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AYCE APOLOGETICS PO BOX 582306 ELK GROVE, CA 95758 www.aycce.org [email protected] 916-524-2853

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What is Christian Apologetics? In order to properly deal with the concept of Christian apologetics, we must establish a foundation. Apologetics like every other Christian discipline is rooted in the truth of the Bible. What is Truth? We are living in a society which no longer value absolute truth. Absolute truth according to some is merely relative. Relativists argue that what I believe and what you believe does not matter because all truth claims are equally valid and absolute truth claims are not valid. Ironically, they want us to believe the aforementioned statement absolutely. It may seem trivial but we cannot escape the reality of absolute truth. Truth in plain terms is “telling something like it is” or “that which corresponds to its object.” Truth is still truth regardless of who espouses it. God has given us a ruler by which to assess each situation. Truth is the measuring stick for all humanity as found in the Bible. Without truth dishonesty will be our pleasure, greed will be our bed, what is good will be seen as bad (2 Timothy 3:1-6 ) and the abnormal will be classified as normal. Remember the Law! Please remember the law. I am not referring to the Ten Commandments nor the descriptive laws of the Old Testament. When we speak about truth we must obey the law of non-contradiction. You may be wondering what is the law of non-contradiction and how does it relate to absolute truth? The law of non-contradiction simply states the following: NOTES:______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ EXPOSED: What Every Christian Should Know

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3 Two opposite statements cannot be both true at the same time in the same sense. For example: a certain part of a table is either dry or wet. It cannot be both wet or dry at the same time. A woman is either pregnant or she is not pregnant. She cannot be both at the same time (in the same sense). This law is very important. Some people dare to say it does not matter what you believe because all religions lead to the same God. Jesus says the opposite. Christ informs us that there is no other way to the Father but by going through Him (John 14:6). This statement is interpreted by some to be mean spirited, judgmental and narrow minded. I argue that they are being hypocritical. Skeptics often accuse Christians of being intolerant but they are not willing to tolerate the views of Christians. Others claim Christians are narrow minded but they are not willing to accept or entertain the notion of absolute truth. In short, they are doing the same thing they accuse Christians of doing. Some even argue a loving God will never send anyone to hell. The latter part is true. God does not send anyone to hell. We choose not to go to heaven when we reject Christ. According to Jesus there is no other way. Either Jesus is misleading us or he is wrong. We can be fully assured that Jesus is telling the truth because he does not lie (1 Peter 2:22). The Bible is either true or it is not true. It cannot be both true and false at the same time in the same sense. One cannot pick and choose which part of the Bible to accept or deny. God has given us the perfect standards to live by through His Word, just because we do not agree with it does not make it false. If God’s word (the Bible) is true, then any other assertions that contradicts it has to be false.

The Nature of Truth Now that we know a little about truth and the law of non-contradiction, we must learn about the nature of truth. In other words truth has certain characteristics. Notes:

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1. Truth is truth whether you have evidence to support it or not. This fact is evidenced by numerous incidents of those who proclaimed their innocence only to be further exonerated by revealed truth. (e.g. The Innocence Project). 2. Truth is not created but revealed. We are living in a world where many believe they can create new truth (outside of God’s truth). Many subscribe to argumentum ab annis which is an informal fallacy that states all truth is subject to aging. In other words, a statement cannot be true because of age. However, just because a held belief is old does not necessarily mean it is false. What matters is the veracity of the claim. Truth came with the creation of the world. We as created beings do not have the authority to redefine what God has already classified as true. 3. Truth is not based on popularity. Some argue that an act or belief should be accepted because most people accept it. Fortunately, the truth of God is not subject to opinion polls or what the majority believe. This is why the Psalmist says to not lean on our own understanding but in all our ways to acknowledge God (Proverbs 3:5-6). Human reasoning is ultimately based on probability. God’s ordinances are based on His Perfection. Moreover, we can see the weakness of ascertaining truth based on popularity. The Jewish holocaust was popular in Nazi, Germany but it did not make their beliefs true. Richard Dawkins, a notable atheist, not only denies that God exists, but he mocks the doctrine of faith as described in Scripture. Dawkins writes:

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5 “Faith cannot move mountains (though generations of children are solemnly told the contrary and believe it). But it is capable of driving people to such dangerous folly that faith seems to me to qualify as a kind of mental illness.”1

What is Apologetics? “The charge of the Christian is not to withdraw from the world and lead an insular life. Rather, we are to be engaged in the culture, to be salt and light.”2

-Strong’s reference number [627].

The term apologetics is derived from the Greek word (apologia) which means “defense.” The word apologia means to answer or clear oneself as in a courtroom. In other words, it means having an ability to articulate and defend what one believes in. The method of apologetics is both offensive and defensive in nature. For example: “Brothers and Fathers, listen now to my defense.”-Acts 22:1 “The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel.”-Philippians 1:16-17. In short, apologetics involves the defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics includes the following: † Being ready to give a reason for the hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15). † Rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). † Demolishing every argument that is contrary to the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). 1

Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009), 330.

2

Doug Powell, Guide to Christian Apologetics (Nashville: Holman Reference, 2006), 7.

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6 “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” - Colossians 2:4 “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing.” - 1 Timothy 6:3-4 “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.” - 1 Timothy 1:3 “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” - 2 Timothy 1:13 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” - 2 Timothy 4:3 “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” - Titus 1:9 “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.”-Titus 2:1 “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.”-Titus 2:2 There is a 3 step approach to doing Christian apologetics: 1. To prove the unavoidable reality of absolute truth. 2. To prove the existence of God and that miracles are possible. 3. To argue the reliability of the New Testament manuscripts.

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7 What are the different apologetic systems? 1. Classical Apologetics-this method was used by early Christian thinkers such as Anselm, Aquinas, Augustine, J.P. Moreland and Norman Geisler). 2. Experiential Apologetics-this method normally highlights an individuals experience in trying to argue Christianity. 3. Evidentiary Apologetics-this method highlights the need for evidence in substantiating truth claims about Christianity. 4. Historical Apologetics-this method highlights historical evidence in trying to prove the truth claims of Christianity (e.g. Gary Habermas, Tertullian). 5. Presuppositional Apologetics-this method presupposes that there is already a God, then transition to prove Christianity is true. What Should Christians Believe? † ONE God who has revealed himself in three personages (view appendix A). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

† Physical resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 2:19-22; John 20:28; 1 Cor. 15). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

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8 † Justification through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ † Salvation through Christ alone (John 14:6). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ † The Bible as the inerrant (free from error) Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ † The reality of sin and the need for atonement through Christ (Romans 5:12). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ † Eternal Security (Ephesians 1:13). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ † God is omnipresent (Isaiah 44:6), omniscience (Psalms 147:4-5), and omnipotent (Matthew 19:26). ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________

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9 † The reality of miracles. Miracles do not go against logic, they transcend logic.They are intended to be meditated upon not solved like crossword puzzles. ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ What are the benefits of having apologetic training on the local level? Apologetics is a handmaiden to evangelism. As we go out and share the gospel, the time will come when others will ask us questions. The ability to provide Bible based response to various inquiries is essential. We are commanded to be ready to give each person an answer for the reason of hope that lies within us (1 Peter 3:15). The following are a few comments and questions that often come up within as well as outside of the church. Are you prepared to give a Biblical response? • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Where did we get the Bible? What about the lost books of the Bible (e.g. gospel of Barnabas, Thomas, etc.)? Are the claims of the Davinci Code true? Did Jesus come to America? Is being poor a sin? “But in your hearts revere Do you have to speak in tongues to be saved? Christ as Lord. Always be preDo you have to be baptized to be saved? pared to give an answer to evDoes the Bible say anything about dinosaurs? eryone who asks you to give the Will the world come to an end on May 2011? reason for the hope that you Are Catholics Christian? When should Christians be taken off life support? have. But do this with gentleIs evolution a viable option for Christians? ness and respect” -1 Peter 3:15 How can I share with an atheist or agnostic?

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Introduction to Biblical Thinking Logic Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV) Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast,because they trust in you.” (NIV) Romans 12:2 “ Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (NLT) “THINK CLEARLY” Logic refers to the method of observing correct thinking. The word is derived from the Greek (logike or logos). It deals with the principles that demonstrate if an argument is valid. God created humans to think (reason) clearly. Due to sin this is not often the case. Prior to accepting Christ we lean unto our own flawed understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). However, through Christ our thinking can be modified for the glory of God (Romans 12:2). Learning logic (the method of correct thinking) allows us to act the way we ought to act according to Godly standard. There are two methods within logic or reason used in trying to find the truth or Conclusion: 1. Inductive method 2. Deductive method

Deductive

Inductive

General to paricular

Particular to general

Cause to effect

Effect to cause

A priori reasoning

A posteriori reasoning

Philosophical reasoning

Scientific reasoning

Necessary conclusions

Probable conclusions

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11 The 3 Universal Laws of Logic 1. The Law of identity (A is A). 2. The Law of non-contradiction (A is not ~A). 3. The Law of Excluded middle (either A or ~A). “A cult may be defined as a group of people who, though claiming to be Christian, accept one or more central tenets of belief that run contrary to historic Christianity. A sect is a group that has broken away from a larger religious organization, usually differing in a doctrinal matter from that original organization.”3 384 BC-322 BC

Scripture tells us that there is only ONE way to gain a relationship with the Father. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Scripture tells us that there is a road that leads to God and all others lead to destruction. “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”-Proverbs 14:12 Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 3

H. Wayne House, Charts of Cults, Sects, & Religious Movements (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000), 9.

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Introduction to Epistemology:

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A Study of How We Know as Humans (Romans 10:14) How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall hey believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? As humans we learn discursively. How do we come to know things as humans? Can we trust our senses in learning?

Epistemology allows us to see if certain propositions are true. In the field of epistemology there are various schools of thought: 1. Existentialism…existence supercedes essence. 2. Empiricism…all knowledge comes from the senses. 3. Mysticism…private, transcendental experience. 4. Rationalism…reason as a way of finding truth. 5. Agnosticism…professes not to know. 6. Phenomenology…advocates using intuitive phenomena to discover the essence of Experience. Learning more about how we know allows us to better understand our abilities and inabilities. It also encourages a better appreciation for God. In Romans 10:14 Paul asks an epistemological question?

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13 Metaphysics literally means beyond the physical or “being.” In other words, what does it mean to be? How should we deal with those things that cannot be grasped with our senses? What is the soul? What is the spirit? What happens to the soul once we die? What makes us humans? What is the function of the soul? Are there different types of souls? The field of metaphysics also deals with how we learn, time, space, and the cause of things. As Christians we must be able to articulate these issues of life. What does the Bible say about the aforementioned questions? Thomas Aquinas Metaphysics helps us to make sense of our reality. It involves both the visible 1225 AD-1274 AD as well as invisible things. God’s nature, the role of angels, the spiritual realm, can all be classified as metaphysical concepts. Issues such as euthanasia cannot be resolved through natural science, we must use Metaphysical constructs (e.g. Christian ethics). Metaphysics presupposes that there exist another realm besides what we normally see with our senses. Naturalists often discount the belief about God, angels, and miracles because they contend that such things cannot be proven by natural means (such as science) so they cannot be true.

Christians argue in favor of metaphysical claims because the Bible asserts they are true. Consider the following metaphysical claims: • • • • • • •

God exists Angels are real Miracles are possible There is a “soul” The Holy Spirit exists Consciousness after death Prayer

“Anything being changed is being changed by something (i.e. God).” -Thomas Aquinas

The aforementioned subjects cannot be proven or evaluated by purely scientific, rational, or physical means. They must be addressed on a metaphysical level. NOTES:_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

EXPOSED: What Every Christian Should Know

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INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN ETHICS

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In a society where many people deny absolute truth it is difficult at times to know what to do. There are even some within the church who make decisions not on what the Bible says but what is popular. Christian ethics deals with what “ought to be done” instead of what is being done. As Christians our ethics or mores should be rooted in God’s words. When practicing Christian ethics it is the rule that determines the result. Conversely, in the world it is the result that determines the rule. Decisions concerning marriage, finance, death, life, and a host of other dilemmas must be calculated within Biblical parameters. As the Apostle Paul stated, “all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial.”-1 Corinthians 10:23. There ought to be a difference in the way Christians handle marriage, business, investments, parenting, medication, medical procedures, fitness, diet, fertility treatments, giving, receiving, gambling, drinking, apparel, television, music, sex and a host of other life issues.

It is the duty of the Christian to find out what God has to say about all of life’s issues. It is the morale duty of the believer to act in accordance to Biblical precedents not merely scientific data or opinion polls.

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The following data was obtained from The Barna Group of Ventura, California.

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Percentage of Adults Who Consider A Behavior to Be “Morally Acceptable” All Adults

Evangelicals

*Born Again

Other Faith

Atheists/ Agnostics

Gambling

61%

27%

45%

69%

75%

Living with someone of the opposite sex without being married (co-habitation)

60%

12%

49%

70%

87%

Enjoying sexual thoughts or fantasies about someone

59%

15%

49%

71%

78%

Having an abortion

45%

4%

33%

45%

71%

Having sexual relations with the opposite sex to whom you are not married

42%

7%

35%

47%

69%

Looking at nude pics/ explicit sexual behavior

38%

5%

28%

49%

70%

Using Profanity

36%

7%

29%

46%

68%

(Base: 1024 adults) * indicates born again Christians excluding evangelicals

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WORKS CITED Dawkins, Richard. The Selfish Gene. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. House, H. Wayne. Charts of Cults, Sects, & Religious Movements. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000. Powell, Doug. Guide to Christian Apologetics. Nashville: Holman Reference, 2006. Rhodes, Ron. The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,, 2001.

RECOMMENDED READING Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologiae. Edited by Timothy McDermott. Notre Dame: Christian Classics, 1991. Bruce, F.F. The New Testament Documents: Are they Reliable?. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1997. Foreman, Mark W. Christianity & Bioethics: Confronting Clinical Issues. Joplin: College Press Publication Co, 1999. Geisler, Norman and Peter Bocchino. Unshakable Foundations. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2001. Geisler, Norman and Ronald Brooks. Come Let Us Reason. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1990. Hiebert, D. Edmond. An Introduction to the New Testament. Waynesboro: Gabriel Publishing, 2003. Howe, Thomas. Objectivity in Biblical Interpretation. : Advantage Books, 2004. Klein, William, Craig Blomberg, and Robert Hubbard Jr. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004. Lasor, William, David Allan, and Frederic Bush. Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1996. Little, Paul E. Know What You Believe: Connecting Faith and Truth. Colorado Springs: Cook Communications Ministries, 2003. McDowell, Josh. More than a Carpenter. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 1977. Moreland, J.P. Scaling the Secular City: A Defense of Christianity. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2003. Rhodes, Ron. Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 1993. EXPOSED: What Every Christian Should Know

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ESSENTIALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH HANDOUT

PO BOX 582306 Elk Grove, CA 95758 www.aycce.org

“ESSENTIALS OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH”

In a society filled with many religions and worldviews many struggle to understand Christianity. What is a Christian? What is the function of a Christian? More importantly, what do they believe? It is the latter question that has caused schisms, and given birth to multiple denominations. It is not our desire to explain the origins of each Christian denomination. Nor is it our objective to focus on non-essential doctrines. The goal of this workshop is to introduce believers to the doctrines (teachings) that bind us together as Christians. It is the Christian’s deontological service to learn about his or her faith. More importantly, it is of high importance for the Christian convert to learn about the major essentials of the church as articulated in the Scriptures and in church history.

Objectives: To learn the doctrines associated with Classical Theism. To learn more about the essential doctrines that separates Christianity from any other religion. To strengthen the faith of Christians through sound reasoning.

Are there doctrines that all Christians should accept? Can the believer pick and choose which major ordinances to adopt? These issues have confronted the church since its infancy. As a result, it is not our aim to exhaustively cover each major or minor essential of the faith. Our intent is to expose you to some key essentials of the faith so you may gain boldness in the proclamation of the gospel. NOTES:________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

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Furthermore, by using the term essential or major we are intentionally making a distinction. This specificity is not arbitrary. For our purposes we will glean from Scripture as well as the extant historical church documents from the church fathers. By essential we are referring to those doctrines (teachings) that cannot be compromised. In other words, there are specific doctrines that all Christians must believe. Any Christian who does not accept the doctrines that we are alluding to is blatantly going against Scripture and years of church orthodoxy. As previously mentioned, the following lists of doctrines are essential but not exhaustive. There may be a few that we could add to this list. However, our aim is to address the following list of essential doctrines. The doctrines associated with the following subjects are binding upon all Christians. In short, ALL Christians must believe the following because it is prescribed by Scripture. I. God His Existence Using the name God in the twenty first century is not enough. Due to the rise of pluralism, pantheism, atheism and agnosticism the Christian theist must now qualify which God he or she is talking about. Let us observe the following statements about God. The Pluralist argues that every religion is true. This means it does not matter which god you are serving because ultimately all roads will lead to the same god. The Pantheist suggests that everything is god. There is no distinction between the creator and the creation in the Pantheist’s worldview. In short, all is god.

Objectives: Believers should know the distinction between the creator & the created. Believers should know the meaning of omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscience, and the trinity.

The Atheist professes that there is no god at all. God in their view does not exist. NOTES:__________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

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On the other hand, the Agnostic contends we have no knowledge that God exists. Since there are so many divergent views about god in today’s society, what should Christians believe? The answer to this question is not complicated. Christians should adopt the characteristics attributed to God from Scripture. The believer must be equipped to give an authentic view of God based on Scripture. The Bible informs us that God is a jealous God (Deuteronomy 6:15). This does not mean that God is jealous like human beings. His desire is never capricious (based on whims). His love is perfect. Scripture is basically saying in a metaphorical way that God does not want us to make anyone or anything else god. The Bible is clear that the only way to God (the Father) is through the Son (John 14:6). The law of non-contradiction states two opposite statements cannot be both true at the same time in the same sense. If it is true that one must accept Jesus in order to get to God (the Father) then all other statements that contradict that statement are false. This means Christians cannot believe in polytheism. In response to the Pantheists, there is simply no scriptural basis to support this view. God is clearly distinct from His creation (Genesis 1:1). The grass and the tree are not God.

“The Law of Non-Contradiction” To opposite statements cannot be both true at the same time in the same sense.

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Lastly, the agnostic may be further along than the atheists but they are all in the same boat. The Bible tells us that there is plenty of evidence to support the belief in God (even through nature).

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The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.-Romans 1:18-20 1 When attempting to prove the existence for God through reasoning, many Christians have relied on the following arguments: Teleological Argument argues from the perspective of design to an intelligent design Designer who created it (e.g. William Paley’s watchmaker example). Cosmological Argument uses the law of causality. Basically this says something caused the cosmos to come into existence. Since everything finite was caused by something else, the universe had a cause who is God. Moral Law Argument states that moral law implies there is a moral law giver. In God, there is an objective moral law giver. Therefore, there is a moral law giver. His Nature Another aspect of controversy surrounds the nature of God. What is God like? Is there one God or three Gods? Does God really know everything? Does His will change? Does God have feelings like humans? Does God have feelings like humans? Does God have a body? NOTES: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

1

Rom. 1:18-20

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Since the birth of the early church, there has been contentious debate concerning the nature of God. In other words, the church tried valiantly to preserve the doctrines believed and taught by the apostles. Unfortunately, one contemporary group is preaching a different view of God today. “Free Will Theists”, “Neotheists” as they care called, preach that God is open to change. In addition, those who hold to this view assert that God does not have complete knowledge of future free acts. (Adherents are Gregory Boyd, Linda Zagzebski. There are also religious groups today that follow in the steps of the third century priest Sabellius (ca. AD 215) who denied the triune nature of God. Sabellius was a priest from North Africa who preached that God became Christ and Christ became the Holy Spirit. He erased the distinctions within the Godhead. His false doctrine became known as “Modalism.” Sabellius taught the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not distinct but rather different modes of God. This same doctrine is preached today by “Oneness Pentecostals.” The aforementioned views –Open Theism and Modalism blatantly contradict the doctrine of God’s omniscience and tri-personal nature. Christians should have an authentic and Biblical knowledge concerning the attributes of God. What is God like? The church through the years has used the following terms to describe God. a. Omnipotent (God is All Powerful). For further support read the following passages (Genesis 18:14). b. Omnipresent (God’s infinity as it relates to space). God’s infinity means He is limitless in His being. Read the following passages (Deuteronomy 10:14; Jeremiah 23:23; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3). c. Omniscient (God is all knowing). God is not limited in His knowledge. For further support read the following passages (1 Samuel 2:3; Job 37:16; Psalm 139:1-6; Isaiah 46:10; Romans 11:33). d. Immutable (God is unchanging in His being). God has no potentiality to change (Exodus 3:14). Read the following passages (Psalm 102:27; Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Romans 1:23; Hebrews 6:18). e. Simple (God is not composed in his Being). He is not a collection of divine attributes. Read the following passages (Exodus 20:4; Isaiah 45:18).

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f. Aseity (God is self-existent). No one created God g. Impassible (God has unchanging feelings). h. Eternality (God’s infinity as it relates to time). In other words, God exists at all times. Consider the following Scriptural passages (Exodus 3:14; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 57:15; John 17:5; Jude 25; 2 Peter 3:8). i.

Three in Oneness (triune nature). Within the unity of the ONE God, there are three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are distinct yet co-eternal. Scripture tells us that there is one God (e.g. Isaiah 43:10). It also assigns divinity to all three persons of the Godhead. The Father is called God (Gal. 1:1). The Son is called God (John 20:28); and the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3-4). Furthermore, it is important when describing the Holy Spirit to use the pronoun “He” and not “it.” “It” is used of inanimate objects (e.g. chair, desk, grass,...etc.) The Holy Spirit is not inanimate but rather a personage. As early as the second century, Christian apologist Irenaeus attempted to affirm the doctrine of the trinity. We find evidence of the Trinitarian doctrine in his work, The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching. Irenaus writes, This is the rule of our faith, the foundation of the building, and what gives support to our behavior. God the Father uncreated, who is uncontained, invisible, one God, creator of the universe; this is the first article of our faith. And the second is the Word of God, the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who appeared to the prophets according to their way of prophesying, and according to the dispensation of the Father, through him all things were created. Furthermore, in the fullness of time, in order to gather all things to himself, he became a human being amongst human beings, capable of being seen and touched, to destroy death, bring life, and restore fellowship between God and humanity. And the third article is the Holy Spirit, through whom the prophets, and our forebears learned of God and the righteous were led in the paths of justice, and who, in the fullness of time, was poured out in a new way on our human nature in order to renew humanity throughout the entire world in the sight of God. 2

2

Irenaus, Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, ed. Alister McGrath (Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2007), 180.

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This doctrine should be clearly understood. When explaining the triune nature of God we must be careful to avoid the following: a. Modalism, which erases the distinction within the Godhead. b. Tritheism, which suggests there are three gods instead of ONE. While we may not have time to exhaustively cover of all of the attributes of God, you may want to research the following: His Love, Justice, Power, Knowledge, and Mercy! Having a correct view of God enhances our Christian walk and minimizes potential heart aches. For further reading on the doctrine of God consult the following books: Norman L. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1999), 284. Hank Hanegraaff, Christianity in Crisis (Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 1993). Irenaeus, Irenaeus on the Trinity, ed. Alister E. McGrath (Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2007), 180.

NOTES: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

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II. The Word of God “Sola Scriptura” (Scriptures Alone) There are numerous sacred religious books out in the market today. The Jehovah’s Witnesses use “The New World Translation.” Mormons (Latter Day Saints) use “The Book of Mormon.” Muslim consult the “Koran (Quran)” and Christians stand on the Bible. Since there are so many religious works, how should a Christian respond? Should Christians accept all of them as sacred or embrace only the Bible? This answer becomes clear when we look at the Bible as well as historical church records. Scripture tells us that the writings contained in the Scriptures were inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). Since the scriptures of the Bible are inspired by God then all other scriptures that contradict it have to be false (based on the law of non-contradiction).

Objectives: To expose Christians to the origin and historicity of the Bible. To educate Christians on the importance of the NT manuscripts. To provide doctrinally sound arguments for the inerrancy of the Scriptures.

The Christian must believe that the Bible is the authentic word of God. It is a collection of sixty-six books. It consists of thirty-nine books in the Old Testament and twenty-seven books in the New Testament. In terms of the content of the modern day Bible, it is truthful in its affirmations and negations. In other words everything the Bible affirms to be true is true and what it affirms to be false is not true. This fact is true because God cannot lie (Titus 1:3) and as a result His words are genuine. NOTES: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

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Despite the internal evidence supporting the claims of the Bible, some are not convinced. Many people have attacked the Bible on many fronts. Some skeptics deny the traditional authorship claims believed by Christians. Others have attacked the historical data recorded in the Bible. One of the main questions that arise when dealing with the New Testament manuscripts is “Do we have what they (the apostles) wrote and are the writings accurate?” These are questions that the average Christians must be able to answer if we are going to reach the lost in the twenty-first century. Let us look at some of the attacks on the Bible so we can be prepared the next time we encounter them. For further reading on this subject consult the following books. John Leith, ed., Creeds of the Churches, 3rd ed (Louisville: Westminister John Knox Press, 1982). Werner Keller, The Bible as History (New York: Bantam Books, 1982).

ATTACKS ON THE OLD TESTAMENT Jean Astruc (1684-1766) was one of the first to suggest that Moses was not the only author of Genesis. Through his research, he concluded that there were multiple sources for the book of Genesis. His main argument against single authorship was further buttressed by Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918). This view basically states that Moses could not have been the only source for the book of Genesis. They suggest other editors must have used various sources (e.g. J, E, D, P) in order to compile the book of Genesis. The J, E, P, D sources were independent and complete narratives which were interwoven to create the book of Genesis. Response: The strongest argument against this view is the lack of evidence. They have yet to produce any of these independent sources. Furthermore, one of the false assumptions by proponents of the documentary hypothesis is the assertion that Moses was not sophisticated enough to utilize multiple genres in his writing (e.g. narrative, judicial, poetic). However, the late William Lasor who was Professor of Old Testament studies rejects this claim. He writes,

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Two facts need to be stressed. First, the biblical sources and various streams of tradition concur that Moses wrote narrative, legislative, and poetic literature. Abundant evidence now exists that such diverse abilities in one author were by no means unique to the ancient Near East even centuries earlier than Moses. 3 For further reading on this subject consult the following book. Benware, Paul N. Survey of the Old Testament. Chicago: Moody Press, 1993.

ATTACKS ON THE NEW TESTAMENT Similar to the Old Testament, the New Testament has its detractors. Skeptics have spent many hours creating arguments to disprove the veracity of the New Testament. Groups such as the Jesus Seminar deny the divinity of Christ. They argue that Jesus was just a man. In addition, they reject all of the miracle accounts depicted in the New Testament (including the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ). Some have questioned the historical records found in the New Testament. Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) challenged the historicity of the New Testament in his book “Why I Am Not a Christian.” Russell writes: Historically it is quite doubtful whether Christ ever existed at all, and if He did we do not know anything about Him, so that I am not concerned with the historical question, which is a very difficult one. 4 Another challenge to the orthodox view of the New Testament is the rise of the new atheism. Individuals such as Richard Dawkins and Stephen Hawkins boldly challenge the truthfulness of Christian claims as it pertains to the New Testament. Dawkins, in his book “The God Delusion” wrote the following: Notwithstanding his somewhat dodgy family values, Jesus’ ethical teachings were at least by comparison with the ethical disaster area that is the Old Testament-admirable; but there are other teachings in the New Testament that no good person should support. I refer especially to the central doctrine of Christianity: that of atonement for original sin. 3

William Lasor, Old Testament Survey (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1996), 9.

4

Bertrand Russell, Why I Am Not a Christian (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1957), 16.

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This teaching, which lies at the heart of New Testament theology, is almost as morally obnoxious as the story of Abraham setting out to barbeque Isaac, which it resembles and that is no accident, as Geza Vermes makes clear in The Changing Faces of Jesus. Original sin itself comes straight from the Old Testament myth of Adam and Eve. 5 As Christians, what should we believe? Should we acquiesce to the persuasive rhetoric of those with degrees or remain faithful to the orthodox teachings of the Bible? The answer is the latter. Skeptics already have a prior bias against God, which often prevents them from the truth. The Bible can be trusted and it is the hallmark of Christendom. In support of the inerrancy of Scripture, Karl Rhaner writes: From the doctrine that the Scriptures is inspired theology and the official doctrine of the church derive the thesis that scripture is inerrant (free from error). We can certainly say with the Second Vatican Council (Dei Verbum, art. 11): “Therefore, since everything asserted by the inspired authors or sacred writers must be considered to be asserted by the Holy Spirit, we must profess of the books of scripture that they teach with certainty, with fidelity and without error the truth which God wanted recorded in the sacred writings for the sake of our salvation.” 6 Summary: Why trust the Bible? The following answers should buttress your view in terms of believing in the Bible as the authentic word of God. A. The writers were of good character and not liars. Paul, for example, claims there were over 500 eyewitnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:6). B. The writings of the New Testament are close in proximity to the actual events. This fact is important because the closer the writing is to the event the less chance you have for legend to arise. The John Ryland fragment for example, supports Biblical accounts due to its date. Adolf Deissman believed it was written in the first century. If this is the case then it further proves the authenticity of the gospel of John.

5

Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion (Boston: First Mariner Books, 2008), 284.

6

Karl Rahner, Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching, ed. Alister McGrath (Malden: Blackwell Publishing, 2007), 154.

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C. There are numerous archaeological findings that support the veracity of the Bible. One of the greatest finds was the John Ryland Fragment which is also called P 52. Concerning this subject Dr. Norman Geisler asserts: This papyrus (John Ryland Fragment) contains five verses from the Gospel of John (18:31-33, 37-38). It was found in Egypt and is dated between A.D. 117 and 138. The great philologist (a person who studies written texts to establish their authenticity) Adolf Deissman argued that it may have been even earlier. This discovery destroyed the idea that the New Testament was written down during the second century in order to provide time for myths to grow around the truth. 7 One of the many benefits of archaeology is it can substantiate the historical claims of the Bible. Please note that archaeology alone does not prove or disprove the Bible. Something can still be true even if we do not have evidence to support the truth claim. We cannot deny the existence of the discoveries but interpretation varies among many archaeologists. However, this does not mean that archaeological finds are false. Through archaeology we are able to further fortify the truth claims from the Scriptures. For example: 1. For many years skeptics scoffed at the Bible claim that there was an actual city of Nineveh. However, in the middle of the 19th century Sir. Austen Layard unearthed the city of Nineveh. 2. The pool of Bethesda as described by John (John 5) had been an issue of debate for many years. Until the 19th Century many people believed John’s description was inaccurate. Since there was no proof (at the time) they assumed John’s account was flawed. However, archaeology proved the skeptics wrong. Scholars were able to finally validate John’s record. All of the details highlighted by John were consistent with the actual pool as we see it today. John’s writing stated the pool was called Bethesda, it have five porches and was located by the sheep gate. Archaeologists concluded all of these facts are consistent with John’s record. It is located in the North East section of Old Jerusalem.

7

Norman Geisler, Unshakable Foundations (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2001), 256.

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3. The Chester Beatty Papyri is also another example of how archaeology is in harmony with Biblical accounts. These groups of manuscripts contain both Old and New Testament passages. They are dated within the 3rd Century. Again, this fact is important because the date of its origin is close to the actual events. Furthermore, it complements the writing of the New Testament. This collection was unearthed in the early part of the 20th Century.

2 Corinthians 11:33-12:9 from P46 (part of the Chester Beatty manuscripts).

D. The quantity of New Testament manuscripts should also embolden the believer. The more manuscripts you have the better chance there is of discovering the truth. Compared to other ancient texts the quantity of manuscripts for the New Testament far exceeds those of any other texts. Please view the following chart.

Caesar Demosthenes NT 0

West

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

NT

Homer

Demosthenes

Tacitus

Caesar

Herodutus

6000

643

200

20

10

8

E. The fulfillment of various prophecies in history should strengthen one’s faith in the Bible. Concerning the prophetic writings of the Bible, Christian author Hank Hanegraaff writes:

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The Bible records predictions of events that could not be known or predicted by chance or common sense. For example, the book of Daniel (written before 530 B.C.) cccurately predicts the progression of kingdoms from Babylon through the MedoPersian Empire, culminating in the persecution and suffering of the Jews under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, his desecration of the temple, his untimely death, and freedom for the Jews under Judas Maccabeus in 165 B.C. It is statistically preposterous that any or all of the Bible’s specific, detailed prophecies could have been fulfilled through good guessing or deliberate deceit.8

F. Other External sources corroborate events recorded by the Bible. One of the most popular extra-Biblical sources is the writings of Flavius Josephus (AD 37-100). Josephus lived around the time of Christ (shortly after the resurrection). In his writings, we learn that Jesus actually existed and his composition again supports accounts found in the New Testament writings. Josephus writes: Now, there was about this time, Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ; and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day. 9

NOTES: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 8

Hank Hanegraaff, Christianity in Crisis: Twentieth Century (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2009), 309.

9

Flavius Josephus, The Complete Works of Josephus, ed. Whilliam Whiston (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1981), 379.

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In conclusion, the Bible is the inspired word from God. Recorded by men and preserved by the church under the direction of the Holy Spirit. It is accurate in its affirmation and negations. If the contents of the Bible are true then all other holy books that contradict its message have to be false. For further reading on this subject consult the following books: F.F Bruce, The New Testament Documents: Are they Reliable? (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1997). Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2000). Norman Geisler and Frank Turek, I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2004). Robert H. Gundry, A Survey of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994). Flavius Josephus, The Complete Works of Josephus, trans. William Whiston (Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1981), 379.

III. CONCLUSION The Greek word διδασκαλία (doctrine) occurs several times in the New Testament. It is used twenty-one times in the New Testament (English Standard Version). In each case it is translated as teaching or instruction (e.g. 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:6; 1 Tim. 6:1; Titus 1:9). God is interested in us knowing the teachings of the Bible. In addition, he wants all of his children to not only know the teachings but to stand firm and defend His teachings (Titus 1:9). Since the inception and ascension of Christ, His church has always desired to preserve the teachings of Scripture despite what the world was doing. God does not want His children to sit on the sidelines as the world around them devolves into apostasy. He has saved us to warn others that they may not destroy themselves. It is the responsibility of all Christians to sanctify God in their hearts and be always ready to give a response to everyone who desires to know about our faith (1 Peter 3:15).

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We should now be fully aware that ideas have consequences. As a result, it is the Christian’s duty to cast down imaginations and every high thing that conflicts with the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). We all share this unique burden. If those around us are going to get better, they will need a sound introduction to Jesus Christ. In short, believers will need to know the essentials of the faith before they can share it. Prayerfully, you are up for the challenge. Remember, we can do all things through Christ who is our strength (Philippians 4:13).

For additional information concerning the Essential Doctrines of the Faith, the following books are recommended. Herbert Lockyer, All the Doctrines of the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1964). RC Sproul, Essentials of the Christian Faith (Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers, 1992). Wayne Grudem, Bible Doctrine: Essential Teachings of the Christian Faith (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999).