Good morning friends,
Quote of the week:
We as Christians must know what we believe and we must believe these things with strength and confidence. It is not wrong to feel, but it is not enough. Feelings will not sustain us when the world turns against us. Feelings will not sustain us when enemies rise up to oppose our faith. Feelings will not sustain us in the face of compelling arguments against the Bible, against creation, against the resurrection. Only strong convictions grounded upon well-formed thoughts will be enough in that day. In fact, only strong convictions grounded upon well-formed thoughts are enough for this day. – Tim Challies (from, I Feel I Think I Believe)
Now, here are your weekly links:
- What is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD)? | GotQuestions.org – The five core beliefs of MTD are as follows: 1. A god exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth. 2. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions. 3. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself. 4. God does not need to be particularly involved in one’s life except when God is needed to resolve a problem. 5. Good people go to heaven when they die.: https://www.gotquestions.org/Moralistic-Therapeutic-Deism.html
- Who Wrote Hebrews? Exploring a New Testament Mystery | Desiring God – When we consider the history of the recognition of Hebrews in the Christian canon, we cannot ignore the early assumption that it was from Paul. The extant records are not extensive, but the Eastern church plainly accepted Hebrews as Pauline. However, acceptance was slower in the West, though it solidified by the time of Augustine (354–430) and Jerome (347–420). The epistle’s strikingly high Christology proved valuable in combatting the Arian heresy, which confessed Christ as mere creature, not eternally God. The canonicity of Hebrews stood unchallenged by the end of the fourth century. Paul was presumed the author.: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/who-wrote-hebrews
- America Still Believes In The Supernatural – Just Not Necessarily The Bible. I think this is a good article. Make sure to set your browser on reading mode, because it has a lot of ads: https://www.prophecynewswatch.com/article.cfm?recent_news_id=10619
- Christian Evidences by R.C. Sproul | Ligonier Ministries – In a day where science seems to be the final arbiter of truth, all religious convictions and theological persuasions are relegated to the world of faith. Does the Christian have any reason to believe in the existence of a creator? Is there a personal first-cause of the cosmos? Some have charged theists to be without excuse in their belief in God. How do you answer that charge? In this four-part study, Dr. Sproul helps us deal with the criticisms and assaults on the Christian faith and answers critical questions Christians commonly hear in today’s world.: https://learn.ligonier.org/series/christian-evidences
- 15 Questions for Evolutionists · Creation.com – The teaching of biological evolution in science classes amounts to the teaching of a materialistic religion based on arguments that lack scientific merit.: https://creation.com/en/articles/15-questions-for-evolutionists
- The Great Halloween Debate: Where I Land May Surprise You | Ep 1410 – YouTube – It’s that time of year! Christians have long debated what participation with Halloween should look like. There are many views on the topic spanning from total avoidance to full participation. Allie looks at each position and what the Bible says in order to have a well-rounded view of the highly contentious holiday. She also looks at how it can be redeemed and even be an opportunity to share the gospel. Halloween is an issue that Christians have liberty to differ on; however, it is one that deserves careful consideration by asking not only what is right and what is wrong but what is best.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6kD-AAHMD8
- The Approach That’s Leading Muslims to Christ – YouTube – Belle Liu is 21, she stepped into full-time ministry this year, and she has two mission statements: raise a biblically literate generation, and make Muslims Christian. I first heard about her this summer then Scottie asked if I knew her. What struck both of us watching her street conversations wasn’t the arguments, it was that you can tell she actually loves the person in front of her. Her testimony is remarkable and she tells it herself here.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aidNklHYOuk
- An Unholy Alliance: Islam and Progressives Will Topple The West | Michael Youssef – YouTube – In this special episode for Easter, John is joined by Michael Youssef to explore the complexities of political Islam and its impact on the West, challenging viewers to move beyond superficial secular answers and confront the deep-seated belief systems that continue to shape the contemporary political landscape. Youssef critiques the ‘unholy alliance’ between Islamism and progressivism, suggesting that this is a relationship of convenience that will end in betrayal and threatens to destroy the West. The discussion examines the concept of ‘third jihad’, where democratic processes are being used to implement non-democratic legal codes such as Sharia law. It calls out the stark contrast between Islam and Christianity by examining their divergent views on power, the nature of God, and the foundation of human worth. Ultimately, this conversation is a call to rediscover our conviction in the Christian faith that originally gave birth to individual dignity and freedom. Michael Youssef is a pastor, bestselling author, and internationally respected Bible teacher of 50 years, whose Middle Eastern heritage and background as a cultural anthropologist have equipped him to serve Christ through the international ministry organization, Leading The Way.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpUcY5xZ9Y4
- The Historical Adam – Part 1: an Introduction | Biblical Science Institute – This is regarding an examination of an article written by William Lane Craig on the Historical Adam (https://firstthings.com/the-historical-adam/): https://biblicalscienceinstitute.com/apologetics/the-historical-adam-part-1-an-introduction/
- The Trinity Explained (Without Pretending It’s Simple) – YouTube – The God portrayed in the Bible isn’t easy to understand, but what if we could better understand what it is that we can’t understand? In this video, we will explore the complex identity of God displayed in the storyline of the Bible, and (surprise!) it all leads to Jesus.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAvYmE2YYIU
- How I Get So Much Done | Sean McDowell – This is one of the most common questions people ask me. After all, I teach full time at Biola University, part-time at a Christian school in Orange County, co-host a podcast, blog regularly, have a YouTube channel, write books, have a busy speaking schedule, and am also a husband and father. To be honest, I have hesitated to write this blog for a long time. There are many people much more productive than I am. I still can’t figure out how people like J. Warner Wallace, Tim Challies, and my father do everything they do! Nevertheless, here are five things that help me…: https://seanmcdowell.org/blog/how-i-get-so-much-done
- Why Is Evidence Important for Faith? Josh McDowell – Faith Gateway: https://faithgateway.com/blogs/christian-books/why-is-evidence-important-for-faith/
- Scientists Still Can’t Explain This About Honeybees – YouTube: https://youtu.be/-ofQ1rld0-c?is=ckeoq7R4Kb_Mbkpc
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ Matthew 19:4
Blessings to you all