"It's My Right!"

Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention but with the well advised is wisdom. 

This verse is a simple statement from Proverbs that holds profound truth for life. So much of today's society teaches us that we have rights. I find that when I decide that "it's my right" to tell someone what I think is right to do, my pride rears its ugly head. Maybe my thoughts about the situation are factually right, but my attitude is wrong and the fighting and contention that follow are the direct result of my pride. This is a simple truth that I must continually remind myself of so that when I want my way because I think "it's my right" to have or do something, I can avoid contention by being well-advised! May the Lord help us put away our pride and in turn put away our contention!

Chicken Chat #6

Sometimes, at dusk, a tremendous ruckus will explode in the yard. One evening, I rushed out, sure to see some predator laying claim to one of our birds. But alas! The noise was coming from a hen trying to roost in a bush. A small bush. A small bush with no support branches. So the silly girl kept falling to the ground, then she flapped her wings enough to get back up on the bush, only to fall to the ground again. At dusk, since the birds slow down, evidently, so does their mental capacities – at least for this gal. I waited until she achieved her lofty position again and grabbed her before she fell and then carried her to the house where she would be safe for the night.

On another evening, I closed the hen house door. A little while later, I glanced out the window and noticed that a hen didn’t get in the hen house.

“Where was she? And why didn’t she come in with the rest of the birds?” I thought to myself. 

“Tell me again why we have chickens?!” I muttered as I went back outside to catch her and put her inside the hen house. She saw me coming and forgot that I was the one who fed her daily; I was the one who provided the house that she failed to enter; I was the one who maintained the perimeter of the yard so as to keep predators away; I was the one paying the mortgage on the land on which she left her. . . droppings. She squawked in alarm at my approach. I stopped. She stopped. I slowly walked around to the back of the hen house. I stopped. She forgot I was there as she perched on the support beam on the front of the hen house. Moving slower than molasses in January, I reached for the net. I stopped. I moved the net to my side so as to hide it with my body. I stopped. I inched toward the front where she slowly wagged her head from side to side as her body slowed down for the night.  I waited. I hate waiting. I waited some more til her head almost stopped wagging.  I inched some more. After I inched close enough, I quickly swung the net, capturing the little escapee. Finally! She squawked and squawked, telling the whole world what evil had befallen her. I gently untangled her flapping feathers from the net and lowered her onto the ground. . . inside the house where she would be safe. Soon her squawking ceased as she realized that she was home.

Do I have to be chased to get back in line with what my Father wants me to do? Or do I just walk where He wants me to walk, when He wants me to walk, and how He wants me to walk? Does he have to use the net on me or will I simply go when it’s time to go? Will I squawk and squawk in torrential complaints when I think He’s doing something I don’t like? Or will I just obey?

10 Reasons to Stop Being Critical

I'm beginning to realize that the most draining people to be around are critical people. Sadly, I'll admit that I used to be, and at times still can be, a very critical person myself. It only takes me a few minutes with someone who is criticizing others and their motives, methods, or actions for me to realize what an awful and yucky thing criticism is. Below are ten reasons we should put the language of criticism out of our vocabulary.

1. This was the hardest one for me to handle, but it was also what turned me from a critical person to a more loving one: Being critical is a sign of a bitter, selfish heart attitude. That sounds harsh, doesn't it? But it's so true. The Bible says, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matthew 12:34)

2. It hurts others. It hurts others badly. Most of us have been on the receiving end of negative criticism, and we know that it can really wound our own spirits. Why would we want to do that to another person? (Proverbs 18:14)

3. It says, "I think I'm better than that person." Pride doesn't look good on anyone. (Proverbs 21:4)

4. It sets a bad example. Next time we are tempted to criticize others around our children, we need to remember that little kids have big ears. Our four-year-old son hears everything we say, even if we think he’s just coloring or playing with toys and off in his own little world. (1 Timothy 4:12)

5. It breeds more criticism. If we have a critical attitude it will quickly influence those around us to be critical as well. 

6. It robs us of our joy. We can't be happy people if we are too busy looking for the negative things in life.

7. It can cause others to give up. In the past, I have felt like quitting many of my church ministries a critical word (or two) has gotten back to me. I decided to stick with those ministries when I realized that those who were criticizing me were in the minority, but they were very discouraging. Don't be the cause of someone quitting their ministry. 

8. It leaves no room for grace. I don't know about you, but I receive more grace than I ever deserve every day from my heavenly Father. Doesn't it stand to reason that, because of that, we should show grace to those around us? (1 Peter 5:5)

9. It gives us the wrong focus. Instead of focusing on that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and good, we are focusing on what is probably not true and definitely not kind. Let’s focus on showing love instead. (Philippians 4:8)

10. It keeps us from being a blessing. Before I became a mother, I heard many moms criticizing other parents and their parenting styles. Let me tell you, it was not encouraging for me to know that when I had children myself that those same ladies would probably be whispering behind my back, criticizing me as well. I'd much rather have them offer to help me than be critical. We can be such an encouragement by offering to be a blessing, rather than a hindrance. (Titus 2:4-5)

My husband and I were on our back porch looking at the sunset one evening. He commented on how nice it looked, then mentioned how the broken-down trailer behind our house ruined the view. I turned to him and said, "I'm choosing to focus on the sunset instead."

Do yourself a favor this week, and anytime you're tempted to be critical of someone or something, choose to "focus on the sunset" instead. Life will be better that way, for you and for those around you.

Why Would He Use ME?

by Amanda Baker

Matthew 25:69-75

I have been struck recently in the study of the life of Christ that Christ used some very unlikely people during His earthly ministry to accomplish His will.  The whole series of events surrounding His arrest, trials, and crucifixion proved that He used unlikely men to bring to pass that which His Father had planned.  The focus of my recent meditation, however, has been the apostle Peter.  Scripture indicates that after Peter denied the Lord, he remembered the Lord’s words.  I can’t imagine what grief and guilt Peter felt at that moment.  Peter left the scene of Jesus’ trial and “wept bitterly.” 

We don’t hear much more about Peter until after Jesus’ resurrection. I can imagine that those days when Christ was in the tomb were dark days for Peter. Maybe he felt that Jesus’ death was his fault. Maybe he wondered about the things he had heard Jesus say over the last three years.  We can’t be certain what happened in Peter’s life, but what we do know is that although Peter sinned, he was not discarded by the Lord.  Peter is one of the disciples that helped to “turn the world upside down” for Christ.  He is the one Christ chose to preach on the day of Pentecost.  I am reminded by Peter’s return to the Lord that there is nothing that I can do as a child of God that will permanently separate me from my Heavenly Father. 

I identify with Peter in a very real way because I often make mistakes that seem too gigantic to be overcome by God’s grace.  And yet every time I sin, He draws me back, forgives me, and restores me as one of His children.  I don’t understand why God used Peter after all that he had done wrong, but I am thankful that He did because it gives me hope that I am still able to be used for His service as well.

Chicken Chat #5

Chickens are different. When perusing articles online, one will find a chicken farmer that gives certain advice. The advice in the next article will contradict the previous advice. The third article may give yet another view of the problem. Most blogs about chickens will list the kitchen scraps that are acceptable for the homegrown chicken even though some backyard chicken farmers refuse to feed their chickens any “human” food at all. Some of our chickens love to eat the ends of green beans as we snap the freshly-picked produce from the garden; others turn their noses up at the fresh, chemical-free treat. However, one thing all our chickens agree on is the chicken feed – the processed stuff that comes from Tractor Supply. 

Often, we let our girls out of the fence to forage in the yard – they eat the bugs we don’t want in the garden and we’ve noticed a reduction in the snake population since we’ve obtained the birds. I don’t know if they eat the snakes or if the snakes are just nervous around such noisy, scratching critters – I really don’t care the reason for the snake population reduction; I’m just glad for it!

Sometimes, at dusk, the chickens will get confused: they’ll notice a lovely low-hanging tree or the porch railing that looks like a good spot to roost for the night instead of rambling all the way back to the chicken coop house.  As they roost at night, chickens leave, shall we say, “droppings” and that is not an acceptable “gift” on my front porch. They must, for their safety and my sanity, return to their house.

Chasing a chicken may be fun for young kids at a summer camp but not for older mature folks who just want to get the animals cared for and return to their Lazy-Boy recliner. So the devious plan was hatched: I walked to their feed bucket and snapped open the lid. Oh, they recognized that sound immediately and watched with suspicion. With very large, exaggerated motions, I reached into the feed bucket, grabbed the scoop, held it high so the girls could see it, then plunged it deeply into the feed. They began to wander toward my direction, not yet fully convinced they would receive any treats. Then, holding the carry bucket in their field of view, I let the golden scratch grain slowly pour from the scoop into the carry bucket. I snapped the lid closed and swished the feed around in the carry bucket. Yep, I had their attention now. 

I ambled to their house like I hadn’t a care in the world. Even the most reticent bird knew where I was headed. They called to each other, half running, half flying, determined to get in line first for the human’s offering of golden deliciousness. At the door of their house, I waited for almost all of them to catch up. Then with a big heave, I threw large handfuls of feed as far into the house as I could. Oh, the cackles of joy when they ran, dove, jumped over each other in the chaotic happiness of eating a bedtime snack, not even noticing that the gate was being closed.

There are other ways to get a chicken into the coop at night. Chase her furiously, risking damage to her and to the chaser. Swing a net wildly, cracking windows and shin bones. Hold contests with the neighborhood kids.

How often does my Father give me a “bedtime snack” just because He’s good? How often does He have to swing the net wildly to correct my decisions and actions that ultimately cause harm to His name, to my loved ones, and to me? How often do I go where He leads because I know He has something good for me? Why can’t I obey just from my heart of love? Why must I make Him make me obey?

A Light Bearer

Matthew 5:14   Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

As a child, I lived in fear of the dark. I am not sure why, but I did. I wanted a nightlight, or a door opened partway, or small lamp left illuminated. I laugh about it now, but it was a real and present danger to me. I dreaded the darkness. Now, as an adult, when it is time for sleep, the darker the room, the better the sleep. As for my fear of the dark, it is nonexistent.

When God first chose to start the timeline of man’s history, He spoke to this very matter; it was His first order of business. He did not act from fear; He was motivated by the truth that if anything is going to get done, there must be light. In creation, His first deed was “let there be light.” Yet again, at Calvary when darkness reigned, He saw to it that light would shine from out of darkness. 

People around us live in darkness. They need the Light. Christ’s words to us obligate us to turning on the lights in world. His words are clear: “ye are the light of the world.” In the verses following, He shares that there is public light work and personal light work. Note His illustrations. We are to be like cities on the hill, our public light work. Then there is the personal light work; He speaks of lighting candles in rooms. 

We are obligated to be light bearers. We must bear it in our personal work and our public work. Are you balanced in this? When you are one-on-one, do you turn on the lights? When you have moments of public ministry, do you let your light shine.

Are you the brightest light bearer for Him?

Grace

by Jilene Scherenske

A Short Meditation on I Timothy 1:14

In I Timothy chapter one, verse thirteen, Paul, in thanking Jesus for the ministry in which He has placed him and enabled him to minister, declares what he used to be before his ministry began (“…a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious…” to the church).  Then Paul goes on, in verse fourteen to extol the grace of God which he says was “exceeding abundant” toward him.  Just what is grace?  Let us ponder this question and perhaps gain a crumb’s worth of greater understanding of this marvelous attribute of God.

Firstly, grace is the cross.  2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.  Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  This is the grace that saves.  If it were not for grace and mercy, there would be no cross; there would be no salvation option!

But grace didn’t stop at the cross.  Now it has taken on a huge ministry to usward who have been saved.  Because of grace, once we have experienced saving grace, we now, by grace, are compelled to serve God, to glorify Him.  It is His grace that works in us to accomplish this.  It both employs us and enables us, as Paul stated in verse 12.  Although we don’t think of the following verse in this light, I believe a good definition of grace is found in Galatians 2: 20-21  "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  I do not frustrate [reject] the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."  Christ living in me and living out His life through me is grace!  Another verse that we often claim to be the definition of grace is Php 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”  So we can most accurately say that grace is the power of God working in us.  

But grace is even more!  Grace is everything! It is responsible for my salvation.  It now is responsible for every part of my daily living.  It is even responsible not only for the hope of heaven but for getting me there as well.  Grace is eternal; it will be with me throughout eternity.  My God is grace…He is the God of all grace; His throne is grace; He is full of grace (John 1:14).  I cannot live without grace each moment; but more than breath, grace allows /enables me to live for God.  I resist grace when I go my own way.  I accept grace when I yield to God.  Grace truly is God working in me; but even more than that, it is the privilege I have for God to work in me.  Grace is God working personally with me, through me, for me so that I may live unto Him.  It is my link to Him.  Grace has everything to do with His relationship to me personally.  Grace is my privilege to have a personal relationship with God no matter who I am or what I have done.  I may not always respond/yield to His ‘advances’, His wooing of me, but that doesn’t keep grace from trying!  Why does God choose to shine His favor/grace on us?  Because He loves us so!  Amazing!  He gives us His grace continually even though we fail to recognize it or be thankful for it.  He continues to be kind to us because He wants to!  It is never meted out according to our behavior, for our behavior does nothing to earn or deserve His grace.

So how much grace does God give me?  

Ephesians 2:7  That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. When we get to heaven we will indeed realize fully the exceeding riches of His great grace.  Oh, how I wish I could fully realize the exceeding riches of His grace to me now!  I must never forget that His grace comes to me because of Jesus.  

2 Corinthians 9:14  And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. The Corinthians had given to the poor believers in Judea, prayed for them, and displayed their surrender to the gospel, thus they had been quite an example of the exceeding grace of God in themselves.  Paul calls it exceeding grace!  

1 Peter 4:10  As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. God gives to us, as we saw in the preceding verse, more than enough grace to minister to others.  Here the grace is said to come in many and various ways which is what we need in order to minister.  What grace will do for one situation, will not do for another situation, so God, in His great wisdom, makes His grace diverse so that it will fit every circumstance.  

2 Corinthians 9:8  And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: In light of the previous verses’ comment now we can see why it is “all” grace.  God’s grace covers everything we have need of.  But it also ‘abounds’.  It is in excess, it is in abundance, there is enough and some to spare, it is over and above.  At all times, in every circumstance, we have more than enough grace!!!!!

James 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.  Grace is available to us when we are humble, not going our own way, not thinking we have a better idea, not doing our own thing, but looking to God for our every move.

2 Corinthians 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.   God’s grace to us is sufficient, it is all that we need.  

With all this grace how can we not recognize it, and accept it and use it (for often we reject it), and be exceeding thankful for it?

Paul continues in verse fourteen to state that God’s grace was abundant “with faith and love in Jesus.”  That’s how grace was shown to Paul, this is the fruit of grace – it gave him faith in Jesus and by giving him that displayed the love of God.  Look at who he declares he was in the previous verse – a blasphemer, persecutor, one who was injurious to Christians.  But then God gave him faith in Jesus and wrapped him in His love.  That’s what grace did for Paul.  That is also what grace has done for us – given us faith as well as the love of God and love for God.  And the faith and love for God that Paul received was indeed exceeding abundant, extraordinary, as we have seen from the life he led once he trusted in Jesus.  Paul was a champion of accepting God’s grace in every area of his life.  Look what he says about himself in 1Co 15:9-10 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.  10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.  Even in Paul’s physical trial he accepted God’s grace:  2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

So, in your own life, can you see how super abundant grace has been given to you, not only in your conversion, but then in your life every day?  Can you see the power grace imparts to enable you to live for God?  Think about it.  Pray for an awareness of this exceeding grace which God has imparted to you.

We must remember that this grace is exceeding abundant.  You never leave your house without exceeding abundant grace.  Never do you go to the grocery store or to work or any other place without exceeding abundant grace encompassing you.  That means that you have no need to be timid or to be hesitant, or to hold back in sharing Jesus with everyone you meet.  God has them cross your path for a reason.  How many times do we miss these opportunities?  All because we do not accept the grace that is there?  What God commissions, He provides for in His great grace.  Ex 18:23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.  In other words, “….if God command thee….thou shalt be able to…”!!!!  All because of His grace!  Grace permeates our daily life so that we can live with the characteristics of I Corinthians 13.  It shows up wherever and whenever we need it.  It is just that we so often do not realize it is there and so fail to accept it.  Once again I remind you of this verse: And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 2 Corinthians 9:8  

Grace allows us the privilege of glorifying God.  It is the natural outcome of appropriating God’s grace.  Even in our redeemed state, we would seldom, perhaps never, glorify God if it were not for grace.  Grace enables us to do the very thing we were created to do – glorify God.  We do this, not just when we leave home, we do this every moment of the day, whether we are with family, or even when we are alone.  Do you feel inadequate?  Unworthy?  Paul felt that all the more!  He stated in I Cor 15:9 that he felt like he was “the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle”.  Again in Eph 3:8 he said that he was, “less than the least of all saints”. Yet God’s exceeding grace made him what he was and enabled him to do what he did.  He knew it was God’s grace.  He never took any credit for anything he did.  God’s grace can work in you the same way that it did in Paul.  How are you doing with accepting this most exceeding abundant grace?  

May… “the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” 1Pe 5:10

Chicken Chat #4

Some adventurous folks start their chicken farm from eggs. For our first batch, we decided to get pullets – chickens that were younger than a year old. However, where there is a rooster and a hen, usually fertilized eggs appear. The experienced chicken farmer learns which hen lays which eggs but beginning farmers have to wait for a hen to brood.

Usually, the broody or the hen who is broody just sits. all. day. long. She will not roam the yard looking for bugs and worms; she will not be pecking at others unless they come bother her. She will not spend much time, if any, at the water bowl. At first, the inexperienced chicken farmer may think she is sick. However, the opposite is quite true: she is quite well! She is keeping the fertilized eggs at just the right temperature. Designed by God, she knows when an egg is too warm and she’ll scoot it gently to the outer edge of her wing span. If the egg is too cool, she’ll scoot it closer under her body. She will not leave those eggs even if the humans bring delicious food scraps to the chicken yard. Sometimes, when the human is not looking, she’ll sneak eggs from another nesting box and slide them gently under her body. This feat is amazing if one realizes that the edge of the nesting boxes is over two inches high! She stops all unnecessary activity and focuses on the success of those eggs.

Christians often hear that term brood in church as someone prays, “Holy Spirit, brood over us tonight” but never stop to ponder that word. The word has several shades of meaning one of which is “to sit on”; surely, in prayer, the Christian is not asking the Holy Spirit to sit on him! 

Another meaning is “to sit on to hatch, as in make the young come out.” Maybe this shade of meaning can apply somewhat to the Holy Spirit’s brooding – He stays with the Christian until heaven is reached but He can communicate with the willing Christian until “the young come out” – until growth occurs, so that growth can occur.

Another meaning is to “focus attention on a subject persistently.” A Christian best be ready if he prays for the Holy Spirit to focus His attention on him persistently, for He will!

Is the Holy Spirit brooding over me concerning a certain sin that I refuse to give up? Concerning a particular co-worker that I must reach out to? Concerning an extra financial gift I must give? Concerning investing more time and energy into my prayer life?

Am I brooding with God? Is there a time every day when it appears that I’m just sitting, doing nothing, but actually I’m reading His word, telling Him my stories, listening to Him tell me His? Is my brooding with God producing any growth? Have I stopped all unnecessary activity and focused on one essential concept of Him so that I may grow?

For Such a Time as This

Esther 4:13-14 Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

The story of Esther is one of my favorites in the entire Bible.  Esther 4:1-17 details the account of Mordecai’s calling Esther to stand up for her people given the position in which God had placed her.  We know the story that the king found Esther to be the most beautiful of all the women to replace Queen Vashti. (Don’t think for a minute that Esther’s beauty, both internal and external, was a mistake!)  We can read between the lines a little bit to understand that Esther and Mordecai had a good relationship.  As the queen, Esther could have ignored Mordecai, but we find that she honored her uncle and his admonition as if he were her father.  I don’t think it is inappropriate here to assume that Esther was fearful of what would happen to her and to her people – the Jews – should Haman’s decree be fulfilled.  The presence of fear does not make a person un-spiritual.  We find that when presented with the facts at hand – that even as the queen she could not escape the pending judgment for the Jews – a spiritual person will act upon that fear realizing that God has placed him in this specific situation “for such a time as this.”  

What are you facing today that brings doubts and fear into your heart?  What obstacle looms in your path and seems insurmountable?  Could it be that God has placed you in this particular situation “for such a time as this”?  It could be that those who are watching you will increase in their faith as they see how you handle such a situation.  It could be that God in His sovereignty has taken you through some tough times so that you could be a blessing to someone encountering the same type of struggle.  Mark it down – nothing happens to us or in our lives by accident.  Don’t allow your fear to overwhelm you.  If Esther had been ruled by fear, we don’t know where the Jews would be today.  Whatever it is that is facing you today, remember that God has placed you exactly where you are today “for such a time as this”!  Trust Him, obey Him, and watch the marvelous things He can and will do through you.  God used Esther to save the Jewish race.  What will you allow God to do through you today?

A Channel of His Love

by Kristen Kelley

I am used to saying “goodbyes”.  I grew up in a military household, and have lived in several different states during my life.  But this huge lump I feel in my throat when the tears threaten – that is something new to me . . . There are times on this deputation journey when it is truly hard to say “goodbye”.  When God is at work in a congregation – when people’s hearts are tender – without a doubt, God can knit those hearts together in a truly beautiful, wonderful way. 

I John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

I have met so many dear Sisters in Christ, over the past few months!  I have felt God’s love poured out through the kindness of His people in a way I never could have imagined.  Ladies who have taken a genuine interest in me and in my family.  Ladies who have shared laughter and godly fellowship. Women who have prepared lodgings, worked nursery, and cooked meals.  Fellow “Miscarriage Mamas” who have shared with me their own stories and have encouraged me regarding my book. Sisters in Christ who have told me sincerely that they are praying for us and will continue to do so. There are times in these meetings when my heart just overflows. 

Romans chapter 12 shows us that a people who fully gives themselves to the Lord, can then genuinely give themselves to others.

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Romans 12:9, 10 “Let love be without dissimulation . . . Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love . . . ” Not hypocrisy, but true, genuine Christian love!

Romans 12:11, 13, 15-16 “. . . fervent in spirit; serving the Lord . . . Distributing to the necessity of the saints; given to hospitality . . . Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.  Be of the same mind one toward another . . .”

God has comforted me, and I will seek to comfort you.  God has blessed me with food and I will share my table with you.  God has provided me a home and I will give you a place to sleep for the night. 

The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:22, 23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance . . .”  It is truly a beautiful thing when you see such fruit lived out in the lives of fellow believers!

I Corinthians 13:13 “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

The greatest of these . . . The very best.  “Charity” is LOVE – and oh how wonderful such Christian love is! We are a part of the family of God!

This journey of deputation has challenged me!  Am I being a channel of Christ’s love today?  Do I selflessly put the encouragement of others above my own needs and desires? Am I allowing God to lead me to the hurting, the weary, and the travel-worn? What an honor and a privilege to be used of God in such a way! 

John 15:9 “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.”

Chicken Chat #3

When deciding to participate in the wonderful world of chicken raising, we discussed obtaining a rooster. Roosters serve two main purposes: to continue the family line and to protect. 

Several roosters have found their home with us. One was so intent in “continuing the family line” that the hens were stressed. (Hens’ being stressed is a topic for another day.) We had to do something – the hens were not laying; they spent their days running instead of scratching for bugs. He was relentless! Eventually, we loosely tied a small twine rope to one of his legs with the other end tied around a tree. He had shade, feed, water, grass, and the company of the other birds, and the hens had peace and calm. Everyone was happy except him. He spotted a hen whom he thought he could reach and he ran full tilt toward her. She squawked as she ran from him. He squawked as the length of the rope grew taut, stopping his romantic progress. Day after day, this action took place. We didn’t know to laugh at his foolishness or be encouraged at his optimism.

Another rooter thought he was in charge of the whole property. His bossy protection included drawing blood from the teen boy and then from the dad and then from the mom. That day was his last day alive.

The most recent rooster was a beautiful jewel: the greens, the blues, the slight oranges and red all blended to a masterpiece of art. Gorgeous! And he provided for the flock. We had no other rooster with this trait: when he found food, he made a certain noise and the hens all came running; he stepped back and the girls enjoyed his discovered bounty. He wouldn’t eat the food until all the hens had eaten their fill and had walked away. Even when the humans brought feed, he called the girls and then stepped back.

Once while working in the garden, I heard a very low growl. Knowing we have some untamed animals in the surrounding woods, my alertness peaked immediately. I stood slowly. I stood still. I stared. At the woods. I slowly turned my head to scope out the house and the driveway. Nothing. Then I saw it: all the hens were gathered around the rooster. As I pondered, I heard the low growl again….coming from the rooster.

I thought to myself, “Goodness! You’ve been in the heat too long. Get inside. Roosters do not growl!”

Over the next several months, several times I heard the low growl, observed the hens scurry to the rooster’s side; then, and only then, I perceived the hawk circling overhead or the neighbor dog wandering through the yard or the curiously hungry raccoon drooling at the tree line.

Am I a protector over those whom God has given me? Do I ensure protection in providing a healthy body – for myself and for my family or do I gorge myself and feed my family a constant diet of unhealthy junk food or do I do due diligence in studying nutrition, in learning to cook properly, and in keeping germs at bay? Do I ensure my wife has a sense of financial protection because I know how to tithe, to give to missions, to give to the needy, and to save? Do I ensure my husband a sense of protection when he gives me access to his hard-earned money that I will be honest and frugal? Do I ensure protection from worldly influences or do I allow my teens to soak up the latest and greatest video and computer game? Do I invite their friends to my home so I can offer protection from peer pressure? Do I ensure protection from the temptation for laziness by teaching and expecting my children to perform age-appropriate chores? Do I ensure that my friends and acquaintances have a stable prayer warrior who is not afraid to come boldly before His throne and ask for anything in His will?

I have a Protector; am I a protector for those around me?

The Case for Biblical Apologetics

By: Steve Schramm

Biblical Apologetics is a branch of Christian theology which deals with giving a defense of the Christian faith. The term “apologetics” is taken from a Greek word, apologia, which means simply means “a speaking in defense.” It involves the use of rational, biblical arguments which point to the truth of God’s Word.

But apologetics has not been widely accepted yet in our Independent Baptist churches, though we’ve seen inklings of it throughout the years in the form of creation ministries, King James Bible conferences, etc. I think the main reason for the scarcity of this teaching lies in a complete misunderstanding about the nature of apologetics. Folks often believe two very common misconceptions:

1. That apologetics is apologizing for what we believe in.
2. That apologists simply argue senselessly about whether or not there is a God.

There are certainly those who misuse apologetics and do both of those things. However, that is not what Biblical apologists do. An apologetic encounter without the Gospel in mind will be fruitless. It’s very important to remember that success in any apologetic encounter—like any evangelistic encounter—means pointing a lost soul towards Jesus Christ.

We’re All Apologists

The classic Bible verse which supports the practice of apologetics is 1 Peter 3:15 – “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

This verse is not aimed at a select few with the calling to be an apologist in the professional sense. We’re all called to be able to give reasons for the hope that is within us. Sure, there are some who devote their lives to disciplines such as Science or Philosophy which can certainly be used in the defense of the faith, but God does not expect each of us to become the next Newton or Aristotle. Nevertheless, the Bible clearly mandates that we, at some level, be able to defend our faith in Christ. 

It is important to understand at what level we should all have a part in this, and in order to do that, we must take a look at the Biblical evidence for apologetics. I’ve identified four areas in which the Bible addresses this subject–the purpose, posture, proof, and power of Biblical apologetics.

The Purpose of Biblical Apologetics 

Before we can learn how to use apologetics, we must know when to use it. In professional music circles it is often said that the best musician is not the one who knows when to play—rather, when not to play.

Let’s look at the Biblical story of the woman at the well in Samaria, found in John chapter four. Jesus was sitting at the well, waiting for this particular woman to come by. Jesus enters into a conversation with her, and He reveals that He is aware of her sin and her need for a Savior. Notice—she does not put up her fists, but rather, she recognizes her brokenness! Jesus says, in effect, “if you take a drink of my water, the living water, you’ll never thirst again!” There was an amazing transformation in this woman’s life. She receives Christ that day and goes away telling everyone she knows about this man, Jesus of Nazareth, and what He could do for them.

This woman was broken—living in obvious sin (she has had 5 husbands, and was currently sleeping with a man who was not her husband!), and yet Christ showed compassion towards her—not condemnation. To be facetious, but to my point, she also did not present an argument for Darwinian Evolution before she would repent! She was simply a broken sinner who had nothing left and needed a Savior. That’s all. Friend, we were all there once. And there are many still there today.

Let’s contrast this with another story in the Bible (which we will reference later as well), found in Acts chapter 17.

In this portion of scripture, we find the Apostle Paul in a heated discussion on Mars Hill with the Greek Philosophers. (You know, those guys with the long, funny-sounding names?) It has been rightly said that all philosophers do is take what we already know and explain it in a way that no one but themselves can understand! I have certainly seen that to be the case, but most philosophers are just like us–broken sinners just trying to make sense of the world. 

Remember, Paul told us that he became all things to all people in order to be a more effective witness (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). He was a master evangelist–he knew just how to speak the language of the different people groups he ministered to. In Acts 17, when talking to the philosophers, Paul recognized they needed to hear more about why they should place their trust in Christ. Even if they understood that they were broken people, their logic and knowledge of the sciences was an insurmountable obstacle. Many of them were atheists (believing there is no God), and many others were pantheists (believing everything is God).

The Bible says that “no man seeks God” (Romans 3:11). This means those philosophers were seeking any other explanation for the way the world is other than one involving a personal God who would dictate their morality. Of course, we find the same thing in our world today. In this standoff, Paul used apologetics to reason with them about how God was the Creator of the universe, and how this historical man named Jesus died on a cross and rose again on the third day.

Notice the reaction of the people found in verse 32: 

“And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.”

Certain men clave! I say, amen! We cannot win them all. But, we can win some. And, we can certainly help others to start thinking more critically about matters of faith. There are many other examples of apologetics in the Bible. 

God made thinkers. And wherever thinkers are presented in the Bible, apologetics or a form thereof is used to defend the faith. Therefore, the Biblical purpose for apologetics is to provide convincing and reasonable evidence for why we should take God at His Word. (See this article for what I mean by “evidence.”)

We all carry devices in our pockets with way more computing power than what it took to go to the moon. That is a sobering thought–and one that should scare us a little bit. Our universities and even public schools are teaching kids to reject the Bible and to embrace naturalism and humanism. And let me say–they provide very compelling evidence if you have not been educated otherwise. 

We must not—nor should we allow our children to—live with a superficial faith. The need for apologetics is greater than ever today because the attacks on the Truth of the Bible are greater than ever today. 

The Posture of Biblical Apologetics 

In order to determine the posture of Biblical apologetics, we need to, once more, look at our supporting verse. First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”

It has been said that an apologist must be very careful not to answer the question, rather than the questioner. People in the world today have real problems, and when a person begins asking the tough questions of us, we must be very careful not to give our studied answers in a rigid, robotic manner. The person asking about the reality of hell may be doing so because of loved ones who have already passed on. The person asking if euthanasia is supported by the Bible may have a friend who is terribly ill and is struggling with the decision. The man who asks why Christians “hate gays” may very well have an inner struggle with homosexuality.

Truth is truth; I’m all for it. And I’m for boldly proclaiming it too. But no one ever said we had to sacrifice compassion on the altar of Truth. Jesus did not do it, and therefore neither should we. The good news is that, as usual, if we’ll just take the Bible’s word on the matter, we’ll have no problems with our apologetic posture.

Let’s look at the two words in view: Meekness and Fear.

Meekness 

Wiersbe said, “Meekness is not weakness. It is power under control.”

I like that definition. Other translations of the Bible use the word “gentleness” here, but I think meekness according to the KJV makes more sense, especially considering Wiersbe’s definition. I like to think about it as a filter. You are trying to communicate, through the holy power of Almighty God, with a person who is spiritually dead. A meek individual is a perfect filter. You possess a human nature, but have the power of God in you to lead people to Christ.

We find that it is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23), and it should manifest itself in the life of any true Believer. Sheer power without meekness is futile. It’s the quickest way to get labeled a “Bible-thumping bigot” and have nothing but fruitless, mindless discussion. Weakness, however, is the absence of power. Without power, the “power of God unto salvation” is not present. We must have power, but we must not be offensive (concerning our attitude–the Bible teaches that the gospel itself will be offensive to unbelievers, which cannot be helped).

We find that Jesus displayed a meek attitude. He always spoke truth, but it was always spoken out of love and a genuine care for the individual or group he was dealing with. This is precisely why we must not view apologetics as engaging in fruitless arguments. If the argumentative nature of apologetics is what interests you, you had better forget it! You’ll do nothing but make others mad and turn them away from the gospel. We should approach each and every engagement as if it will end with an opportunity to lead the questioner to Christ. 

Fear 

The word “fear” found here is used in the same context as the “fear of God.” This speaks of reverence or respect. In Genesis, the Bible teaches that we are all made in the image of God. Theologians call this the “Imago Dei”. As Christians, we have a high calling to treat all of God’s creation with respect. This is why we must answer the questioner rather than the question.

There are some folks who will approach you for no other reason than to be “bullish.” In other words, they are not honestly seeking the Truth–they are merely looking for an opportunity to shame you or prove you wrong. My friend, treat that person with respect. Do not be steamrolled–you are deserving of respect as well–but the way you handle the conversation may have a profound effect on someone else who is looking on.

The great philosopher and apologist William Lane Craig has often stated that he usually does not enter into debates with any sort of expectation of winning his opponent to Christ. After all, his opponents are usually well-learned individuals who have already spent a lifetime of study and are emphatically opposed to his views. But there are many fragile minds on the college campuses and public forums where many of these debates are held, and no doubt, thousands have come to Christ as a result of the many debates Craig and other apologists have held in these venues over the years.

Respect matters. If we are to be salt and light, we must not only present sound reasoning, but we must do so with a compassionate heart and an attitude of respect.

One more word about fear:

Concerning the traditional understanding of the word, i.e., “to be afraid”, we shouldn’t be! Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Fellow defenders of the Faith—we have Truth on our side. Despite popular belief, the evidence for our Creator God is truly overwhelming. Stay in your Bible, contend boldly for the Faith, and let wisdom and Truth be your guide.

The Proof of Biblical Apologetics

In the beginning of April 2017, a profound movie was released called “The Case for Christ”. This is a movie based on the book written by well-known pastor and apologist, Lee Strobel. Lee was working as a legal journalist for the Chicago Tribune, and by virtue of his training, was a natural skeptic. His life changed one day when he arrived home from work and found out that his wife had accepted Christ as her Savior.

As she grew more and more in the Lord, Lee began to draw further away. Desperate to put a stop to the madness, Lee set out on a journey of discovery. Lee had set his sights on accomplishing the task once and for all that none other before him had been able to do–silence Christianity. He was very good at his job, and if anyone could prove that this “Jesus” character was no more than a myth or a mere man, it was him.

Lee spent the next two years interviewing faith leaders and trying desperately to poke holes in their arguments. At the end of his journey, he came to the realization that it would actually take more faith to maintain his atheism than to accept Christ as his Savior. And he did just that.

Lee’s story has received much publicity because of his book series, and now the feature film. But his story is far from unique. Thousands share a similar testimony. Apologetics, indeed, is important. Of course, no one becomes a Christian unless they can move from the belief that Jesus was who He said He was to belief in Jesus as Savior, but some people are just hung up on on the “that”!

Apologetics is simply a form of Biblical evangelism. Many evangelists today travel around proclaiming a specific aspect of the same Message (Jesus Christ and Him crucified!). For instance, there are evangelists who specialize in:

1. Creation
2. Prophecy
3. Eschatology
4. The King James Bible
5. Marriage
6. The Tabernacle
7. Apologetics

And others!

No matter what the angle, the Biblical evangelist must preach Christ. Paul said, “God forbid that I should glory except in the Cross (paraphrased)!” All teaching must point to the cross, as it is the central fact that the whole of our faith rests in.

Certain Believed 

Allow me to point you back to a phrase in Scripture we looked at earlier in Acts 17:32—“…Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed…” I have heard this statement criticized by church leaders before because Paul was not able to start a church in Greece—only certain believed and clave. But, must we always seek “Day of Pentecost” experiences when we are looking to see people saved by God’s grace? In our church, we may go weeks at a time before another soul is added to the Kingdom. Does that make us a dead church? I had rather see one genuine conversion than 1,000 fake professions any day.

For some reason, Christians have been sold the lie today that we must leave matters of the mind to the foolish knowledge of this world. Friends, that is anti-biblical heresy straight from the pit of hell. There are two kinds of knowledge and wisdom: the knowledge and wisdom of the world (which is foolish), and the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord.

We find in the New Testament that wisdom and knowledge from the Lord are actually spiritual gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12:8). We also find in Romans 1 that there are those who profess themselves to be wise, and in doing so they have become fools (Romans 1:28). The mind is just another part of our being that must be sanctified unto God. Following Christ does not mean we have to lay down our minds; quite the contrary! It means we can now see the world with a fresh view through the “mind’s eye” in the way GOD intended for us too!

It means we can now explore the natural creation God has so graciously given us in the context of His Word. It means we can learn how to uncover and expose the quite irrational teachings of the world, and begin to see true knowledge–the way God intended for it to be seen. Christian friend–don’t put down your mind and follow Christ on “blind faith.” “Faith” in the Bible would be best understood as the word “trust.” We can trust in the Word God has given us.

The Power of Biblical Apologetics

The last and final point I want to make in the case for Biblical apologetics is its power. I have tried to make the case that apologetics is merely a small outcropping of what the Bible would call “evangelism”–in other words, it is a method of response that need be used only when evangelizing certain types of individuals. That said, I believe I have the liberty here to superimpose the power that comes along with preaching and evangelism onto apologetics.

God says in his Word that it is the “foolishness of preaching” which has the power to save them that believe.  Notice 1 Corinthians 1:21–“For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” I encourage you to read the whole chapter in order to gain context, but what God is saying here is that God’s wisdom (and even God’s “foolishness” according to verse 25) is wiser than the wisdom of men!

In other words, there is a fringe benefit that comes along with invoking the knowledge of God when you preach the cross—power, power, wonder-working power! Chapter 1 and verse 18 says, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” We bring a message of power–power to save and heal, power to transform lives, and power to bring lowly sinners into the throne room of a holy, righteous God. Friends, I like knowledge–but despite what you learned in elementary school–it is not power. It’s foolishness. However, if you couple knowledge with the preaching of the cross, it is the power of God!

This is why when you take your message to the college campuses, you have nothing to fear. This is why when trying to engage with your family member who holds multiple Ph.D.’s, you have no need to fear. There’s zero knowledge to be gleaned in a university that trumps the knowledge of God! Sure, there is plenty you can learn to supplement that knowledge. But the knowledge gained post-(true)conversion will only strengthen your faith—not weaken it.

Sometimes, God just uses the evidence already found by some of the world’s greatest minds to point seekers back to Him–that’s what happened in Lee Strobel’s case (mentioned earlier). Remember, next time you are engaging an atheist, agnostic, or someone asking spiritual questions, that you have a message not only filled with knowledge, reason, and intellect, but it’s a message filled with power! You’re packing a knowledge bomb filled with Truth and the “power to save them that believe.” Preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified with confidence, boldly contend for the faith, and be prepared to give an answer to any man that asketh a reason of the hope within you.

Conclusion

Based on my arguments above, I believe there is good Biblical evidence to suggest and affirm that we should confidently use apologetics in our preaching and in our evangelism. The case made here has been very basic, and as you study the Bible, you will discover how apologetics has been used throughout the centuries. You will likely see things in Scripture that you’ve never noticed before. 

Finally, I love my Bible. It has been tested, and it can be trusted! It will never fail, it will never fade away, and it is always true. As the popularity of apologetics as a method of evangelism grows, we must never forget what we are defending—the Holy Word of the Living God. Get to know the Bible more intimately than any other work, and God will always give you the answers to the tough questions asked of you in this culture so hostile towards Him and His Word. 

What’s Your First Reaction?

By: Amanda Baker

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his window being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

I love the book of Daniel.  Daniel is one of those Bible characters that I look forward to meeting one day in heaven.  From the first time we are introduced to Daniel, he is portrayed in his faithfulness regardless of his circumstances.  He had influence on his friends who, in turn, stood for right as young people.  There are many years of Daniel’s life that are not recounted for us in Scripture.  But I believe that we can conclude that he remained faithful in those silent years.  

When Daniel is in his nineties, the other rulers in the kingdom became jealous of Daniel and his excellence and sought to find fault in him.  Daniel’s clear testimony was evident in the way the wicked rulers sought to create an issue between Daniel’s God and the king’s decree.  The story is a familiar one, but let me point out again a testimony of Daniel’s faithfulness in his first reaction to this problem – “he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before His God, as he did aforetime.”  This difficult circumstance did not shake the foundation of this faithful believer.  He had “purposed in his heart” as a teenager to follow the Lord even in a pagan land.  And now as an old man, he knew that God would care for him because of his faithfulness.

Do you and I react to circumstances that cross our paths like Daniel?  Is our first reaction to “take it to the Lord in prayer”?  I have to admit that often I try to find the solution on my own.  Many times I find myself in a bigger mess than I started with because of my lack of faith in God.  If Daniel’s God was powerful enough to protect his friends in the fire and shut the mouths of the lions, is He not worthy of my faith and trust in the little bumps in my road?  Don’t forget that we serve the same God that Daniel did!  May we trust Him and be faithful in every aspect of our lives today.

Can't Help But Tell

As we look back at the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Living Redeemer, I am reminded of the situation in which we find Peter and John in Acts 4. Only a few short weeks after these men, along with their friends, ran away from Christ and denied Him during His trial, we find them in Acts 4 being questioned about why and how they are healing people and preaching of their Living Redeemer. Peter proclaims the great truth in verse 12 that salvation comes by no other means than through Jesus Christ. When the religious leaders find nothing incriminating in what Peter and John have done by healing the man, they insist that the disciples stop healing and preaching at all. Essentially these religious men were commanding Peter and John to forget what they had seen in the life of Christ. I love the answer they gave: 

Acts 4:19-20 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

They were ministering and serving as a result of what they had seen in the life of Christ. Nothing, not even the threat of bodily harm or persecution, could keep them from talking about their Living Redeemer. 

How often throughout the year do we allow the cross and the empty tomb to be sites all too familiar and unmoving? We know the great doctrine that no one will have salvation without first knowing the One Who made that salvation available to us. Does that truth excite you to the point that you have to tell others?  Maybe we need to ask the Lord to renew in us the joy of our salvation so that Christ will be seen in everything we do and say because we can't help but tell what we have seen Him do in our own lives!

Stewarding Knowledge: Three Biblical Habits for the New Year

By: Steve Schramm

It’s been said that Christianity is a “bookish” religion.

While this has a negative connotation in some respects, I find it to be extremely interesting in its contrariety to the common notion that Christianity is only for cavemen, the misinformed, and those who just don’t know any better.

The truth is that Christianity is not a blind faith. It is based on the knowledge of and trust in a Person who lived and acted in real history, claimed to be God, and validated His claim by bodily rising from the dead in fulfillment of prophecy.

In fact, Colossians 2:3 says, “In whom [Christ] are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” The Bible seems to be saying here that all knowledge is found in the person of Christ!

We should be careful as Christians to understand our role as stewards, or managers, of God’s gifts and blessings. Certainly, one area we often fail to consider regarding stewardship is knowledge.

In this new year, I want to bring this top of mind both in my own life and ministry. The concept of stewardship is based on the fact that one who is faithful in managing little will be given more to manage (Luke 16:10).

This should cause us to pause!

Could it be that if we are faithful to God in stewarding the knowledge He has given us, He will allow us to learn and retain even more? That is an exciting thought.

Scripture seems to bear this out in the story of Solomon. King Solomon could have asked God for anything, but chose to ask for wisdom. God not only gave him the wisdom he so desired, but lots–and lots–and lots–of other things too! King Solomon, in fact, was one of the richest persons (in context) to ever live.

Could it be that building habits of stewarding knowledge will yield similar results? Your reward may not be physical in the same sense that Solomon’s was, but nevertheless, “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Habits vs. Resolutions

I very intentionally used the word habits in the title of this blog post.

The fact is, we just don’t keep New Years’ resolutions.

I mentioned this briefly a few weeks ago, and this is a fact backed by good scientific research.

The article I just linked to takes care to mention how to build lasting habits, but I’d like to provide an idea of my own: build habits based on biblical truth and practice.

Daniel 6:10 gives us a window into the prayer life of Daniel the prophet:

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

Notice the phrase, “as he did aforetime.” It’s not likely that Daniel’s habit was a result of any special instruction from the Lord; and we know for certain that there is no biblical commandment regarding the frequency of prayer.

It seems that this was simply a practical point of Daniel’s faith-life.

There are numerous other biblical examples. Pastor Brandon Hilgemann (ProPreacher) has built his entire morning routine based on the apparent morning rituals of Jesus, namely:

1 Jesus got up early, before the sun.

2 Jesus left the house and walked somewhere.

3 Jesus spent time with God alone.

It’s all about your “why.” I’ve found that my inner motivations are not strong enough to inspire me to action, unfortunately. Biblical principles, however, tend to help me to push past reservations and do what needs to be done.

In that spirit, consider adopting these three biblical habits that will help you to become an even better steward of the knowledge God has so graciously given you:

1. Cling to the Scriptures

You might be tempted to glaze over such an obvious habit (cue Captain Obvious commercial).

But I didn’t use the word “cling” solely for the sake of alliteration.

It’s a good thing for you to read your Bible, but I am advocating for something that goes much deeper.

In this new year, and in the midst of a disintegrating culture, we need now more than ever to have faithful defenders of our worldview proclaiming Christ!

But we must be careful not to sacrifice truth on the altar of evangelism. What I mean by that is, for the same reason you would not regularly attend a strip club to win the patrons to Christ, so should you not espouse the vain and empty philosophies of the world to do so.

2 Corinthians 6:16-17 says, “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

The Bible teaches separation from. However–and this is often missed–the Bible also teaches separation to. Ephesians 2:10 teaches, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Therefore, we should allow biblical truth to infiltrate, permeate, and even dictate every area of our lives–not only those we find most convenient.

We ought to habitually cling to the Scriptures, and draw from them the precious pearls of knowledge found within.

2. Carefully Organize Your Thoughts

Paul Chappell argues in his book Stewarding Life, “When you consider that we have the opportunity to successfully live with a divine mission and invest our lives in eternal purposes, anything less is a tragic waste.”

The written context is “time;” however, I believe we can draw a meaningful application for our purposes.

Would it not be tragically wasteful to coast through life without careful, critical thinking? Many are headed for hell as I write this because they have not taken the time to carefully consider the logical problems with their worldview.

How much more should we, as Christians, desire to please the Lord by stewarding our thoughts?

The Apostle Paul argues that we should bring every thought into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Here are a few practical steps you can use to carefully organize your thoughts:

First, decide on an outcome. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.” What are you working towards? What does “success” look like? It could be that you want to memorize a book of the Bible. Perhaps you want to defend your faith better against cultic versions of Christianity? Decide to what end you should organize your thoughts this year.

Second, develop a system. Develop a systematized process for organizing and parsing through your thoughts. This is one major reason I blog. Someone once said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves passing over the lips and through pencil tips.” I have also developed a template for quick recollection of certain arguments. I will be sharing this on my blog soon.

Finally, devote your time. What gets scheduled gets done. I preach a message titled “C.L.A.I.M. Christ first.” The “C” stands for calendar! Time is a precious commodity, but it’s also a gift from God. Steward it wisely and devote much time to your learning and thought-organization.

3. Contend for the Faith Regularly

I’ve never really been a car guy.

Something that has always puzzled me is someone spending thousands of dollars on a car only to let it sit in a garage for 50 years and hardly even drive it.

I suppose you could make the case that by keeping the car pent up and taking care of it he is practicing good stewardship, but we cannot make such a case for the Christian who accumulates knowledge and stores it in the “garage” of his mind.

Knowledge of Christ should be shared!

Luke 11:33 explains this using a logical illustration: “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.”

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”

We could further argue using Jesus’ so-called “Parable of the Talents.” Point being, don’t just sit on the knowledge God has given you–share it with somebody!

Not only is it a Scriptural command to be a witness (Mark 16:15), and not only is this to be considered wise stewardship (1 Thessalonians 2:4), but this is also a great way to organize your thoughts.

Some of the best advice I’ve received is to “be caught off guard only once.” In other words, the first time you are challenged with a new question should be the last time you are unable to answer it.

Remember though–this goes deeper than just making a resolution. The goal is to form a habit of doing this.

By habitually sharing our faith with others (be it in person, through social media, etc.), we’re not only mindful of what Christ has done for us but also the power with which He transforms lives.

One cannot hear the gospel and remain unaffected. He will make a choice–for the good, or for the bad. While it is not our job to persuade that choice (because we are unable to–this is the work of the Spirit), we are still called to share, contend for, and defend the gospel.

By practicing these three biblical habits this year–clinging to God’s Word, organizing your thoughts, and defending the faith–you will begin to see a more fruitful life and ministry.

Varves and Young Earth Creationism

By: Jim Taylor

In the last few years I have been in discussions (not continuously, but on and off) with a very good friend of mine who has, as far as I can see, gone from a traditional literal view of the Bible and creation to the point where he is espousing evolutionary teachings concerning the beginning of the earth. I have watched him turn slowly from being a conservative Bible believer who held to a literal interpretation of Genesis to wondering if God was even real. You may wonder how did such a radical change happen? His views began to alter after reading material written by Old Earth Creationists.

During one of our discussions, my friend made the statement, “I think Genesis is driving your science rather than objectively looking at the evidence.” He has a point, though I don’t completely agree. It is true that my view of Genesis drives my scientific perspective. However, my friend’s idea of objectivity is different from mine. You see, the world-view of a Christian ought to be faith-based. As a result, he may see the same evidence as one who does not believe in God, yet his world-view will cause him to interpret the evidence differently. And obviously, interpretation will change the conclusion.

Interpreting evidence sometimes creates problems because there may be pertinent information missing, that would otherwise assist in our understanding. In scientific research, the validity of evidence is questioned, not by opinion or even belief, but by further evidence. 

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Grasping God's World: The Age of the Earth and Why it Matters

By: Steve Schramm

Growing up in Independent Baptist Churches, I have always taken the Genesis creation account very seriously. I’ve never really perceived this to be a point of contention at all. Despite the reigning naturalistic dogma of evolutionism, I had no trouble taking God at His Word and believing that the world was made around 6,000 years ago over the course of six ordinary days. The problem is that I made the mistake of thinking every Christian believed this.

As you grow in your Christian walk and begin to read and study the work of others, you will no doubt be introduced to a variety of new and differing viewpoints. Considering my upbringing, you can only imagine my surprise when I found out there were Christians who actually believe in the “Big Bang” and some who even believe that God used molecules-to-man evolution to create the bio-diversity we find in our world.

Your view of Biblical origins will drastically affect your apologetic. Many “evidential” apologists believe in deep time (millions of years), and have no trouble arguing for the Biblical God by appealing to the Big Bang. The fact of the matter is that if the Big Bang were true, it certainly would point to a Creator. 

Big Bang or no Big Bang—something still cannot come from nothing. Actually, it is a fact of history that mainstream scientists were initially resistant to the Big Bang precisely for this reason. To this day, “what exploded in the big bang?” is a question mainstream scientists cannot answer because they are committed to naturalism.

However, not only is there good scientific evidence against the Big Bang, but the biblical data—the Genesis 1 narrative, the genealogies, other biblical references to the creation account, the treatment of Genesis 1 as factual, recent history by the biblical writers and extra-biblical sources, etc.—all support a recent creation. This presents a real problem for those with alternative views of creation. 

I do not have the space within this post to give a complete defense of creationism, nor is it the purpose. However, we will examine two reasons why the origins debate matters and why we must think correctly about the age of the earth if we’re going to be consistent apologists. 

Remember—presuppositional apologists hold Scripture as the highest authority. Therefore, it is paramount that we first allow Scripture to inform our view of origins before we even talk about science, philosophy, etc. As Christians we must learn to accept a “God said it; that settles it” mentality and explore the world from that basic premise. Of course—we rightly expect the world to then reflect the Christian Story. 

If the world we live in does not reflect the story we believe, then our story is false. But in order to find out if that’s the case, we must work from the assumption that our story—the Christian Story—is true, and expose the faulty presuppositions that others espouse, unfortunately leading them to accept an inaccurate view of the world. 

Here are two key reasons why we must work from a proper understanding of creation in order to get the origins debate right:

1. Science Agrees with the Bible

 It causes me to pause when Christians place what they have heard about origins from other fallible human beings above what can be plainly read in the Scriptures. This is not usually done nefariously. Rather, it is done with a regard for intellectual honesty in most cases. Those with an alternative view of Scripture tend to trust the scientific consensus in nearly every discipline—including their conclusions about the age of the earth—usually with the exception of Darwinian Evolutionism. 

The problem is this trust in the scientific consensus causes them to violate the core principle of biblical hermeneutics—namely, “If the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense at all.” The plain sense of Scripture indicates a recent creation—a fact even many old earth creationists have personally admitted to me in the past.

We must remember that “science” does not speak for itself; rather, scientists look at the data that has been discovered and interpret their findings according to the scientific method and in accordance with their worldview. For example, when biologist Mary Higby Schweitzer discovered soft tissue proteins in an alleged 68-million-year-old dinosaur fossil in 2007, she was keenly aware that those proteins and collagens should not be there—they simply don’t last that long. If the world was created just 6,000 years ago this is exactly what we would expect. But did Mary become a creationist because of her findings? Has any scientist become a creationist because of them? Not to my knowledge. In fact, this had led researchers on a wild goose chase to find a mechanism which would preserve soft tissue for millions of years, rather than to question the dates. So far no such mechanism has been found.

Another helpful example can be found in the radiometric dating process itself. Radiometric dating methods such as the Potassium-Argon, Rubidium-Strontium, and Uranium-Lead methods are used by mainstream scientists in determining what is called the “absolute age” of rocks. The results given by these methods vary greatly, but are always hundreds of thousands to millions of years old. The problem, ironically, is that these methods always—without fail!—generate these long ages—even when the rocks are young! 

The Institute for Creation research carried out an eight-year-long project (the RATE project) during which they collected myriad samples of rocks known to be young by direct observation, such as those collected from the Mt. Saint Helens eruption in 1980. These were laboratory tested by mainstream scientists with no prior knowledge of the age or source of the rocks, and always dated over 200,000 years old with dates ranging upwards of 3.5 million years.

There is a natural explanation for this—in these rocks, there was found to be an excess amount of Argon which skewed the results. See, amongst other things, scientists have to make unprovable assumptions about the rocks (because they weren’t around to see the rocks form). It is these assumptions which cause scientists to inaccurately date them. I don’t have space here to explain radioactive decay, but one of the critical assumptions made in, say, Potassium-Argon dating is that at the time of the rock’s formation, there was only Potassium—no Argon. The time it would take for all of the Potassium to decay into Argon (based on the half-life of the element) is how one arrives at the “absolute” date. But if the assumption is false as it was in the Mt. Saint Helens incident (i.e., there was “excess Argon” at the time of formation) then the date will be wrong. 

Of course—this is true about all rocks—not just the ones used in the RATE project. By starting with incorrect assumptions about the expected “age” results, one will arrive at an incorrect date. Similarly, by starting with the assumption that dinosaur fossils are millions of years old, one will have to invent ideas about how soft tissue can suddenly be preserved for millions of years instead of considering that dinosaurs simply aren’t millions of years old, but rather, were created with the rest of the land animals on day six of creation week. 

Scripture says the earth is “young”, and good science supports it! To accept any other position would be erroneous both from a biblical and scientific standpoint. I submit to you that many of the Christians who accept deep time do so because of (1) academic peer pressure and/or (2) a sheer refusal to investigate science from a recent creationist perspective. In either case, the obvious implication is that the age of the earth matters to Scriptural authority. If the Bible got it right as plainly stated in Genesis, we can trust that the Bible got it right in all other areas as well—namely in our understanding of sin and why we need a Savior.

This is another reason why the only biblically correct way to practice apologetics is the presuppositional method. In presupposing the authority of Scripture, we are able to accurately understand the world and make sense of actual scientific discoveries without having to create “just-so” stories in order to justify our position. 

Each of these discoveries is an embarrassment for the Christian who accepts deep time because he must also attempt to explain them away, as well as the theological issues such as reconciling animal death before sin with the fact that all animals were once vegetarian (Genesis 1:29). But the Christian who has allowed Scripture alone to inform his view of origins will hold the correct view and never have to change! Just like the Father “changes not” (Malachi 3:6), neither does His Word change (Isaiah 40:8).

2. Jesus was a Recent Creationist

As briefly mentioned above, accepting a view of the age of the earth/universe that begins with man’s interpretation of science also has incredible theological implications—even concerning Christ Himself. Jesus made statements that carry quite a bit of historical and evidential weight concerning the events as recorded “in the beginning.” If we discount these statements or take them to mean anything other than what a plain reading of Scripture dictates, what basis do we have for trusting anything that Jesus said about the world? 

Of course, I am concerned about unbelievers misinterpreting science because of faulty assumptions about the world, but I’m much more concerned with the inherent implication that Scripture (and even Jesus Himself) cannot be trusted. If the Bible is wrong about origins, perhaps it is wrong about a lot of other things too. 

Let’s look at a few scenarios where Jesus made historical, evidential comments about the creation:

1. In Luke 13, Jesus references a passage in Exodus 20 that explains our dictum to work six days and rest on the seventh. This is a framework that was established at the beginning. It corresponds perfectly to the 6-day creation account recorded in Genesis 1.
2. Jesus had no problem with a literal Adam and Eve. Many theistic evolutionists (also known as evolutionary creationists) believe that essentially all of Genesis 1-11 is allegorical in nature. Jesus did not believe that (Matt. 19:4). Since Jesus treated these events as true history, why should we take issue with this view?
3. Since Christ is the second person of the Trinity, and was there at the beginning of the creation (see John 1), every word stated in the entire Bible can be attributed to Him. This means that any time a claim in the Bible indicates a young creation, it is not merely the writer’s assertion, it is The Writer’s assertion!
4. It is also worth noting that when Jesus performed a miracle in the New Testament, there was no length of time required–it was instantaneous. The creation account is the greatest miracle of all. Why should we assume it took 13.8 billion years when every other miracle was instantaneous? The only reason it took six days was to establish a pattern for our week (see Exodus 20:11). 

To my last point–what would be the purpose of God creating time, space, and matter and then waiting for billions of years? We were created to give glory to God (Isaiah 43:7). The Genesis 1 account is laid out in such a way that humans—made in the Image of God—are obviously the apex of the creation. We were told to have dominion over the earth and the animals (Genesis 1:28). Are we to believe that God created animals billions of years ago and brought us on the scene to subdue creation only recently? Proponents of the old earth view such as Dr. Hugh Ross argue that humankind is around 100,000 years old, but this does not have any warrant in the text of Scripture.

Furthermore, our understanding of the doctrine of creation has gigantic theological implications on the doctrine of original sin. The Bible says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned” (Romans 5:12). If God created the Earth billions of years ago, then the fossil record shows evidence of disease, struggle, suffering, bloodshed, etc. before Adam, and therefore, before sin. This also leads to rejection of a worldwide flood as taught in Genesis, because the fossil record cannot be evidence for both millions of years and a worldwide deluge—it’s one or the other. However, science has demonstrated that rapid water burial is responsible for fossilization—not slow, natural processes. The world’s geologic record is not really evidence for deep time and evolution, but for the historicity of Genesis 1-11 and a recent creation.

Conclusion

Though we have barely scratched the surface of the available knowledge about our origins and why they matter, I think it would be safe to conclude, at this point, that our views in this area are important to our understanding of God’s world. To be sure, I am persuaded that one can believe in an old earth and still be a born-again Christian. It is a tragedy, however, that more Christians will not simply accept God’s Word at face value and resolve to begin scientific and philosophical research from that starting point.

It’s time we get back to the Bible as our source for information. The Bible is historically true and scientifically accurate. One legitimate argument I hear often is that the old earth view allows us more flexibility in the college and university setting. This is certainly true—people rightly associate the 6-day view of creation only with Christian bias. But is that a good enough reason to justify believing and teaching in error? If we can prove that we have real science to put forward, I believe we can begin to make those inroads without compromising our belief in an accurate Bible and a recent, historical Genesis.

Don’t give in because the upper scientific echelon has something to say that contradicts what you know to be true. Remember–we do not believe blindly! As the great philosopher of science and mathematician (and ironically, old earth creationist) John Lennox once said, “Nonsense remains nonsense, even when talked by world-famous scientists.”

Chicken Chat #1

By: Jason Tsaddiq

The flurry of colors and sizes was cackling, scurrying, and living life large. Some were quiet; some were not. Some were calmly watching the humans; some were darting around and away. The big white Great Pyrenees guardian was watching, peaceful for he had seen his master come to the field with these strangers.

 We had come to add an elective to our homeschool curriculum: raising chickens. What homeschooled teen wouldn’t want to learn about chickens? For a grade, no less! What teen wouldn’t want to sell the eggs and become rich like Bill Gates, right?

Mine didn’t. 

However, he listened carefully as the chicken farmer showed us his fancy incubator, his day-old baby goat, the brooder boxes, the types of feed, and sundry other animal care-taking equipment.

We made the decision final: we would become chicken parents. The farmer allowed us to choose which ones we wanted from the hundreds roaming. Darling spouse chose some and then I was given the chance to choose: three black and white ones. 

“The salt and pepper ones,” I said. (Was I thinking of dinner?!)

As the farmer gathered up the chosen ones into a box, I watched. How was he going to get thirty non-stop animals into a box? His first plan of attack: stand still, then pounce on the unsuspecting fowl closest by. The farmer’s plan worked, for he was fit and agile. 

His second plan of attack: throw a scoop of feed back into the fenced area. What animal doesn’t like to eat? So as they scurried to grab a morsel, he shut the gate behind them, trapping them. That plan worked. Soon we were on our way home, elated, nervous.

Through the years of being a chicken mom, I’ve noticed many Biblical truths about chickens. That day, the day they came home with us, I learned two techniques that Satan uses on God’s children every single day. 

Sometimes, he just has to stand still and wait for us to nonchalantly walk by and then he pounces. For example, we’re driving down the street and lo! And behold! That billboard was not there yesterday, was it? That co-worker in the next office cubicle surely was just being friendly and personable to me when he said that questionable remark, wasn’t he? And exactly how many times was God’s name (or a perversion of it) taken in vain in that “everybody watches it” tv show or movie? We have no idea for we weren’t on our guard.

Or does he pounce on us while we’re just doing what we’re supposed to be doing – washing dishes, driving to work, meeting clients, flipping burgers? Wow! Where did that thought come from? Did it come from the music that promotes a wedge between spouses? Did it come from the article I read from some unsaved psychologist?

Then he has his other technique: throw a little feed into the fenced area, give a tiny enticement, a little at a time until it’s too late to escape since we weren’t listening for the way of escape. Adulterous affairs do not happen overnight – they happen one little enticement at a time: the simple compliment, the little gift, the short text, and soon the gate is closed tightly. 

Did he throw a little feed when the cashier gave us back too much change and we didn’t notice it til we got home? Instead of returning to the store immediately, we justified keeping the money – “Lord, I’ll put it in the offering plate.” Or “Lord, thanks for supplying my needs.”

Did he throw a little feed into the family? The wife’s rebellion against her husband doesn’t happen overnight – it happens as she makes one little choice to watch a movie with a divorce plot line, and then a choice to listen to a pop song about “You did me wrong so I’m gonna do you wrong,” and then a choice to notice that nicely dressed man at work or church and then a choice to compare and then the gate is shut. 

Where have I let my guard down? Where am I being enticed, little by little to leave His presence? Is the gate shut tightly yet? How do I open the gate again?

3 Reasons to Ask Powerful, Pointed Questions

By: Steve Schramm

Biblical Apologetics is wholly grounded in presuppositional methodology—the position which places the Scriptures in context as the highest authority. But practically speaking, there is another element to apologetics that is extremely important. So important, in fact, that we see Jesus Himself using it constantly throughout the New Testament: Asking powerful, pointed questions.

Most of your time doing apologetics should actually be spent listening! 

This may sound counterintuitive, but I think it will make sense as we explore this further.

In this great age of ideas we are living in, it can be hard to know what anyone really believes about the world. In an extremely eye-opening study, the Barna Research Group made some staggering discoveries about what practicing Christians believe.

Here are just a few of the highlights they point out:

• 61% agree with ideas rooted in New Spirituality.
• 54% resonate with postmodernist views.
• 36% accept ideas associated with Marxism.
• 29% believe ideas based on secularism.

That fact is that just because you go to church with somebody or because they claim to be a follower of Christ, does not mean you know everything—or anything—about their spiritual life. The person sitting next to you at church may not really be who you think they are.

They may hold some interesting views about the world that you would not agree with–even views that could be detrimental to their faith. Now, I am not asking you to become the judge over their salvation. There is one Judge–God the Father. But something we can and should start doing is to foster a culture of critical thinking.

Don’t misunderstand me here: I am not advocating that we start doubting and questioning our faith. Rather, we need to embrace the fact that Christianity is reasonable and learn to ask questions when navigating around competing worldviews.

Whether we are in conversations with outright atheists, someone who is open to belief but just not there yet, or even a fellow brother or sister in Christ, I believe we can make more headway by simply asking questions and listening to what others have to say.

Christians do not always bear the burden of proof. Rather, we share the burden of proof. Some may try to claim otherwise, but don’t let them! The position that “God exists” is, of course, an affirmative claim. But unless your challenger has infinite knowledge, something I highly doubt, the position that “God doesn’t exist” is an affirmative claim as well. And, we have every right to ask these challengers questions of our own to get down to the bottom of what they believe so that we can give the best and most reasoned answers possible.

Here are three reasons why I believe questions are helpful and can lead to more productive, fruitful conversations with unbelievers:

Reason #1: Questions Reveal

Have you ever been talking with someone, and after about 10 minutes or so you realized that you have no earthly idea what they are talking about? Engagements of a religious and spiritual nature usually begin this way. Claims are put in play about what each side believes to be true, and it seems like everyone might as well be talking to a brick wall. The problem here is that the basis for the conversation has not truly been established.

If you are going to get involved in a “back and forth” online about homosexuality, for instance, that is a terrible starting place to make any headway. In fact, that conversation is likely to go absolutely nowhere. Why? There are many things that individuals from either side of that argument see differently about the world, and neither side will come to a consensus about homosexuality before getting past those other obstacles. 

So, here is where a question would be helpful. Maybe something like, “How did you come to the conclusion that homosexuality makes sense?”

Something very interesting is happening here. For one thing, you do not even need the Bible to know that homosexuality is against nature. So this is an opportunity to help a person see that any argument for homosexuality is fundamentally flawed. In turn, this makes it less surprising to find out that the Bible is not in alignment with it either. Remember—the Bible gives an accurate picture of the way the world actually is.

I’m not saying don’t use the Bible—but what I am saying is that the person is likely to crumble their own defense right here (more on that in a bit) because there is no benefit at all to society for homosexuality to be celebrated as the law of the land.

Also, you are about to find out what other things about the world this person believes that would cause them to see homosexuality the way that they do. This will help you to correct basic misunderstandings about their worldview that could possibly change their perspective on a variety of issues—not just homosexuality.

Reason #2: Questions Reduce

Remember—everybody has a worldview. A person’s worldview will affect everything they know about the world. Imagine an image filter. When you take a picture and then run it through one of those fancy filters before posting on social media, you are fundamentally changing something about that image. Behind the scenes, the software is adjusting many values (tint, contrast, etc.) to change everything about the way your image displays.

A worldview does the same thing. It is the filter through which you see the world, and ideas that come in are the values that are changed and adjusted. The only difference is that externally, this process is seen in reverse. Someone can look at you and tell what values have been individually adjusted by your worldview, but often times it is hard to see your worldview at its core. This is a great reason to start asking questions.

Even general and obvious questions such as, “What is your worldview?” will help. This, in my opinion, is more helpful than a question such as “What is your religious affiliation?” because many people do not believe their worldview is a religion (although it likely is). For instance, a secular humanist and a materialistic naturalist are going to share some very common values and ideas, but there are a few things they see fundamentally different from one another. If you engage one as if they are the other you will get nowhere in the conversation.

If they are not open to answering such a general question, you have an opportunity. It is probably because (1) they don’t know yet what their worldview is or (2) they do know, they just don’t know the name for it. In either case, asking a few smaller questions—perhaps about their beliefs on origins, the afterlife, moral values, etc.—will help you to understand what their worldview is. From there, you will be able to address what they believe and answer their questions in the context of the Christian worldview.

Reason #3: Questions Refute

Satan has so drastically blinded the minds of men that most common belief systems will not even hold up to their own standard. Consider the extremely common belief that there is no truth. This is easily refutable by pointing out to the claimant that the phrase “there is no truth” is a truth claim! If it’s true that there is no truth, then there is truth. The claim falls down flat. Most worldviews easily fall to much the same level of absurdity.

When you start really asking questions and mining to the bottom of what people believe, you will find that our country has literally educated us into stupidity and philosophical bankruptcy. For instance, many will tell you that all they can trust is their personal experience. But we all know that you cannot believe in or trust something without an external force against which to validate it.

A simple illustration might help: I work in Information Technology (IT). When we sign in to our computers in the morning, our login credentials are validated against something called a Domain Controller. If the username and/or password is typed in wrong, making it invalid, access is denied! Because of the external source of “ultimate truth” (there is no higher authority on a network than a Domain Controller) each individual workstation is able to validate its experience. Otherwise, anyone could log in with any username and password they wanted to, exposing the system to malware and viruses. 

That means this person only believes in what he has experienced, and to validate that all truth comes from his experience, all he can rely on is his experience! Do you see the problem? He has no external source of Truth to form a basis for what he should believe or how he should act. 

The point here is that when you get to the bottom of someone’s argument, you may find that they have self-refuted, and your work is done! Of course, this would be a great time to share the gospel and introduce them to the only truly coherent worldview—Christianity. Next time you find yourself in an engagement with someone, try to steer the conversation by asking questions. You may be surprised at how different it turns out.

The Gift of Grief

How can there be any “gift” in grief? The Psalmist David wrote the difficult words, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes . . .” (Psalm 119:71)

This weekend, it will have been a month – a month since we pulled out of the hospital parking lot, with a final “farewell” to Baby Finlay.  And, in these days that have followed, the Lord has placed such a burden on my heart for the ladies who go through such loss without the comfort of God’s Word.  Amid the tears, I have been compiling a booklet; one written for my own healing, as well as for the healing of others.  How do we find “peace in our pain”?  How do we “live in the waves”?  How do we “look ahead” to a brighter tomorrow, when a grief has taken place?  Verse after verse of Scripture, and words from my own heart to those going through a similar sorrow.  As you read this, I ask that you please send up a prayer for our future ministry, as I seek this booklet’s publication.  It would mean the world to me, to see this accomplished, before we head for the field - To be able to stop by the hospital, where we’ve said “goodbye” to two of our own Little Ones, and leave behind a box of writings filled with HOPE.   

Psalm 139:9-10 declares “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” Even when residing in overwhelming seas, God is there.  “When sorrows like sea billows roll . . .”, God is there.  There is no level of darkness that the light of God cannot touch.  To Him, “the night shineth as the day.” (Psalm 139:12)

My last blog post, telling of our “second sorrow”, had an overwhelming amount of page views . . . There are so many in this world who know the pain of losing a baby in the womb.  If you are one of them, I want to reach across the typed words and give you a hug, right now.  Amid the smiles and the tears of life, may we all pray with the Psalmist David, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1)  I WILL . . . I will love You, secure in the knowledge that nothing can take away Your own love for me.  I will trust You, even when I do not understand.  I will thank You, knowing that my baby is safe in the arms of Jesus.  I will find hope in You – hope for this hour, this day; hope for the future ahead of me; hope for all eternity.  And even in the “valley of the shadow of death”, I will GLORIFY Your Name. Psalm 96:2 “Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.” We are put here on this earth for just one purpose – to glorify our Father in Heaven.  Even in our loss, we can bring God glory - If we comfort others with “the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted” . . . If we point others to the cross . . . If we let beauty rise from ashes . . . And if in our sorrow, we offer Him our praise . . .