MARK DRISCOLL ON ABC NIGHTLINE FACE-OFF...bringing Mars Hill Church to Mars Hill

Setting Some Wrongs... Right

Some of you seeing me post another article about Mark Driscoll are expecting me to come out of the box swinging, prepared to challenge, do battle against, or slice and dice with some well versed clever sarcasm about Mark and his TV appearance. Well, I hate to disappoint you, but today that will not be happening. 

As many of you know, I have been a very vocal commentator about the scatological pulpit methods that our brother has employed in the past few years. I still firmly believe that a minister of the gospel standing behind the sacred desk to "preach the Word" by divine command in a worship service where the saints are gathered should use words in keeping with that calling. Mark is a gifted communicator and has the platform and skill to really impact this generation for the kingdom. But the man of God's words should reverence the Lord Jesus Christ and reflect His glory; that cut straight His truth to give the sense of it to the people; and yet be palatable for every member of the church; not just those who pass an NC-17 rating. Sound speech is not just the absence of unsavory language; but the presence of that which is grace-filled for the building up of the entire body of Christ in love.

That is where I had failed in addressing these things concerning Mark and his ministry; this is where the Lord convicted me as I reviewed some of my past articles I had written about him. I was not godly in how I used words to speak of those concerns on this blog. IOW, I came to see that in a very real way we have the same problem... just a different manifestation. I find myself identifying with Isaiah in the temple as "a man of unclean lips" that needed to repent of his sin. Unclean lips doesn't necessarily mean here a tongue that uses seedy speech, but rather one that represents a heart that is not right before the Lord - unworthy deserving judgment. That was me; and apart from God's sanctifying grace each day - that is still me. IOW beloved, my heart was not right towards my brother in Christ. I should have been more gracious, charitable and balanced in my words when commenting about his ministry in the Lord. In my zeal to champion reformed biblical theology which I deeply believe, I was blinded to the prideful log in my own eye while blogging about the speck in my brother's eye. For this, I sincerely ask the readers of this blog and those associated with Mark and Mars Hill Church to please forgive me. I have already asked this of Mark privately and he has been most kind to extend to me a heart of mercy. It is my desire to always speak the truth in love and to not carelessly amputate another in that process.

In the wake of this, I am enjoying the beginnings of what I trust will be an ongoing friendship with Mark. My conversation with him has been meaningful and edifying; and he has been nothing short of kind and encouraging. I have come to get a glimpse of the pastor's heart, that is rarely made visible to the wider media-audience, that drives Mark and his passion in ministry. 

The Hearts of the Saints Have Been Refreshed... 

The Apostle Paul says in Philemon 1:7, "For I have derived much much joy and comfort from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you brother." 

So may I take a moment to encourage you and tell you what I appreciate about Mark and his ministry: 

• his affirmation of Scripture as the infallible, inerrant, sufficient, authoritative Word of God; 
• his burden for the salvation of the lost and passion for evangelism; 
• his commitment to the doctrines of grace and to maintain the integrity of the gospel; 
• his desire to plant churches and dedication to local church ministry; 
• his ability to rightly divide the times and to discern the issues facing our cultural from a biblical worldview; 
• to enter into discussion with nonbelievers in public venues about issues concerning the Christian faith;
• for reaching out and ministering to people redemptively who have been abused, shamed, and defiled by this world;
• and for taking a courageous stand for biblical fidelity and orthodoxy by walking the narrow "road less travelled" away from the liberal turnpike of Brian McLaren, Tony Jones, Karen Ward, Doug Pagitt, Spencer Burke, Rob Bell, etc. 

I look forward to meeting Mark one day and trust that the Lord in His providence affords us seasons of genuine fellowship, a real friendship in the Lord, and an on going encouragement to "one another" in the Word of God. 

My Mom has said to me for many years, "if two people agree on everything, then one of them is unnecessary." Mark and I don't agree on everything - but at the same time, it also makes us "necessary" in each others lives. I am confident we won't see eye to eye on some issues in the future. But by God's grace, I pray that I will address those issues biblically, in humility, and personally; seeking his good... protecting the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. It's good for brothers in the Lord to wrestle through matters of faith, doctrine, theology, and truth; to learn from each other and sharpen each other for kingdom use. But it is also "good for brothers to dwell in unity" as the Psalmist says. So when blogging, may I do so in a way that brings glory to God, protects the integrity of His Word, shows respect for others, forwards His gospel, edifies His church, and to do so from a heart of sincere love, gentleness and humility. I haven't arrived at this in my life beloved; so I would relish your prayers for me to that end. 

His unworthy servant in His unfailing love,

Steve

Col. 1:9-14

ABCNEWS Nightline Face Off - "Does Satan Exist?"

With that said, I wanted to briefly post about Mark's appearance last week on ABC's Nightline Face Off which addressed the potentially explosive and controversial theme of "Does Satan Exist?" There were four panelists for this debate: philosopher Deepak Chopra and Bishop Carlton Pearson faced-off against Pastor Mark Driscoll and Annie Lobert, founder of the Christian ministry "Hookers for Jesus" about the existence of the Devil.

Not many pastors would welcome such a diverse panel and a biased, national news program like ABCNEWS Face-Off into their sanctuary. Nor would they host a debate on an issue concerning an aspect of the Christian faith that allows voices who are violently opposed to biblical Christianity to have a seat at the table. And then still speak with unashamed boldness about the gospel, the Scriptures and its truth while showing reverence and respect for those who oppose biblical Christianity (1 Peter 3:15-16). This is what I call: bringing Mars Hill Church to Mars Hill.

Though the aired portion of this broadcast was edited by ABC beyond even sound bit status, when you listen to the unedited videos of the complete interview (ten in total) you come away with an appreciation for our brother's presence and acumen in this discussion.

Mark was a faithful voice on this broadcast for a few key reasons:

1. He constantly drove the discussion back to the truth of Scripture; the gospel; the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and the overall worldview of Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration. He didn't fall into the trap of a theological dualism (god of evil vs. the God of good). He clearly represented Jesus Christ as the only true God and the only way to salvation. He was not favored as one of many ways among the other gods; but the only living and true way in which there is no other God besides Him.

2. He did not use ribald language nor scatological innuendo in cutting through the philosophical pabulum and skubalon of his counterparts. But his use of well-placed sarcasm and biblical truth in unmasking the extensional meanderings of Deepak Chopra for example was brilliant. He remarked at one point, paraphrased: that if man were to invent the story of redemption he wouldn't have come up with the biblical account, but would have made salvation by "eating wings and napping."

3. The ABC interviewer within minutes went immediately to the theodicy question (theodicy deals with the problem of evil in this world. IOW, how can a good, perfect, loving, and holy God create sin, evil, and an imperfect world and still remain Omnipotent, omniscient and omnibenevolent?) This is where I thought the discussion would ultimately go and I thought Mark answered the question in a solid, orthodox, reformed tradition. God made man in His image, and gave him moral freedom, pre-fall, to make choices. Man disobeyed God, sin entered this world, and God sent Jesus on our behalf to redeem man from his sins and give him eternal life and complete forgiveness by grace through faith in Christ alone. Again, he didn't get lost in the minutia of some heady theological construct that wouldn't have been profitable in this venue. I thought he was clear that pre-fall free will is not meant to "let God off the hook" for the existence of evil. But that culpability lies with Satan for his rebellion in heaven; and with our first parents Adam and Eve for their rebellion in the garden. 

God is sovereign over all His creatures and has decreed not only the certain existence of evil but (as my friend James White says so well) "has also decreed the secondary means by which it would come into existence." Clearly, on this prominent issue his comments were God conceived (sound doctrine), Christ centered (exalting to the Savior), and Spirit controlled (done with propriety befitting Christ).

4. Mark has a rare ability to take complex spiritual truth and say them in a simple and pedestrian way that communicates the core meaning (while staying true to Scripture) to those who don't speak Christianeeze or have never darkened the door of a church before. This is a gift; and one I wish more pastors had.

5. He was bringing Mars Hill Church to Mars Hill. In Acts 17 we read the account of where the Apostle Paul was in Athens ministering. He was in the marketplace preaching about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel. He was in the synagogues reasoning with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles. And lastly, he was invited by the Stoic philosophers and Epicurean leaders to come to the Areopagus to come and explain to them this strange teaching they were hearing (i.e. concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead). 

Mark was invited by ABCNEWS to address this issue of the problem of evil in this world and about the nature and existence of Satan. He was on "Mars Hill" to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through the Face-Off Program. He was not offering an opinion on just another view, but heralding the only true view - biblically.

6. His exchange with apostate church leader, Carlton Pearson - was nothing short of brilliant. I knew Carlton in the past and it was very sad to hear him speak of the Christian faith in ways that were clearly heretical. He was in a real way teaching doctrines of demons. Mark was challenging a man who was once one of the glory boys on TBN; a leader within the Word/Faith movement; Oral Roberts' son in the faith; and one of Pentecostalism's favorite sons. Though that heritage is troubling enough, what Carlton is now teaching is clearly from convictions that would render him as apostate. He no longer holds to the authority and perspicuity of Scripture; he doesn't believe in a literal hell or even a literal devil. He denies the importance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; and also would deny penal substitutionary atonement. He also believes that Christianity is the sacred junkyard of borrowed myths from other philosophical systems. Mark really addressed him and Deepak as one pleading with them to come to the Lord Jesus Christ.

7. Lastly, he by example demonstrated in real time Paul's admonition to the Corinthian church: "I sought to know nothing among you save Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2). Don't miss this beloved. It is very difficult in this kind of venue and interview that is highly edited and stripped of most of its content to keep Christ and His Word central and prominent in the discussion. Mark used the theme of "Does Satan Exist" to speak about the Lord of all creation at almost every opportunity.

Equipping the Saints

I would encourage you if you are a pastor, Bible student, or lay-leader in the church to really watch these videos several times, study them if you please, to learn how to engage non-Christians on issues of faith. Now I know that there are some who would have desired for Mark to go into the depths of theodicy theologically; to use more reformed buzz words and doctrinal nomenclature. But this would have been fatal. We are to be salt and light to a dying world - and our brother represented the Lord and His gospel well.

March on Your Knees

As these videos are watched more and more by thousands of unregenerate people around the globe in the coming weeks, please pray for them that the Lord was use them in presenting the gospel. I would also encourage you beloved to pray for Deepak and Carlton. Pray that the Lord would grant them saving faith to believe the gospel and repentance from sin to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Pray for Annie that her ministry to the streets of Las Vegas as a former drug addict and prostitute would bring the gospel of grace to many there. And continue to pray for Mark and his ministry at MHC that the Lord would continue to honor his faithfulness to His Word.

Satan maybe mighty, but our Lord Jesus Christ is Almighty; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against us.  Amen?

I want to end this post the same way that Mark ended his closing remarks on the Face-Off broadcast - by quoting this text from the Word of God:

"We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:19-20).

CONTENT TO BE REJECTED AND TAKE UP UNPOPULAR TRUTH...may we not wish to be thought cultured, nor aim to keep in step with the times

"But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, 

if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, 

to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

-Acts 20:24

Below you will find one of the most encouraging prayers, a summons of the saints to take up the truth of God's Word, and one of the most stinging indictments against our days postmodern, emergent, Seattle-shallow, ecumenical faith to ever be uttered. It is proclaimed by "The Bear" himself - Charles Spurgeon. These words should be branded on the hearts and minds of all who are in ministry serving the Lord Jesus Christ; which means every Christian... For by nature of your regeneration in Jesus, you are in full time ministry right where you work and live. 

When we are in the crucible of grace going through trials, it is easy under the weight of burden to put away the sword into its sheath, to retreat to a quiet place, and silence the battle cry. But if you are there with me tonight dear friend, may I encourage you to not faint; that our labor and toil is not in vain; and when you have done everything to stand... STAND. Stand in the power of the Lord and His might; be strengthened with the grace that is in Christ Jesus the Lord; and be filled with the Holy Spirit relying on His power to accomplish all that God has planned for you to do.

The Battle is the Lord's...

Campi

2 Cor. 4:1-7

Prayer by C. H. Spurgeon December 30, 1877:

"Lord, there are so many today who are running away from the truth. Oh, that You would be pleased to speak by Your Spirit that Your Word may be known. Lord, hold us fast to the truth of Your Word, bind us to it. May we not be ashamed of the truth of Your Word but proclaim it boldly without compromise. May we not wish to be thought cultured, nor aim to keep in step with the times. May we be side by side with You, O bleeding Savior; and be content to be rejected, be willing to take up unpopular truth, and to hold fast despised teachings of Sacred Scripture to the end. Oh make us faithful unto death."

EXPELLED...no intelligence allowed

"IN THE BEGINNING GOD..."

I went tonight and saw Ben Stein's controversial and stimulating documentary on the issue of Intelligent Design (ID) vs. evolution called, "Expelled - No Intelligence Allowed." It is the most successful release of a documentary in the history of American film... bar none. It is well-researched, equitable, factual, enlightening, educational, and wonderfully entertaining. Mr. Stein effectively demonstrates in this documentary what the universities have denied for years: that freedom of speech fosters freedom of inquiry; and such pursuit is most profitable based upon logic, truth, reason, and systematic discovery evidenced in an objective view of the facts. IOW, an arrogant elitist academic intolerance to scientific truth claims and its objective inquiry from IDers that differ from the status quo of the heavily biased "Darwinist religion" is nothing short of censorship. Refreshingly, Mr. Stein doesn't serve up mental malnutrition or cognitive constipation in this brilliant movie. I hope this is a portent of things to come. This film is a must see.

To wet your appetite, here is an interview that my friend Dr. R.C. Sproul conducted with Ben Stein a few months ago about his film. It is brilliant and captivating in the William Buckley, Jr. tradition. Favorite line of the interview is when Stein says to Sproul, "Holy cow, where did you learn all this stuff? You are very, very well educated... I am stunned! -You are very, very, very, very, very smart and well informed." Don't you love it when a great thinker, White House speechwriter, lawyer, humorist, educator, cultural commentator, writer, actor, and conservative advocate like Stein "discovers" one of ours representing the Christian faith isn't spiritually stuttering when talking to mainstream media figures, but is actually a gifted logician, thinker, biblicist, author, philosopher, historian, apologist, AND pastor/theologian too?

This is Sproul in his wheelhouse demonstrating apologetics 301 flawlessly. He posits the biblical worldview without sacrificing courtesy, logic, intelligence, or once compromising the faith.

ABC... are you listening?
Genesis 1-2

(I am "live-blogging" this from my home 

about four hours after I saw the movie... live.)

THE APOSTLE PAUL AT MARS HILL AND TIM KELLER AT UC BERKELEY...what do you think?

Keller at UC Berkeley (the Q and A starts at 45:30)



Paul in Athens
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. 18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 For you bring some strange things to our ears. We wish to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.

Paul Addresses the Areopagus
Acts 17:22 So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, 28 for

“‘In him we live and move and have our being’;

as even some of your own poets have said,

“‘For we are indeed his offspring.’

29 Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man. 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. (emphasis mine)

Biblical Apologetics:...giving a defense of the gospel and the reason for the hope that is within you

"but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy,

always being prepared to make a defense

to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you;

yet do it with gentleness and respect,

having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered,

those who revile your good behavior in Christ

may be put to shame"

-1 Peter 3:15-16

-UPDATED- 12/12/2007 "There’s a story in the biography of George Whitefield about a man named Thorpe, who was a bitter opponent of everything that is holy. He and a group of his friends—all of them young, rebellious thugs—conspired together to mock and oppose George Whitefield’s evangelistic ministry while Whitefield was preaching in Bristol, England. George Whitefield had severely crossed eyes, if you have ever seen a realistic likeness of him. And these guys used to refer to him as “Dr. Squintum.” They called their little gang “The Hell-Fire Club,” and they disrupted meetings, mocked Whitefield on the streets and in public places, and generally tried to make his ministry a reproach in their community. Whitefield’s preaching had already made a deep and lasting impact in Bristol, and these young ruffians hated him for it. So this guy Thorpe got one of Whitefield’s published sermons and took it to the local pub, where the “Hell-Fire Club” was gathered to drink together while they make a burlesque of Whitefield. Thorpe was apparently pretty good at doing impressions, and he had all Whitefield’s mannerisms and gestures down pat. So he stood in the center of this pub and crossed his eyes and began to deliver a derisive rendition of Whitefield’s sermon. But in the middle of the sermon, the Word of God pierced his heart, and he suddenly stopped and sat down, trembling and broken-hearted. Right then and there, he confessed the truth of the gospel and gave his heart to Christ. His aim was to taunt and ridicule, but he accidentally converted himself! Or rather, the power of the Word of God penetrated his soul and cut him to the heart. He became a preacher himself and quite an effective evangelist, because he knew so well the power of the Word of God to penetrate hardened hearts. Notice that the Word of God pierces to the very depths, “even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” It probes to the deepest recesses of the heart, no matter how hardened or how closed the heart might be. In fact, only Scripture can do that." Source

Coming to Terms
The term apologetics comes from a Greek word, apologia, found in several places in the N.T. It means "to make a defense of." In Athens, every citizen was expected to be able to join in the discussion of state affairs. Peter's expectation to us is similar: every Christian ought to be able to join in the discussion about the faith - ready to give "a reason" (a defense) for the hope that is within them.

The Bible does not present "apologetics" as simply an academic discipline or exercise - far from it; but it does speak clearly about defending the faith by having an intelligent grasp of the hope we posssess as revealed in God's Word and the skill in presenting its claims. That is the heart and soul of apologetics: a defense of the Christian faith, the gospel, and the hope we have in Christ.

Dr. John Frame gives us helpful and meaningful insight on this issue when saying,

"The term apologetics comes from the Greek apologia, apologeisthai, which in the NT usually refers to an individual’s defense of his conduct, as 1 Cor. 9:3, sometimes against legal charges, as in Acts 19:33, 22:1, 24:10. In the Acts passages, however, Paul defends himself by defending his message. So in Phil. 1:7, 16 apologia refers explicitly to a defense of the Gospel, in 1 Pet. 3:15 to a defense of the Christian hope.

Moving beyond the apologia-vocabulary, we can see that defense of the gospel appears frequently in the Bible. There is a strong apologetic element in the “signs” of the fourth gospel (John 20:30-31), and in Luke’s attempt to impart “certainty” to Theophilus (Luke 1:4; compare the reference to “proofs” in Acts 1:3). Paul’s epistles contain much defense of his Gospel against objectors. This emphasis on defense goes back to Jesus’ own confrontations with opponents and, still earlier, to God’s prophetic indictments of unfaithful Israel. (In these cases especially, we should bear in mind the maxim that often the best defense is a good offense.)

All of this suggests the broader thesis of Ezra Hyun Kim, that from one perspective the whole Bible is apologia. For in the Bible God presents His truth over against error, speaking it into a sinful world, always having in view the objections of His opponents. The authors of the Bible, divine and human, seek to present their message cogently, rationally, persuasively. This is not to say that the Bible is a collection of rational syllogisms, but that in all its genres, even in its poetic, narrative, and wisdom teaching, it seeks to present God’s message as right, true, and persuasive.

Defending the faith, therefore, is a biblical practice. The discipline of apologetics seeks to instruct Christians in such defense. As analysis of a biblical practice, apologetics is a properly theological discipline. If theology is “the application of Scripture to all areas of life,” then apologetics is “the application of Scripture to unbelief” (Frame, Knowledge of God, 81, 87), including the unbelief that remains in Christian hearts."

I appreciate his words greatly.

A Loving Exhortation For Us All
Here is a burden that I share with my own ministry board and other pastors around the country when it comes to discussions about apologetics. When this issue is reduced to nothing more than an intellectual bantering about of its various forms (i.e. evidential, presuppositional, classical, reformed epistemological, cumulative case, etc.) rather than used to equip other believers to explain and proclaim the gospel, then what usually results is an unnecessary fostering of acerbic attitudes, a prideful demeanor (one that puffs up), and in the end is unfortunate wasted energy. Discussions like this can quickly degenerate into just a fruitless regurgitating of philosophical terms that one once learned in university, possibly seminary, a theology class, or in private study.

If we are honest with ourselves, that kind of thing can be interpreted as arrogance to simply throw out in casual ways unexplained and really unnecessary terms like "Weltanschauung" (a common German word meaning: "world-view") before the hoi palloi, that unwittingly can assert a less than humble attitude of "superior knowledge" that in the end doesn't communicate truth for someone else's good; nor does it ultimately promote Christlikeness, further the gospel, cause one to probe more deeply the Scriptures, be better equipped to defend the faith, and give reason for the hope within us. (I am just as guilty on certain issues that I need to bring before the Lord in my own sanctification as well).

It can also make the average person trying to learn about apologetics who is unfamiliar with such terms, feel embarrassed enough to not engage in the "conversation" and cause them to retreat from what could have been profitable, helpful discussion with other believers in truly understanding what it means to "give a reason for the hope..." We all need to be careful of this sort of thing... I would appeal to 2 Timothy 2:23-25, "But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth."

So if someone in the meta, asks again and again about an aspect surrounding apologetics we need to exercise patience and longsuffering in doing our best to carefully answer those questions from God's Word so that they can be better equipped to defend the hope, the faith, and the gospel. This is the importance of local church accountability and involvement on addressing issues like this. But to amputate or dismiss those who are inquiring on this subject, even if they have done so in a harsh, combative attitude sometimes, reveals an unloving heart toward them and one that is not demonstrating the demeanor of a bond-servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In a very real way, regardless of which view of apologetics you employ, when all is said and done, it is still the Spirit of God who regenerates and convicts; it is still "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ"; it is still the Father who elects and draws; it is still the Son who redeems; and it is still the gospel that must be preached for it alone "is the power of God unto salvation." And isn't that the point of genuine, biblical apologetics... proclaiming and defending the gospel of Jesus Christ, the truth of God's Word, the essentials of the Christian faith, and the hope that lies within us?

The Lord Jesus Christ, God incarnate, never resorted to mere intellectual spawning about the gospel in His ministry... He spoke with power and authority that the elitists of His day were void of. But He also spoke in a way that could be understood, comprehended and grasped by even the most common of folk. He spoke with uncompromising truth and boldness, but yet with love, patience and grace. And we (I) need to learn to do the same.

A Most Effective Apologetic
Here we have the concise encouragement from the pen of the Apostle Peter to every believer's duty to "give a reason for the hope that is in you." When Christ is honored as holy (1 Peter 1:13-19) in speech, deed and life, then testimony follows the truth: "make a defense to anyone who asks..." Whether we are on Larry King Live or with our friends, family, neighbors or co-workers, we should always be ready with the Lord's Word and by His grace to give reason for our eternal hope. Amen?

To sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts means to: hallow; honor as holy, to enshrine Him in your hearts. As one writer says,

“In your hearts, or in the affections of the soul, regard the Lord God as holy, and act towards him with that confidence which a proper respect for one so great and so holy demands. In the midst of dangers, be not intimidated; dread not what man can do, but evince proper reliance on a holy God, and flee to him with the confidence which is due to One so glorious.”

What flows out of such high regard for the holiness of Christ are the two Christ-like-attitudes of effective apologetics: gentleness and reverence. Gentleness - for our fellow man; reverence: for our holy God.




Gentleness is:

An obedient submissiveness to God and His will; unwavering faith displayed in a gentle attitude in kind acts towards others who are hurting you. A humble steadfastness - able to submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment free from hatred, malice and revenge. trusting in God's sovereignty in spite of whatever injustice is being committed against us. This is all of the attributes of personality brought into utter submission to Christ and for His glory.

This can be most readily displayed when others have hurt you and by God's grace you respond not in repaying evil for evil, but in humble forgiveness to others (cp, Eph. 4:31-32; Matt. 5:40-44).

Whatever another believer may do against us, no matter how terrible or destructive or unjustified, Christ has paid the penalty for that sin. No matter how others may hurt, slander, persecute, or in any way harm us, Christ's sacrifice was sufficient to pay their penalty. When a Christian expresses, or even harbors, vengeance toward a brother, he not only sins by allowing selfish hatred to control him but he sins by profaning Christ's sacrifice-by seeking to mete out punishment for a sin whose penalty has already been paid by his Lord.

Because Christ has paid the penalty for every sin, we have no right to hold any sin against any person, even a nonbeliever. Peter thought that forgiving someone "up to seven times" was generous. But Jesus said, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:22). In Christ all our "sins are forgiven for His name's sake" (1 John 2:12); He has "forgiven us all our transgressions" (Col. 2:13).

There is no place for selfish pride or an attitude of arrogance when defending the faith and giving a reason for the hope in us.

We need a bold orthodoxy,

proclaimed by humble servants of Christ.

Gentleness is the needed ingredient in responding to others when they inquire of the hope within us. This is the penetrating attitude that should accompany all our apologetics in making a defense for the once for all delivered to the saints faith (Jude 3). Vance Havner used to say, "we should never speak of the gospel of grace and the reality of eternal perdition to those without Christ with dry eyes." I agree. This is why I so appreciate the ministries of men like Dr. John Piper and C.J. Mahaney. They are bold, passionate, and uncompromising on the gospel and the truth of God's Word; yet they are also marked by brokenness, humility, and love for their listeners. I pray daily that the Lord would continue to build those qualities in my own life and ministry as well.

Therefore, contending for the faith isn't just about proclaiming the great themes of sound doctrine and theology (though it is part of it); it is also about truth being lived and communicated from a heart that has experienced deeply God's saving and sanctifying grace and then expressing that same attitude towards those who disagree or may be blind to those truths. Like Martin Luther once said, "we are simply beggars telling other beggars where they can find food."

Giving an Account in the Midst of Suffering
It is helpful for us to remember that Peter's words in 1 Peter 3 are said in the midst of tremendous persecution and suffering that scattered the believers throughout all of Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1). 1 Peter is a book about submissiveness; and the apologia (defense) found in 1 Peter 3:15 is bookend by suffering for righteousness sake.

Consider Peter's words:

1Pet 3:13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 1Pet. 3:14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,
1Pet. 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1Pet. 3:16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 1Pet. 3:17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 1Pet. 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

Could it be any more clear beloved? The command to "give a reason for the hope in you" was in the context of persecution and suffering for that very gospel.

Peter's apologetic was not born in a classroom to be another academic sparing between two opposing views. It was conceived in the crucible of suffering for that very gospel. His word of exhortation was not for the body of Christ to engage unbelievers in religious rhetoric, but to make a defense of the hope we have in Jesus Christ whenever they inquire.

When was the last time we wept for our friends, neighbors, or family members that don't know Jesus as their Lord and Savior? When were we so burdened for them that we agonized in prayer for the salvation of their souls? When did we last seek the Lord for more opportunity to proclaim the gospel to them and to put us in circumstances where they can see the evidence of the transformed life? Again, apologetics is not about winning a debate; it is about proclaiming the hope in us, His truth and His gospel. Resurrection Weekend gives us all ample opportunity to do so with anyone in our neighborhood. The question is do we redeem the time and make the most of those occasions; or were we content to just have another heated intramural debate and exchange in the combox about this important issue?

A Fitting Praise Report
Nine months ago I was ministering in Michigan. The pastor of the host church told me that a lesbian woman had walked into the church (just a few days prior to the Sunday i was ministering there) and wanted to ask questions about her life as a lesbian. The pastor took that opportunity to present to her the gospel of Jesus Christ from creation, the Fall, the doctrine of sin, Romans 1, the Law, the gospel of grace and the call to repentance. As that pastor gave her "a reason for the hope that was in him," that very hour he was a spectator of God's saving grace, and she received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior! Soli Deo Gloria!

Now that is biblical apologetics in action beloved. Again, it's not about winning a debate; it is about His gospel going forth. (My friend James White continually exemplifies biblical apologetics by keeping the gospel preeminent. I am so very thankful for Jim and his ministry.)

It's Not About Us; It's All About Him
But we are also to give the reason for the hope within us with reverence. This is as an act of worship to God, the proclamation of His gospel. "By the fear [or terror] of the Lord I persuade men..." (cp, 2 Cor. 5:9-15). It is in light of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ--having to give an account before Him for all that we have done in the flesh, supplies the motivation to herald His gospel to the lost. Do we think of being an ambassador of Christ and proclaiming His good news as an act of worship? Well it is (read 2 Timothy chapter one). Calling men to repentance and to salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone is the evangelistic ministry we are all commanded to do and delight in (Luke 24:44-49). The result of which are those who “see our good behavior” may be put to shame--brought low in humility--under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to respond by His gift of regeneration causing faith to be granted to the sinner to confess Christ as Lord for salvation (Romans 10:9-10).

Oh what joy to proclaim Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2); but oh what sorrow, when our tongues for self-preservation hold back from sharing the word of truth (Gal. 2:14). "For God has not given us a spirit of fear..." (2 Tim. 1:6-7). So let us go as Whitefield went, taking no thought of convenience, name, reputation, or station in life to the marketplace of this world where God has sovereignly placed us as His witnesses and share unashamedly our Lord and His gospel (2 Tim. 1:8). The fields are white with harvest, but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). Will we answer the call to speak for our Lord Jesus Christ this week--or will we remain silent, comfortable, timid and blind to the peril that awaits those without Christ? In the powerful words of my dear late friend, “How can we be so numb not to care if they come; don't close your eyes and pretend the job is done” (Keith Green, from the song, 'Asleep in the Light' - on the CD, "No Compromise").

As the Day draws near,
Steve Camp
-Romans 15:20

updated and reposted from April 2006

The Five Points of Free Will...does God help those who help themselves?

AND THE ANSWER IS? ... No. He helps those who can't help themselves - that's what grace is all about.

The previous post represented a condensed version of the five points of Arminianism that sparked the development of the five points of Calvinism at the Synod of Dort in 1618-1619 as a theological and biblical corrective to the heretical views of Jacob Arminius.

The reason that all five points are false, is that they all depict fallen man as being "in cooperation" with God for salvation; and more importantly, make man the sovereign over his eternal destiny ultimately by the act of his own free will; while the Dread Sovereign of Heaven sits as a suitor in waiting to see what man may decide - "will he accept Me or reject Me?" This reasoning is not only aberrant, but absurd. It is, however, utterly consistent with the sinful nature of man who is always trying to diminish God and His glory while elevating himself as not being totally depraved. Scripture is so clear, beloved: "salvation is of the Lord."

As one author has said,

"Salvation is accomplished by the almighty power of the Triune God. The Father chose a people, the Son died for them, the Holy Spirit makes Christ's death effective by bringing the elect to faith and repentance, thereby causing them to willingly obey the gospel. The entire process (election, redemption, regeneration) is the work of God and is by grace alone. Thus God, not man, determines who will be the recipients of the gift of salvation."

Therefore, the act of salvation stands unique in Christianity for it is solely a work of God to man; not a cooperative act between God and man. That is why biblical Christianity soundly represents that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. It is not faith + works; grace + merit; or Christ + man that equals salvation. This is a blow to our pride and sense of goodness, but that is the preeminent glory of the cross. God had to be satisfied (His holiness, justice, and wrath); and only Jesus could this. He alone lived the sinless life in conformity to the Law as Son of Man; He alone took fully the penalty of our sin on the cross as the spotless Lamb of God; He alone could satisfy the demands of God on the cross as our faithful, righteous High Priest. He bodily raise from the dead three days later as the one true victorious Lord and King over sin, death, the grave and Satan. Because He alone could bear the wrath of God against our sin as our propitiation on the cross, only faith in Jesus can bring lost people into right standing before a holy God.

And may we not forget, that even the faith to believe is His gift to us (Eph. 2:8-9). He saved us (Titus 3:4-5a)... and not we ourselves.

May the Lord cause us today to rejoice a fresh in what the Lord Jesus Christ has done in our great salvation. And may we not try to rob Him of His glory but thinking that we have done something to warrant eternal life.

Alan has a great suggestion:

Here is the simple test: Click here to go to a comparison chart of the Five Points of Arminianism and Calvinism juxtaposed. Next, print it out. Then fold it over vertically (or cut it in half) so that you have the Five Points of Arminianism on one side, and Calvinism on the other. The next step is to whiteout or cover up the headings on the top of the page that say "Arminianism" and "Calvinism." Then finally, have them read the Five Points of the Arminian side first, and ask them to check off the points that they agree with.

Incidentally, you can clarify to them that many Arminians historically and today affirm eternal security (although inconsistently). Denying Eternal Security is not so much definitional of Arminianism; just as the Calvinist doctrine of the "Perseverance of the Saints" is not the essential truth, rather an application of the essential issue. In other words, if someone affirms all the points of Arminianism except for the last point, yet he still thinks that he is not Arminian, that would be like saying that a man who has no clothes on is not naked because he is still wearing a watch.

I trust this little "Arminian Test" will help open up honest discussion and aid your friends in seeing where they fit into the theological spectrum.

As Jonathan Edwards once said, "The only thing that may brings to his salvation is the sin that makes it necessary."

Grace and peace to you,
Steve
2 Cor. 4:5-7

The Simple Gospel:...the power of God unto salvation

This is the gospel of Jesus Christ: salvation is by sola fide--through faith alone; sola gratia--by grace alone; solus Christus--in Christ alone; sola scriptura--according to the Word alone; soli Deo gloria--to the glory of God alone (Rom. 3:21-26; Rom. 10:9-10; Luke 24:46-49). This is the only good news; the narrow way that leads to eternal life. Anything less, no matter how sincere, is just a cheap watered down substitute. When the souls of people are at stake, may we not speak with timidity, uncertainty, or unbiblically. But let us speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:11-16); always ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15-16).

May i encourage you to read the following verses--even use them for your family or personal devotions; and rejoice in your great salvation. (Isaiah 53); (Hebrews 2:1-3); (Hebrews 2:9-18); (Rom. 3:21-26); (Rom. 4:1-12); (Rom. 5:1-11); (Titus 3:4-8); (1 Cor. 15:1-8); (2 Cor. 5:18-21).

“The gospel of Christ in general is this: It is the good tidings that God has revealed concerning Christ. More largely it is this: As all mankind was lost in Adam and became the children of wrath, put under the sentence of death, God, though He left His fallen angels and has reserved them in the chains of eternal darkness, yet He has thought upon the children of men and has provided a way of atonement to reconcile them to Himself again... Namely, the second person of the Trinity takes man's nature upon Himself, and becomes the Head of a second covenant, standing charged with sin. He answers for it by suffering what the law and divine justice required, and by making satisfaction by keeping the law perfectly, which satisfaction and righteousness He tenders up to the Father as a sweet savor of rest for the souls that are given to Him...And now this mediation of Christ is, by the appointment of the Father, preached to the children of men, of whatever nation or rank, freely offering this atonement unto sinners for atonement, requiring them to believe in Him and, upon believing, promising not only a discharge of all their former sins, but that they shall not enter into condemnation, that none of their sins or unworthiness shall ever hinder the peace of God with them, but that they shall through Him be received into the number of those who shall have the image of God again to be renewed unto them, and they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.” -Jeremiah Burroughs

"Brethren, there is nothing in the gospel, apart from the Spirit of God, which can save a man, for man hates the gospel with all his heart! Though the reasonableness of the gospel of Jesus ought to make the belief of it universal, yet its plain dealing with human sin excites deadly antagonism. Therefore, the gospel itself would make no progress were it not for the divine power. There is an invisible arm which pushes forward the conquests of the truth. There is a fire unfed with human fuel, which burns a way for the truth of Jesus Christ into the hearts of men." -C.H. Spurgeon

Your Weekly Dose of Gospel...John MacArthur defends the gospel - excellent

This is text book apologetics by one of our champions of the faith. How thankful I am for this friend, mentor, pastor, and ambassador of Christ. If you have not seen this, it is a must view.

Grace and peace,
Steve
2 Cor. 4:5-7

THE WAY OF THE DISASTER...when debating atheists, first know what you are talking about

(updated - sections)

Clint Eastwood, in his famous “Dirty Harry” detective series, makes this profound statement: ”a man’s got to know his limitations.” Such wisdom would also apply in the field of apologetics when actor Kirk Cameron and evangelist Ray Comfort said they could prove the existence of God (100% scientifically guaranteed) as fact, without using the Bible or appealing to faith. It went downhill from there.

One writer expressed their views this way: "We do not prove the existence of the God of Christianity by first giving up Christianity. For Comfort and Cameron to declare that they intended to employ this type of apologetic method is irreverent, dishonoring to Christ and is downright sinful."

Another blogger voiced their disappointment this way: "With all due respect to these Christian brothers, Cameron and Comfort would have done well to defer their assumed debate responsibilities to another who has the philosophical and academic ability/awareness to interact with hardened infidels who spend their entire time ranting and raving about the non-existence of the Triune God. As much as I appreciate these brothers, it is time for them to step up the study time so as to be ready to give an account for the hope that is within them with gentleness and reverence (1 Peter 3:15)."

I do appreciate and thank the Lord for both Kirk and Ray (though I have never met them in person) and what they are trying to accomplish through their Way of the Master program. They have brought back a right emphasis on the Law of God in presenting the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though their approach and methods come off as a bit prepackaged and pedestrian, they do garner some vigorous responses and have had opportunities to proclaim Christ (it is obvious they are dear brothers in the Lord with a burden for lost people.)

But personal feelings aside, one must take the time to know the Word of God and the subject being addressed if one is going to step out on national TV and try and debate two atheists on "the existence of God." Contrary to what was expressed during the debate, we must remember beloved that the gospel is not an offer to unsaved people, it is a call to follow Jesus Christ, a command to repent of your sins, and a compelling to be reconciled to God (Matt. 16:24; Acts 17:16ff; 2 Cor. 5:16-21).

In case you didn’t see this debate on "ABCNews Face Off" this past Thursday evening—the premise was this: Ray comfort contacted ABC and said that he wanted to debate two atheists on the existence of God that he had seen on an ABC Nightline show some months before that featured a “Blasphemy Challenge.” He went on to say that he could 100% scientifically prove God’s existence without appealing to faith or Scripture - that is was a matter of fact and didn't require faith to be convinced of its truthfulness.

This was a recipe for disaster from the get go:

First of all, no biblical text ever asserts or affirms this kind of tactic. It might play well on ABC for a bit of evening controversy, but little if anything profitable for the kingdom came of this disappointing display of inept, unprepared, and unbiblical apologetics. Secondly, to add insult to injury, neither Kirk nor Ray proved "100% scientifically the existence of God" by using science; they never presented one shred of scientific evidence to support their dogmatic claim. Thirdly, I didn’t think it was possible for a Christian to lose a debate on "the existence of God" to two atheists—but that is exactly what happened.

BTW, these two atheists were not intellectual elites or gifted apologists for their views. They were two uptight, ticked off academic lightweights with an obvious agenda who came off as if they took a trip to the National Museum of Science and Industry to "study" fossils in order to bone-up on their views before that evening's debate using very stunted, sophmoric, and handicaped logic. Any prepared Christian apologist should have swept the floor with them... (in a loving Christian way of course calling them to repentance.) FYI, both of them claimed to be Christians before becoming atheists.

This debate took place at Calvary Baptist Church in downtown New York. I have ministered there before in word and song; and it was pastored for several years by my dear late friend, Dr. Stephen Olford. I can only imagine what he would be saying today if he was here to witness this weak and ill-prepared exchange from two men representing the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel? He would be ashamed.

"Let us suppose that Kirk and Ray
actually persuaded the atheists
on live TV that God does exist.
What would that have proven?
It would not have proven the
Biblical triune God who has
revealed Himself in Holy Scripture.

In other words, the atheists would have been
as much unregenerate as they were before.

[as James White has said]
'What you win them with is what you win them to.'"

-Alan Kurschner

This debate proved a few things though: 1. "religious talking points" in the real world of unbridled ideas and seasoned news professionals is an effort in futility and doesn’t serve well the cause of the gospel. 2. the gospel, beloved, IS the power of God unto salvation--not some foolish, silly around the barn approach to proving God's existence scientifically to "lure in the audience." And 3. that the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is not an offer of salvation, but a call and command to follow Jesus and be reconciled unto God (2 Cor. 5:16-21; Acts 17:19-31).

On a personal note: my brothers in the Lord - Kirk and Ray:please, I beg you, stay out of mainstream media until you know your subject; stop running your Way Of The Master infomercials on TBN - it is unwise to be aligned with a network that promotes (most of the time) an unbiblical view of God, the gospel and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ; receive more training biblically in the essentials of the faith and apologetics; don’t do any more public televised debates until you are really prepared; invite some others to carry the lionshare of a debate like this for you (i.e., Dr. James White, Ravi Zacharias, etc.); learn how to communicate the gospel of sola fide, sola gratia, solus Christus to nonbelievers when real questions are being asked; listen carefully to what people are actually asking you and saying to you (1 Peter 3:15); and finally, if you ever have the courage to enter an exchange of ideas like this again on national TV representing the gospel, the Lord, and His people, please be prepared and really know the subject you are talking about.

Your motives seem well intentioned, but your lack of knowledge (both biblically and scientifically) on this issue and your failure to communicate clearly to those you were debating, IMHO, has lost you real credibility not only among nonbelievers, but also among believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as well.

If you haven't seen the debate, I would encourage you to watch it here.
Be prepared... it is painful and heartbreaking to watch.

By popular off forum demand,
a "Mulligan" has been given to Ray and Kirk