EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of excerpts from the new MBC resource, “The Last Apologist: A Commentary on Jude for Defenders of the Christian Faith,” available at mobaptist.org/apologetics. * * * * Jude writes in verse 3 of his epistle, “I found it necessary to write and exhort you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all.” The Holy Spirit has stirred Jude’s heart, causing him to grieve over the manner in which … [Read more...]
Are some beliefs non-negotiable?
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a series of excerpts from the new MBC resource, “The Last Apologist: A Commentary on Jude for Defenders of the Christian Faith,” available at mobaptist.org/apologetics. * * * * With an estimated 2.2 billion Christians in the world, worshiping in more than 41,000 denominations, one may legitimately wonder how we can possibly fulfill the prayer of Jesus that we all be as one (John 17:22). But diversity does not necessarily … [Read more...]
Movie Review: ‘The Case for Christ’ makes case for best ‘Christian’ movie yet
I’ve been on a classic movies kick lately, spending my evenings watching cinematic masterpieces like Casablanca, North by Northwest and Lawrence of Arabia. What makes these films endure throughout the decades isn’t so much the story (Casablanca and North by Northwest have major plot holes, and Lawrence of Arabia doesn’t have much of a story at all); it’s a director’s deft touch and high-quality acting. For too long, so-called “Christian” movies have been on the opposite end of the skill … [Read more...]
TIME magazine covers prompt Mo. Baptist critiques
JEFFERSON CITY – TIME magazine shocked the American public on April, 8, 1966, by publishing a simple cover with one red-letter question on a black background: “Is God Dead?” When TIME reproduced their 1966 cover design this April—now with the question, “Is Truth Dead?”—Missouri Baptist ministers and theologians reaffirmed their confidence in the eternal truth of the living God. “Truth is not dead,” Owen Strachan, associate professor of Christian theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological … [Read more...]
Are Jude and Peter plagiarists?
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second in a series of excerpts from the new MBC resource, “The Last Apologist: A Commentary on Jude for Defenders of the Christian Faith,” available at mobaptist.org/apologetics. * * * * History is rife with famous plagiarists. Primatologist Jane Goodall “borrowed” from sources ranging from Wikipedia to astrology websites to produce a 2013 book, Seeds of Hope: Wonder and Wisdom from the World of Plants. Alex Haley’s epic Roots is now … [Read more...]
Jude, as slave of Jesus Christ
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of excerpts from the new MBC resource, “The Last Apologist: A Commentary on Jude for Defenders of the Christian Faith,” available at mobaptist.org/apologetics. * * * My business card is standard fare. It identifies me and describes my role at the MBC. It also tells how to get in touch with me. That’s what most business cards do: serve as practical, brief, and efficient introductions. Some people, however, use business cards … [Read more...]
Apologetics network in third year of ministry
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Apologetics Network enters its third year with eleven speakers available to help MBC churches train their congregations to defend the Christian faith. The MBC in 2015 launched the network, consisting of church leaders committed to the defense of the Christian faith and called to equip Missouri Baptists to engage others in meaningful spiritual conversations. Each leader is an active member of a Missouri Baptist church and is involved in an apologetics … [Read more...]
Passing the point of no return
Does God draw a line in the sand when it comes to sin? That is, can unbelievers rebel against God so grievously, and reject His grace so persistently, that ultimately they pass a point beyond which they can never be saved? It appears the answer is yes. Consider the following passages of Scripture. Gen. 15:16 – “for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.” The Lord tells Abraham that his descendants are to be enslaved and oppressed for 400 years (in Egypt), after … [Read more...]
MBC releases new apologetics resource
JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Convention has just released a new apologetics resource for personal or group study titled The Last Apologist: A Commentary on Jude for Defenders of the Christian Faith. The 275-page book, written by the MBC’s Rob Phillips, offers a verse-by verse study of the short epistle. It also explores key words and phrases, and poses thought-provoking questions that make the book a handy reference and study guide. The General Epistle of Jude may be one of the … [Read more...]
The humanity of Jesus
Christians often find it necessary to defend the deity of Christ, especially in conversations with those who vigorously deny this biblical truth. For example, Muslims hold Jesus in high regard as a virgin-born, miracle-working, sinless prophet, but draw the line at the notion of a mere messenger being divine. Jehovah’s Witnesses, by comparison, grant Jesus the status of “mighty god,” a created archangel who is recreated as a man and then, after dying on a first-century torture stake, is … [Read more...]
Missouri Baptist pastor to debate atheists
SPRINGFIELD – Dave Van Bebber, pastor of FBC Buffalo, is scheduled to engage atheists in a moderated theological debate March 1 on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield. Van Bebber is partnering with the Rev. Sean McCormack, pastor of Winchester (Kan.) Christian Church, against debaters from Springfield Freethinkers. The non-profit organization Be Civil, Be Heard is co-sponsoring the debate with Missouri State University Talks. This is the first in a series of planned … [Read more...]
Is baptism for the dead biblical?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that baptism is essential to salvation. Since many people have died without being baptized, or because they were baptized outside the LDS Church, they cannot obtain exaltation, or godhood. However, “Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism,” according to the church’s official website. “By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these … [Read more...]
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