DEFENDING THE FAITH TABLE OF CONTENTS

Transcription

1 3THIS COURSE WILL HELP THE STUDENT OBEY I PETER 3:15-16, WHICH SAYS THAT WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE READY TO GIVE A DEFENSE TO EVERYONE WHO ASKS YOU A REASON FOR THE HOPE THAT IS IN YOU, WITH MEEKNESS AND FEAR IN THIS CONVERSATIONAL STYLE APOLOGETICS COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL LEARN HOW TO DEFEND HIS FAITH TO ANYONE WHO HOLDS ANY NON-CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW. DEFENDING THE FAITH TABLE OF CONTENTS COURSE OBJECTIVES...4 PART 1: 2 WORLDVIEWS THAT REJECT LOGIC/COHERENCY...6 PART 2: NATURALISM...8 PART 3: POLYTHEISM...11 PART 4: PANTHEISM...14 PART 5: ISLAM...17 PART 6: JUDAISM...21 PART 7: A REVIEW OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE COURSE...25 PART 8: CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEWS...26 PART 9: THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE...27 PART 10: THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE BIBLE...28 PART 11: LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE...32 PART 12: WHY SHOULD I ACCEPT THE GOSPEL?...34

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3 course: defending the faith Description: This course will help the student obey I Peter 3:15-16, which says that we should always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear In this conversational style apologetics course, the student will learn how to defend his faith to anyone who holds any non-christian worldview. Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to Know and understand all of the world s major worldviews. Assess and categorize anyone s worldview in conversation. Give clear arguments why he does not believe in any of the other worldviews. Give reasonable support for belief in Christianity. Defend the authority and sufficiency of Scriptures Defend the literal/normal hermeneutic of Scripture. Be able to present the gospel in a gentle and respectful manner. Learning Inputs: 1. Attendance of course lectures 2. Completion of assigned reading Outcome Activities: 1. Complete Homework Assignments 2. Complete Final Project 3 DEFENDING THE FAITH

4 COURSE OBJECTIVES (I PETER 3:15) 1. Give clear why one should choose as his worldview. 2. Give clear evidence that all other worldviews are. 3. Be able to show an unbeliever why he should become a. 4. Be able to present the gospel in a and way. Definitions: 1. Naturalist - A person who believes in a explanation of the universe s origin. 2. Theist - A person who believes in a explanation of the universe s origin, and that the cause is a God (or gods). 3. Deist - A theist who believes that God is not in the universe. He created it and left. 4. Monotheist - A theist who believes there is and that he is indeed involved in the universe. 5. Polytheist - A person who believes there are gods. 6. Pantheist - A person who believes that everything that exists in the universe is God, and that God is not. 7. Atheist - A person who believes. 8. Agnostic - A person who believes that the existence of God is because no one could know if He indeed existed. 9. Nihilist - Literally, a -ist. He believes that there is no reasonable explanation for the existence of the universe. 4 DEFENDING THE FAITH

5 Diagram of all worldviews 5 DEFENDING THE FAITH

6 PART 1: 2 WORLDVIEWS THAT REJECT LOGIC/COHERENCY Presuppositions: Existentialist Nihilist Shared Presuppositions Nothing can logically explain my. My experiences are all that I know. Since there is no such thing as coherent reality, the meaning of life can be found only in my. Since there is no such thing as coherent reality, really. How to identify them: Existentialist Nihilist If it feels good, so it! Preoccupation with and It s OK if your view both be right. mine; we can Sense of outlook on life. There are no answers, just. There is no. Before judging them prematurely, let s read Ecclesiastes 1. Ecclesiastes 1 Nothing makes sense! Everything is nonsense. I have seen it all nothing makes sense! What is there to show for all of our hard work here on this earth? People come, and people go, but still the world never changes. The sun comes up, the sun goes down; it hurries right back to where it started from. All of life is far more boring than words could ever say. Our eyes and our ears are never satisfied with what we see and hear. Everything that happens has happened before; nothing is new, nothing under the sun. - Solomon Often results in. 6 DEFENDING THE FAITH

7 3 2 Observations: (1) Nihilism is the most worldview *under the sun. * Under the sun means everything, without taking into account the supernatural. (2) Logic will cause a person to the truth of the Bible, or it will cause him to all sense of the meaning of life. The Argument against Existentialism and Nihilism (Non-realism): In short.... (1) Start with their experiences. (At least you both agree that experiences exist.) (2) In our experiences, coherence is considered normal, while incoherence is considered abnormal. Example: Normally, 2 objects cannot hold the same place at the same time. How would you react if someone walked through the wall right now? You would assume it was a trick. The point is, our minds are bent on believing in coherence. (3) When our experiences seem incoherent, the answer always lies in what we do not /. (4) Conclusion: Even though we cannot know or observe everything, we should still believe in the coherency of things. When something doesn t seem to make sense, we should assume that the answer lies in what we do not know. [Remember it is not the goal yet to lead the person to Christ; it s to help him be ready and willing to seek out answers in things they do not yet understand.] 7 DEFENDING THE FAITH

8 3 The Effects of Naturalism: PART 2: NATURALISM Origins To explain by natural means. Goal Effect 1. Decline of personal. Psychiatry To explain the / by natural means. 2. Man is no longer responsible for his. 1. The Soul is reduced to biochemical and reactions. 2. Man is an. Politics / Ethics To base on evolutionary doctrines to create a superior race. 3. Destroys the notion of. 1. Mass murder of millions is as it speeds up the evolutionary process. The Media To be free of any responsibility. 2. is the only true ethic. 1. decline 2. Increase of pains associated by moral decline. With savages the weak in body or mind are soon eliminated. We civilized men, on the other hand, do our utmost to check the process of elimination... There is reason to believe that vaccination has preserved thousands, who from a weak constitution would formerly have succumbed to smallpox. Thus the weak members of society propogate their kind. No one who has attended to the breeding of domestic animals will doubt that this must be highly injurious to the race of men. -Charles Darwin in The Descent of Man, DEFENDING THE FAITH

9 Man, too, is an animal, and evidently has a bisexual disposition. -Sigmund Freud in Civilization and its Discontents, p.77 - Either the world will be governed according to the ideas of our modern democracy, or the world will be dominated by the natural right of force. In the latter case, those with brute strength will rise victorious. -Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf - Success is the only judge between right and wrong. -Adolf Hitler in Mein Kampf - Show Design Argument video. Arguments against Naturalism I. The Laws of demand the Supernatural. Starting Point Naturalism Given Left with and Observation. Given and cannot be created or destroyed. However Therefore The universe we observe has both matter and motion (a form of energy) The origin of the universe must be. II. The Laws of demand the Supernatural. Starting Point Naturalism Given Every has a. Given It s illogical to have an regression of causes. However The original cause must have been a non-caused. Therefore An effect without a cause is not. It is supernatural. 9 DEFENDING THE FAITH

10 III. The Ethics of Naturalism contradict the Human Conscience. Starting Point Naturalism Given is the ending point of our existence. Given Every human being will eventually. So Meaning must be found in the of this present life. Therefore The only logical ethic then, is. *Most do not want to believe this. Why? Because God has given them a conscience. Conclusion: The Laws of Science, the Laws of Logic and the human conscience all imply that there is a supernatural cause of the universe. An Important Question: The evolutionist often says, Believing in God requires just as much faith as believing that matter and energy have always existed. At your table, come up with an answer that you can share with the rest of the class. [Teacher s answer: Yes, you are right. It s true, but that is not a valid argument for a naturalist. It would be logical for a supernaturalist to believe that matter and energy have always existed, but that goes directly against naturalism! Remember it is not the goal yet to lead the person to Christ; it s to help them understand that the cause of the universe was supernatural.] {show video: Einstein} 10 DEFENDING THE FAITH

11 PART 3: POLYTHEISM The History: There are 3 arenas, each with 11 gods. There is no explanation of their origin. 11 Gods - The Heavens 11 Gods - The Heavens 11 Gods - The The Ethic: is good and is evil. II. Western Polytheism (Eg. Wicca) The History: The Ethic: Problems with ANY form of Polytheism: I. The Problem of. Once you add plurality to the mix, you are left again with the problem of and. Why? Because there are new, demanding an original. Example: Hinduism High Heavens Who created the three arenas? Low Heavens Who divided the 11 gods equally into each arena? Who keeps the gods from crossing boundaries? Earth Where did these gods come from? 11 DEFENDING THE FAITH

12 II. The Problem of The and the of the universe imply that there is only one designer (singular). Why? Because there is in the design. (The whole universe works together in harmony.) III. The Problem of. The unity of the design implies sovereignty on the part of the Creator (or creators). Logically, ultimate sovereignty cannot be held by must be one. Example: The all-powerful spear vs. the impenetrable shield paradox Tell-Tale Signs of Man-made Cults: individuals. Therefore, the Creator (with a capital C ) I. The Problem of Origin: (Jim Jones, Charles Manson, David Karesh, Peter Ruckman) A. The claims of some religions are simply not. Example: Mormonism They say that Christ appeared in North America after his resurrection. They also claim that the land in North America was infiltrated from the clearly migrated from the. B. To avoid, origin and history are left out altogether. Example: Wicca. However, archaeology shows that men Wicca claims in Ancient, but avoids the subject of their origin altogether... and purposely so. It would be too easily scrutinized. III. The Problem of Ethics: A. Some cults have an extremely code of ethics. This is to appeal to those who feel guilty for abusing their conscience, or feel the need to do penitence for absolution of sins, rather than relying on God s grace. Example: Islam The 5 pillars of Islam include a strict regiment of difficult activities, ranging from 5 daily ceremonial to an arduous to the Holy City of Mecca. B. Some cults will have an extremely code of ethics. This is to appeal to those who seek spiritual satisfaction, yet do not wish to give up the rights of their own. Example: Wicca Wicca ethic: If it none, do what you will. III. The Problem of Authority: A. Unsupported Holy 12 DEFENDING THE FAITH

13 Many religions have a Holy Book. Christianity has the Bible, Islam has the Koran, etc. False religions will often have a Holy Book that is completely. Example: Mormonism Mormons have The Book of Mormon. It was translated by (Joseph Smith), using a pair of carried into heaven where the truths therein could no longer be held to glasses too are missing. Compare this to the Bible... There are literally thousands and thousands of ancient each verifying the words of the others. The Bible is itself) and is man stone glasses. The original writings were conveniently with reliable extra-biblical records as well. B. Unsupported or Divine Spokesman. The magic, located all over the globe, (That is, it does not disagree with In many false religions, men claim to speak on God s behalf. That is too characteristically convenient unless there is some support for. Example: Mohammed (Islam) Mohammed claimed to speak on God s behalf, but there was nothing to support his. Usually he just spoke pious rhetoric, but at times would receive personal permission to self-. When he added his son s wife to his harem, many questioned him until he conveniently received permission from God in a vision. Compare this to the prophets of Scripture... In each of the eras where divine revelation was coming to humankind, the messengers were confirmed by. [The 3 Eras: In the time of (1) Moses, (2) The Prophets, and (3) the Apostles (Hebrews 2:1-4). The miracles of Christ were done publicly to establish his veracity (John 20:30-31). IV. The Problem Of Consistency: A. Inconsistent Example: Mormonism Joseph Smith had several attempts at starting a new religion, and vision each time, to appeal to the people he was trying to. the story of his B. Inconsistent Sometimes, a religion will change its in order to the desires of those in the religion. Example: El Islam Islam taught and righteousness, until Mohammed became bitter toward his and religious enemies. Then the ethics of Islam turned. 13 DEFENDING THE FAITH

14 PART 4: PANTHEISM The Distinction between Pantheism and Monotheism Pantheism Monotheism is God; God is. God all; He is all. God is an force. God is a creator. The universe (sometimes called The Cosmos ) The universe is a. is a. Everything is defined by its to Everything is defined by its from everything else in the universe. everything else in the universe. The goal is to lose one s sense The goal is to recognize one s of consciousness, and to the Creator and realize their with the Cosmos. to His authority. Video: Use the Force, Luke Example #1: Hinduism (Pantheistic Hinduism) The Collective Soul is called for enlightenment (Asceticism). Problem: This does not bring them the. Men are encouraged to embrace pain in their search for which they were searching. Example #2: Buddhism It s Hinduism, but with a twist. Guatama Buddha almost died in the asceticism of Hinduism, but found it unsatisfying. He founded luxuries of selfish living. He found that suppress their desires until they are which avoids the asceticism of Hinduism and the altogether. was the enemy, and men are encouraged to Problem: Theoretically, the suppression of all desires would keep us from having any, but would also keep us from having any satisfaction. 14 DEFENDING THE FAITH

15 Selfishness Buddhism Hinduism Men, by nature tend toward -indulgence. He seeks the satisfaction of his Problem: Self-indulgence does not (Law of Diminishing Returns).. Buddhism seeks meaning in the The Problem and the Solution of Pantheism desires. of Problem: Theoretically, the suppression of all desires would keep us from having any, but would also keep us from having any satisfaction. Hinduism seeks satisfaction in self-. Problem: Self-abasement doesn t either. Problem The suppression of desires does not bring the satisfaction we desire. It only eliminates dissatisfaction (theoretically). It leaves us without desires to satisfy. Man cannot have an intimate with an impersonal force. So then, there is no real in life. Solution We must understand that the pantheist s observation is. Selfindulgence doesn t satisfy. Satisfaction has nothing to do with our relationship to things. Man s satisfaction can only come when he has a relationship to a personal Creator. Arguments Against Pantheism The Problem of An impersonal force cannot create with and. Creation is designed and orderly; therefore, its designer must have (a mind, a will and emotions). Problem of Supposing that the notion of a Collective Soul were true, it would be impossible for a creature to relate to an collective being. All attempts to do so would be meaningless. Problem of Pantheism assumes that contradictions are lose its.. If that were true, the everything would Example: To say, My name is David, has no meaning, if the statement s contradiction was equally true: My name is not David. Truth, by nature, can have no. 15 DEFENDING THE FAITH

16 ACTIVITY: NAME THAT WORLDVIEW A. Existentialism B. Nihilismo C.Naturalism D. Polytheism E.Pantheism F. Monotheism I believe the universe is the product of time and chance.answer: I don t care about anything. Nothing really matters! Answer: I am seeking to lose myself in the universe. Answer: Today I am praying to the god of good luck. Answer: I really don t care about religion. I just wanna PARTY!!! Answer: I know God will hear my prayers!!! Answer: 16 DEFENDING THE FAITH

17 PART 5: ISLAM Coherent Reality or No Reality Coherent Reality No Reality Naturalism Supernaturalism Existentialism Nihilism Pantheism Polytheism Monotheism Islam Judaism Christianity We already know how to convince someone of that there is a coherent reality. 2. how to convince someone that there is a supernatural cause of the universe. 3. how to convince someone that Monotheism is more reasonable than polytheism or pantheism. Now the question is... How do we know that Christianity is more reasonable than Islam and Judaism? 17 DEFENDING THE FAITH

18 The 5 Duties (or 5 Pillars) of Islam 1. The Repetition of the Muslims must affirm, There is no God but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet The 5 Daily At specific times of the day, each Muslim is called to bow prostrate and pray in the direction of Mecca. 3. The Observance of For 30 days, Muslims abstain from food, drink and bodily pleasures from sunrise to sunset. 4. The Giving of 5. The to the Holy City of Mecca Believers of Islam must journey to Mecca at least once in his life. While there, many ceremonial tasks must be performed. 2 Problems with the Pillars: 1. There is only one duty. is the only virtuous duty among the Pillars. The rest are merely. Islam tends to focus on the appearance over the condition of the soul. 2. The Ethics of contradict the creed. There is another duty of Islam, considered by many to be the 6th Pillar, called or. It refers to the war between believers of Islam and anyone who is not Muslim, also known as. According to Islam, it is not wrong to take the life of an. This ethic contradicts the often repeated Creed, that God is and The 5 Doctrines of Islam: 1. The Doctrine of God. Muslims believe in God and that his name is. Up to this point in the course, they are in agreement with us (monotheism). The question now is: Do Muslims have a correct perception of God? 1 Adolf Hitler once said, If people hear something loud enough and often enough, they 1 will believe it. 18 DEFENDING THE FAITH

19 Problems: There are several problems with the Islamic notion of God. God (Allah) is presented as and, but his actions do not agree with this commonly repeated affirmation. If Islam were true, Allah would be responsible for the violent deaths of millions of people, because He has allowed his followers to kill any infidels or non-muslims. No such contradiction exists en, so we shouldn t find such internal contradiction in the. So the God of this creation/universe cannot be the God of Islam. Also, Allah was not so at first. Only when Mohammed s wife died, and he was in the midst of political turmoil did Allah give Mohammed permission to use methods. It seems that the religion changed with the prophet Mohammed. This would imply that the prophet himself invented the religion. 2. The Doctrine of Angels: It is believed that angels or Jinn are celestial creatures without sin. Problem: The idea of Jinn (or. en The Arabian Nights) was borrowed from local 3. The Doctrine of the Holy Books: Several writings are considered sacred: The Quran (based on a corrupted version of the Penteteuch), The Zabur (Psalms David), The Injil (story of Jesus) and others. Problem: There are major Jesus. Their version of Jesus is not of Jesus and the 4. The Doctrine of the Prophets differences between the sacred texts, especially when it comes to of Christ by his earliest followers. accurate. It contradicts the Biblical versions of the stories Islam has several prophets, but the main ones are Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed. is considered the greatest. Problem: The Quran and the laws of Moses do not. There are many. 5. The Doctrine of the Resurrection and the Last Day They believe that all men will be by Allah for their actions in this life, good or bad. Problem: Although this doctrine seems to agree with Christianity, the radically. of good and evil are Also, the idea of in heaven does not agree with the idea of morality on earth. For example, on earth, a man should be a (having one woman.) In heaven however, he can have up to virgins as his wives. Reasons NOT to believe in Islam: Islam contains all of the Tell-Tale Signs of Man-Made Cults. 19 DEFENDING THE FAITH

20 1. The Problem of Origin: Problems: The Quran avoids respect to its veracity. completely to avoid scrutiny in Also, Islam religious material from neighboring religions (The Penteteuch, the concept of Jinn, etc.) Even the name of God, Allah was taken from neighboring tribal religions. 2. The Problem of Ethics: Problems: The 5 pillars of Islam include a strict regiment of difficult activities, ranging from 5 daily ceremonial prayers to an arduous journey to the Holy City of Mecca. Also, the value of was diminished when Mohammed became jealous of others and wanted their wives for his own. also became accepted when Mohammed decided to marry the wife of his son, thanks to an unfounded vision from Allah. 3. The Problem of Authority: Problems: Mohammed never confirmed his claims with. The Quran contradicts known. The emphasis on behavior over character contradicts the human conscience. 4. The Problem of Inconsistency: Problems: Belief in the nearby religions. Mohammed originally taught gods was permitted by Mohammed for a time in order to infiltrate, but annihilated three Jewish sects under his jurisdiction. The concept of Gods is inconsistent. God is good but yet allows shedding of blood. 20 DEFENDING THE FAITH

21 PART 6: JUDAISM The Relationship between Christianity and Judaism: Actually, Christianity is an so, the doctrine of Judaism serves as a basis for all Christian doctrine. of Judaism; New Testament (Matthew - Revelation) Old Testament (Genesis - Malachi) Law (Genesis - Deuteronomy) Primitive History (Genesis 1-11) Creation Account (Genesis 1:1-2:4) The Difference between Christianity and Judaism: Christians believe that the Messiah of Jewish prophecies, and that the majority of Jews though the prophecies clearly predicted his coming. of Nazareth is, even So then, one can use the with Muslims. Scriptures with Jews. We do not have this advantage How did Paul preach to the Jews: Acts 17:1-4 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah, he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 21 DEFENDING THE FAITH

22 2 Steps: 1. Start. In this case, they agreed upon the Scriptures of the Old Testament. 2. Convince, using and the common. In this case, he focused on the fact that Jesus was the Messiah predicted by the prophets. Starting where we agree: Worldview Common Authority Existentialism Validity of. Naturalism Laws of and. Polytheism or Pantheism cause of the universe. Islam Creator. Judaism Personal Creator that the TNK (Old Testament of the Bible) Activity: Some Key Prophecies of the Old Testament: Prophecy Isaiah 11:10-12 and 2 Samuel 7 The Messiah would be called the root of Jessie, and the fulfillment of the covenant with David. Jeremiah 31:15 His birth would be accompanied by slaughter of the innocents. Malachi 3 A forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah would introduce the Messiah. Isaiah 53:4-9 The Messiah would be beaten, oppressed and killed for the sins of mankind. Daniel 9 Daniel predicted when the Messiah would be annointed. ( Messiah in Hebrew is Christ in Greek.) Fulfillment Matthew 1:1-16 Matthew makes the genealogical connection from Jesse to Jesus. Matthew 2:13-18 Herod fulfilled this prophecy when he killed all toddlers and babies in Bethlehem. Matthew 11:7-18 John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy. Matthew 27:32-50 He was crucified without a just cause. See the following pages. 22 DEFENDING THE FAITH

23 The 70 Years of Daniel 9: Preface: God had promised Israel that He would punish them with 70 years of captivity. Of course, it happened. Toward the end of those 70 years, Daniel received a prophecy from God indicating that the punishment would be multiplied by seven (Daniel 9:22-24). 2 Daniel 9: He instructed me and said to me, Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision: 24 Seventy sevens are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place. This prolonging of punishment was the fulfillment of a threat made by God if Israel did not repent after the 70 years. Leviticus 26: But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, 15 and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it. 17 I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. 18 If after all this you will not listen to me, I will punish you for your sins seven times over. The 70 Weeks of Daniel 9: 70 years became 490 years. 7 Weeks (49 years) Begins with the decree to restore Jerusalem March 14, 445 B.C. Restoration of Jerusalem Walls of Jerusalem restored. 62 Week (434 years) Ends with the anointed ruler He is cut off. Break Marked by destruction, desolation and war. The amount of time is not disclosed. 1 Week (7 years) An evil ruler will confirm a covenant (3 1/2 years) He will end sacrifices and desecrate Temple. The Math in Prophecy: = 69 weeks or sevens 69 x 7 = 483 years. The Jewsish calender has 360 days. 483 x 360 = 173,880 days. The Math in History: Date of the decree (1st of Nisan of the 20th year of Artaxerxes or March 14, 445 BC). Date of the Triumphal Entry = 10 of Nisan or Abril 6, 32 BC = 476 years and 24 days. 476 x 365 = 173,740 days, plus the 24 equals 173,764 days. 173, days of leap years = 173, 880 days. 2 The word week literally means seven. So in this context it refers 2 to 7 years, not days. 23 DEFENDING THE FAITH

24 The Problem for the Jews: If Jesus wasn t the Messiah, who else, in the line of David, born in Bethlehem, anointed as king of Israel on the exact day of the Triumphal Entry, mounted on a donkey as he entered Jerusalem (Zacharias 9:9 and Matthew 21:5-11), could have been the Messiah? Even their rejection of Him was prophesied! 24 DEFENDING THE FAITH

25 PART 7: A REVIEW OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE COURSE Coherent Reality or No Reality Coherent Reality No Reality Naturalism Supernaturalism Existentialism Nihilism Pantheism Polytheism Monotheism Islam Judaism Christianity Worldview Common Ground What we want to Convince them Existentialism and Nihilismo Validity of Experiences Naturalism Laws of Logic and Science Pantheism and Polytheism Belief in the Supernatural Islam Belief in Monotheism Judaism Monotheism and the Old Testament 25 DEFENDING THE FAITH

26 PART 8: CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEWS So, The new questions are Why should I believe the Bible is? 2. Why should I believe that the Bible is authoritative? 3. Why should I interpret the Bible? 4. Why should I the gospel? 26 DEFENDING THE FAITH

27 PART 9: THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE 3 Reasons to believe in the Authority of the Bible: 1. Because it is accurate. There are no between what we know from history and what the Bible affirms. So then, it is reasonable to believe that there are no contradictions in that which we do not know of history. 2. Because its divine origin was confirmed by, wonders and. Hebrews 2:1-4 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. *This implies that all future prophecies will be fulfilled too. 3. Because its divine origin was confirmed by Old Testament. Human beings cannot predict the future with such. Only God can. Therefore, God must have inspired the prophets. 2 Peter 1:20-21 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 27 DEFENDING THE FAITH

28 PART 10: THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE BIBLE Why should I believe that the Bible alone is authoritative? The Meaning of Sufficiency 1. Everything in the Bible is completely. 2. Anything that contradicts the Bible is. 3. The Bible contains everything we need for and (2 Peter 1:3). 4. The Bible contains everything we need to accomplish every (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 5. We should everything we learn through the Bible. What it does not mean: 1. It does not mean that all are found in the Bible. 2. It does not mean that there are no truths of Scriptures. 3. It does not mean that all truths outside the Bible are. What about supplemental Authorities like the Church or the Pope? Some, like the Catholics, believe that The Church has the same authority as the Scriptures. (This doctrine is called authority. ) It comes from a misinterpretation of Matthew 16: Matthew 16:17-18 Jesus replied, Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Catholics believe that Peter was the that would build the Church. 2. Peter was the first of many who would have over the Church. 3. Peter s authority was equal to that of the, and that he could that authority on to future Popes. 28 DEFENDING THE FAITH

29 Problems: 1. The rock of Matthew 16 is the that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the living God. (See v. 16.) According to other passages of the Bible, this concept is seen as the foundation of the Church! (See 1 Corinthians 1:23, 15:1-8, 2 Corinthians 2:12, 4:5*, Acts 10:25-26 y Ephesians 3:8.) 2. If Peter were the Pope, he would have had over the primitive Church. However, at the Council of Jerusalem, Peter strongly disagreed with Paul, but both submitted to the leadership of - the leader of the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13). 3. Papal history is at best, at times having recognized Popes. 4. Many Popes have authoritatively made proclamations that later had to be. Example: The Catholic Church killed many people for believing that the world was, because the Pope had said that it was. Eventually, they had to the proclamation or lose all. What about supplemental Authorities like other Holy Writings? Example: Some believe that the Bible is authoritative, but they add other Scriptures like The Book of Mormon of the Mormon faith or The Watchtower Society of the Jehovah s Witnesses. Problem: These writings are not found in the Divine Chain of Authority. God wrote the 10 Commandments with his, 10 Plagues, Miracles of Moses, Red Sea, etc. (Exodus 5:2, 10:1-3, 14:30) In the books of Moses, God announced that he would use (Deuteronomy 18:14-22 and 1 Peter 1:19-21). The prophets announced his the O.T. Being God, Christ s words carry divine authority (Matthew 9:4-8, 28:18). in Christ transferred this authority to the (Matthew 10:1, Mark 6:6-7 and Acts 1:7-8). The of the apostles writings is called the New Testament. END OF REVELATION Supplemental Scriptures? 1 Corinthians 13 warned the primitive Church that prophetic revelation was going to end soon (implied within their lifetimes.) 29 DEFENDING THE FAITH

30 2 Examples of Supplemental Scriptures : 1. The Apocrypha There is no authority. Many texts contradict the New Testament, so any other information must be held in. 2. The Book of Mormon The plates of Nephi returned to heaven before they could be proven to exist. had no connection to the apostles, nor could he reproduce their signs and miracles to message. himself his What about supplemental Authorities like Science? Example: Psychology Some believe that the Bible is true, but that we need something more if we are ever to be at peace or find in this life. Many Christians believe that the to our sin problems must be found in the study of psychology. However, the Bible affirms in Ephesians 4 that there is only one solution to overcoming our sin. So if we are struggling with sin, we must use the method found in the Bible to overcome it. We will need more (2 Peter 3:1 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.) Can psychology be helpful? Yes, of course. Psychology, like any other science, can be helpful so long as It is actually. Much of what we call science is too to be considered true science.... It does not contradict.... It is not as true before examining it through Scripture. We should everything through the Scriptures. What about supplemental Authorities like Personal Experience? Example: Charismatics Many charismatics believe that God continues to guide believers through personal experiences. While this is true in part, many times these experiences exclude or usurp God s Word. Many will seek God s will for a specific circumstance they are going through via dreams, audible voices, visions and strong emotions. Problems: 1. Feelings are not. We are at war with the old nature (See 1 Corinthians 7). Many times we can confuse our with the God. desires of God. We have a feeling that actually comes from our desires, and not from 30 DEFENDING THE FAITH

31 Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 2. Our experiences can be. Oftentimes, we don t perceive things the way they. For example: Magicians can do things that seem supernatural, but they are just tricks. Also, 2 people can witness the same accident and have 2 completely different perspectives of who bears the fault. If something seems to contradict the Bible, we should assume our is wrong. 3. The Scriptures never that authority to our experiences. At times, our experiences seem to contradict the Bible, but we trust in our experiences. The Gift of Tongues: According to the Bible, the gift of was to cease during the lifetime of the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 13:8). As a refutation, many charismatics say, But I have spoken in tongues. So then, their personal experience has become a higher authority than the Bible. 31 DEFENDING THE FAITH

32 PART 11: LITERAL INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE Some hold that the Bible teaches, though it isn t actually. The Ugly Duckling: Take The Ugly Duckling as an illustration. Even though it is not a true story, it teaches a true. Many see the Bible that way. Some Examples: 1. The Story of Adam and Eve Some say that Adam and Eve were not people, but that they merely represent mankind and womankind. The story is meant to teach us to avoid. 2. The Exodus Account Some hold that it never actually happened. It s just a story to teach us that God hates. 3. The Resurrection Some say that the physical body of Christ never resurrected; but that his resurrected by his followers. of love were Problems: 1. The Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled. 2. The O.T. accounts correspond with. 3. Both Testaments are held together. 4. The apostles held to a interpretation of the Scriptures. 5. If the Bible were not interpreted literally, all preaching would be in. (See 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, ) 32 DEFENDING THE FAITH

33 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-24: Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 3 Essential Beliefs according to 1 Corinthians 15: 1. The (v. 3) 2. A Interpretation of the Bible (v. 3-4) 3. A of Scriptures (v. 5-7) 33 DEFENDING THE FAITH

34 PART 12: WHY SHOULD I ACCEPT THE GOSPEL? Are Heaven and Hell real? I. The Reality of Heaven: There are more than 600 references to heaven in the Bible. One is Colossians 1:3-5. Colossians 1:3-5 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God s people 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel. Of course, not everyone will go to Heaven; only those who are saved. How does one receive salvation? Romans 10:9-10 If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Some other great verses on Salvation: John 10:9, Acts 2:21, Acts 4:12, 15:11, 16:31, Romans 5:9-10, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 15:2, and Ephesians 2:8-9. II. The Reality of Hell: God will judge the good and the evil. (See Ecclesiastes 3:17, Romans 2:16, 2 Timothy 4:1). Here are some descriptions of Hell: Luke 16:23-24 In Hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. 34 DEFENDING THE FAITH

35 Revelation 20: Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. The decision to receive or reject the gospel must be made before we die. (See Hebrews 9:27.) So if you have received the gospel, how should you obey 1 Peter 3:15? 1 Peter 3:15 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 35 DEFENDING THE FAITH