488 Early Church History 8: Origen of Alexandria

This is part 8 of the Early Church History class. Origen of Alexandria is the man behind the curtain. Although few Christians today would recognize his name, most denominations are still on a trajectory he initiated eighteen hundred years ago. His influences in theology, christology, eschatology, apologetics, textual criticism, asceticism, hermeneutics, and Christian philosophy are Read more about 488 Early Church History 8: Origen of Alexandria[…]

461 The Gospel and the Gospels (Simon Gathercole)

Have you heard of the Gospel of Thomas? What about the Gospel of Philip or Judas? Although most Christians are only familiar with the four Gospels contained in the Bible, ancient Christians wrote quite a few other Gospels as well. How do we know which Gospels are to be trusted? My guest today is Dr. Read more about 461 The Gospel and the Gospels (Simon Gathercole)[…]

448 What’s Wrong with Progressive Christianity? (Mike Winger)

Today we are addressing Progressive Christianity. To be clear, we are not talking about politics, though they often go hand in hand. Progressive Christianity is an outgrowth of liberal Christianity, which accepted the modernist ethos of the Enlightenment and merged it with Christianity. Likewise Progressive Christianity brings the assumptions and moral commitments of postmodernism to Read more about 448 What’s Wrong with Progressive Christianity? (Mike Winger)[…]

Mike Licona vs. Richard Howe on Innerancy

Have you ever wondered about differences between the Gospels?  Thinking Christians have employed a variety of strategies to explain them.  In this debate, Mike Licona, author of Why Are There Differences in the Gospels, presents his theory that the differences are merely the result of compositional devices commonly employed by ancient biographers.  Richard Howe offers Read more about Mike Licona vs. Richard Howe on Innerancy[…]

298 Orthodox Jew Defends God, Bible (Scott Shay)

Scott Shay is an interesting man.  He’s a succesful business man and banker who co-founded a bank in 2001.  He even has a TEDx talk where he spoke on Wall Street on the theme, “More Banks, Fewer Problems.”  However, he’s also an orthodox Jew who is passionate about his faith.  In this interview we talk Read more about 298 Orthodox Jew Defends God, Bible (Scott Shay)[…]

Interview 53 Why Knowing the Land of Israel Matters (Bill Schlegel)

Bill Schlegel lived in Israel for 34 years, much of that time spent studying and then teaching about the geography of the scriptures.  In this interview he provides three reasons why every bible-student should study the land of Israel: historical accuracy archeological accuracy geographical accuracy He also talks about his upcoming tour to Israel (March Read more about Interview 53 Why Knowing the Land of Israel Matters (Bill Schlegel)[…]

155 God’s Book (Sean Finnegan)

Q: How do you know the bible is true? A: Because God wrote it. Q: How do you know God wrote it? A: Because the bible says God wrote it. Q: But, how do you know the bible is true? Here we encounter the classic circular argument for the bible’s inspiration. Surely, there’s a better Read more about 155 God’s Book (Sean Finnegan)[…]

146 Apologetics Conference: 4 Are All Religions the Same? (Dale Tuggy)

How should we think through the different major religions of our time? Are they all the same? What are their differences? In this presentation, philosopher of religion, Dale Tuggy, works through key questions that can help us differentiate and distinguish religions from each other. In the second half of his talk, he invites the audience Read more about 146 Apologetics Conference: 4 Are All Religions the Same? (Dale Tuggy)[…]

145 Apologetics Conference 3: Moral Argument (Kenny Willenburg)

How do you know the difference between what’s right and wrong?  Do morals have an absolute source or does society determine them?  In this talk, Kenny Willenburg explains the classic moral argument as well as how we can use this approach to “turn the tables” when people object to Christianity on moral grounds.  I’ve also Read more about 145 Apologetics Conference 3: Moral Argument (Kenny Willenburg)[…]

144 Apologetics Conference 2: A Strategy to Reach Our Postmodern World (Sean Finnegan)

In the second presentation of this Apologetics Conference, we delve into a comparison of three major time periods: (1) the age of authority, (2) the age of reason, and (3) the age of authenticity.  We look at how people practiced their faith in each as well as what criticisms apologists answered.  For our post-modern time, Read more about 144 Apologetics Conference 2: A Strategy to Reach Our Postmodern World (Sean Finnegan)[…]

143 Apologetics Conference 1: The Problem of Privatization (Jerry Wierwille)

Today we are starting something new. I’m very excited to present to you in its entirety, the apologetics conference held in Paducah, KY last June. We’ve got a great line up of speakers for you including Jerry Wierwille, myself, Kenny Willenburg, Dale Tuggy, Kegan Chandler, and John Truitt. It was a wonderful time of meeting Read more about 143 Apologetics Conference 1: The Problem of Privatization (Jerry Wierwille)[…]

2018 Apologetics Conference

Last weekend I participated in an apologetics conference at John and Lisa Truitts’ home in Paducah, Kentucky.  It was a wonderful time of meeting people and working together to figure out ways of reaching the millennial generation with the gospel.  As it turned out, a great majority of the presentations focused on understanding the post-modern Read more about 2018 Apologetics Conference[…]

Off Script 47: Is God’s Violence in the Bible Wrong? (Q&A)

This is part six in our series on responding to your questions and comments.  In light of our killing series, we considered whether Christians should kill the old, the young, enemies, or criminals, however we never addressed the morality of God killing. Brian asked: Can I expect a subsequent episode where you discuss a sort Read more about Off Script 47: Is God’s Violence in the Bible Wrong? (Q&A)[…]

135 The Fate of the Apostles (Sean McDowell)

Have you ever heard the martyrdom argument for the resurrection of Jesus?  It goes something like this.  Jesus’ apostles faced persecution and martyrdom for their confession that God raised Jesus from the dead, sealing their witness with their blood.  Why would they die for a lie?  Their martyrdom unequivocally proves that they sincerely believed in Read more about 135 The Fate of the Apostles (Sean McDowell)[…]

129 Losing Faith (Five Hundred 13)

This lecture covers the two main types of criticisms leveled against Christianity during the Enlightenment period: biblical and philosophical.  In addition you’ll see how some Christians dug their heals in and worked hard to defend their faith while others gave ground but reinterpreted Christianity in a way that would not only survive the criticisms but Read more about 129 Losing Faith (Five Hundred 13)[…]

Off Script 29: Dealing with Doubt

What role does doubt play in your life?  Do you think of it as something to push aside and ignore or do you pursue your doubts to get answers?  In this episode we examine the role of doubt for Christians, avoiding both extremes of refusing to engage with doubt as well as obsessing on it.  Read more about Off Script 29: Dealing with Doubt[…]

Off Script 18: Christians Are Hypocrites

In part two of our series on objections to Christianity, we look at the issue of hypocrisy.  Many are unwilling to even consider Christianity as a viable option because they’ve witnessed or heard about some horrible act of hypocrisy by a Christian leader.  It’s hard to deny that hypocrisy is a major problem in Christianity Read more about Off Script 18: Christians Are Hypocrites[…]

The Kalam Cosmological Argument

Check out this video from William Craig’s ministry, Reasonable Faith, explaining why God exists using cause and effect. Here is the three step argument: Whatever begins to exist has a cause The universe began to exist Therefore, the universe has a cause Just like dominoes falling in a row, we cannot explain the present day Read more about The Kalam Cosmological Argument[…]

Does Christianity Limit Personal Freedom?

Unbelievers often criticize Christianity because of how it takes away personal freedoms.  If I agree to follow Jesus, then I can no longer do as I please; I’m no longer free.  Christians limit sex to marriage.  They don’t party.  Their book won’t let them express themselves without worrying about “corrupt communication.”  I’m sure you’ve come Read more about Does Christianity Limit Personal Freedom?[…]

Podcast 50: Why Defend Your Faith? (Apologetics 1)

Apologetics 1: Introduction Have you ever heard of apologetics? This is the field where Christians seek to provide the reasons for why they believe what they believe. In a post-Christian society, it is increasingly important to understand the reasons for your faith. For example, why do you believe in God’s existence? Why do you think Read more about Podcast 50: Why Defend Your Faith? (Apologetics 1)[…]

Habits of a Disciple: Scripture Reading

This is part two of a series of posts called Habits of a Disciple. Today the entire bible is available in 554 languages. Over forty writers contributed to it over 1,500 years. It is the most accessible book in the world today with countless websites, apps, and paper copies available absolutely free. All of this Read more about Habits of a Disciple: Scripture Reading[…]