By Ingrid Schlueter Posted: 01/29/2008 on Christian Worldview Network
Rick Warren at National Cathedral: Mainline and Evangelical Churches Should Reconcile
All of you Christians who thought that the divinity of Christ, the Virgin birth, the penal substitutionary atonement, the literal resurrection of Jesus, and the inerrancy and authority of Scripture are doctrines worth dying for are apparently wrong. The Christian Post reports that Rick Warren is calling on evangelicals to reconcile with mainline churches to stop the mainline churches from dying. Let me repeat that line: Rick Warren is calling on evangelicals to reconcile with mainline churches to stop the mainline churches from dying. Wow.
“The reconciliation is that in a pluralistic world…we (Christians) need to be on the same team because we share the same savior,” Warren contended Sunday, as he spoke with the dean of the Washington National Cathedral, Samuel T. Lloyd III, who observed that evangelical churches are thriving and full of vitality, while most mainline denominations are confronting worrisome membership decline.
During the Cathedral’s weekly Sunday Forum: Critical Issues in the Light of Faith, Lloyd asked Warren how mainlines should tackle the problem.
So there Warren sits, with the dean of the nation’s top apostate episcopal church, (which regularly features New Spirituality teachers and which teaches that homosexuality is A-OK) telling the world that we all worship the same Savior. Rick Warren apparently wants evangelicals to reconcile with mainline episcopal churches like the one in Seattle where the female pastor cleverly managed to become a Muslim while still retaining her clergy credentials. Rick Warren doesn’t want to see mainline churches like this die so he wants evangelicals to link arms to save them. Then there's the mainline ELCA church called Her Church, which uses goddess rosaries and has the congregants pray, “Our Mother, who is within us, we celebrate your many names...” Reconciliation, fellow Christians?
Rick Warren characterizes the rift between mainline and evangelical like this:
“100 years ago the phrase ‘social gospel’ first came out,” Warren responded. “Some people took that to mean only if we reform the social government and society and not personal faith in Christ Jesus – that is, if we make the world a better place – we don’t need personal redemption.”
That idea led to mainline churches going “one way” and evangelical churches another way, he said.
Uh, Mr. Warren, aren’t you forgetting something? How about those troublesome issues of cardinal doctrine? When you were training to be a pastor, didn't they teach you about the fall of Princeton Seminary and the others that followed all those years ago? Did you ever hear of the battle over the authority of Scripture, or did your seminary professors keep you too busy with church growth classes? Did you ever hear of modernism and higher criticism that gutted these churches in the last century, Mr. Warren, or were you too occupied at the Crystal Cathedral sitting at the feet of Robert Schuller? The battle that divided mainline from evangelical in the last century wasn't a case of one Christian group going in one direction to serve the poor and the other group of Christians choosing to preach about redemption. (Mr. Warren asserts that if we can just join up with the other side, all the bases will be covered.) The issues were black on white, truth against error, the Gospel versus another gospel that was contrary to Scripture. What was at stake was no less than the millions of souls under the care of these apostate, liberal denominations. That is still what is at stake.
Rick Warren’s presence in the pulpit of National Cathedral on January 27, and his call for “reconciliation” with such churches should disgust every Christian who believes in the authority of Holy Scripture and who understands the critical importance of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. National Cathedral is a New Age pantheon to the gods of the world religions. That's why the church can feature goddess theology proponents teaching women how to dance in “sacred circles”, welcome the worship of Tibetan monks, teach Buddhist meditation techniques and introduce attendees to the Jewish Kabbalah. Where is Rick Warren's concern about the people who are on their way to hell in these churches that blaspheme the Lord Jesus Christ with goddess worship, homosexuality, a rejection of Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement, a denial of the authority of Scripture, and the promotion of the doctrines of anti-Christ?
I have news for Rick Warren and the dean of National Cathedral. Most mainline churches aren’t dying, they’re already dead, and increasingly apostate evangelical leaders like Rick Warren aren't going to change that. Real life in a church comes, not with thousands streaming through the door, but with the true knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible. Such knowledge is impossible in churches where the Gospel message is absent and lies are preached in its place. Influential fellow Southern Baptists like Dr. Al Mohler and anyone else who loves biblical truth must speak out against Mr. Warren’s apostasy. This is the battle for truth in our time. To remain silent on this is treason against the Lord and His church.
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. –II Corinthians 6:16-18
Distributed by www.ChristianWorldviewNetwork.com
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Good Gossip
Proverbs 20:19, “The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip: avoid someone with a big mouth.”
After working as a campus minister for a church for a few months, one of the college students I worked with had their 21st birthday party. As a practical joke a couple of the college students bought drink mix (that had no alcohol in it) to give as a gift. It was all in good fun, as there was no alcohol there and none of them drank. Now mind you, I was not at this party, nor was I invited to the party. A few days later my boss (the Senior Pastor of the church) calls me into his office and told me that there was a rumor going around that I bought alcohol for a students 21st birthday party that I was not even at.
Fortunately for me the Senior Pastor and I were friends prior to my hiring, and he knew my testimony and my beliefs on Christians drinking; I do not think Christians should drink in today’s society. He knew it was just gossip, but wanted me to be aware that it was spreading through the church grapevine, and those grapevines can be vicious. Not one person prior to my pastor came up to me to ask me about it. Instead many assumed it was true, because they did not know me.
Now imagine had my Senior Pastor not known me as well as he did and that rumor floated around the church. It would have most likely been a much different conversation in the beginning, though I believe he would have believed my side, it would have taken more explaining and could have quite possibly tainted my reputation with my boss/pastor for a time.
When was the last time you were around a group of friends that were talking about how great someone was? When was the last time you sat with your friend and built someone up that was not present?
Now, think of the last time you were around those same friends and they were tearing someone down? Think about the same friend and the last conversation that you had about someone, and was it building up the person or just tearing down? Was there any purpose revealing the information you did, except to spread gossip? Did you go to the person you are talking about first to find out if it is true?
What are the reasons that we tell people the negative and tear others down as general conversation? Why do we get so much excitement out of it, and why do we desire to hear the latest juicy secret about our neighbor, employee, friend, or enemy? I can tell you it is not the Holy Spirit that desires to hear it, and I am betting that if you were honest your conscience does not want to hear it either (for those that have one).
Think about it for a minute. If we are so quick to gossip about others, what makes us think that others are not going to be so quick to gossip about us? How does it make you feel knowing that someone else is spreading lies or rumors about you? Rumors are really what it typically avails to, as by the time is spreads around it has caught momentum and the story has typically had details added and taken a whole life of its own; if of course there was any truth to begin with.
We have all fallen prey to this sinful action, probably more then once if we are honest with ourselves. We all need to repent of this sin, and turn from it. We need to ask God to help us to keep our mouths shut when it comes to gossip, and to leave any group that is participating in tearing others down.
The next time you feel the urge to talk about someone, then spread good gossip. Talk about the wonderful things they have done, or how talented they are in some field. But if you feel the urge to talk about how awful they are, or what you heard about someone, then zip it. Don’t be that person, as in reality no one trusts or likes that person.
Job 16:5, “I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation from my lips would bring relief.”
After working as a campus minister for a church for a few months, one of the college students I worked with had their 21st birthday party. As a practical joke a couple of the college students bought drink mix (that had no alcohol in it) to give as a gift. It was all in good fun, as there was no alcohol there and none of them drank. Now mind you, I was not at this party, nor was I invited to the party. A few days later my boss (the Senior Pastor of the church) calls me into his office and told me that there was a rumor going around that I bought alcohol for a students 21st birthday party that I was not even at.
Fortunately for me the Senior Pastor and I were friends prior to my hiring, and he knew my testimony and my beliefs on Christians drinking; I do not think Christians should drink in today’s society. He knew it was just gossip, but wanted me to be aware that it was spreading through the church grapevine, and those grapevines can be vicious. Not one person prior to my pastor came up to me to ask me about it. Instead many assumed it was true, because they did not know me.
Now imagine had my Senior Pastor not known me as well as he did and that rumor floated around the church. It would have most likely been a much different conversation in the beginning, though I believe he would have believed my side, it would have taken more explaining and could have quite possibly tainted my reputation with my boss/pastor for a time.
When was the last time you were around a group of friends that were talking about how great someone was? When was the last time you sat with your friend and built someone up that was not present?
Now, think of the last time you were around those same friends and they were tearing someone down? Think about the same friend and the last conversation that you had about someone, and was it building up the person or just tearing down? Was there any purpose revealing the information you did, except to spread gossip? Did you go to the person you are talking about first to find out if it is true?
What are the reasons that we tell people the negative and tear others down as general conversation? Why do we get so much excitement out of it, and why do we desire to hear the latest juicy secret about our neighbor, employee, friend, or enemy? I can tell you it is not the Holy Spirit that desires to hear it, and I am betting that if you were honest your conscience does not want to hear it either (for those that have one).
Think about it for a minute. If we are so quick to gossip about others, what makes us think that others are not going to be so quick to gossip about us? How does it make you feel knowing that someone else is spreading lies or rumors about you? Rumors are really what it typically avails to, as by the time is spreads around it has caught momentum and the story has typically had details added and taken a whole life of its own; if of course there was any truth to begin with.
We have all fallen prey to this sinful action, probably more then once if we are honest with ourselves. We all need to repent of this sin, and turn from it. We need to ask God to help us to keep our mouths shut when it comes to gossip, and to leave any group that is participating in tearing others down.
The next time you feel the urge to talk about someone, then spread good gossip. Talk about the wonderful things they have done, or how talented they are in some field. But if you feel the urge to talk about how awful they are, or what you heard about someone, then zip it. Don’t be that person, as in reality no one trusts or likes that person.
Job 16:5, “I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation from my lips would bring relief.”
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Great Video
This video is 8 minutes in length, but well worth the time. It starts with a quote from Dr. John MacArthur and goes on from there. It is well done and to the point. I agree with it wholeheartedly.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Are We Deceiving Ourselves?
Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
I had a wonderful conversation with a young lady after I taught a lesson on Friday night at Ransomed. She wanted to know how to witness to Muslims and how to debate in an effective way that would bring people to Christ and not shy them away. I have talked about it all week, and she is a great example of someone who has a desire to follow the great commission in the nation she is currently. Unfortunately this is a rarity today and not the norm, though it should be.
Read over this verse and see what is being said here, because I think as believers we are missing it. We are told to go and make disciples of all the nations. Do you do this? You may ask; how can I? I have a wife and kids, or I am in college, or this or that. You can do it right where God has you, as that is part of “all” nations. We are doing this very poorly, and from what I have seen we are barely doing it at all.
We say we are Christ’s, but do we do what He says? Do you teach those you have opportunity to be with to obey His commandments? Not just the love one, as it is very important, we tend to use it to excuse all the other commands. Some have used it to make excuses not to witness at all. Do you teach them to love the Lord Your God with all their heart, soul, and mind? We are really lacking on the mind aspect, as we have made God too much of a feeling and not reality in my opinion. Luckily, there are those out there fighting this battle and to them I say, “Thank You.”
How many people have you invited to your church lately? If none why not? Is it because you are embarrassed by your church, pastor, or church friends? If so, then why do you stay? How do we bring people to Christ if we are not talking about Him? It will not happen by osmosis, though that would be great. If we are following the Great Commission we should be.
How many people are you discipling? Who is discipling you? If none, why? Are we afraid of answering the tough questions, or being asked the tough questions? Accountability has become a swear word in a lot of Christian circles, though it should be sought out and desired by those of us who claim to be Christ followers.
Are we deceiving ourselves in American Christianity? Have we so watered down the Scripture that we no longer feel compelled to follow the commands of Christ, who died for us? He gave us His all; why aren’t we giving Him ours?
I had a wonderful conversation with a young lady after I taught a lesson on Friday night at Ransomed. She wanted to know how to witness to Muslims and how to debate in an effective way that would bring people to Christ and not shy them away. I have talked about it all week, and she is a great example of someone who has a desire to follow the great commission in the nation she is currently. Unfortunately this is a rarity today and not the norm, though it should be.
Read over this verse and see what is being said here, because I think as believers we are missing it. We are told to go and make disciples of all the nations. Do you do this? You may ask; how can I? I have a wife and kids, or I am in college, or this or that. You can do it right where God has you, as that is part of “all” nations. We are doing this very poorly, and from what I have seen we are barely doing it at all.
We say we are Christ’s, but do we do what He says? Do you teach those you have opportunity to be with to obey His commandments? Not just the love one, as it is very important, we tend to use it to excuse all the other commands. Some have used it to make excuses not to witness at all. Do you teach them to love the Lord Your God with all their heart, soul, and mind? We are really lacking on the mind aspect, as we have made God too much of a feeling and not reality in my opinion. Luckily, there are those out there fighting this battle and to them I say, “Thank You.”
How many people have you invited to your church lately? If none why not? Is it because you are embarrassed by your church, pastor, or church friends? If so, then why do you stay? How do we bring people to Christ if we are not talking about Him? It will not happen by osmosis, though that would be great. If we are following the Great Commission we should be.
How many people are you discipling? Who is discipling you? If none, why? Are we afraid of answering the tough questions, or being asked the tough questions? Accountability has become a swear word in a lot of Christian circles, though it should be sought out and desired by those of us who claim to be Christ followers.
Are we deceiving ourselves in American Christianity? Have we so watered down the Scripture that we no longer feel compelled to follow the commands of Christ, who died for us? He gave us His all; why aren’t we giving Him ours?
Monday, January 21, 2008
Review of "Letter to a Christian Nation" by Sam Harris
I mentioned in an earlier blog that I was going to utilize the book by Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation, and deal with his arguments. There became a real problem as I kept reading the book. There are no real issues to deal with, as all his arguments are straw-man arguments, or just name calling.
It is by far one of the worst books I have read in arguing the atheist position, and all the arguments he employs he gives no evidence for at anytime, except for a few polls that anyone could find that say the exact opposite. If one reads his book closely he will argue against himself quite often. At one point he says that Europe is secular then goes on to talk about how fast the Muslim faith is growing and if keeps going it will be majority Muslim soon.
Mr. Harris never gives credit to Christians or Muslims for any of their scientific discoveries (Medicine, Math, and Science itself) and actually speaks as if those discoveries were made by atheists. He makes the claim that evolution is proved and anyone that does not believe it is fooling themselves. He discredits with no evidence anything not evolution. He sites that it has been proven in the fossil record that we have evolved. There is no evidence of it and that is why he does not site it.
Now I know why he refuses to debate Dinesh D’Souza, because he has nothing at all, but name calling and false opinion. There are much better books to deal with and spend time arguing. I was completely mistaken to think this is one of them. It is a sad rambling from someone that has most likely been hurt by someone claiming to be a Christian. It is just a personal rambling one would expect from someone sitting in a coffee shop complaining to a friend.
Do not waist your money or time with this book unless you know someone that may have read it and believes it. You can also read it if you want to read some of the typical arguments you might get from an emotionally based argument, but then there is no reason to be even engaged because they do not want to hear clear concise reasoning. If this is his argument then he sure does not want to hear truth, just rationalize his truth. In reality Sam Harris is the anti-intellectual, and is revealed in this book.
It is arguments and opinion like his that has caused more hate, death and destruction then probably any faith today. Atheism thought has been the basis for more killings then any religion, though Sam tries to write them off as not atheists though they are (Adolf Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, and Kim Il Sung). Mr. Harris complains of the dogma of religions then makes a dogmatic statement: “There is, in fact, no worldview more reprehensible in its arrogance than that of a religious believer. . . .” That seems a little dogmatic in belief. His whole book is a dogmatic statement about is atheism. Again, contradictory, which is a formula he uses though out the book?
It is by far one of the worst books I have read in arguing the atheist position, and all the arguments he employs he gives no evidence for at anytime, except for a few polls that anyone could find that say the exact opposite. If one reads his book closely he will argue against himself quite often. At one point he says that Europe is secular then goes on to talk about how fast the Muslim faith is growing and if keeps going it will be majority Muslim soon.
Mr. Harris never gives credit to Christians or Muslims for any of their scientific discoveries (Medicine, Math, and Science itself) and actually speaks as if those discoveries were made by atheists. He makes the claim that evolution is proved and anyone that does not believe it is fooling themselves. He discredits with no evidence anything not evolution. He sites that it has been proven in the fossil record that we have evolved. There is no evidence of it and that is why he does not site it.
Now I know why he refuses to debate Dinesh D’Souza, because he has nothing at all, but name calling and false opinion. There are much better books to deal with and spend time arguing. I was completely mistaken to think this is one of them. It is a sad rambling from someone that has most likely been hurt by someone claiming to be a Christian. It is just a personal rambling one would expect from someone sitting in a coffee shop complaining to a friend.
Do not waist your money or time with this book unless you know someone that may have read it and believes it. You can also read it if you want to read some of the typical arguments you might get from an emotionally based argument, but then there is no reason to be even engaged because they do not want to hear clear concise reasoning. If this is his argument then he sure does not want to hear truth, just rationalize his truth. In reality Sam Harris is the anti-intellectual, and is revealed in this book.
It is arguments and opinion like his that has caused more hate, death and destruction then probably any faith today. Atheism thought has been the basis for more killings then any religion, though Sam tries to write them off as not atheists though they are (Adolf Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, and Kim Il Sung). Mr. Harris complains of the dogma of religions then makes a dogmatic statement: “There is, in fact, no worldview more reprehensible in its arrogance than that of a religious believer. . . .” That seems a little dogmatic in belief. His whole book is a dogmatic statement about is atheism. Again, contradictory, which is a formula he uses though out the book?
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Living with Integrity
Eph. 4:12-13, “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”
People of integrity guard the Truth, which is Biblical truth. The truth of Christ. John MacArthur has said, “Unity of faith is impossible unless it is built on the foundation of commonly held truth.” What he is saying, I believe, is that we need Doctrinal Integrity. We must be unified in what it means to be a Christian and what that looks like in our lives.
John 17:17-21, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
How do we guard the truth? First, we must believe the truth of Scripture. There is nothing to guard if there is only what you believe and I believe, as that is relativism. Acts 24:14, “But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.” You must believe it, what it says as absolute truth and nothing less. It is the inerrant word of God.
Next, we need to memorize it and mediate on the Word of God, so it impacts our very souls. We also want it ingrained in us so we are ready to give an answer to anyone who asks us. 1 Peter 3:15, “always be ready to make a defense to every one who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.” While we are living it we need to also use our mouths and tell people about Christ.
The only way you can memorize and meditate on the Word of God is by studying it. We all need to be students of the Bible, as this is how we grow in our faith. 2 Timothy 2:15, “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”
Lastly we need to live it and proclaim it. Col. 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” If we care about the welfare of others we will live the Christian life as a testimony while demonstrating our love for Christ. But ultimately we will then proclaim it, because how else will people know the means of salvation. Timothy 4:2, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience, and instruction.”
As Christ said, “go and make disciples, go. . .and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20).
People of integrity guard the Truth, which is Biblical truth. The truth of Christ. John MacArthur has said, “Unity of faith is impossible unless it is built on the foundation of commonly held truth.” What he is saying, I believe, is that we need Doctrinal Integrity. We must be unified in what it means to be a Christian and what that looks like in our lives.
John 17:17-21, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
How do we guard the truth? First, we must believe the truth of Scripture. There is nothing to guard if there is only what you believe and I believe, as that is relativism. Acts 24:14, “But this I confess to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.” You must believe it, what it says as absolute truth and nothing less. It is the inerrant word of God.
Next, we need to memorize it and mediate on the Word of God, so it impacts our very souls. We also want it ingrained in us so we are ready to give an answer to anyone who asks us. 1 Peter 3:15, “always be ready to make a defense to every one who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.” While we are living it we need to also use our mouths and tell people about Christ.
The only way you can memorize and meditate on the Word of God is by studying it. We all need to be students of the Bible, as this is how we grow in our faith. 2 Timothy 2:15, “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”
Lastly we need to live it and proclaim it. Col. 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” If we care about the welfare of others we will live the Christian life as a testimony while demonstrating our love for Christ. But ultimately we will then proclaim it, because how else will people know the means of salvation. Timothy 4:2, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience, and instruction.”
As Christ said, “go and make disciples, go. . .and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20).
Monday, January 14, 2008
Do Gooders
Warning: Below I am challenging concepts and not saying that I do not believe in good works as believers. I am just challenging the way it is currently being used and why. As James tells us, works without faith is dead, so good works are important, but to what end is the question.
Romans 10:14-17,“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Lately, just about every new book coming out in the Christian market and the new wave for Americans to attack Christians, even within the Christian circle, is to say that Christians need to do more good. When we do “good” then people will see it and come and ask us about our faith and then we can tell them.
There is a couple of problems with the people that I tend to hear this from today, and the books I tend to read it in, and that is most cannot tell someone why they believe what they believe and they have their own opinion of what good is. They keep saying Christians need to be good, but never support it with Scripture as to what they mean by good. There are plenty of Scriptures talking about good.
Good means one thing to some and something else to another. The Bible tells us to take care of the poor widows, and our brothers and sisters who are Christians. But most of the people who tell Christians to be good do not do this, and in my opinion many times just making excuses as to why not to be involved with the church. Which is another problem with most of the complainers, they are not involved themselves. They sit on the couch and complain, yet are not involved in doing good, whatever that is in their mind.
Is it good to save babies from death by abortion? Then why do people who say to do good vote for people who are “pro-abortion (death)” and not those who are “pro-life?” How well do the same people follow the Christian ethic below that say Christians should be doing good, or what is defined as good in the above verse? Is it good to let sex offenders out of jail, even though they showed no desire to change? Should adult stores be allowed to be by schools? Would that be good? Well, a very popular candidate wants to allow all the above and voted for such. This candidate is supported by Christians, and for the life of me I cannot understand why. They speak one thing and do completely another. There is a word for this. . . .Hypocrite.
Good to most of the people that keep talking about it seems to be just an excuse to not do anything with their faith. It is an excuse to sit on the couch and complain, because from what I have seen is that the ones complaining about this are no better, and sometimes worse then those they are complaining about. Like the old saying goes, “He that doth protest too much.” My last question is this: Those of you that talk so much about doing good first to show your faith, how many people have you told about the salvation of Christ through repentance of sin and accepting Him as Savior and Lord?
Romans 12:9-21, “Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written:
Vengeance belongs to Me;
I will repay, says the Lord. But
If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.”
What is the ultimate good but Christ and the salvation He offers us? Not to tell someone about Christ when you know they do not them could be the ultimate evil there is. How do you know you will have another chance? It is not deeds or things, but Christ. One cannot even talk about the good without first knowing the Good through His Word.
Here are some verses for thought about good:
Psalm 119:17, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.”
Gal. 6:12-14, “2Those who want to make a good showing in the flesh are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised—but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even the circumcised don’t keep the law themselves; however, they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh. But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Titus 3:4-5, “But when the goodness and love for man appeared from God our Savior, He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Again, I believe we should be doing good according to Scripture, but that we need not brag about it and just do it. Ultimately it should not be for us to boast, but to lead others to the ultimate Good, Jesus Christ. Otherwise it is robbing them of eternity and then becomes evil. What is doing good to others knowing they are on the highway to hell?
Do good, but preach the Word. Do not neglect one for the other.
Romans 10:14-17,“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe without hearing about Him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How welcome are the feet of those who announce the gospel of good things! But all did not obey the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our message? So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.”
Lately, just about every new book coming out in the Christian market and the new wave for Americans to attack Christians, even within the Christian circle, is to say that Christians need to do more good. When we do “good” then people will see it and come and ask us about our faith and then we can tell them.
There is a couple of problems with the people that I tend to hear this from today, and the books I tend to read it in, and that is most cannot tell someone why they believe what they believe and they have their own opinion of what good is. They keep saying Christians need to be good, but never support it with Scripture as to what they mean by good. There are plenty of Scriptures talking about good.
Good means one thing to some and something else to another. The Bible tells us to take care of the poor widows, and our brothers and sisters who are Christians. But most of the people who tell Christians to be good do not do this, and in my opinion many times just making excuses as to why not to be involved with the church. Which is another problem with most of the complainers, they are not involved themselves. They sit on the couch and complain, yet are not involved in doing good, whatever that is in their mind.
Is it good to save babies from death by abortion? Then why do people who say to do good vote for people who are “pro-abortion (death)” and not those who are “pro-life?” How well do the same people follow the Christian ethic below that say Christians should be doing good, or what is defined as good in the above verse? Is it good to let sex offenders out of jail, even though they showed no desire to change? Should adult stores be allowed to be by schools? Would that be good? Well, a very popular candidate wants to allow all the above and voted for such. This candidate is supported by Christians, and for the life of me I cannot understand why. They speak one thing and do completely another. There is a word for this. . . .Hypocrite.
Good to most of the people that keep talking about it seems to be just an excuse to not do anything with their faith. It is an excuse to sit on the couch and complain, because from what I have seen is that the ones complaining about this are no better, and sometimes worse then those they are complaining about. Like the old saying goes, “He that doth protest too much.” My last question is this: Those of you that talk so much about doing good first to show your faith, how many people have you told about the salvation of Christ through repentance of sin and accepting Him as Savior and Lord?
Romans 12:9-21, “Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Try to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for His wrath. For it is written:
Vengeance belongs to Me;
I will repay, says the Lord. But
If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.”
What is the ultimate good but Christ and the salvation He offers us? Not to tell someone about Christ when you know they do not them could be the ultimate evil there is. How do you know you will have another chance? It is not deeds or things, but Christ. One cannot even talk about the good without first knowing the Good through His Word.
Here are some verses for thought about good:
Psalm 119:17, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes.”
Gal. 6:12-14, “2Those who want to make a good showing in the flesh are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised—but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even the circumcised don’t keep the law themselves; however, they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh. But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
Titus 3:4-5, “But when the goodness and love for man appeared from God our Savior, He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
Again, I believe we should be doing good according to Scripture, but that we need not brag about it and just do it. Ultimately it should not be for us to boast, but to lead others to the ultimate Good, Jesus Christ. Otherwise it is robbing them of eternity and then becomes evil. What is doing good to others knowing they are on the highway to hell?
Do good, but preach the Word. Do not neglect one for the other.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Some Political Food for Thought!
Here is an article worth reading if you are looking at the Presidents, and in particular the Democratic side. If you are thinking about voting for Obama, you should read this. I think Conservatives would want this article in the hands of all their friends who my lean liberally.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/7688
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59612
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/Articles/Article.aspx/7688
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=59612
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
You Maybe a Hypocrite If. . . .
The American Heritage Dictionary defines integrity this way, “steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code,” “the state of being unimpaired; soundness,” or “the quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness” (Houghton Mifflin, 1992).
What do you think of when you think of Integrity? I posed this question to a group of adults recently and not one person could think of someone in their lives that demonstrated integrity throughout their Christian life. This was a sad statement to our Christian community, our Church, and families that raised these children. Just so you know, almost all of the young adults were raised in the church, or in a “Christian” home.
When I asked them if someone came to mind when I asked if they knew a hypocrite, every one of them had thought of someone. We defined hypocrite as someone that preaches one thing and then actually does the opposite. Why is it so quick for these young adults to think of someone who does not live the Christian life they profess, and not someone who does?
How does your life match up? Do you come to mind when someone asks them to name someone with integrity? Or does your name come to mind when they think of hypocrite?
Let’s take a little test then I want to show a video, and in my next blogs we will look at integrity and what the Bible says about it.
You may be a Christian hypocrite if:
You say, “The T.V. show was so funny, except for all the vulgar language.”
You say, “It was a great movie, except for the nudity, graphic violence, and language.”
You say, “I was a little tipsy, doesn’t everyone do it? Not like I hurt anyone.”
You say, “We are getting married anyway, so why not have sex? How will I know if they love me otherwise?”
You say, “No one is looking, so they will not know where I go on my computer.”
You say, “God does not mind if I do not pray today, He knows what I want anyway.”
You say, “The Bible is just so boring. How can anyone read it everyday?”
You say, “I am not going to speak up in class or work, because people will think I am weird for supporting Christ and it may cost me my grade or job.”
Maybe you are patting yourself on the back, saying you don’t do any of those things, but how about this list. It is taken from a book by John MacArthur, The Power of Integrity.
You maybe a hypocrite if:
You say you believe the Bible, yet attend churches where the Bible is not taught.
You agree that sin must be punished, but not if those sins are committed by your children.
You oppose dishonesty and corruption until you must confront your boss and risk losing your job.
You maintain high moral standards until your lust is kindled by an unscriptural relationship.
You are honest until a little dishonesty will save you money.
You hold conviction until it is challenged by someone you admire or fear.
How did you fair? Are you a man/woman of integrity, or do you have some work to do? Watch the video and then pray if you are not living as you should that God would help you take the steps needed to fix your life. Get into the Word of God and let it change you, let it draw you closer to God, so you maybe a man/woman of integrity.
If you are a man/woman of integrity then it is important to stay in the Bible, so that when temptation comes you will be ready. As you read, remember that this is God’s way of speaking to you, so it is a form of prayer. Make sure you are talking back as well. Pray constantly.
Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
What do you think of when you think of Integrity? I posed this question to a group of adults recently and not one person could think of someone in their lives that demonstrated integrity throughout their Christian life. This was a sad statement to our Christian community, our Church, and families that raised these children. Just so you know, almost all of the young adults were raised in the church, or in a “Christian” home.
When I asked them if someone came to mind when I asked if they knew a hypocrite, every one of them had thought of someone. We defined hypocrite as someone that preaches one thing and then actually does the opposite. Why is it so quick for these young adults to think of someone who does not live the Christian life they profess, and not someone who does?
How does your life match up? Do you come to mind when someone asks them to name someone with integrity? Or does your name come to mind when they think of hypocrite?
Let’s take a little test then I want to show a video, and in my next blogs we will look at integrity and what the Bible says about it.
You may be a Christian hypocrite if:
You say, “The T.V. show was so funny, except for all the vulgar language.”
You say, “It was a great movie, except for the nudity, graphic violence, and language.”
You say, “I was a little tipsy, doesn’t everyone do it? Not like I hurt anyone.”
You say, “We are getting married anyway, so why not have sex? How will I know if they love me otherwise?”
You say, “No one is looking, so they will not know where I go on my computer.”
You say, “God does not mind if I do not pray today, He knows what I want anyway.”
You say, “The Bible is just so boring. How can anyone read it everyday?”
You say, “I am not going to speak up in class or work, because people will think I am weird for supporting Christ and it may cost me my grade or job.”
Maybe you are patting yourself on the back, saying you don’t do any of those things, but how about this list. It is taken from a book by John MacArthur, The Power of Integrity.
You maybe a hypocrite if:
You say you believe the Bible, yet attend churches where the Bible is not taught.
You agree that sin must be punished, but not if those sins are committed by your children.
You oppose dishonesty and corruption until you must confront your boss and risk losing your job.
You maintain high moral standards until your lust is kindled by an unscriptural relationship.
You are honest until a little dishonesty will save you money.
You hold conviction until it is challenged by someone you admire or fear.
How did you fair? Are you a man/woman of integrity, or do you have some work to do? Watch the video and then pray if you are not living as you should that God would help you take the steps needed to fix your life. Get into the Word of God and let it change you, let it draw you closer to God, so you maybe a man/woman of integrity.
If you are a man/woman of integrity then it is important to stay in the Bible, so that when temptation comes you will be ready. As you read, remember that this is God’s way of speaking to you, so it is a form of prayer. Make sure you are talking back as well. Pray constantly.
Ephesians 4:17-19, “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Puritan Prayer
Below is a poem I read in a book of Puritan prayers entitled, The Valley of Vision. The prayers are incredible in their wording and longing for our Savior. They are powerful and full of deep thought and reflection on God.
My challenge is that you pray this prayer below, and if you cannot, why. This prayer challenged me. Can I truly say these words to God and mean them? Can you? I think we can, but it takes dedication and walking what the Scriptures tell us. I changed some of the Old English wording, so people do not ge stuck on the "Thee & Thou's" of the poem. Everything else is the same. Let this be your prayer today.
My challenge is that you pray this prayer below, and if you cannot, why. This prayer challenged me. Can I truly say these words to God and mean them? Can you? I think we can, but it takes dedication and walking what the Scriptures tell us. I changed some of the Old English wording, so people do not ge stuck on the "Thee & Thou's" of the poem. Everything else is the same. Let this be your prayer today.
GOD'S CAUSE
SOVEREIGN GOD,
Your cause, not my own, engages my hear
and I appeal to you with greatest freedom
to set up Your kingdom in every place where Satan reigns;
Glorify Yourself and I shall rejoice,
for to bring honor to Your name is my sole desire.
I adore that You are God,
and long that others should know it, feel it
and rejoice in it.
O that all ment might love and praise You,
that You might have all glory from the intelligent world!
Let sinners be brought to You for Your name!
To the eye of reason everything respecting the conversion of others
is as dark as midnight,
But You can accomplish great things;
to set up Your kingdom in every place where Satan reigns;
Glorify Yourself and I shall rejoice,
for to bring honor to Your name is my sole desire.
I adore that You are God,
and long that others should know it, feel it
and rejoice in it.
O that all ment might love and praise You,
that You might have all glory from the intelligent world!
Let sinners be brought to You for Your name!
To the eye of reason everything respecting the conversion of others
is as dark as midnight,
But You can accomplish great things;
the cause is Yours,
and it is to Your glory that men should be saved.
Lord, use me as You will,
do with me what You want;
but, O, promote Your cause,
let Your kingdom come,
let Your blessed interest be advanced in this world!
O do You bring in great numbers to Jesus!
let me see that glorious day,
and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;
let me be will to die to that end;
and while I live let me labor for You
to the utmost of my strength,
spending time profitably in this work,
both in health and in weakness.
It is Your cause and kingdom I long for, not my own.
O, answer my request!
and it is to Your glory that men should be saved.
Lord, use me as You will,
do with me what You want;
but, O, promote Your cause,
let Your kingdom come,
let Your blessed interest be advanced in this world!
O do You bring in great numbers to Jesus!
let me see that glorious day,
and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;
let me be will to die to that end;
and while I live let me labor for You
to the utmost of my strength,
spending time profitably in this work,
both in health and in weakness.
It is Your cause and kingdom I long for, not my own.
O, answer my request!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
You Can't Handle It!
Allie Martin
OneNewsNow.com
December 31, 2007
The founder of Gospel for Asia says while persecution is increasing worldwide for Christians, he believes it will soon impact believers in America -- and K.P. Yohannan says they need to get ready for it.
Persecution against Christians is increasing worldwide, especially in countries such as India, where attacks on churches and Christians by Hindu extremists have increased dramatically. In fact, when missionaries graduate from Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bible colleges, they are told to expect persecution -- and perhaps even death -- for spreading the gospel.
According to GFA founder K.P. Yohannan, Christians in those countries expect such treatment and are prepared when the tough times come. But he believes Christians in America will soon be faced with persecution as well -- and he is fearful that many are not ready.
"The great falling-away from faith could be worst here in [America] because people are absolutely not prepared to face suffering or persecution -- because we cannot imagine a gospel with the cross and the suffering in it," says Yohannan. "Yet the Bible teaches very strong about it. So as the Word of God says: He who has ears, let him hear."
The ministry leader is convinced that prosperity has caused many Christians in America to focus on material possessions instead of surrendering all to Christ. The result, he says, is that American Christians have become "very naïve" in thinking that real persecution will never come their way.
"These are warning signs," he exclaims. "God is telling us [that] we need to prepare our lives. And preachers going around saying that revival is coming, and everything is okay, and all these things? I think that people are [being] set up for huge disaster and denying their faith when they face problems."
It is estimated that more than 16,000 Christians are martyred worldwide each year for their faith.
All Original Content Copyright 2006-2008 American Family News Network - All Rights Reserved
OneNewsNow.com
December 31, 2007
The founder of Gospel for Asia says while persecution is increasing worldwide for Christians, he believes it will soon impact believers in America -- and K.P. Yohannan says they need to get ready for it.
Persecution against Christians is increasing worldwide, especially in countries such as India, where attacks on churches and Christians by Hindu extremists have increased dramatically. In fact, when missionaries graduate from Gospel for Asia (GFA) Bible colleges, they are told to expect persecution -- and perhaps even death -- for spreading the gospel.
According to GFA founder K.P. Yohannan, Christians in those countries expect such treatment and are prepared when the tough times come. But he believes Christians in America will soon be faced with persecution as well -- and he is fearful that many are not ready.
"The great falling-away from faith could be worst here in [America] because people are absolutely not prepared to face suffering or persecution -- because we cannot imagine a gospel with the cross and the suffering in it," says Yohannan. "Yet the Bible teaches very strong about it. So as the Word of God says: He who has ears, let him hear."
The ministry leader is convinced that prosperity has caused many Christians in America to focus on material possessions instead of surrendering all to Christ. The result, he says, is that American Christians have become "very naïve" in thinking that real persecution will never come their way.
"These are warning signs," he exclaims. "God is telling us [that] we need to prepare our lives. And preachers going around saying that revival is coming, and everything is okay, and all these things? I think that people are [being] set up for huge disaster and denying their faith when they face problems."
It is estimated that more than 16,000 Christians are martyred worldwide each year for their faith.
All Original Content Copyright 2006-2008 American Family News Network - All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sam Harris -- Jesus & Muhammad are the Same
If you have not read the blog regarding Sam Harris yet, then you will want to do that prior to reading this blog, as it is answering what was set up in that blog.
The question Sam Harris asked is why we do not believe in the God of Allah because the Qu’ran says Jesus was just a prophet and not divine. The first logical response is why should we believe the Qu’ran over the Bible. The ultimate question Sam is posing is whether Jesus is who the Qu’ran claims He is or whether Jesus is who the Bible claims He is. Because if Jesus is not who the Bible says He is then we should be concerned about whether or not we are following the right God.
The problem with answering Mr. Harris is where to start, because there is just so much information he is assuming within his comments. He is putting Christ and Muhammad on the same plane, which they are not. He is putting the Qu’ran and the Bible on the same playing field, which they are not. Just these two factors alone will dismantle his first objection. I will take the first part today: Christ is superior to Muhammad on many different levels.
Just looking at their lives will confirm that Christ is superior to Muhammad. Muhammad claimed he was a mere man; where Jesus claims to be God (Mark 14:61-64), and actually the Sura claims Jesus to be the Savior (5:17, 75). Jesus performed numerous miracles recorded in the Bible and secondary accounts in Jewish literature, where Muhammad performed no miracles and admits this in the Qu’ran.
Muhammad offered no sure hope of salvation, but guidelines for hopefully finding favor in Allah’s presence, as everything in the Muslim faith is predestined with no hope. Jesus provided a means for all to be saved if they wished. 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also died once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring us to God.” Muhammad spent the last 10 years of his life at war, forcibly making people convert to Muslim or die. Jesus never utilized violence, even to save His own life, and never forced anyone to accept Him as Savior. Muhammad was a polygamist, even exceeding the number allowed in his religion (four), but he did make sure that he added a verse in the Qu’ran to cover his sins (33:50). Jesus did not make an excuse for anything He did, nor did He have to because He did not sin.
Muhammad was notorious for violating his own laws about plundering caravans coming to Mecca and he engaged in retaliation and revenge, contrary to his own teaching. Lastly, Muhammad would seek forgiveness for himself a couple of times in the Qu’ran (40:55; 41:19; 48:2). There is no place in the Bible where Jesus seeks forgiveness for anything, but He did claim authority to forgive sins (MK 2:5-11).
Christ is the most unique person whoever lived, and there is no one like Him that has lived. No other teacher ever claimed to be God. No proof of any other great teacher has the proof of who they claimed to be as Christ did. No other true faiths or religions have offered salvation by faith, except Christianity. The ones that are around have copied Christianity and not vice-versa. No other leader has ever died for the sins of the people, and those that were not his followers (John 15:13; Rom. 5:6-8).
For Mr. Harris to even compare Muhammad to Christ is like comparing an apple to a Stealth Bomber. There is no comparison. Using the Muslim faith to presuppose that all religions are the same and thus there is no true religion is a straw-man argument and fails on every level, as no two religions are the same, though some may appear to have similar elements. If there are differences then one must be right and one must be false, and the goal should be to find truth.
In the end, we have to deal with Jesus and who He is. As Sam Harris states in his book, “Either the Bible is just an ordinary book, written by mortals, or it isn’t. Either Christ was divine, or he was not. If the Bible is an ordinary book, and Christ an ordinary man, the basic doctrine of Christianity is false” (L.T.A.C.N., 5).
Sam Harris acts as if he wants all faiths to go away, but his animosity is really with Christianity, as the rest of the book rarely mentions other faiths the way he mentions Christ. From this point on we will look at his other objections about Christianity. He really uses the Muslim faith to try and misdirect us from the core of the argument, Jesus Christ.
The question Sam Harris asked is why we do not believe in the God of Allah because the Qu’ran says Jesus was just a prophet and not divine. The first logical response is why should we believe the Qu’ran over the Bible. The ultimate question Sam is posing is whether Jesus is who the Qu’ran claims He is or whether Jesus is who the Bible claims He is. Because if Jesus is not who the Bible says He is then we should be concerned about whether or not we are following the right God.
The problem with answering Mr. Harris is where to start, because there is just so much information he is assuming within his comments. He is putting Christ and Muhammad on the same plane, which they are not. He is putting the Qu’ran and the Bible on the same playing field, which they are not. Just these two factors alone will dismantle his first objection. I will take the first part today: Christ is superior to Muhammad on many different levels.
Just looking at their lives will confirm that Christ is superior to Muhammad. Muhammad claimed he was a mere man; where Jesus claims to be God (Mark 14:61-64), and actually the Sura claims Jesus to be the Savior (5:17, 75). Jesus performed numerous miracles recorded in the Bible and secondary accounts in Jewish literature, where Muhammad performed no miracles and admits this in the Qu’ran.
Muhammad offered no sure hope of salvation, but guidelines for hopefully finding favor in Allah’s presence, as everything in the Muslim faith is predestined with no hope. Jesus provided a means for all to be saved if they wished. 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also died once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that he might bring us to God.” Muhammad spent the last 10 years of his life at war, forcibly making people convert to Muslim or die. Jesus never utilized violence, even to save His own life, and never forced anyone to accept Him as Savior. Muhammad was a polygamist, even exceeding the number allowed in his religion (four), but he did make sure that he added a verse in the Qu’ran to cover his sins (33:50). Jesus did not make an excuse for anything He did, nor did He have to because He did not sin.
Muhammad was notorious for violating his own laws about plundering caravans coming to Mecca and he engaged in retaliation and revenge, contrary to his own teaching. Lastly, Muhammad would seek forgiveness for himself a couple of times in the Qu’ran (40:55; 41:19; 48:2). There is no place in the Bible where Jesus seeks forgiveness for anything, but He did claim authority to forgive sins (MK 2:5-11).
Christ is the most unique person whoever lived, and there is no one like Him that has lived. No other teacher ever claimed to be God. No proof of any other great teacher has the proof of who they claimed to be as Christ did. No other true faiths or religions have offered salvation by faith, except Christianity. The ones that are around have copied Christianity and not vice-versa. No other leader has ever died for the sins of the people, and those that were not his followers (John 15:13; Rom. 5:6-8).
For Mr. Harris to even compare Muhammad to Christ is like comparing an apple to a Stealth Bomber. There is no comparison. Using the Muslim faith to presuppose that all religions are the same and thus there is no true religion is a straw-man argument and fails on every level, as no two religions are the same, though some may appear to have similar elements. If there are differences then one must be right and one must be false, and the goal should be to find truth.
In the end, we have to deal with Jesus and who He is. As Sam Harris states in his book, “Either the Bible is just an ordinary book, written by mortals, or it isn’t. Either Christ was divine, or he was not. If the Bible is an ordinary book, and Christ an ordinary man, the basic doctrine of Christianity is false” (L.T.A.C.N., 5).
Sam Harris acts as if he wants all faiths to go away, but his animosity is really with Christianity, as the rest of the book rarely mentions other faiths the way he mentions Christ. From this point on we will look at his other objections about Christianity. He really uses the Muslim faith to try and misdirect us from the core of the argument, Jesus Christ.
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