.org
www.openbible.info/topics
www.summit.org/resources/summit-lecture-series/archive
www.trinitytheology.org
BIBLE MEMORIZATION
www.pursuinglife.com/biblememory.php
http://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/tips/scripturememorization-11634857.html
www.memverse.com
www.free-online-bible-study.com/memorize-bible-verses.html
GRACE CHAPEL BIBLE INSTITUTE Grace Chapels excellent Bible Class
http://gclancaster.com/index.php/audio-2/serieslist/ministry/8
Gods Promises in the Bible
www.intouch.org/you/gods-promises
www.smilegodlovesyou.org/promises.html
www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/gods-promises.aspx
Devotionals
www.devotionalsforteens.blogspot.com
www.365promises.com
* CHURCH
One of the most important things you can do as a Christian
is to be involved with a Bible believing church which provides solid
teaching of the Bible. Ive heard more than a few Christians state
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* PRAYER
In regards to prayer, you may have thought the following:
If God knows everything and will exercise his will
anyway, what is the purpose in praying?
While there are examples of God answering the prayers of
those in the Bible making requests of Him, you may be surprised to
learn that the purpose of prayer isnt primarily to get what we want.
The primary purpose of prayer is to align our thinking with God, and
keep us focusing on His will rather than our own. It is to show our
reliance on Him and recognize His authority in our lives.
As with anything Biblical, when we look to gain greater
knowledge its important to make sure the information we are
relying on to form our conclusions lines up with the Bible. Acts
17:11 Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than
eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul
said was true.
It is important to remember with prayer that God does not
always answer in our time, nor in the way that we want him to. God
knows everything, sees the entire picture, and has all knowledge
and wisdom to be able to do the absolute best. When thinking about
God answering prayer, the answer may not be Yes, and it may
not be No. The answer may simply be, Not now.
* TEMPTATION
Carm.org has one of the best single-sentence definitions for
temptation. The definition is broad, but very simple:
AUDIO/VIDEO
GOD IS BETTER - FRANCIS CHAN
www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-pLRM0rgjE
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
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Regardless of
the views people hold in this area, nobody knows when the
Tribulation will start and no one can have any impact on when it
will happen. God is in control, that His plans are set by Him.
Still, the End Times can be very interesting because of the
prophesies which have yet to be fulfilled. One prophesy which has
been fulfilled is the prophesy of Israel coming back into its own
homeland in 1948, fulfilling a 2600 year prophesy.
Here are links if you are interested in learning more or just curious.
* ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment is an important consideration for our spiritual
lives as Christians. Many Christians will honor God with their lips
one day a week, and dishonor Him the rest of the week. They do
this through the choices they make in how they spend their free
time; the activities and entertainment choices they make in music,
movies, magazines and books.
Matthew 15:8 "These people honor me with their lips, but their
SITES WHICH SHOW REVIEWS FOR MOVIES AND MUSIC (Plugged In)
PLUGGED IN
www.pluggedin.com
MOVIEGUIDE
www.movieguide.org
CHRISTIAN ANSWERS
www.christiananswers.net/spotlight
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* EMPLOYMENT
Since most of us will spend about 45 years working, this is
an important part of our lives. The attitudes of younger workers is
often seen by employers as self-centered and selfish. Theyve
found that many younger workers dont want to work hard but they
want more money.
If you are employed, think about your character at work. Are
you giving your employer one hours work for each hour they are
paying you to be there, or do you spend some of that time on
personal activities like texting, surfing, etc.? If you arent doing what
you are paid to do during the time you are at work, you are
technically taking money for not doing what you were hired for.
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the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will
receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord
Christ."
Considering the impression many employers have of
younger workers, as a Christian you have an opportunity to change
that impression by being different than what employers have come
to expect. If and when an employer finds out that you are a
Christian, you might change their impression of Christianity too.
THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF WORK
www.totalchange.org/work.htm
WHAT ARE CHRISTIAN WORK ETHICS?
www.allaboutgod.com/christian-work-ethics-faq.htm
EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
http://aawdc.org/youth-works/index.php/Job-SearchTools/Employer-Expectations.html
5 ATTITUDES TO GET YOU AHEAD IN THE WORKPLACE
www.careerealism.com/attitudes-workplace-get-ahead
REASONS TO GET FIRED FROM YOUR JOB
http://teenadvice.about.com/od/jobsmoney/tp/how_to_keep
_a_job.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/firedtermination/a/reasonsfor-getting-fired.htm
www.brighthub.com/office/careerplanning/articles/77757.aspx
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http://townhall.com/columnists/mikeadams
www.epm.org
www.probe.org/author/kerbyanderson/
www.youtube.com/user/PointofViewTube
http://kerbyandersonspointofview.blogspot.com/
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www.jashow.org
www.youtube.com/user/johnankerberg
Kay Arthur
www.precept.org
David Barton
www.wallbuilders.com
www.youtube.com/user/wallbuilders
Frank Beckwith
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/returntorome
Michael Behe
http://behe.uncommondescent.com
www.youtube.com/user/IDquest
Rob Bowman
http://irr.org
J Budziszewski
http://undergroundthomist.org
http://www.boundless.org/ - search for: Budziszewski
Chuck Coleson
www.breakpoint.org
www.youtube.com/user/ColsonCenter
Francis Chan
www.youtube.com/channel/UCyxyqm4GSqywqfkulXA4o8w
John Ankerberg
www.preachitteachit.org/about-us/the-team/francis-chan/sermons
http://oneminuteapologist.com/
www.youtube.com/user/oneminuteapologist
Paul Copan
www.paulcopan.com
William Lane Craig
www.reasonablefaith.org
www.youtube.com/user/ReasonableFaithOrg
Dinesh D'Souza
www.dineshdsouza.com
www.youtube.com/channel/UCdMutxaYUR325O05J6kj2bA
Norman Geisler
www.normgeisler.com
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Norman+Geisler+
Douglas Groothuis
http://douglasgroothuis.com/
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Douglas+Groothuis
Wayne Grudem
www.waynegrudem.com
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22wayne+grudem%22
Os Guinness
www.osguinness.com
www.monergism.com/topics/mp3-audio-multimedia/all-northamerican-speakers-messages/os-guinness
www.cslewisinstitute.org/search/node/os%20guinness
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22Os+Guinness%22
Gary Habermas
http://garyhabermas.com
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22Gary+Habermas%22
Ken Ham
https://answersingenesis.org
www.youtube.com/user/answersvideos
Phillip Johnson www.touchstonemag.com/archives/author.php?id=40
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLutjxyYic6vRANCTAcEF7ViSBE
8_Asxq0
Tim Keller www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/bio/timkeller.html
www.youtube.com/channel/UCpl7Fleiicgj3bLV4eeZrQw
Bobby Conway
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Scott Klusendorf
http://prolifetraining.com/
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%22Scott+Klusendorf%22
Greg Koukl
www.str.org
www.apologetics315.com/search/label/Greg%20Koukl
http://christianaudio.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=koukl
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stand-to-reason-weeklypodcast/id278207524?mt=2
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Greg+Koukl"
Peter Kreeft
www.peterkreeft.com
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Peter+Kreeft"
Brett Kunkle
www.str.org
www.youtube.com/user/BrettKunkleSTR/videos
John Lennox http://johnlennox.org http://johnlennox.org/resources
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="John+Lennox"
C.S. Lewis www.cslewis.com
www.cslewisinstitute.org
www.lewissociety.org/articles.php
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="C.S.+Lewis"
John MacArthur
www.gty.org www.macarthurcommentaries.com
www.bing.com/videos/search?q=%22john+macarthur%2
2&qpvt=%22john+Macarthur%22&FORM=VDRE
Paul L. Maier
www.paulmaier.com www.mtio.com/articles
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Paul+Maier"
Walter Martin
http://waltermartin.com/
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Walter+Martin"
Josh McDowell
www.josh.org
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Josh+McDowell"
Sean McDowell
http://seanmcdowell.org
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Sean+McDowell"
Stephen C. Meyer http://stephencmeyer.org/ www.discovery.org
www.youtube.com/user/DiscoveryScienceNews
www.youtube.com/results?search_query=stephen+c.+meyer
Chuck Missler
http://khouse.org
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Chuck+Missler"
J.P. Moreland
www.jpmoreland.com
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="J.P.+Moreland"
Robert Morey
http://faithdefenders.com/index.html
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Robert+Morey"
Ronald Nash
www.biblicaltraining.org/speakers
www.biblicaltraining.org/christian-apologetics/ronald-nash
www.youtube.com/results?search_query="Ronald+Nash+"
Nancy Pearcy
www.pearceyreport.com
Johnson C. Philip
http://johnsoncphilip.com
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www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSecti
on=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Jay%5EWegter
www.youtube.com/user/MrJwegter
James White www.aomin.org
www.apologetics315.com/search/label/James%20White
www.youtube.com/user/AominOrg
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* TERMINOLOGY
The following are many terms you will find when studying Apologetics.
Searching for them as in the examples should give you a high probability of finding a
Christian perspective on the term.
Examples: Worldview and Christian and Secular Humanism and Christian
(Putting words in quotation marks will better search for that exact phrase)
Absolutes
Agnosticism
Anthropic Principle
Apologetics
Argument
From Design
Atheism
Christianity
Cosmological
Argument
Creationism
Cult
Dead Sea Scrolls
Design Arguments
Epistemology
Ethics
Evangelism
Fallacy
Hermeneutics
Inclusivism
Intelligent Design
Irreducible
Complexity
Logic
Moral Argument
Morality
Ontological
Argument
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Pluralism
Presupposition
Prophesy
Relativism
Secular Humanism
Scientific
Naturalism
Teleological
Argument
Theology
Tolerance
Truth
Worldview
APOLOGETICSDEFENDINGTHETRUTHSOFCHRISTIANITY
www.4truth.net
www.focus.org.uk/index.php
www.aomin.org
http://garyhabermas.com
www.apologetics315.com
www.godandscience.org
http://apologeticjunkie.blogspot.com
www.inplainsite.org
http://apologetics.com
http://impactapologetics.com
www.apologeticsdirectory.com
http://instituteofbiblicaldefense.com
www.apologeticsguy.com
http://ironmanapologetics.wordpress.com
www.apologeticspress.org
http://irr.org
www.bethinking.org
www.knowwhatyoubelieve.com
https://biblescienceguy.word
http://letusreason.org
press.com
www.pleaseconvinceme.com
http://carm.org
www.preventingtruthdecay.org
https://chab123.wordpress.com
www.reasonablefaith.org
www.christianapologeticsalliance.com www.reasons.org
www.christianarsenal.com
www.risenjesus.com
www.christiancadre.org/purpose.html http://simpleapologetics.com
www.christianministriesintl.org
https://sounddoctrineministries.word
http://coldcasechristianity.com
press.com
www.comereason.org
www.str.org
www.compellingtruth.org
www.strangenotions.com
http://creation.com/
www.tektonics.org
www.crossexamined.org
http://thefailedatheist.com
www.christiananswersforthenewage.org http://theologicalresources.wordpress.co
www.christianapologeticsalliance.com
m/category/apologetics-audio
www.equip.org
www.thepoachedegg.net
http://evangelism.intervarsity.org
www.thinkchristianly.org
www.everystudent.com
www.thinkingchristian.net
http://evidencebible.com
www.toughquestionsanswered.org
www.exploregod.com
http://truthbomb.blogspot.com
www.faithinterface.com.au
www.youthapologeticsnetwork.com
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http://essentialmatters.blogspot.com/2013/05/answering-christianityscritics-part-2.html
www.watermark.org/media/series/281/
www.thetrumpet.com/article/1460.31409.73.0/religion/christianity/answeri
ng-bible-critics
www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=578
www.inplainsite.org/html/asinine_assault.html
http://creation.com/countering-the-critics-questions-and-answers
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http://mywisegeneration.blogspot.com
www.mitchin.com/home.html
www.str.org/training
www.seanmcdowell.org
http://thinkingmatters.org.nz
www.toughquestionsanswered.org
www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com
http://wellspentjourney.wordpress.com
http://wallbuilderslive.com
www.watchman.org
CULTS
www.apologetics315.com/search/label/Cults
http://carm.org/cults-outline-analysis
http://theologicalresources.wordpress.com (links in right column)
PROPHESY
www.allaboutthejourney.org/power-of-prophecy.htm
www.faithfacts.org/search-for-truth/maps/fulfilled-prophecy-as-evidence
www.reasons.org/articles/articles/fulfilled-prophecy-evidence-for-the-reliability-of-the-bible
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TRUTH
www.knowtruth.com/truth
www.allabouttruth.org
http://bibleencyclopedia.com/truth.htm
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/truth
www.preventingtruthdecay.org
http://truth-defined.com/index.htm
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WORLDVIEW
www.marketfaith.org/worldview-resources
www.christianworldview.net/resources/worldview-ministries
(Listing of organizations with information about worldviews)
www.compellingtruth.org/Christian-worldview.html
www.gotquestions.org/Christian-worldview.html
www.inplainsite.org/html/world_views.html
www.projectworldview.org/worldviews.htm
www.thepoachedegg.net
www.worldview.org/podcast
If after checking out these subjects and sites you realize that
you have something in your past that you realize is sin, God wants
to forgive you. If you are hesitant to call on him because you are
ashamed, remember, there is nothing in your past that he doesn't
already know about. He knew about it before you were ever born.
While he cant take away the repercussions of your sin, he wants to
forgive you and relieve you of the guilt you are experiencing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnDooyEvaRI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kt7GAhbxfHY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qot0zsqqoJ8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N9jSTvdipk
www.180movie.com
CREATION EVOLUTION
I have included this topic not only because of its cultural
importance but also because it is used as one of the primary
arguments against the existence of God. I have also gone into
greater detail because of the significance of the controversy and the
many confusions that people have about the subject.
Many believe science has proven that Evolution has
happened and because of this many uninformed Christians either
believe that God must have used Evolution, or they eventually
abandon their belief in God because of the arguments presented.
What is the best conclusion based on the evidence that exists?
WHY DOES THE DEBATE ABOUT EVOLUTION MATTER?
www.str.org/quickthoughts/why-does-the-debate-about-evolution-matter
As with TRUTH and MORALITY, it is important to understand
the definitions of the terms dealing with the CREATION-EVOLUTION
CONTROVERSY. SCIENCE, EVOLUTION, and CREATION, have more
than one definition depending on who is using the term. When in
conversation about Creationism and/or Evolution, remember the
first TACTICS question? What do you mean by that?
People will say that Evolution has been proven, but which
Evolution are they referring to? The term EVOLUTION can mean
different things, and unless you understand the specific terminology
you wont know which definition the person is referring to. The more
specific terms of Evolution are MICROEVOLUTION, and
MACROEVOLUTION. These terms are used to describe the process.
There are two additional terms; NATURALISTIC EVOLUTION, and
THEISTIC EVOLUTION. These describe how the process of evolution
got started in the first place.
amazing variance between different breeds, they are all still dogs.
The same is true of other species. These changes are visible and
fully consistent with the concept of CREATION because the species
doesnt change to a different species.
MACROEVOLUTION is defined as changes which extend from
one species to another where a lower level organism will change
into a higher level organism, like from ape to human through
multiple TRANSITIONARY steps. These are much larger changes,
usually claimed by Evolutionists to be caused by mutation.
Evolutionary scientists refer to TRANSITIONAL SPECIES as MISSING
LINKS. With the exception of a few controversial examples given,
almost all MISSING LINKS are artists renditions, with no fossil
evidence found. As Ken Ham states,
What do scientists find? Nothing. What do they
label it as? Missing. Is it that it is missing or it just
isnt there to begin with?
MICROEVOLUTION or variance within a species is fully
observable whereas MACROEVOLUTION has never been observed.
Many proponents of evolution point to genetic mutations as the
force behind the changes but mutations have almost always proven
to be harmful and none have been found to be helpful or useful.
Evolutionists look at micro evolutionary changes and they
extrapolate that if small variances show change then multiple small
variances would result in larger changes over time. They claim this
is evidence of evolution changes happening. Brett Kunkle refutes
this theory effectively in this video:
EVOLUTION: THE BIG QUESTION Brett Kunkle
www.str.org/quickthoughts/evolution-the-big-question
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MICROEVOLUTION AND MACROEVOLUTION?
www.gotquestions.org/microevolution-macroevolution.html
WHAT IS THE MISSING LINK, AND HAS IT BEEN FOUND?
www.compellingtruth.org/missing-link.html
DOCUMENTED TRANSITIONAL FORMS?
www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=9&article=2437
SURVIVAL OF THE FAKEST A great article showing disproven evidences
still being used in textbooks to support the theory of Evolution.
www.discovery.org/articleFiles/PDFs/survivalOfTheFakest.pdf
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you are somewhat familiar, you could use the following tactic if in
conversation with an evolutionist:
SIMPLE TACTIC WITH TOPIC OF EVOLUTION Brett Kunkle
www.str.org/blog/what-is-a-simple-tactic-you-can-use-with-the-topic-ofevolution-video
Even after being shown the astronomical odds against
Evolution some Evolutionists will still make a statement similar to
this, Evolution has to be true because we are here. How would
they respond if we used almost the same statement? That
statement is, Creationism has to be true because we are here.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
What does the Bible say? www.gotquestions.org/creation-evolution.html
FrequentlyraisedbutweakargumentsagainstIntelligentDesign
www.uncommondescent.com/faq
Categories www.uncommondescent.com/faq/%20-%20notsc
You must paste this address in the ADDRESS bar, and then press Enter.
Once you are taken to the page with the "The page you are looking for
is not here" message, scroll down past message for the categories.
ANSWERS IN GENESIS ONLINE BOOKS
https://answersingenesis.org/answers/books/
MARK EASTMAN:
Former Atheist/Evolutionist: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBG9VwdDotg
The Cosmos & The Creator www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mtzMrceQuM
IN THE BEGINNING BOOK BY DR. WALT BROWN
www.creationscience.com/onlinebook/IntheBeginningTOC.html
AMAZING SEMINAR ON INTELLIGENT DESIGN
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7Vf6MvBiz8
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ECONOMICS
CHRISTIAN ECONOMICS
www.allaboutworldview.org/christian-economics.htm
A BIBLICAL VIEW OF ECONOMICS
www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/bib-econ.html
ECONOMICS HAS CONSEQUENCES http://vimeo.com/55419730
Study Guide: www.compassclassroom.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/02/Economics-for-Everybody-Study-Guide-Sample.pdf
THE FINAL ECONOMIC COLLAPSE
www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-195/the-final-economic-collapse-part1?Term=economics
www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-196/the-final-economic-collapse-part2?Term=economics
THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT THE ECONOMY, GOVERNMENT, AND YOUR MONEY
www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-358/thinking-biblically-about-theeconomy-government-and-your-money?Term=economics
POLITICS
HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN VIEW POLITICS?
www.gotquestions.org/Christian-politics.html
CHRISTIANS AND POLITICS
www.gty.org/resources/Articles/A124/Christians-and-Politics-Part-1
HOMOSEXUALITY
This is another dividing issue in our culture and even some
churches. Some churches and many Christian students are unclear
as to the Bibles position and that if two people love each other what
could be wrong. This section will give you good information about the
Bibles position on this subject, as well as the reasons behind the
Bibles position.
I have included this topic specifically because it causes so
much criticism of Christians. Many non-Christians believe that
Christianity teaches that homosexuality is a sin far worse than other
sins. Considering most non-Christians dont consider it a sin, this belief
contributes toward their feeling that Christians are intolerant. This is
not the case. Remember, all sin is an offense to God, and sin which
isnt forgiven by God will keep a person out of heaven for eternity. We
are all sinners, and deserve hell. And only God can and did pay the
price for our sin so that we could choose Him and live eternally with
him. As you can see by the following verse, the Bible classifies
homosexuality as no greater or lesser a sin than the others listed.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not
www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7a2RJgAGcM
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
www.gotquestions.org/homosexuality-Bible.html
www.openbible.info/topics/homosexuality
www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=7&article=358
www.str.org/articles/homosexuality-giving-your-point-of-view
www.crossconnection.net/2011/07/apologetics-homosexuality
http://ratiochristi.org/uncg/blog/post/sex-faith-and-utterconfusion/3068?tab=all_blogs_tab#.VBelX8WwIr1
www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1627
http://carm.org/homosexuality
www.alwaysbeready.org/homosexuality
HOMOSEXUALITY: KNOW THE TRUTH, SPEAK IT WITH COMPASSION
www.conversantlife.com/god-and-culture/homosexuality-know-the-truthspeak-it-with-compassion-part1
www.conversantlife.com/god-and-culture/homosexuality-know-the-truthspeak-it-with-compassion-part2
www.conversantlife.com/apologetics/homosexuality-know-the-truth-speakit-with-compassion-part3
MODESTY
When looking at TV shows, movies, commercials, magazines,
billboards, and the selection of clothing we see being worn, it is easy
to conclude that our culture has an obsession with sexuality. What
does the Bible say? Weve already seen Matthew 5:28 But I say to
you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already
committed adultery with her in his heart.
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Pt1 www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=32008027544
Pt2 www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=32008032490
Guys, this will be a challenge for most of you for your entire life.
This tendency to lust does not go away, and you will need to decide
every day, and even every hour whether you will control it or allow it to
control you.
Girls, when you think of the description Jay gave of the woman
walking in front of Dr. Chafer and the young student, what very popular
garment among women could be compared to a skin tight leotard? My
thought is yoga pants. They may be comfortable, but so many young
women are wearing them and dont even know the thoughts guys are
having about them. Once again, its not right for a guy to not control
his thoughts. My purpose in sharing this information is so that you as
a woman will know what many guys are thinking, and if the guy is not
a Christian, they have no reason to control their thoughts.
OVERCOMING LUST
www.thestraitgate.org/devotionals/faith-at-work-devotional/overcoming-lust-part-one
www.thestraitgate.org/devotionals/faith-at-work-devotional/overcoming-lust-part-two
Additional Articles
www.overcoming-lust.com/articles
What does the Bible say about overcoming lust?
www.gotquestions.org/overcoming-lust.html
Keys to Powerful Living: Overcoming Lust
www.cbn.com/spirituallife/cbnteachingsheets/keys-Overcoming_Lust.aspx
How To Overcome Lust
http://brotherjohn.org/how-to-overcome-lust
Overcoming Lust Book Preview
https://books.google.com/books?id=djvKy3iTDp4C&printsec=frontcover&dq=
overcoming+lust
DATING
Modesty can also be a consideration in our actions. The dating
world can be one of the greatest challenges for Christian students, and
their ability to maintain any standard of modesty. I believe that the
following scenario encompasses many of the situations Christian
students find themselves in, and the conflicts they are forced to deal
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with. I hope the questions in this section help to give you a more
complete perspective in this challenging area.
Suppose that you found out an attractive and popular person
wanted to date you but who you didnt know much about. Others would
think you were crazy if you were to turn down a date offer from this
person. You decide to agree to go on a date with them but then found
out they usually dated others who were willing to be quite intimate with
them. Or, that this person had expectations as to what they would get
in return because they were spending money on the date. Would you
still accept the date, or would you cancel knowing that others would
probably look at you as THAT STUDENT who turned down a date with
one who others would jump at the chance to date?
This seems like a difficult conflict but if you think about the
following questions, they might help to put this scenario in perspective.
Its natural to want to try to fit in, but is fitting in at the expense
of your character worth it? Statistics indicate that there is little
difference these days between the sexual ethics of many Christians as
compared to non-Christians. If the world sees no difference in how
Christians live, why would they be motivated to become a Christian?
Another quote, and one that made me really think about my life is:
PORNOGRAPHY
Pornography is one of the greatest threats to a persons
Christian witness and their walk with the Lord. It has caused people to
lose their jobs, and in some cases ruined their marriage and family
relationships. It is also one of the most difficult addictions to break
because the material is so easy to access, and one can do this in
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the most personal part of yourself that you can offer anyone and are
also putting yourself at risk for issues which could last your entire life.
Men are typically visual, while women are typically relational.
The relationship aspect is typically more important to a woman, at least
initially. So what a man will often look for is the woman who makes a
visual impact on him, while a woman thinks more long term, and will
usually look for a man she could see herself in a relationship with. Its
not that the guys looks arent important to a woman, but the relationship
is as important, if not more so. If both looks and relationship are there
in the man, so much the better for the woman. As we all have a
tendency to conceal what we believe would be found negative by
others, men wont typically acknowledge how strongly they are
motivated by the physical appearance of a woman.
Considering the impact of APPEARANCE on a guy, how a young
woman dresses has a significant effect on guys, whether intended or
not. If you have not yet checked out the links in the MODESTY section,
I really encourage you to do so.
Another thing to realize is that guys have typically been goal
oriented. One of the phrases I was reminded of while writing this is
that of a man telling a woman, If you loved me you would. Can
you tell what the goal is for someone making this kind of statement?
Considering todays culture, this might not only be said by a man to a
woman but also by a woman to a man. If you are dedicated to
remaining pure until marriage or have made mistakes in the past and
you are dedicated to remain pure from now until you get married, there
are a few responses to the above statement you might find helpful.
It is not my intention for anyone reading this to be made
uncomfortable by my bluntness, but as in other areas of this guide, my
desire is to provide you with tools to be able to respond to the
challenges you may be confronted with.
I believe that the following statement has a lot of truth to it,
Guys use love to get sex, and girls use sex to get love. Being
GOAL ORIENTED, and not always RELATIONSHIP ORIENTED, guys have
been known to promise LOVE to a girl, if they can achieve their goal.
The unfortunate truth is that many guys will be lying when they tell a
young woman that they love her, to convince her to give them this gift
intended for the wedding night. And unfortunately many young women
have given into this deception only to find out that the guy didnt really
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mean it when he said that he loved them. The guy got the sex he
wanted but the girl didnt get the relationship she wanted.
When challenged by the statement, If you loved me you
would, it might seem that the intent of someone who says this is to
provoke the other person to actually PROVE their love to the one who
made the statement. Unfortunately, many young women have been
deceived into actually believing they can prove their love by sleeping
with the guy. Isnt this statement requesting the proof of love onesided? Why is it that one person has to prove their love to the other by
sacrificing the most intimate gift they will ever give their future spouse?
In reality, the person making the statement is incredibly selfish.
If you are a young woman and a guy says this to you, he is basically
saying that he wants you to give your most personal and intimate gift
to him, to prove that you love him. Hes asking you to give up your
confidence in; not contracting a STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease),
not getting pregnant, and then not going through a 9 month pregnancy,
not going through a long and likely painful delivery of a child, and not
potentially having to raise the child by yourself. Or the other position
you are put in, having to consider even the possibility of ending the
babys life through abortion and possibly be rendered sterile through
the process of an abortion. And he is asking you to do this why? So
that he can satisfy his desire for a few moments of pleasure, at
your expense! This sounds like a fair trade-off, right? . . . . . NOT!
How much concern for YOUR SAFETY, MENTAL WELL-BEING, and
CONFIDENCE does a guy like this have for you? Hopefully you
understand why I feel this is an important subject to cover, and to
provide you with answers to challenges like this.
If told, If you loved me you would, a direct response is,
Well, if you loved me, you would respect my choice/decision.
Thinking about a person proving their love, God loved you
so much that he sacrificed his life so that you could spend eternity with
Him. The Creator of the entire universe did this to prove his love for
you, and did it before you could change and become better! How much
are you valued by this God? Hopefully you know the answer to this
question. You are of infinite worth to Him! If you know that God loves
you this much, how much do you need the selfishly motivated
affections of the kind of guy indicated in this section? Yes, another
question easily answered. You dont!
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woman, if you are a guy) who is willing to love you the way that God
has intended?
Ever since Ive heard the following songs, Ive thought of those
who have questioned their worth, or allowed their worth to be
determined by others. Watch and listen to the lyrics and know that the
God of the universe loves you so much and wants the best for you.
www.creationtips.com/peer.html
www.jesusisthelight.net/PEER-1.htm
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www.rogerswebsite.com/others/The-Gift-of-Sex.htm
MY BOYFRIEND WANTS TO HAVE SEX. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE HIM. WHAT
SHOULD I DO? (Could also apply to a Christian guy by his girlfriend)
www.christiananswers.net/q-dml/dml-y010.html
http://stuffthatsrelevant.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/mark-driscoll-6reasons-why-god-created-sex-for-marriage/
IVE GOT SEX ON MY MIND
http://chadfisheronline.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/ive-got-sex-on-my-mind-part-1
ANSWERING THE GOD DOESNT WANT US TO HAVE FUN ARGUMENT
www.missiontoamerica.org/christianity/fun.html
STATISTICS, REALITY, AND RESOURCES
www.puritycoalition.org/web_page.html
http://createdforpurity.com/crisis/crisis.html
www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/love_and_sex/purity.aspx
http://disciplesforpurity.com/materials
www.premaritalsex.info
http://restoringsexualpurity.org
http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/topics/charctr_05_sexual_purity.cfm
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LOUIE GIGLIO:
How Great Is Our God
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCrvibgo1LM
Indescribable
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNgJhuICrVA
Unthinkable You
www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA4gI-6PM2s
When God Breaks Through
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH5OyEHzgn4
Check other videos by Louie Giglio on YouTube and Bing Videos
LEE STROBEL:
The Case for a Creator
The Case for Christ
The Case for Faith audiobook
The Case for the Real Jesus
The Case for the Resurrection
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajqH4y8G0MI
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikxb09pyZwM
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zDdd-PzWZc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooItL-caoyg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVoKR_cvJJM
ADDITIONAL VIDEOS:
Icons of Evolution
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKD12szbshY
The Privileged Planet
www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7GGGGGNX
God of Wonders
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvVt4lDSPeY
Unlocking the Mystery of Life
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWvS1UfXl8k&list=PL9F238BF1EB056938
Signature in the Cell
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW6egHV6jAw
Gods not Dead - Argument Scenes www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc5s1ZKNmcc
The Signs of God's Existence
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS1x-6al2pE
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ-xbrMecBc
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3XOO-yLv2c
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhjkxfiakLg
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTb4UIbnOHE
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWZKprMCFp4
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0k_Uj3nTj4
http://vimeo.com/92163567
RECOMMENDED PODCASTS/APPS
http://pastormattblog.com/2014/01/31/the-three-apologetic-podcaststhat-every-christian-should-subscribe-to/
http://thefailedatheist.com/2015/01/03/top-10-recommended-podcasts/
www.apologetics315.com/2007/10/16-best-apologetics-podcasts.html
LISTS OF RECOMMENDED BOOKS FOR APOLOGETICS
www.apologetics315.com/2012/03/apologetics-reading-plan-for-beginners.html
http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/books.html
http://1peter315.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-favorite-12-books-to-recommend.html
www.challies.com/recommendations/apologetics
http://thefailedatheist.com/book-resources
http://christianmomthoughts.com/16-book-recommendations-for-studyingapologetics
SITES WITH BOOKS AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE
https://answersingenesis.org/answers/books
www.apologeticspress.org/PDF-books.aspx
http://carm.org/online-bible
www.ccel.org
www.christianapologetic.org/book01.htm
http://classicapologetics.com/
www.freechristianresources.org/books
www.monergism.com/thethreshold/books/onlinebooks.html
http://ntslibrary.com/index.html
http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/book/browse?type=lcsubc&
key=Apologetics
http://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2009/07/free-apologetics-e-book-library.html
http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2011/10/05/free-christian-worldviewand-apologetics-books-online-week-on-veritas-domain
http://ntslibrary.com/Christian-PDF-Books.htm
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ONLINE AUDIOBOOKS
KNOWING GOD JC Ryle
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2FD9xugRY8&list=PLvwgUlicDKGo
qqzLI-Yv3cCKQLCbOajfr
HOLINESS JC Ryle
www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq8FDeBjG40&list=PLzOwqed_gET1
bxl9WiAqsleAfFhskne4q
DEBATES - www.apologetics315.com/search/label/debate
IF GOD KNEW ADAM AND EVE WOULD SIN, WHY DID HE PUT THE
TREE IN THE GARDEN?
www.gotquestions.org/tree-knowledge-good-evil.html
www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVanswers/2008/02-01.html
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WHAT IS EVOLUTION?
www.allaboutscience.org/what-is-evolution-faq.htm
www.alwaysbeready.com/evolution
www.truthnet.org/Christianity/Apologetics/Evolutiontrue4
CAN WE TRUST THE OLD TESTAMENT?
www.cltruth.com/blog/2012/can-we-trust-the-old-testament
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfCWFix43E0
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYG_-6DN4bQ
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulCbh_1SlwE
THREE TOUGH QUESTIONS ABOUT HEAVEN
How can God be good if some of my loved ones are not in Heaven?
www.epm.org/resources/2010/Mar/26/if-our-loved-ones-are-hell-wontspoil-heaven
Will there be sex in heaven?
www.gotquestions.org/sex-heaven.html
www.equip.org/bible_answers/will-there-be-sex-in-heaven
Will there be animals in heaven?
www.equip.org/bible_answers/will-there-be-animals-in-heaven
http://carm.org/animals-heaven
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL?
www.gotquestions.org/God-allow-evil.html
www.compellingtruth.org/God-allow-evil.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zNzs6YujPo
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/theology/what-does-it-mean-to-have-faith-in-god
www.gotquestions.org/faith-in-Jesus.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7OlY40qlxQ
EVIDENCE FOR GOD: THE MORAL ARGUMENT
www.reasonablefaith.org/moral-argument
www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5YdtMxls-c
www.gotquestions.org/does-god-exist.html
www.apologetics315.com/2013/08/5-common-objections-to-moral-argument.html
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CLONING?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/ethics/what-does-the-bible-say-about-cloning
www.gotquestions.org/cloning-Christian.html
www.allaboutpopularissues.org/cloning-ethics.htm
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www.gotquestions.org/psychics-Christian.html
www.soundwitness.org/pop_culture/psychic_mediums.html
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT WAR?
www.gotquestions.org/war-Bible.html
http://bibleresources.org/war
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/just_war_principle.html
HASNT SCIENCE DISPROVED MIRACLES?
www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/rfsm-miracles.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbTft0VlcRQ
HOW DO I CHOOSE MY FAITH?
www.thinkingchristian.net/posts/2010/08/choosing-your-faith-by-mark-mittelberg
www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-choose-your-faith-wisely11572196.html
http://choosingyourfaith.com
http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-4143-1579-9.pdf
www.christianity.com/11572196/
WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?
http://carm.org/new-age-what
www.gotquestions.org/new-age-movement.html
www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/what-is-new-age-religion-and-why-cantchristians-get-on-board-11573681.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqIf_b-OOdU
HOW DO I GROW SPIRITUALITY?
www.exploregod.com/how-can-i-grow-spiritually
www.compellingtruth.org/spiritual-growth.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMiRJXMy4jA
WHATS THE BIG DEAL WITH ASTROLOGY?
www.christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Astrolgy.html
www.gotquestions.org/horoscopes-Christian.html
www.christianfaith.com/resources/astrology
DOES GOD WANT ME TO BE RICH?
http://gamerfaith.com/does-god-want-me-rich
www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/does-god-want-us-to-be-rich-a-bible-study
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDuDN2FtrIo
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https://biblescienceguy.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/17-evidence-for-god-designconvinces-scientists-3
WHAT DO HINDUS BELIEVE?
www.christianministriesintl.org/articles/What-Do-Hindus-Believe.php
www.gotquestions.org/hinduism.html
www.compellingtruth.org/what-is-Hinduism.html
IS RELIGION THE CAUSE OF EVIL IN THE WORLD?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/apologetics/is-religion-the-cause-of-evil-in-the-world
www.allaboutworldview.org/presence-of-evil.htm
HAS GOD SPOKEN?
www.christianity.com/bible/authorship-and-inspiration/what-evidence-is-therethat-the-bible-is-in-fact-gods-word-11542346.html
www.gotquestions.org/which-book.html
www.allabouttruth.org/how-do-we-know-the-bible-is-the-inspired-word-of-god-faq.htm
www.jashow.org/wiki/index.php?title=Can_We_KNOW_the_Bible_is_the_Word_of_God
http://creation.com/refuting-evolution-2-chapter-8-argument-the-fossil-recordsupports-evolution
SO, WHAT MAKES THE BIBLE SO SPECIAL?
http://everyschool.com/print/article/so-what-makes-the-bible-so-special
www.josh.org/resources/study-research/answers-to-skeptics-questions/whatmakes-the-bible-so-specia/
http://biblicalreliability.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-makes-bible-so-special.html
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT ABORTION?
www.gotquestions.org/abortion-Bible.html
http://carm.org/bible-abortion
http://prolifetraining.com/resources/five-minute-5/
http://strplace.wordpress.com/2010/09/30/answer-every-defense-for-abortionchart-amp-video/
EVIDENCE FOR GOD: BEAUTY
www.evidence-for-god.com/
www.icr.org/Aesthetics
www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2012/03/the-beauty-of-creation
http://godandscience.info/gs/new/beautyguiding.html
IS PORNOGRAPHY THAT BAD?
www.porn-free.org/porn_is_bad.htm
www.marketfaith.org/implications-of-worldview/what-makes-pornography-so-bad/
http://carm.org/pornography
HOW DO I KNOW GODS WILL FOR MY LIFE?
http://christiananswers.net/q-dml/dml-y001.html
www.gotquestions.org/know-God-will.html
www.gotquestions.org/know-God-will.html
IS ALCOHOL BAD? RYAN SNUFFER
www.gotquestions.org/sin-alcohol.html
www.crosswalk.com/1120038/
http://pastorbrett.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/should-a-christian-drink-alcohol/
WHATS THE BIG DEAL WITH GAMBLING?
www.gotquestions.org/gambling-sin.html
www.christianity.com/blogs/al-mohler/a-christian-understanding-of-gambling.html
www.apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=7&article=1251
320
www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/virgin.html
www.jashow.org/wiki/index.php?title=How_Do_We_Know_the_Virgin_Birth_Is_True
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/environment.html
www.equip.org/articles/christians-and-the-environment-how-should-christians-thinkabout-the-environment/#christian-books-2
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http://readingacts.wordpress.com/2010/09/24/are-these-really-the-words-of-jesus
www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-alone.html
IS IT OKAY TO HAVE DOUBTS?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/theology/is-it-okay-to-have-doubts
http://vimeo.com/93857093
www.reasonablefaith.org/christian-doubt
DOES THE BIBLE CONTAIN ERRORS?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/bible/does-the-bible-contain-errors/
www.gty.org/resources/bible-qna/BQ073112/Does-the-Bible-Contain-Errors
www.ucg.org/booklet/bible-true/bible-and-you/does-bible-contain-errors
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT ANGELS?
http://christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-t005.html
www.gotquestions.org/angels-Bible.html
www.christforums.org/forum/10-apologetics-and-theology/238-what-does-thebible-teach-about-angels
HOW DO I KNOW JESUS EVEN EXISTED?
https://brokenredeemed.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/how-do-i-know-jesus-evenexisted
www.gotquestions.org/did-Jesus-exist.html
www.reasonsforgod.org/the-best-reasons/did-jesus-exist/
WHATS THE PROBLEM WITH JUDGING OTHERS?
www.gotquestions.org/do-not-judge.html
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/why_are_christians_judgmental.html
www.openbible.info/topics/judging_others
DID JESUS REALLY RISE FROM THE DEAD?
www.str.org/articles/did-jesus-really-rise-from-the-dead#.VI-3LtLF_E0
http://gracebts.com/apologia/the-resurrection-of-jesus
www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2Gl-TPTxX8&list=PL925D60A5D4241319
WHAT DO MORMONS BELIEVE?
www.mrm.org/what-mormons-believe
www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html
http://carm.org/mormonism
www.alwaysbeready.com/mormonism?id=97
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http://kelvinho-kh.blogspot.com/2012/01/dont-religious-beliefs-just-reflect.html
325
www.everyschool.com/dont-religious-beliefs-just-reflect-where-one-was-raised
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND JUDAISM?
www.gotquestions.org/difference-Christianity-Judaism.html
www.christchurchcentralsheffield.co.uk/tough-questions/whats-the-differencebetween-christianity-and-judaism
www.diffen.com/difference/Christianity_vs_Judaism
IS HOMOSEXUALITY NATURAL?
www.thinkchristianly.org/part-8-answering-the-toughest-questions-abouthomosexuality-with-alan-shlemon
http://truthbomb.blogspot.com/2013/11/video-are-people-born-gay-or-not-by.html
www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/homosexuality-know-the-truthand-speak-it-with-compassion-11606976.html
HOW CAN A PERSON GET INTO HEAVEN?
www.mrm.org/get-into-heaven
http://jesus-is-savior.com/how_to_be_saved.html
www.jesus-is-lord.com/2_heaven.htm
HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT I AM SAVED?
www.jesus.org/following-jesus/repentance-faith-and-salvation/how-can-i-be-sureim-saved.html
www.cuttingedge.org/salvation.html
www.thebiblechristian.com/?p=3945
http://so4j.com/how-can-i-know-i-am-saved
DOES WHAT I THINK REALLY MATTER?
www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/does-it-matter-what-i-think-kevin-hoddinottsermon-on-apologetics-general-36042.asp
http://thechristianforum.org/2014/05/it-doesnt-really-matter-what-you-thinktruthexists
http://dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudiestemptationandovercomingsin/purelife-guardyourthoughtlife.php
WHY SHOULD I WAIT UNTIL MARRIAGE TO HAVE SEX?
www.soencouragement.org/nosexbeforemarriage.htm
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/sex/answers-to-tough-questions-about-sex
http://powertochange.com/discover/sex-love/dynamicsex/
HOW DO WE KNOW THE BIBLE INCLUDES THE RIGHT BOOKS?
www.thinkchristianly.org/how-do-we-know-the-bible-includes-the-right-books/
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http://thetruth-blog.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-do-we-know-66-books-in-bible-are.html
www.angelfire.com/nt/theology/theology/04canon.html
IF GOD MADE EVERYTHING GOOD, WHY SHOULDNT I SMOKE POT?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/ethics/if-god-made-everything-good-whyshouldnt-i-smoke-pot/
www.godandscience.org/doctrine/marijuana.html
www.relevantmagazine.com/current/nation/should-christians-smoke-pot-or-not
WHAT ARE THE CRUCIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUHAMMAD AND JESUS?
www.godresources.org/compare-jesus-muhammad/differences-jesusmuhammad.shtml
www.equip.org/article/muhammad-messiah-comparing-central-figures-islamchristianity/#christian-books-3
www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/Jesus-Muhammad.htm
IS THERE EVIDENCE FOR LIFE AFTER DEATH?
www.equip.org/articles/is-there-evidence-for-life-after-death
http://discoveryseries.org/ten-reasons/in-life-after-death
www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2461227/posts?page=20
HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN RELATE TO CULTURE?
http://jameseckman.blogspot.com/
http://kelvinho-kh.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-should-christian-relate-toculture.html
http://life.biblechurch.org/slifejom/corporate-publications/599-christians-andculture-tim-keller.html
www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/21/t/culture-and-the-christian.aspx
WHAT MAKES CHRISTIANITY UNIQUE?
www.christianministriesintl.org/articles/What-Makes-Christianity-Unique.php
www.everyschool.com/print/article/what-makes-christianity-unique
www.gotquestions.org/Christianity-unique.html
www.comereason.org/what-makes-christianity-unique.asp
http://impactapologetics.com/world-religions-what-makes-jesus-unique-mp3/
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DENOMINATIONS?
www.gotquestions.org/denominations-Christian.html
www.gotquestions.org/so-many-religions.html
http://compellingtruth.org/so-many-religions.html
www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-r006.html
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CAN GOD MAKE A ROCK SO BIG THAT HE CANT LIFT IT? ALEX MCFARLAND
www.alexmcfarland.com/Can-God-Make-A-Rock-So-Heavy-that-He-Could-NotL.html
http://carm.org/questions/about-god/can-god-make-rock-so-big-he-cant-pick-it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jRMWKz4hbw
DOES THE BIBLE ENDORSE SLAVERY?
http://enrichmentjournal.ag.org/201104/201104_108_NT_slavery.cfm
hwww.apologetics315.com/2011/09/slavery-in-bible-articles-audio.html
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/slavery_bible.html
WHAT IS THE CORE OF THE BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW?
www.compellingtruth.org/Christian-worldview.html
http://carm.org/what-are-some-christian-worldview-essentials
www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/christian-worldview/why-is-a-christianworldview-important/why-your-worldview-matters
DO CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS WORSHIP THE SAME GOD?
www.str.org/articles/do-christians-and-muslims-worship-the-same-god
www.answering-islam.org/authors/clarke/worship_same_god.html
www.youtube.com/watch?v=n52BzWKLn9g
DOES THE BIBLE TEACH REINCARNATION?
www.gotquestions.org/reincarnation.html
www.watchman.org/articles/new-age/does-the-bible-teach-reincarnation
http://whataboutjesus.com/ressurection/afterlife-series/does-bible-teachreincarnation
www.godandscience.org/apologetics/reincarnation.html
CAN PEOPLE WHO COMMIT SUICIDE GO TO HEAVEN?
www.godandscience.org/doctrine/christians_who_kill_themselves.html
http://christiananswers.net/q-dml/suicide-and-heaven.html
www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/can-a-christian-commit-suicide-and-still-besaved-a-biblical-analysis
SHOULD CHRISTIANS BE TOLERANT?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e28x8N_T1tc
www.thinkchristianly.org/are-christians-intolerant-should-they-be/
www.compellingtruth.org/tolerance-Christian.html
www.gotquestions.org/tolerance-Christian.html
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WHAT IS APOLOGETICS?
www.apologeticsindex.org/373-apologetics
www.gotquestions.org/Christian-apologetics.html
http://carm.org/apologetics
IS THE NEW TESTAMENT RELIABLE?
http://carm.org/manuscript-evidence
www.josh.org/resources/study-research/answers-to-skeptics-questions/hasntthe-new-testament-changed
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfCWFix43E0
IS CHRISTIANITY A COPYCAT RELIGION?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/apologetics/is-christianity-a-copycat-religion
http://carm.org/christianity/bible/doesnt-religion-mithra-prove-christianity-false
http://creation.com/pagan-copycat-thesis-refuted
www.tektonics.org/copycat/pagint.php
ARE THE TEACHINGS OF JEHOVAHS WITNESSES COMPATIBLE WITH THE BIBLE?
www.seanmcdowell.org/index.php/cults-religions/are-the-teachings-of-jehovahswitnesses-compatible-with-the-bible/
www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/edn-r005.html
http://wit.irr.org/four-dangers-of-jehovahs-witnesses
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT PURGATORY?
http://coldcasechristianity.com/2014/what-does-the-bible-say-about-purgatory/
www.compellingtruth.org/purgatory.html
www.equip.org/article/is-purgatory-a-biblical-concept
WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?
http://everyschool.com/what-is-heaven-like
www.everystudent.com/forum/heaven2.html
www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-heaven-like11636670.html
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCC4D03ED733C539E
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