A Ready Defense
By Chaz Oswald, 21, Michigan
A while back, I was listening to a radio broadcast by the Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias. He shared about two homosexual women who had recently won a historic custody battle, against their previous husbands, for their children. These women claimed in a talk show that the Bible endorsed their lifestyle. A few women among the audience counterattacked by saying that the Bible condemns it. However the unfortunate resolution after much debate was that not a single Christian present could defend their position adequately with clear Scriptural evidence.
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor 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” (ESV). But like the Christians in the talk show, there have been many incidences in my life where I have been ill equipped to defend my faith properly.
To be prepared, we need to be well equipped with a sound understanding of God’s Word. For God’s Word provides clear and practical answers to questions relating to how and why our Creator-God wants us to live our lives in certain manners. God’s answers are realistic and sensible. It is able to withstand the worldly arguments from the many schools of human thoughts, dogmas, religions, creeds, morals, ethics, and philosophies.
Therefore, I am preparing myself. I’m undertaking a personal project to deal with ten frequently asked questions by atheists. I am going to attempt an intellectual and doctrinally sound argument against each question from the atheistic offense and then end each defensive answer with a question we Christians can use as a related counterattack.
Many of our answers will come from the biblical text itself, so I believe that it is appropriate to begin by defending the question: “Is the Bible a reliable and trustworthy frame of reference?”
Please check out my upcoming post. Meanwhile, I would love to hear your thoughts. Do share them with me.
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...Trapped
By Chaz Oswald, Michigan
There are many hunted species in the state of Michigan. But the one that intrigues me the most is the black bear. It is a beautiful animal that any hunter, after a stealthy kill, would be proud to display in his home. One technique for catching such a bear is to set metal trappings with scraps of what the black bear enjoys eating as bait. This metal trapping is a gruesome piece of machinery that has the appearance of a giant claw. It is bolted to the ground and snags the prey as quickly as the bear begins to indulge in the enticement laid before him.
Just like the hunter laying bear trap, Satan uses enticements to ensnare Christians. We must not only be vigilant against the traps he laid, but also be aware of the bait he uses—one of which is the world.
Our world has several role models who are poor in quality. Many celebrities and so-called “national idols” indulge in worldly pleasures and lusts. They are led by selfish desires that give way to sinful decisions. These decadent lifestyles are glamorized and telecast through various news mediums into the eyes and ears of our young generation. As a result, right moral behaviors are often deemed as boring and wrong is seen as exciting.
The world says to our generation that lying is okay as long as it is a white lie. We are led to believe that sex is permissible outside of marriage and there is nothing wrong with pre-marital sex or adultery. Abortions are seen as a convenient way to get rid of “unwanted baggage.” We believe in lucky pennies, daily horoscopes, bent spoons, and UFO’s. We believe that Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Mohammad, and ourselves. We believe Jesus “was a good moral teacher although we think His good morals were really bad. We believe that all religions are basically the same . . . they all believe in love and goodness” (Steve Turner, English Journalist, “Creed”). We have been deceived into believing that whoever dies with the most toys—cars, houses, lovers, and money—wins.
In essence, loving this world seems like an enchanting love story—just like a Disney fairytale. But be warned. What lies beneath the sweet allure is nothing but deception, lies, and filth when seen through the lens of Scriptures. The Bible says in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
The Scriptural command to resist the temptations of the world is clear. Yet, how are we to truly oppose our sinful nature that seems so set on craving after sin? We are told to put on the full armor of God. As mortals, we need God’s divine guidance, nature, and power to lead us against the dominion of darkness. God’s armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. We put on God’s armor by spending time in prayer with Him, by listening to Him through reading the Bible, by attending church, meeting in fellowship with other believers, and through following His statutes and laws.
In closing, let us put on the Lord’s armor daily. Resist the devil’s trap, and do what is biblically right.
(7 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...The Virtual Mission Field
By Chaz Oswald, Michigan
The Internet has been woven into the fabric of daily life. The modern man conducts a host of activities online—from information seeking to information sharing; from Internet gaming to online shopping; from making new friends to sharing of videos, photographs, and thoughts. The World Wide Web could be accessed virtually anywhere via computers, blackberries, and iPods. It is a unique playground that can be utilized as a colossal waste of time or can be employed to advance the Kingdom of God.
With the ubiquitous nature of the Internet, we live in a distinct time that embraces constant communication. Beyond the traditional snail mail, we have our instant email, YouTube, Facebook, blog, Flicker, and Twitter accounts to connect us with family and friends. Communicating with friends from around the globe is now inexpensive and immediate.
As a result of the worldwide reach made possible by the plethora of social networks, Jesus’ command to “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15, ESV) has never been more feasible than in this day and age.
So how can we take our Lord Jesus’ words to heart and put our faith into practice on a daily basis? Well first, it needs to be understood that accepting the biblical mandate does not mean all will be called and sent to a distant and reclusive land to reach natives who have not heard of Christ’s sacrifice. More likely than not, the mission field for most of us will be the family and friends around us.
Such a calling, which is Christ-honoring, is not to be understated but rather gleefully embraced! It is thrilling to realize that the God of the universe desires to use us to expand His Kingdom to loved ones for His glory. And the times we live in offers a unique and engaging opportunity to build relationships with friends and family on a daily basis via our technology and Internet.
We can use social networking websites to help us invest in relationships. We need to come alongside non-believers who have been introduce to the Christian faith and gently encourage them to find out more and eventually to make a decision of faith. For just as it is unusual for most individuals to accept Christ as their Savior by reading a tract on their own, the subsequent decision is commonly forged with the companionship of Christians.
In summary, Christ’s vital commandment to go out and preach the gospel is not one to be disregarded but rather is a responsibility every Christian must embrace. The online community presents itself to you, giving you the capability of having worldwide reach at your fingertips. Now go out and let God use you through your Christ-like acceptance of being salt and light to turn the world upside down for Him!
(7 votes, average: 4.29 out of 5) Loading ...Heaven
By Chaz Oswald, Michigan
Have you ever contemplated what Heaven is like? I did a brief Internet search and discovered many confused souls trying to describe Heaven. Some describe it as “sitting on clouds all day long, playing a harp”; others say it is a place of one “eternal [and boring] church service.” A few believe that it is a lustful state of “no marriages, just multiple girlfriends”, while others say: “Heaven is what you believe it to be.” There are also those who deny the existence of Heaven altogether, equating it to a mere fantasy or fairytale.
(Image from www.paulabecker.com/blog)
As Christians, we know Heaven is more than just a fantasy. It is a genuine, tangible, and physical place—our everlasting residence. Revelations 21 and 22 describe, with colorful details, the incommunicable beauty that abounds in Heaven.
Unfortunately, many Christians, while believing wholeheartedly in Heaven, lack a true biblical understanding of what Heaven is like. Many are, sadly, not even excited about making it to their final destination, which Jesus Himself referred to as Paradise (Luke 23:43).
Let’s consider: if you were moving to another city or town for some reason (maybe a job promotion or to be nearer to your extended family), wouldn’t you do research about that city or town and seek to find as much information about that place as possible? Maybe you would do an Internet search to find out how clean the town is, what the recreational facilities nearby are, and what activities or social gatherings typically take place there. You may also try to search for any information that will address any concerns you may have about moving.
As Christians, the most important move we will be making is from our provisional dwelling (Earth) to our permanent dwelling (Heaven or “the New Earth”). So in the same regard, we should be studying what Heaven is like. Just as it would be silly moving to a city you know nothing about; it would be ridiculous to show up in Heaven, knowing nothing about it.
Now let me ask, are you prepared for your big move? Thankfully, this move doesn’t include the frenzies and stress of packed boxes and moving trucks; but one does need a prepared heart. Romans 10:9 says, “Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Amplified Bible).
The Bible is full of marvelous and fascinating promises from God about our future in Heaven, where we will literally and physically be with Him. So, let’s read it to unlock the mystery and discover more about our eternal Home!
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
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