The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas Köstenberger and Michael J. Kruger is highly recommended. The 250-page paperback has both a Subject and Scripture Index and 642 footnotes giving valuable insight and showing the depth of scholarship. Crossway sells the book for $17.99. The book is a serious reply to Bart Ehrman’s popularization of Walter Bauer’s thesis that heresy preceded orthodoxy. Some of Ehrman’s writings have made the New York Timesbest-seller list.
Read MorePaul was “set for the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:21) which implies the necessity to defend (1) the existence of God, (2) the credibility of the Bible, and (3) the Deity of Christ. We are to “be ready always to give an answer . . . [for] a reason of the hope” in us (1 Peter 3:15) and “know how you ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6). These texts imply a ready defense and a serious and studied defense against all opponents.
Read MoreThe root of rationality is a basic fiber that runs through human beings. Doubt may reject it. Disease and decay may ravage it. However, normal human beings seek to be rational. Varghese in his book, The Wonder of the World: A Journey from Modern Science to the Mind of God, shows how an atheistic answer to life’s ultimate questions is both scientifically and philosophically insufficient. Concerning the reality of rationality he wrote:
Read MoreWhen the Pilgrims came to the northern wilderness of America by way of the Mayflower in 1620, they pledged themselves to a mission “for the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith” (Moore 16). When they arrived, they wanted to thank God for His blessings so they set aside a special time of Thanksgiving during that first fall of 1621. It is a great reminder of the rich religious heritage of America! For nearly four centuries, people in this great land have observed Thanksgiving during autumn. The first official national proclamation of the observance of Thanksgiving under the Constitution was in 1789. Following the approval of the Bill of Rights, including the First Amendment, the Congressional Record for September 25, 1789, states that Elias Boudinot, President of Congress during the American Revolution, said he could not allow the congressional session to pass without providing an opportunity for U. S. citizens with one voice to thank God for His many blessings.
Read MoreAll who know me, know exactly what I teach about Christmas. Over the years I have written repeatedly on its historicity and traditions. Who among us does not appreciate this time of the year when joy, giving, receiving, and peace are practiced by so many? If you want to look at the glass as half-empty, it is also a time of haste, waste, expense, sadness, crime, etc. The season causes us to slow down our hectic pace of life, or at least we try, and enjoy our families and friends for a few days. We enjoy the blessings of life—eating, exchanging and receiving gifts, decorating, and in general, enjoying the spirit of good will to all men (cf. Luke 3:10).
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