Keeping your Spiritual Edge

John Cleary

Romans 12:2

Many Christians today forget about an imperative spiritual truth littered across the pages of Scripture, that we are in a spiritual battle! In order to stay alert, effective, and engaged in this battle we must first recognize the reality of its existence and our call to fight. Because of this, we should not be surprised when we experience suffering, but rather, should prepare proactively. One way to do this is to develop a "combat field manual," a journal in which we record key verses and truths to keep ourselves on track in this mission.

Has Science Buried God?

John Lennox

Romans 12:2

John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University explains several important points in the great debate against science and God. One essential reality is that there is no divide between science and God. One can reasonably believe in both, as science in fact points toward God. Science, based in logic and reasoning and the belief that it can be understood in a rational way, actually is born from a belief in a God who has created the world and its laws of nature. As we become confident in this reality, we can sharpen our minds to critique some of these misconceptions so prevalent in our culture.

The Real Jesus (Part 2)

Jenny Hale

Matthew 11:4-6

As a continuation of a previous workshop discussing who the historical person of Jesus was, this second discussion explores whether Jesus really did perform miracles. First, we must determine whether what we read about Jesus and his miracles in the Bible are truly what the original authors wrote. Second, we must ask if Jesus really did perform miracles, and if so, why. Finally, the discussion expands outward to reflect on the supernatural universe that God has created and the possibility of divine intervention into our physical world.

Unpacking the Message of Hope in 1 Peter (Part 1)

Gilbert Lennox

1 Peter 1:1-2

To truly unpack the messages of the Bible and grow in our understanding of and intimacy with God, we must yield certain tools as we approach the Word. First, we must understand the context of what we are reading. We must then consider what is the unique importance of the book before us. Furthermore, coming to God's Word with questions in our mind allows us to discover specific truths that we may otherwise glaze over. As we use these tools and others, we gain deeper understanding of God's truths, which allows us to begin discovering more about 1 Peter.

Developing a Confident Faith

Mark Mittelberg

1 Peter 1:1-2

Mark Mittelberg outlines six different faith paths, or approaches, that people use to decide what to put their faith in. The first is the relativistic path, that truth is what you make it and it is personal. The second is the traditional path, that truth is what you've always been taught. Others follow the authoritarian path, that truth is what you've been told to believe. The intuitive path is rooted in truth being what your feel in your heart, similar to the mystical path where truth is what you think God has told you. Finally, there is the evidential path, that truth is what logic and evidence point to. Mittelberg presents a brief list of several examples of the evidence pointing to Christianity.

Apologetics for Regular People

Gary DeLashmutt

Romans 1:16

Not all believers are engaged in regular debates with highly educated scholars and experts. But what is the role of apologetics for those other "regular" people? Apologetics serve to strengthen Christians' faith and help us in our evangelism. Not only verbal but also lifestyle apologetics aid our evangelism, as we live in such a way that helps others see something different and attractive in us and our community. Therefore, we should make an effort to become equipped with and utilize apologetics in our Christian faith.

Unpacking the Message of Hope in 1 Peter (Part 2)

Gilbert Lennox

1 Peter 1:1-5:14

In order to truly unpack the messages in Scripture, we must fight to go deeper into the text. If we want to truly gain answers and understanding, we should approach the Bible with questions to guide our search. As we do this, we can more effectively train others in the Word as well. Lennox explains what it looks like to approach our reading with five broad questions: Does the author say why he's writing? What is the diagnosis, or in other words, what is going on with the audience? What is said about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How is salvation discussed? Finally, is there a phrase or concept introduced in the beginning of the letter that may unlock truths woven throughout the rest of the writing?

Doubt

John Lennox

John 11:30-44

Doubt is a universal experience, but contrary to popular belief, so is faith. Many people segregate the term "faith" to only the religious sect, but the truth is that all humans exercise faith on a daily basis. We do this because there are exceptionally few things in this world (outside the realm of mathematics) where we can have one hundred percent proof. Not even physical science can have this. Instead, we regularly place our faith into things that have reasonable or overwhelming evidence that they are true. Christianity is no different. We grow in our trust of God as we continue to know Him more. Our doubt of God shrinks as we build a relationship with Him and as our faith continues to build upon increasing evidence.

Is Good from God?

William Lane Craig

John 11:30-44

Dr. William Lane Craig answers an important question that shows that theology is foundational for morality. Different world views derive morality from different sources, but the Christian faith puts forth that moral values are grounded in God. Craig expounds upon two claims: If God exists, then there is a sound foundation for morality, and if he does not, morality is just a mere human invention. In addition to this, there are several moral reasons to believe in a God.