Thoughts on Soul Winning

“We do not regard it to be soul-winning to steal members out of churches already established, and train them to utter our peculiar Shibboleth: we aim rather at bringing souls to Christ than at making converts to our synagogue.”

"In the next place, we do not consider soul-winning to be accomplished by hurriedly inscribing more names upon our church-roll, in order to show a good increase at the end of the year. This is easily done, and there are brethren who use great pains, not to say arts, to effect it; but if it be regarded as the Alpha and Omega of a minister's efforts, the result will be deplorable."

"Teach gospel doctrines clearly, affectionately, simply, and plainly, and especially those truths which have a present and practical bearing upon man's condition and God's grace. Some enthusiasts would seem to have imbibed the notion that, as soon as a minister addresses the unconverted, he should deliberately contradict his usual doctrinal discourses, because it is supposed that there will be no conversions if he preaches the whole counsel of God. It just comes to this, brethren, it is supposed that we are to conceal truth, and utter a half-falsehood, in order to save souls. We are to speak the truth to God's people because they will not hear anything else; but we are to wheedle sinners into faith by exaggerating one part of truth, and hiding the rest until a more convenient season. This is a strange theory, and yet many endorse it.”

“To try to win a soul for Christ by keeping that soul in ignorance of any truth, is contrary to the mind of the Spirit; and to endeavour to save men by mere claptrap, or excitement, or oratorical display, is as foolish as to hope to hold an angel with bird-lime, or lure a star with music. The best attraction is the gospel in its purity. The weapon with which the Lord conquers men is the truth as it is in Jesus. The gospel will be found equal to every emergency; an arrow which can pierce the hardest heart, a balm which will heal the deadliest wound. Preach it, and preach nothing else.”

C.H. Spurgeon- The Soul Winner-

PS. I posted this a couple of years ago but thought it was worthy of a repost.

Quiz on the Book of Acts

Okay, I know for some of you theologically minded bloggers this will be a cake walk, but here is a short quiz I gave the youth this morning on some of the main themes in the book of Acts.

1. Who wrote the book of Acts?

2. Why is it called the book of Acts?

3. What was the event called when the Holy Spirit came in Chapter two?

4. The First half of the book of Acts follows which major Apostle?

5. The Second half of the book of Acts follows which Major Apostle?

6. How many people where saved at Peter’s first sermon?

7. What did Peter’s vision of the clean and unclean animals mean?

7. Why was Saul on the Road to Damascus?

8. What did Ananias and Saphira do that they were stuck dead?

9. The first major Christian council met in Jerusalem, what did they get together to discuss?

10. When Paul was preachin in Ephesus, why were some of the men upset with Paul, which caused them to start a riot shouting "Great is Diana of the Ephesians"?

11. How did Paul end up on the Island of Malta where he was bitten by a snake?

12. What was something that made an impression on you while reading Acts?

Outline for the Book of Acts

The College and Career class at our church just finished reading through the books of acts. Here is the outline we will be covering tomorrow for review. I thought I would post it in case any of you might find it helpful.

Introduction (1:1-26)

I. The Birth of the Church Through the Ministry of Peter. (2:1-12:25)

A. The Spread of the Gospel in Jeruslem.

1. Pentecost (2:1-47)


2. The Roots of the Gospel in Jerusalem (3:1-5:16).


3. Aggressive Opposition (5:17-42)


4. The Appointment of the Seven and Stephen’s Martyrdom (6:1-8:4).

B. The Spread of the Gospel in all Judea and Samaria (8:5-12:25)

1. Philip the Evangelist: The Gospel Goes to Samaria (8:5 – 12:25)


2. The Conversion and Baptism of the Ethiopian Enuch (8:5 – 25)


3. The Conversion of Saul (9:1-31)


4. The Continuation of Peter’s Work in Judea: the Gospel Goes to the Gentiles (9:32-10:48)


5. The Contention in Jerusalem Regarding Christianity for the Gentiles (11:1-18)


6. The Penetration of the Gospel to Areas Adjacent to Palestine (11:19-12:25).

II. The Missionary Expansion of the Church Through the Ministry of Paul (13:1-28:31)

A. The Ministry of Saul and Barnabas; The First Missionary Journey (13:1-14:28)

B. The Jerusalem Conference: The Church’s Formal Extension of the Gospel (15:1-35)

C. The Confirmation of New Churches (15:1-35)

D. The Ministry of Paul and Silas: the Second Missionary Journey (16:1-18:22)

E. The Ministry of Paul and Silas Continues: The Third Misssionary Journey (18:23-21:16)

F. Paul Takes the Gospel to Rome (21:17-28:31)

1. Paul is Arrested in Jerusalem (21:17-36)


2. Paul Speaks to His Countrymen (21:37-22:29)


3. Paul Speaks to the Sanhedrin (22:30-23:11)


4. Paul Goes to Caesarea (23:12-35)


5. Paul Speaks to Felix and is Imprisoned at Caesarea for two years (24:1-27)


6. Paul Speaks to Festus (25:1-12).


7. Paul Speaks to Festus Agrippa, and Bernice (25:13-26:32)


8. Paul Sails for Rome (27:1-28:10)


9. Paul Arrives in Rome; Under House Arrest for two years (28:11-31)

-From the "Believer’s Study Bible"- W. A Criswell

Paul's Final Words: The Charge of the Christian

This is a short discussion surrounding Paul's final words to Timothy in 2 Timothy Chapter 4.

On Witnessing to a Muslim

When it comes to witnessing to a Muslim there are few helpful hints to follow in order keep the conversation focused on giving them the Gospel, without needlessly offending them on less important issues. But before we dig into some specifics of witnessing to a Muslim there are a few general things we need to do when witnessing or doing apologetics with anyone. First you must be spending time in the word of God and in prayer. The strength of your faith is dependent upon God, and there is a direct relationship between it and your time in the word. I’ve heard of too many people who begin to engage in apologetics and with very little resistance they begin to doubt and get confused. In almost every case that person was not diligently studying the scripture and as a result their faith was weak. You must also make sure that the reason you wish to engage them is because you ultimately desire to see them saved. If you are only engaging them because you want to prove yourself right, you may do more harm than good. Now there are times when we have to engage a person in dialogue and debate knowing that they will most likely not come to know the Lord because of an extreme hardness of heart, but we must engage them for the sake of the people they are influencing. But even then, when the debates can become a bit heated, it is important to show the person, and the people watching, that you are doing this because you care, not merely because you think you are right and want everyone to know it.

When dealing directly with Muslims it is also important to have some understanding of what they believe and, as already stated, have a strong understanding of what you believe. It is also important to remember that many Muslims, at least in the United States, are much like many Christians in the fact that they may do their religious things but they might not have a strong understanding of what they believe.

With all of that out of the way, here are some basic points to remember when witnessing to a Muslim.

1. To start with, stay away from arguing about the Koran’s or Mohammad’s validity. It is true that eventually we will have to address these issues, and there is plenty to address, but this is not the place to start. If we start here, the average Muslim will tune you out and reject everything you have to say. Of course if you run into a highly educated Muslim you will end up at this point much more quickly, but avoid the issue for as long as possible. Remember the point of witnessing is to make sure the person you are speaking to hears the Gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation. And salvation is our ultimate goal.

Also, when handling your Bible, be sure to use one in which you have not written, be sure to not let it drop below your waist, and if you stack it with other books, make sure that it is kept on top. To fail to do these things will be sign of disrespect for the word of God in their eyes, and there is no need to offend them on this issue. The Gospel is offensive enough to the natural man. So if there will be offence let it be because of the Gospel.

2. In order to give them the Gospel bring them to the Scriptures. Do not forget that they believe that Jesus was a prophet and that he was given the Gospel as a Holy book, along with Moses and David. So be ready to use those portions of Scripture to show them the Sacrifice Jesus made for sin.

If they know the Koran, they may try to tell you that the Bible we have today is corrupt by pointing to passages in the Koran. Let them show you the passages, and as you read them be sure to point out that none of those verses say that the Bible is corrupt, they only say some people’s interpretations of it are. Now some may come along and say that it has been corrupted since the time the Koran has been written, but be sure to point out that we thousands of hand written manuscripts from before the time of Muhammad. We know we have what was around during the time of Muhammad.

Once you get through some of these things try to bring them to passages of Scripture that show the Gospel, such as God telling Abraham to sacrifice his son. Now it is true that they believe that the son was Ishmael and not Isaac, but this is not the point you want to make at this time. What you want to show them is that God is demanding a sacrifice for sin. They do not believe Allah requires a sacrifice for sin but that he can forgive arbitrarily. So begin to press upon them the idea that God required a sacrifice, and then ask them why, and begin to show them that God stopped Abraham because he was going to provide a sacrifice for himself. And since they believe that Moses was given the Law, be sure to use all the types and shadows in the Levitical law to point to Christ. You can use the scapegoat, the bull offering, the cities of refuge, and many other things to begin to show them Christ.

Ultimately, we know that taking them to Scripture is the most important since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. It truly is the seed that we must sow. And many Muslims, with their strong emphasis on law, have come to faith in Christ because they know they have violated the moral law, and the truth of Christ’s sacrifice can give them rest from the burden with which they continually live.

3. Begin to show them that God is intimately involved in their lives and even in closer relationship with those He calls His children. The relationship between Allah and a Muslim is one of Master and slave, but they were made to have a relationship with God that is as close as father to child and husband to bride. Whether they admit it or not, you have a point of common ground with them since they were made in the image of the Christian God for the purpose of being in relationship with Him. Ultimately, they have no relationship with Allah, since he cannot be known to them, only his laws can be known. Besides that, he doesn’t exist. So, even though they may be suppressing it, you must appeal to the God shaped vacuum with which they live.

The parables are a good place to turn in order to show them this close relationship. Show them the prodigal son, and that God longs for his return. In their understanding, Allah hates the prodigal. You can also tell them the parable of the lost coin or the lost sheep to help bring this home.

4. If there has been some reception up to this point, you can begin to show them untrustworthiness of serving a God who can change his moral laws at will, and makes no promise to those who are in submission that he will keep them. They believe Allah can take a man or woman who has lived in submission to him all their lives and right before death he can deceive them and send them to hell. Show them that God has promised to be faithful and just to complete the work He has begun in someone who is his child, and that He will never leave them or forsake them.

You can also point out that Allah has abrogated many of the other Holy books, how do they know for sure that he hasn’t abrogated the Koran yet? Simply because he said he wouldn’t has not stopped him from abrogating previous Holy books.

5. Finally remember that they do not know God at all, because they do not know Jesus. Jesus said, "if you do not know me you do not know the father," so be sure not to be blinded by any claim that you really believe in the same God, and that they simply don’t believe Jesus was anything more than a good prophet.

Obviously every encounter you have will be different, so this is not to be read as some kind of formula. But hopefully these points will be helpful next time you share your faith with a Muslim.

God Bless,

Doug

Was That Worship?

I had a co-worker once who loved just about everything Disney. He put a sticker on his car, and would proudly wear Disney hats and shirts. He was one of the managers at the store where I was working, and I remember one day when everything was going wrong he said to me, when this day is over I am going home and I’m going to watch an old Disney movie. When I pressed him a bit as to why he chose to watch an old Disney movie as opposed to anything else, he said, "Disney things just bring me back to when I was a kid." Ultimately there was a sense of nostalgia from all the memories of growing up, and these things moved his affections in a way that made him feel a bit better after a hard day.

On another note (no pun intended), music has a way of doing the same type of things for us. I can remember in high school and college and it even happens now occasionally, when I would be listening to secular radio, and that new song that I had been waiting to hear would come on. Immediately, I would turn up the volume and I would be energized by what I was hearing, singing along with all the passion I could muster.

Now there really is nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia and being energized or moved by some piece of music, but when you put these things together with a Christian worship service or program we must be careful to discern our affections. I bring this up because sometimes I think we can be misled to think that we have had a time of worship or that we have heard a really good sermon simply because our affections were moved.

We must pay close attention to what is actually moving our affections in order to discern whether or not it is worship or even spiritual. When those first chords of our favorite praise song are played by the worship leader, are we being energized much like any natural man who hears a secular song that causes him to turn up the radio or are we really worshipping? And when grandma’s favorite Hymn starts to play and causes us to experience a time of peace and contentment while thinking back to when she used to sing it to us as a child, do we sometimes confuse that with worship?

Now I am not saying we should only sing boring songs or songs that don’t remind us of anything, or that it is impossible to really be worshipping during these times. In fact, I think it can be good at times to remember our family worship from when we were growing up, and I also think it is good that we still have people today writing new psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for us to sing today that get us excited. But what I want to stress is that simply because we have these moments does not mean we are worshipping or that we have been moved by in adoration of God. Charles Spurgeon once said that if he wanted to, he could move congregations to tears by telling them sad stories of mothers with sick children or energize them by telling them stories of men and women who accomplished great things. But he said it would be a waste of time unless they where moved to cry over their sin and take joy in Christ and the cross.

Even the natural man’s affections can be moved in strong ways, but those affections will never be worship unless they are moved by the word of God as it points us to Christ and what He has done for us. Whether we attend a modern or traditional worship service is not the biggest issue, but we must be sure to seek out worship and preaching that convicts us of sin, and shows us the remedy in Christ.

-Doug Eaton-

Flying Your Kite on Borrowed Wind

Every once in a while you will hear the phrase, "You are flying your kite on borrowed wind." Though the phrase has many different applications, I found myself pondering its spiritual applications as my kids and I were flying a kite at the beach this weekend.

Spiritually there is quite a bit of truth to that statement. Many times we are prone to thoughts of autonomy and independence. As if somehow we are actually in control of many of the blessing we experience in this life. If our health is good, we may think it was do to our good eating habits or exercise routine, or if we are successful in academics we may think it is because of our study habits. Even though there are means of grace and certainly activities and habits we should be cultivating which are important for all of us to focus on, the very fact that we know to cultivate them or even have the heath and ability to do them is a gift from God. Jesus was clear to point out that, "apart from Him we can do nothing." Our entire life is in His hand and "all good things come from Him."

In philosophy, starting even with the pre-Socratics, three questions were quite frequently discussed. They were, where does life come from, where does motion come from, and where does personhood, or consciousness, come from? In fact, many people still ask these questions today. Why is there life instead of non-life? Why are there things like plants and animals instead of just things like rocks and dirt? Second, If all motion has a mover, what was the unmoved mover that started all motion? And Third, how did persons come to exist? Why is it that beings exist that can think, know, reason, and relate to each other?

Many people have attempted to answer these questions from many different worldviews. But Paul, when he was at the Areopagus speaking to several Greeks in Athens who had most likely pondered these questions, gives one of the most philosophical statements in all of Scripture. He says,

"For in him (God) we live, and move, and have our being;" Acts 17:28

In one small statement Paul answers all three questions. It is God that gives life, it is God who is the unmoved mover, and being and personhood comes from the great "I Am", the very definition of existence. Our dependence upon God goes to the very core of everything we are and do. We are truly flying our kites our borrowed wind. As Christians let us live like we know this is true, and offer the praise and worship due to our great God.

Doug

Behold the Lamb (The Communion Hymn)

They Gettys have released another great hymn. You can download the sheet music and the audio track for free at their website Gettymusic.com.


Behold the Lamb who bears our sins away, Slain for us
and we remember the promise made
that all who come in faith find forgiveness at the cross

So we share in this bread of life,
and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of peace
around the table of the king

The body of our savior Jesus Christ, torn for you
eat and remember; The wounds that heal,
the death that brings us life paid the price to make us one.

So we share in this bread of life,
and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of love
around the table of the king

The blood that cleanses every stain of sin, shed for you
Drink and remember He drained death’s cup
That all may enter in to receive the life of God.

So we share in this bread of life,
and we drink of His sacrifice
as a sign of our bonds of grace
around the table of the king

And so with thankfulness and faith we rise to respond
And to remember our call to follow
in the steps of Christ As His body here on earth

As we share in His suffering,
We proclaim Christ will come again
And we’ll join in the feast of heaven
Around the table of the King


-Gettymusic-

Through Many Tribulations

After reading this…

Christians Crucified by Terrorists in Iraq

The following verse came to mind...

They [Paul and Barnabas] returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, [where they had been persecuted] strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” Acts: 14:21-22

Along with this quote by John Calvin...

“God doth oftentimes spare the wicked, and doth fat them with prosperity, [Yet] he is more sharp and hard toward his Children. For besides common molestations, they are oppressed peculiarly with many discommodities, and the Lord doth humble them with such exercises, keeping their flesh under correction lest it wax wanton; he awaketh them, lest they lie sleeping upon earth. Unto these are added the reproaches and slanders of the wicked; for they must be, as it were, the offscourings of the world. Their simpleness is laughed at; but they are most stung by wicked mocks and scoffs, principally against God. Last of all, the lust of the wicked breaketh out into open violence; so that they have need to strive with many tribulations, and it cannot be but that all their life shall be envied and unquiet amidst so many enemies. But this is the best comfort, and which is sufficient enough to confirm their minds, that his way (though it be hard and sharp) leadeth unto the kingdom of heaven, for we gather by this that the miseries of the godly are more happy than be all the doting dainties of delights of the world.” –John Calvin-

We must strive against wickedness by proclaiming the truth of Christ, and we must do it expecting ultimate victory. But when it seems that the enemy’s stronghold on this world only seem to be getting stronger and we are beaten and bruised, we must praise the Lord that it is us who are being bruised and under the Lordship of Christ, and not the ones involved in the prevailing wickedness. For it is only by his grace that we have been brought under his banner, and His banner over us is Love.

Let the persecutions and any other kinds of troubles that war against your faith prick your heart and bruise your soul, by the grace of God you are being led into His kingdom. You must not flee from them, by neglecting your Christian duty to proclaim Christ Crucified, resurrected, and coming back to judge the living and the dead. And as the world looks on and sees us dying to the things of this world, the Lord will use it to bring spiritual birth to all those appointed to eternal life. Then we will be able to cry out with Paul, “So then death is working in us, but life in you” (2 Cor.4:12).

Do not let the death of these martyrs be in vain. Praise God for their faithfulness, and may He use it to wake us of any spiritual slumber from which we suffer. Then, when we see them in glory, we can say, death was working in you, but God used it to work life in us.

For the Glory of God,

Doug

Heart Problems

1Pe 3:15 but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy,

Many times men and women who end up with some kind of serious heart problem will say ,looking back, I should have notice the symptoms. But because the symptoms were not really anything too significant they continued on with life as normal without making the necessary lifestyle adjustments to avoid the emergency room.

Setting apart Christ as lord in our hearts can sometimes be the same way. We may think we have enthroned Him in our hearts because our external submission seems to be in line. After all, we attend church, avoid any major sins, and even try to fulfil some Christian duties. But just like the man with the heart problem, who appears healthy on the outside to the rest of the world, make sure you are not ignoring any symptoms on the inside.

Shallowness in studying the word, coldness toward private time in prayer, or private lusts that pull you away from thoughts of Christ need to be addressed. All of these, though you may look healthy on the outside may, if the necessary adjustments are not made, lead to a painful fall that can sometimes take years of spiritual recovery.

Many honor God with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. Regard Christ as holy, not only with your deeds, but with your heart also. The heart is deceitful beyond all measure, you must, by the grace of God, guard it with all diligence. Begin to address any symptoms today. Spend time in His word, call out to Him in prayer, and begin to mortify any sins you’ve been ignoring.

God bless,

Doug

If Knowledge, Then God

Here is a link to a great article on the transcendental argument for the existence of God.

The Futility of Non-Christian Thought

Here is one of the opening statements to whet your appetite...

"Epistemological autonomy is the view that the human mind is the final criterion of knowledge. According to this view, common to non-Christian thinkers from Thales to Derrida, the Christian God has to be either non-existent or irrelevant to epistemological concerns. Human categories alone are necessary to determine modality, truth, and value. From a Christian perspective, autonomy is a rebellious attempt to deify human categories or some aspect of creation by attempting to usurp the Creator's functions -- i.e. replacing the Creator with the creature (Rom. 1:25). Nevertheless, the result of this attempt to be epistemologically independent of the Christian God is epistemological futility."

God Bless,

Doug

Are You A Good Soldier?

You therefore must endure suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with civilian affairs, that he may please Him who enlisted him as a soldier. (2Tim 2:3-4)

Jehovah-Nissi. The Lord My Banner

(Exodus, xvii.15)

By whom was David taught
To aim the deadly blow,
When he Goliath fought,
And laid the Gittite low?
Nor sword nor spear the stripling took,
But chose a pebble from the brook.

Twas Israel's God and King
Who sent him to the fight;
Who gave him strength to sling,
And skill to aim aright.
Ye feeble saints, your strength endures,
Because young David's God is yours.

Who order'd Gideon forth,
To storm the invaders' camp.
With arms of little worth,
A pitcher and a lamp?
The trumpets made his coming known
And all the host was overthrown.

Oh! I have seen the day,
When with a single word,
God helping me to say,
"My trust is in the Lord,"
My soul hath quell'd a thousand foes
Fearless of all that could oppose.

But unbelief, self-will,
Self-righteousness, and pride,
How often do they steal
My weapon from my side!
Yet David's Lord, and Gideon's friend,
Will help his servant to the end.

-William Cowper-

A Christian View of Human Law

If you are looking for and interesting lecture on human law and how it is viewed from within the Christian Worldview, Dean McConnell from Trinity Law School gives a great explanation along with comparing and contrasting it to other views of law. You can download the mp3 for free at the link below.

A Christian View of Human Law

God Bless,

Doug

Traditional Islam Radio Show (Part 2)

The second segment of the Islam Radio show is now available for mp3 download for anyone who listened to part 1 and wanted to continue. You can find both downloads if you scroll down on the link below, or at apple itunes podcasts.

Traditional Islam: Is It a Threat (part 2)? (MP3)

If you only want to listen to one show and wonder which one I think is the better of the two, I recommend this one (part 2). We give a summary of what was discussed in part one, and then move on to cover quite a few interesting topics related to Islam. I always learn things when I hang around with John.

God Bless,

Doug

Maintaining Your Faith While Attending a Secular University - Greg L. Bahnsen

A busy academic and social schedule in college can easily pull the Christian away from God’s Word. But remember: you cannot defend God and His Word if you are not sanctified (set apart) for Him by means of contact with His Word. Too many Christian Students drift away from the faith in college because they have not been prepared for the spiritual and apologetic battles they will face. Dr. Gary North once wrote an article advertising a Christian college. The article showed a dejected father who had sent his son off to a secular college. It stated: “I spent $40,000 to send my son to hell.”

Seven Practices Christians Must Do in College.

1. Frequently remind yourself of the nature of spiritual warfare. In order to prepare yourself for your college classes, at the beginning of each semester you should re-read the biblical passages that demonstrate the active antagonism of the unbelieving world against your Christian faith. You must not forget the nature of the unbeliever’s challenge to your holistic (all encompassing) faith.

2. Diligently seek to evaluate everything you are being taught from a principled Christian perspective. After classes each day, jot down comments on the contradictions to the Christian faith which you encountered. Keep them in a notebook. Writing things down is the best secret to a good memory. Reflect on biblical answers to these supposed contradictions.

3. Develop small Bible study and accountability groups with other Christian students on campus. A part of defending the faith involves promoting its defense even among believers. As a Christian in fellowship with other Christians, you should urge fellow believers to realize their spiritual obligation to defend the faith before and unbelieving world.

4. Seek out any Christian campus ministries that are strongly committed to the Bible and are developing the Christian life. Attend their meetings and involve yourself in their ministries.

5. Find a good church in the area of your college. Commit yourself to attend church regularly. As Christians, we must not be “forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another” (Heb. 10:25).

6. Where possible use class assignments to present the Christian perspective on issues. We would recommend that you avoid narrow testimonial types of papers. You should rather discretely develop worldview oriented themes that work basic Christian principles into the picture. In-your-face testimonials might be an affront to your professor and may appear to be a challenge to him. But working out your biblical principles might alert him to the philosophical implications of Christianity and will certainly help you flesh out your own understanding. You must be about “making the most of your time” while in college . . . You will certainly not find your professors assigning papers that encourage your Christian faith. But you must seek the opportunities—when they are allowed.

7. As a well-rounded Christian seeking to glorify Christ, you must approach your academic studies in a mature and diligent fashion. Your are both paying hard-earned money for a college education and spending your God-given time in college; make the most of your investment. Do not cut corners in your studies or simply try to “get by.” Christ calls you to excellence. Some students are naturally lazy, others suffer from voluntary inertia. Do not allow your educational experience to inadvertently teach you to be intellectually lazy. Such laziness is disloyalty to Christ.

-Greg L. Bahnsen; Pushing the Antithesis-

Christian Theology: A New Team Blog

There is a new team blog I will be participating in. It is simply called Christian Theology. We also have access to a podcasting studio, so once we get things up and running we hope to make some audio and video resources available. It is still in its beginning stages, but to kick things off be sure to check out Chris Neiswonger's new post.

On Atheisms and why they are unthinkable.

God Bless,

Doug

An Honest Atheist

By “an honest atheist,” I do not mean that atheists are always being deceptive, but when it comes to the idea of worldviews, the materialist will many times claim that they have reached their conclusion through an unbiased look at the evidence, but this is clearly not the case. All of our interpretation of evidence will be formed by our presuppositions. This is why it was refreshing to read evolutionist, Richard Lewontin’s comment regarding materialism and science. He said…

“We take the side of science in spite of the patent absurdity of some of its constructs, in spite of its failure to fulfill many of its extravagant promises of health and life, in spite of the tolerance of the scientific community for unsubstantiated just-so stories, because we have a prior commitment, a commitment to materialism. It is not that the methods and institutions of science somehow compel us to accept a material explanation of the phenomenal world, but, on the contrary, that we are forced by our a priori adherence to material causes to create an apparatus of investigation and a set of concepts that produce material explanations, no matter how counterintuitive, no matter how mystifying to the uninitiated. Moreover, that materialism is absolute, for we cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door.”

Richard Lewontin “Billions and billions of demons,” The New York Review (Jan. 9, 1997).

Presuppositions must be addressed when doing apologetics. If you are looking for a good book in how this is done, I recommend “Pushing the Antithesis; The Apologetic Methodology of Greg L. Bahnsen.” I am currently reading through it and will hopefully be offering a few quotes dealing with this topic.

God Bless,

Doug

Break Up Your Fallow Ground!

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Hosea 10:12

"The man of fallow life is contented with himself and the fruit he once bore. He does not want to be disturbed. He smiles in tolerant superiority at revivals, fastings, self-searching, and all the travail of fruit bearing and the anguish of advance. The spirit of adventure is dead within him. He is steady, “faithful,” always in his accustomed place (like the old field), conservative, and something of a landmark in the little church. But he is fruitless."

-A.W. Tozer-

Islam's Beliefs and Origins

Chris Neiswonger and I recently finished up a string of church visits speaking on Islam, and out of that came a radio show on the same topic with John Snyder on the Apologetics.com. Below is the link where you can find the mp3 download. It is also available on itunes as a podcast.

Traditional Islam

Here is the synopsis of the show posted by apologetics.com.

"Guest Pastor Doug Eaton will review the History of Islam, its origin and the man who gave rise to it: Muhammad. Particularly the conversation will turn on points of doctrine such as Abrogation, and the Caliphate along with other religious beliefs joined with emphasis on distinctions Islam and the Judeo-Christian worldview of God and the universe."

God Bless,

Doug