Is the Bible all we need when we share our faith with the intellectual Atheist and intellectual Agnostics or do we need to first go outside the Bible to prove the Bible? Can we use the Bible to prove that the Bible is The Word of God?
The following is an exchange that I had with a believer about the above question.
As I've listen, or read, the rhetoric and blind backwash I am move to spew a few thoughts of my own.
The origin of thought/life is a knowledge lost in the turmoil of skewed facts and gross misinterpretation. Every culture has its version and thus we are left with no definitive answer. One persons "Thus sayeth the Lord" is another's "Hum Du'Allah", being so, no one produces anything concrete.
For the Christians, you can not use the Bible to prove the Bible. Especially when approaching someone who has no belief in the Bible in the first place. As Jesus teaches in Matt. 10:16 "See, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as cunning as serpents and as innocent as doves." Jesus knew that the apostle, most of whom had non-scholastic jobs and upbringings, were going into a world where philosophy and intellectualism was the norm. They were in Greece at a time when the Greeks were the "purveyors of truth and wisdom" God has proven himself to men before scriptures. Abraham had no new testament or prophet books or Talmud or Pentateuch/Torah (as these were written after the flood and thus after Abraham) yet he knew God enough to be willing to sacrifice a son God himself promised. The existence of God, who He is and what he's done is proven through creation, without the Bible. These are the tools used to speak with the non-believers.
For the Non-Christians, you must understand that all thought/belief/religion and practices thereof are conveyed though some man, somewhere at sometime. Nothing is original and no argument new. So when attacking the scriptures, be sure that your own rationale falls within the realm of your own logic less you succumb to the very argument you're trying to make and thus you yourself prove that you don't know.
I look forward to this discourse as these are the stones to which our Faith (Christian) are founded as Paul said in Acts 17:10-12 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men." (No blind Faith)
My Reponse Below
Well put C,
I guess it depends on how you view the Bible. I view the Bible as the Word of God, living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. A famous preacher once said that the way you defend the Bible is the way you defend a lion, you just let it out of the cage. Power to change the heart does not rest with me or how well I can articulate my position, the power to change the heart rest with the word of God and the God of the word.
Paul dealt with heavy weight Greek philosophers in Corinth and Paul’s approach was this: When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Further he says in verse 4 "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power" the reason Paul used this approach is stated in verse 5 "so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power".
Furthermore I can confirm the transforming power of the Bible, being that I was once assassinating its authenticity and authority. My life has now been transformed because of the Bible.
The Bible was written during a period spanning over 1500 years by over 40 different writers and yet has one underlining theme “Jesus is Lord”. No other historical literature has withstood the scrutiny that the bible has. No other ancient historical writings have more verified manuscripts as the Bible. Yet, that is not what’s going to defend the Bible, the Bible will defend the Bible.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Temptation
This is a guest post from my 14 yr old son DeAntwan Fitts Jr. His blog address is http://www.deantwanfittsjr.blogspot.com/
Have you ever had a message that just was a slap in the face. That's how i felt today at church from the message preached by my own father. Me, as a teen, I go through quite a bit with temptation. Kids making dumb decisions and expecting you to follow right along with them because it is the thing to do. Or being in a time of distress and cheating which also my father touched on in his message. I am guilty of a case of temptation, in which I cheated on my lab, something not worth cheating on, but I did it. Well I dont want to give away too much, because i wanted to show the notes I took for the sermon.
This message is taken from James 1:13-15
I. Temptation doesn't come from God
* My father's definition of temptation- A solictation to do evil
* Temptation shouldn't be blamed on God because God does not like evil and he would not condone it
* God cannot be tempted by evil
* Every trial that comes our way opens the door for Temptation
II. Temptation comes from our own evil desires
* Temptation is the product of our own evil desires; Its as if we our fish going for bait. All we're worrying about is the bait, not knowing the bait is attatched to a hook, that is attatched to a string ready to trap us and drag us away
* Do not play the blame game; When someone does wrong towards you and you retalliate also means you're wrong( You are just as evil as the person who did the wrong first)
* Be responsible for your own actions
* John Piper quotes: " Sin gets its power by persuading me to believe that it will be pleasing to me if I follow it"
* Our evil desires entice us
III. Temptation is Progressively Dangerous when we yield to it
* Certain desires we will never get used to
* Don't let what others do to you drag you away
* Do not blame God for the outcome of a situation when we don't respond the way He has told us to respond
* Temptation seems innocent
and harmless but it isn't
Almost finished.. Just a few more tips to not yield Temptation
1) Never trust the flesh; Galations 5:19-21
2) Memorize scripture; Matthew 4
3) Walk in the spirit; Galations 5:16 (submit to the Spirits control)
Now, its alot but meditate on it because it can help you in life, because it is God's word.
Have you ever had a message that just was a slap in the face. That's how i felt today at church from the message preached by my own father. Me, as a teen, I go through quite a bit with temptation. Kids making dumb decisions and expecting you to follow right along with them because it is the thing to do. Or being in a time of distress and cheating which also my father touched on in his message. I am guilty of a case of temptation, in which I cheated on my lab, something not worth cheating on, but I did it. Well I dont want to give away too much, because i wanted to show the notes I took for the sermon.
This message is taken from James 1:13-15
I. Temptation doesn't come from God
* My father's definition of temptation- A solictation to do evil
* Temptation shouldn't be blamed on God because God does not like evil and he would not condone it
* God cannot be tempted by evil
* Every trial that comes our way opens the door for Temptation
II. Temptation comes from our own evil desires
* Temptation is the product of our own evil desires; Its as if we our fish going for bait. All we're worrying about is the bait, not knowing the bait is attatched to a hook, that is attatched to a string ready to trap us and drag us away
* Do not play the blame game; When someone does wrong towards you and you retalliate also means you're wrong( You are just as evil as the person who did the wrong first)
* Be responsible for your own actions
* John Piper quotes: " Sin gets its power by persuading me to believe that it will be pleasing to me if I follow it"
* Our evil desires entice us
III. Temptation is Progressively Dangerous when we yield to it
* Certain desires we will never get used to
* Don't let what others do to you drag you away
* Do not blame God for the outcome of a situation when we don't respond the way He has told us to respond
* Temptation seems innocent
and harmless but it isn't
Almost finished.. Just a few more tips to not yield Temptation
1) Never trust the flesh; Galations 5:19-21
2) Memorize scripture; Matthew 4
3) Walk in the spirit; Galations 5:16 (submit to the Spirits control)
Now, its alot but meditate on it because it can help you in life, because it is God's word.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
It's Different This Time
It’s Different This Time
In the past I have tried many times to diet but it’s different this time around. In the past, my primary motivations for eating right was to lose weight, or get in shape or so I could look good or feel good. Although those are great motivations and I still hold to them, they are not my primary motivation. What makes dieting different for me this time is that my primary motivation is to glorify God.
I am on a quest to become a healthy well-balanced Christian and in order for me to do that I have to bring balance to the individual categories of my life. I have to look at the areas of my life that do not glorify God. Any area of our life that is not controlled by the Spirit of God, does not glorify God. Food was my master, which meant that the Spirit of God did not control that area of my life. This principle is the same across the board. If our finances are not under the authority of God we are not glorifying God with our finances, which makes that an area of our life that is off balance. It can be applied to our relationships, marriage, parenting and everything else. If we want to be healthy well-balanced Christians we must submit every area of our life to God. The most important question becomes, what does the word of God say? Also, am I doing what the word of God says? If not, we are not controlled by the Spirit of God; something or someone else masters us. That area of our life does not glorify God. If I give my body what it wants, my body controls me but if I give my body what it needs, I control my body. He is the formula: God controls me and I control my body. That’s balance!
Losing weight, getting in shape, wanting to look good and wanting to feel good are great reasons for dieting but our primary reason for doing whatever we do should be to glorify God. That’s why I say it’s different this time.
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor. 6:12 NIV
In the past I have tried many times to diet but it’s different this time around. In the past, my primary motivations for eating right was to lose weight, or get in shape or so I could look good or feel good. Although those are great motivations and I still hold to them, they are not my primary motivation. What makes dieting different for me this time is that my primary motivation is to glorify God.
I am on a quest to become a healthy well-balanced Christian and in order for me to do that I have to bring balance to the individual categories of my life. I have to look at the areas of my life that do not glorify God. Any area of our life that is not controlled by the Spirit of God, does not glorify God. Food was my master, which meant that the Spirit of God did not control that area of my life. This principle is the same across the board. If our finances are not under the authority of God we are not glorifying God with our finances, which makes that an area of our life that is off balance. It can be applied to our relationships, marriage, parenting and everything else. If we want to be healthy well-balanced Christians we must submit every area of our life to God. The most important question becomes, what does the word of God say? Also, am I doing what the word of God says? If not, we are not controlled by the Spirit of God; something or someone else masters us. That area of our life does not glorify God. If I give my body what it wants, my body controls me but if I give my body what it needs, I control my body. He is the formula: God controls me and I control my body. That’s balance!
Losing weight, getting in shape, wanting to look good and wanting to feel good are great reasons for dieting but our primary reason for doing whatever we do should be to glorify God. That’s why I say it’s different this time.
"Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor. 6:12 NIV
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
My Struggle
Falling asleep is not always easy for me. I have a mind that keeps going and going. I'm not much of a writer but I like the idea of a blog because you can just express what's on your mind without being overly concerned with grammer and easy reads.
I'm at a point in my life where my focus is on becoming a healthy well balanced Christian. God, by His Spirit through His word has pointed out several areas of my life that are not healthy. Namely my lack of discipline with my eating habbits. I am determined to bring my eating habbits under the subjection of God's word. For the last three weeks I have been in recovery from these undisciplined eating habbits that have been destroying my life. Prior to my recovery process I was eating my way to a very early death. At age 32, I have high blood presure, high Cholesterol and Diabetes. God has brought it to my attention, that this does not glorify Him. I'm reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God". That is my aim, to glorify God in every area of my life. As a pastor, the impact of my ministry is greatly affected because of my lack of discipline. That's exactly what bad eating habbits is, a lack of discipline.
Anyway, for the last three weeks, I have done well in this area. I am now eating 6 controled portion meals per day. Breakfast is generally a high protein meal that includes boiled eggs, lean sliced turkey and low fat cottage cheese (yuk). Two hours later I have a protein bar (Morph Bar 30 grams of protein), which is very good and serves as one of my 6 meals. Two hours later I have lunch (usually a lean cuisine). Two hours later either another protein bar or shake. Two to three hours later I have dinner (a very small portion). Finally another protein bar. I eat fruit all throughout the day and drink plenty of water. This diet has worked very well for me primarily because I don't allow myself to get hungry.
I have seen drastic improvements early. I have not had to take meds for my diabetes and my sugar is still controled. I feel a boost of energy. My attitude has improved. I was having chest pains almost every night but for the last couple of weeks not one. These early improvements are more motivation for me to keep on keeping on.
These last 3 weeks have not been easy but they have been rewarding. The next step for me is exercise. Pray for me. I will keep you updated with my progress. Feel free to comment and advise.
I'm at a point in my life where my focus is on becoming a healthy well balanced Christian. God, by His Spirit through His word has pointed out several areas of my life that are not healthy. Namely my lack of discipline with my eating habbits. I am determined to bring my eating habbits under the subjection of God's word. For the last three weeks I have been in recovery from these undisciplined eating habbits that have been destroying my life. Prior to my recovery process I was eating my way to a very early death. At age 32, I have high blood presure, high Cholesterol and Diabetes. God has brought it to my attention, that this does not glorify Him. I'm reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God". That is my aim, to glorify God in every area of my life. As a pastor, the impact of my ministry is greatly affected because of my lack of discipline. That's exactly what bad eating habbits is, a lack of discipline.
Anyway, for the last three weeks, I have done well in this area. I am now eating 6 controled portion meals per day. Breakfast is generally a high protein meal that includes boiled eggs, lean sliced turkey and low fat cottage cheese (yuk). Two hours later I have a protein bar (Morph Bar 30 grams of protein), which is very good and serves as one of my 6 meals. Two hours later I have lunch (usually a lean cuisine). Two hours later either another protein bar or shake. Two to three hours later I have dinner (a very small portion). Finally another protein bar. I eat fruit all throughout the day and drink plenty of water. This diet has worked very well for me primarily because I don't allow myself to get hungry.
I have seen drastic improvements early. I have not had to take meds for my diabetes and my sugar is still controled. I feel a boost of energy. My attitude has improved. I was having chest pains almost every night but for the last couple of weeks not one. These early improvements are more motivation for me to keep on keeping on.
These last 3 weeks have not been easy but they have been rewarding. The next step for me is exercise. Pray for me. I will keep you updated with my progress. Feel free to comment and advise.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What A Time We Had at Peace Chapel
There was something special about service today. From the time I started my meditations on Saturday, I was in expectaion of something special on Sunday. I guess that's how it should be every Sunday. I have been feeling very heavy lately. It's not like I have never felt this way before, but lately it's been almost overwhelming. I think as a pastor I can feel when certain members of my congregation is hurting and lately I have been feeling that we have members who are hurting. That's what prompted me to start a series I titled "Overcomming Depression".
My studies have been so rewading for me. Normally, I spend a lot of time wrestling with the text, but with this series God has just been so easily allowing me to see the truth's that are found in His word concerning Depression.
Today I preached my second sermon on this topic and I am still contemplating whether to preach another sermon on the topic. My delivery came so easy today. I believe that God is really speaking to hurting people from His word concerning depression. I don't want to spend more time then necessary on this topic.
Here is the outline of my sermon:Overcoming Depression Psalms 32:1-5
Intro: Review Depression; possible cause;
Conversation between God and Cain in Genesis 4
I. Who is the one that overcomes depression? Vs. 1-2
a. The one who is blessed is the one who overcomes depression
aa. Who is the one that is blessed?
David does not say the one who has a lot of money is blessed;
He does not say the one who is free from sickness;
Does not say the one who gets there way
What he says is: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
The word blessed mean: Happy, a deep seeded joy, contentment
Four word’s David use to describe sin: Transgression(rebellion); Sin (failure); Iniquity (perversion) and deceit (falsehood)
Transgression- the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle; the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit; to step across
Sin- violate a law of God or a moral law; disobedience of the divine command; any violation of God's will, either in purpose or conduct; moral deficiency in the character
Iniquity- absence of moral or spiritual values; morally objectionable behavior; wickedness
Deceit- the quality of being fraudulent; a misleading falsehood; concealing the truth
II. How can I overcome Depression? Vs. 3-5
Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
a. Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
b. Come clean about your sin vs. 5-6
Before I started on this subject, I was looking at a couple of passages in James. I actually preached one sermon from James the Sunday before I started on depression. Maybe I will get back to that marvelous book that is so filled with wisdom. Not sure. Hopefully the Lord will make it clear for me real soon.
My studies have been so rewading for me. Normally, I spend a lot of time wrestling with the text, but with this series God has just been so easily allowing me to see the truth's that are found in His word concerning Depression.
Today I preached my second sermon on this topic and I am still contemplating whether to preach another sermon on the topic. My delivery came so easy today. I believe that God is really speaking to hurting people from His word concerning depression. I don't want to spend more time then necessary on this topic.
Here is the outline of my sermon:Overcoming Depression Psalms 32:1-5
Intro: Review Depression; possible cause;
Conversation between God and Cain in Genesis 4
I. Who is the one that overcomes depression? Vs. 1-2
a. The one who is blessed is the one who overcomes depression
aa. Who is the one that is blessed?
David does not say the one who has a lot of money is blessed;
He does not say the one who is free from sickness;
Does not say the one who gets there way
What he says is: Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
The word blessed mean: Happy, a deep seeded joy, contentment
Four word’s David use to describe sin: Transgression(rebellion); Sin (failure); Iniquity (perversion) and deceit (falsehood)
Transgression- the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle; the action of going beyond or overstepping some boundary or limit; to step across
Sin- violate a law of God or a moral law; disobedience of the divine command; any violation of God's will, either in purpose or conduct; moral deficiency in the character
Iniquity- absence of moral or spiritual values; morally objectionable behavior; wickedness
Deceit- the quality of being fraudulent; a misleading falsehood; concealing the truth
II. How can I overcome Depression? Vs. 3-5
Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
a. Stop trying to cover up your dirt (acting like you don’t have issues) vs. 3-4 2 Sam 11:1-17; 25-27
b. Come clean about your sin vs. 5-6
Before I started on this subject, I was looking at a couple of passages in James. I actually preached one sermon from James the Sunday before I started on depression. Maybe I will get back to that marvelous book that is so filled with wisdom. Not sure. Hopefully the Lord will make it clear for me real soon.
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