Faith & Self Defense

Building Confidence Through Evidence

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 8

In our last post we heard from father and son, Josh McDowell and Dr. Sean McDowell. Josh has been in ministry (Josh McDowell Ministry) for more than 50 years. His son, Sean, is an Assistant Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. Both men are International speakers on the subjects of Christianity and apologetics.

In this post we will hear from Dr. John Lennox, who is Professor of Mathematics (emeritus) at the University of Oxford and Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College, Oxford. Dr. Lennox is also an Associate Fellow of the Said Business School, Oxford University, and teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme. He is an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, as well as being a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 7

In our last post we heard from Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ and more than 20 other books about evidence for Christianity. Strobel is a former atheist and award-winning legal editor for The Chicago Tribune and has spent more than 25 years sharing evidence that supports the truth of Christianity.

In this post we will hear from Josh McDowell and Dr. Sean McDowell. One of the first books about apologetics that I read as a young Christian was Josh McDowell’s Evidence That Demands A Verdict. Josh has been in ministry (Josh McDowell Ministry) for more than 50 years. His son, Sean, is an Assistant Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Biola University. Both men are International speakers on the subjects of Christianity and apologetics.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 6

In our last post about Christ’s resurrection, we heard from Jonathan McLatchie. Jonathan is a Christian writer, international speaker and debater on multiple topics.

In this post we will hear from Lee Strobel. He is the author of The Case for Christ and more than 20 other books about evidence for Christianity. Strobel is a former atheist and award-winning legal editor for The Chicago Tribune. He has spent more than 25 years sharing evidence that supports the truth claims of Christianity and equipping Christians to share their beliefs with others.

Strobel is a Professor of Christian Thought at Houston Baptist University and travels across the country sharing his testimony, encouraging believers, and challenging skeptics.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 5

In our last post we heard from Dr. Mike Licona, co-author with Dr. Gary Habermas of The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.

Our next presenter on the subject of Christ’s resurrection is Jonathan McLatchie. Jonathan is a Christian writer, international speaker and debater in areas as diverse as Darwinian Evolution (Jonathan holds a Bachelor’s degree in forensic biology, a Master’s degree in evolutionary biology, a second Master’s degree in medical and molecular bioscience, and is a PhD student in cell biology), Intelligent Design, Islam and atheism.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, atheism, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 4

In our last post we heard from Dr. Gary Habermas, a leading scholar on the topic of the historical reliability of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. One of his best-known books on the subject is The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus, which he wrote with Michael Licona.

Dr. Mike Licona has authored other books about the Resurrection including The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach and Paul Meets Muhammad: A Christian-Muslim Debate on the Resurrection. He is an Associate Professor of Theology at Houston Baptist University and the President of Risen Jesus, Inc.

Dr. Licona is also a well-known speaker and debater on the issue of the Resurrection of Christ and the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 3

Dr. Gary Habermas is one of the world’s leading voices for the historical reliability of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is Distinguished Research Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy at Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity where he teaches courses about Miracles, Religious Doubt, and the Historical Jesus. He has also been a Visiting or Adjunct Professor at about 15 different graduate schools and seminaries.

Dr. Habermas has written extensively about examining the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His books include –

Dr. Habermas is also an accomplished speaker and debater.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 2

As Christians rapidly approach another celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are looking at some of the best arguments for His rising from the dead.

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

In our last post we looked at arguments from the One Minute Apologist. Those videos are excellent to share with friends and family because they are short and highlight the best arguments for the reality of the resurrection.

In this post we will look at in-depth arguments for the resurrection of Christ from one of the best-known Christian philosophers and debaters, Dr. William Lane Craig.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ, William Lane Craig

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Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Part 1

Christians believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. In fact, the resurrection of Jesus is a MUST for the Christian worldview to be true. If Jesus Christ did not rise from the dead, then our faith in Him is empty and we are without hope in this world.

“Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

What are some of the best arguments for the resurrection of Jesus Christ? As we approach another celebration of the Resurrection, we will look at some of the strongest arguments for the reality of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
Read more…

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Apostle Paul, Christianity, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ, Resurrection of Christ

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A Reading Plan for Christian Apologists – Part 3.7

The men who followed the Apostolic Fathers in the 2nd, 3rd and early 4th centuries fought many important battles for orthodox Christianity as passed to them from Jesus Christ through the apostles and the apostolic fathers. The writings of these brave men are important for modern Christian apologists to read because the battles they fought are similar to what we fight today. Plus, we can learn from the deep devotion they presented in both their lives and ministries.

In our last study we began looking at the apologetic ministry of Irenaeus of Lyons and one of his writings – Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching. In this new study we will look at what Irenaeus is known best for – his multi-book series, Against Heresies.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Church Fathers, Deity of Christ, Early Church

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A Reading Plan for Christian Apologists – Part 3.6

The men who followed the Apostolic Fathers in the 2nd, 3rd and early 4th centuries fought many important battles for orthodox Christianity as passed to them from Jesus Christ through the apostles and the apostolic fathers. The writings of these brave men are important for modern Christian apologists to read because the battles they fought are similar to what we fight today. Plus, we can learn from the deep devotion they presented in both their lives and ministries.

In our last study we finished looking at the apologetic ministry of Justin Martyr. We move now to the apologetic ministry of Irenaeus of Lyons, a writer Christian apologists should give special attention.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Church Fathers, Deity of Christ, Early Church

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A Reading Plan for Christian Apologists – Part 3.5

The men who followed the Apostolic Fathers in the 2nd, 3rd and early 4th centuries fought many important battles for the orthodox Christianity passed to them from Jesus Christ through the apostles and the apostolic fathers. The writings of these brave men are important for modern Christian apologists to read because the battles they fought are similar to what we fight today. Plus, we can learn from the deep devotion they presented in both their lives and ministries.

In our last study we began looking at the apologetic ministry of Justin Martyr. Justin was born about 100 AD and died a martyr about 65 years later. Two of Justin’s best-known writings are the Apologies (Defenses). He addressed his First Apology to Emperor Antoninus Pius, the emperor’s sons, and the Roman Senate. Justin argued that Christianity had been grossly misrepresented and that it should be treated as a legal religion. He also argued that Christianity was not a threat to the Roman Empire.

We turn now to Justin’s Second Apology which he addressed to the Roman Senate for the purpose of exposing what was really behind persecution of Christians under Urbicus and the irrationality of the allegations being leveled against Christ’s followers.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Church Fathers, Deity of Christ, Jesus Christ

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A Reading Plan for Christian Apologists – Part 3.4

We have looked most recently at the “Apostolic Fathers” in our series. They include men like Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Smyrna – disciples of the apostles of Jesus Christ. They were born during the 1st century and served as bishops and apologists.

The men who followed the Apostolic Fathers in the 2nd, 3rd and early 4th centuries fought many important battles for orthodox Christianity as passed to them from the apostles through the apostolic fathers. The writings of these brave men are important for modern Christian apologists to read because the battles they fought are similar to what we fight today. Plus, we can learn from the deep devotion they presented in both their lives and ministries.

We’ll begin with Justin Martyr, Irenaeus of Lyons, Tertullian, and Clement of Alexandria.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Gospel, Jesus Christ

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A Reading Plan for Christian Apologists – Part 3.3

Apostolic Fathers

Some of the best known of the ancient apologists are the “Apostolic fathers.” They were disciples of the apostles. They lived during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and their apologetic ministries had a powerful influence on the early Christian Church. They included Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, and Polycarp of Symrna (some scholars include Papias of Hierapolis in the group). We’ve learned about Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch in previous studies. We move now to Polycarp of Symrna.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Apostles, Apostolic Fathers, Christianity, Church Fathers, Gospel

Hope For America’s Youth – Ratio Christi Regions

We introduced you to Ratio Christi in the last part of this special series. We looked at its purpose and history in reaching high school and college students and faculty members with evidence for the truth of the Christian worldview.

Ratio Christi started on one campus in the United States in 2008 and now has about 170 chapters across the country plus scores of chapters in many other countries of the world. Serving the needs of all those chapters is a challenge and Ratio Christi has developed a unique way of meeting the challenge.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Discipleship, Existence of God, Ratio Christi | Leave a comment

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Hope For America’s Youth – Ratio Christi

In the first part of this series about Hope For America’s Youth we presented the conflict – millions of young people are leaving churches during or after high school. In the second part of this series we shared the resolution – giving answers to questions about the hope we have as Christians through reasoning and persuasion.

There are many ministries doing wonderful work in this area of providing answers and reason to young people in high school and college. In this part of our series we will share about one of the best Christian organizations currently doing this vital work.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Discipleship, Existence of God, Ratio Christi

Hope For America’s Youth – Answers

In the first part of this series about Hope For America’s Youth we presented the conflict – millions of young people are leaving churches during or after high school. The statistics are staggering and sobering. How could this happen? How could parents and church leaders invest 15-18 years teaching a child about Christianity only to see that child abandon the Christian worldview for another belief system (e.g. atheism, agnosticism, Buddhism)?

If Christianity is true and every other worldview is false (which it is), parents and church leaders are faced with the dilemma of how to deal with young people’s rejection of the truth. Suggestions?

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Existence of God, Jesus Christ

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Hope For America’s Youth

70-75% of Christian young people leave the Church after high school
One of the major reasons is intellectual skepticism
Most Christian young people are not equipped to deal with the anti-Christian message from professors, fellow students and friends
College professors are five times more likely to identify themselves as atheists than other members of the general public
More than half of all college professors view students with Christian backgrounds unfavorably

I shared those statistics in an article several years ago. There are at least three ways of dealing with statistics – accept as true with concern about the outcome .. accept as true without concern about the outcome .. dismiss as false. I accepted the statistics as true based on three things: accuracy of statistical surveys methodology, decades of observing churches and youth groups in the United States, and personal experience. I accepted the statistics as true with concern about the outcome because I was one of those “church kids” who left the church. I quit attending church during high school and became an atheist during college.

I would like to first share the conflict, followed by the resolution. Read more…

Posted in Faith Defense

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Work-Walking in the New Year

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

Christians often focus more on what they “get” than what they “give.” We get a lot from God. We are “saved” by grace through faith. That is not from ourselves. God gives it to us. We don’t work for it. We don’t deserve it. God gives it and we receive it.. Nobody can boast about being saved. God’s does it all and gets all the credit for doing it all. We are saved because of what Jesus Christ did on the Cross not because of anything we did, do or will do. Salvation is not based on our works. It’s all based on God’s grace.

What we often forget is the next verse – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” God saves us with a specific purpose in mind – serving Him through good works. We are not saved “by” good works, since there’s no way a sinner can perform any works that are “good” in God’s view, but we are saved “for good works.”

So how does that work? Let’s look at “work-walking” in the New Year – keeping this important point in mind. Work-walking has nothing to do with being saved. Salvation is by grace through faith. Work-walking is about serving God after salvation.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Christianity, Discipleship, Evangelism, Gospel, Jesus Christ

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Remembering Christ at Christmas

The birth of Jesus Christ is usually an afterthought during Christmas, if He is thought about at all. I think it’s been that way for a long time, but every year seems to get worse. Even the word “Christmas” has been replaced by the word “holiday” in much of the vocabulary of modern society.

So, what is a Christian to do at the end of each year as the world around them scurries to and fro to find the “perfect” gift for Christmas? We can rejoice and share with family and friends the Perfect Gift God has given to the world –

“No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:13-17

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Christianity, Jesus Christ, Truth vs. Error

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Convince Me There’s A God – Archaeology 35

In the last part of our series we saw that according to the Bible (Old Testament) King Solomon built the first Temple and the Babylonian Army destroyed it. We also know from the Old Testament that Zerubbabel built the second Temple. We learn from Jewish and other historical writings that the Hasmoneans refurbished the second Temple, King Herod expanded it, and the Roman Army destroyed it.

As I researched the Old Testament as an atheist to see if it was a credible historical document, I came across the writings of Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. They all refer to a time following the forced exile of Jews to Babylon. According to the Bible that forced exile began under Babylonian King Nebuchaddnezar in 605 BC (Daniel 1) and ended when Persian King Cyrus the Great allowed Jews to return to Judah in about 538 BC.

We have previously looked at evidence for Ezra, so let’s look next at archaeological evidence for Haggai and Zechariah.

Posted in Faith Defense and tagged Apologetics, Archaeology, atheism, Existence of God, Israel, theism

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