The Sword Room

No, guys, I am not talking about how to effectively get out of the doghouse with your wife. There is no easy way to do that except to stay out in the first place. Here I am using apology to denote the defense of the faith. The Greek word apologia means “a defense” and is commonly used with reference to defending one’s beliefs. Hence the field of Apologetics, or the study of the defense of the Christian gospel and world view.

There are two schools of Apologetics, the Evidential and the Presuppositional. The Evidential approach assumes that objectivity is possible for believer and unbeliever alike and that we have the common ground of neutrality as our starting point. For the sake of argument we presuppose or assume nothing and let the evidence speak for itself. Evidence in this context usually means physical, scientific, empirical evidence, such as proofs of Christ’s resurrection, fulfilled prophecy as a vindication of the trustworthiness of Scripture, etc. Some popular proponents of the Evidential approach to apologetics are Josh McDowell and Norman Geisler.

Whereas the Evidential approach is based on a Semi-Pelagian or Arminian view of man as retaining a spark of objectivity and thus ability to respond favorable to evidence, the less known Presuppositional approach begins from the biblical doctrine of Total Depravity (Total Inability). Because man in the unregenerate state is dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1), he has no ability to move toward God in faith until quickened, drawn, and regenerated by the Spirit (John 6:44, Acts 16:14). Until God initiates the process the unbeliever will scoff at the message and the messenger. In other words so-called objectivity is a myth–for believer and unbeliever alike. We are not neutral or “objective.” We are not supposed to be, and we need to stop pretending we are and that the unbeliever is or can be. How can you objectively consider the claims of Atheism, for example, when you already know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the God of the Bible exists?!

Once I had two Mormon missionaries challenge me to pray and read that passage in the Book of Mormon which promises that if you sincerely ask God to show you the truth He will give you some kind of burning sensation (emotion) in your bosom to verify the truth of Mormonism. I refused to do this because it is senseless to pray for God to show you if something is true when He has already shown you it is false. They told me I was closed -minded, and I agreed. Why pretend you are neutral or objective? There is no power in such wimpiness. The power of God is in the Gospel message. A Presuppositional approach to defending the Faith proceeds from a closed-minded belief that the Bible is God’s Word, the Gospel is true and effective, and that man in the unregenerate state is totally unable to do anything to effect a positive change in his spiritual condition.

OK, now look at Paul’s situation in Acts 26. He is defending his faith before King Agrippa. Notice he does not try to use an Evidential approach. He does not try to prove the Bible is the Word of God. He offers no proof for the resurrection or six-day creation. He wastes no time trying to fit all those animals on the ark. He does not babble on about how Christians really are pretty cool people–hip and relevant and all that. He simply presents the truth with a straight face: no bells and whistles, no dog and pony show. Just the truth. True, he does not act overbearing or rude. We also know that in social settings he tries to be sensitive to potentially offensive cultural issues (Rom. 14, 1 Cor. 8). But he does not compromise the truth of the gospel in so doing.

As if on cue, Governor Festus who was standing by, resorts to personal attack, accusing Paul of being insane. Of course Paul is not acting mad or irrational in any way. Nor will he be derailed–he stays right on track and on message. He appeals to Agrippa to embrace the Gospel, which he apparently does not do. Paul sincerely would that every sinner were saved, even though he is aware that the salvation of all is not and never has been the sovereign intention of God.

This is how Presuppositional Apologetics functions. You assume the truth of the Gospel. You Present the truth clearly and graciously. You do not assume any responsibility to defend God or His Word, for He does not need it: He is perfectly capable of saving sinners without your help. He has commanded us to present the Gospel to sinners, not to save them. If the unbeliever appears to be receptive this is only because God is working in his heart in the drawing process. It is no credit to your intellectual gymnastics or those of the sinner. If the sinner is receptive you might take him to Romans 1:18ff. and show him that his rejection of the Gospel is a moral rather than intellectual issue and that the evidence of God’s existence abounds through the creation and through conscience. The problem is not a lack of truth but the sinner’s suppression of the truth in unrighteousness.

Dear friend–if you are an unbeliever and you truly wish to know the God of the Bible through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, this is only because God has implanted this desire in your heart. I urge you to drop to your knees this moment and implore God to give you more light. Then go to my Videos Page and watch the video on How to Know You Have Eternal Life. If after this you have any questions get in touch with me via the contact link.

And you believers zealous to share Christ with others: STOP trying to do what only God can do–namely, convince sinners of the Truth. Instead, present the truth of the Gospel clearly, accurately, and sincerely. Leave the results with God because He alone controls them.

Today I will write a few lines about one of my favorite NT passages, Hebrews 4:14-16. This verse has been on my mind for several days, and we discussed at last night’s Fight Club meeting.

First, in this passage Christ is portrayed as our Great High Priest. He has gone ahead of us in resurrection and ascension into the very throne room of the heavenly temple, where he intercedes day and night for His people. He is God and man in one person forever, having been tempted in all points like us, yet without sin. The sacrifice He offered on our behalf is the once-for-all sacrifice of Himself. It can not and need not be improved upon or added to. How He could be tempted in this way and provide such a marvelous atonement for sinners are themes too broad for us to discuss at length here. So for now just take note of them and marvel at them with deep appreciation.

We are exhorted to do two things in this text based upon the reality of the ongoing ministry of our great High Priest. First we are told to hold fast our confession. The rationale seems to be that we have ample twenty-four-hour support available to us from the living Christ  to maintain a tight hold on our inward belief and outward profession of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Second, we are told to come boldly to the Throne of Grace. Boldly, not tentatively or hesitatingly. Confidently. Assuredly.

Notice the throne is called the Throne of Grace. This is a genitive construction in Greek, and I have been looking at the various ways of understanding its meaning. The best I can come up with is that this is a throne described by grace and that in a loose sense it is a source of grace because it is where the Author of grace is seated. If you need grace this is the place to get it. Not just grace for justification (positional), but also grace to help in time of need (practical). Grace by definition something given freely, not earned or deserved. So the grace spoken of here is free enabling, free strength and ability. Wow! Who wouldn’t want that?

Recently I was with some Reformed brothers steeped in the writings of the Puritans. Their prayers were always prefaced with affirmations of God’s unapproachable holiness and righteousness over against our lowly state as unworthy sinful worms, vile maggots before the Lord. True as far as it goes, but one felt in joining them in prayer that he was approaching not the Throne of Grace but of judgment. True, there is a sense in which God’s Throne is a tribunal of judgment (Rev. 20:11); but this is not the nature of God’s Throne as we approach it as believers. Were that the case who would dare approach God in prayer?

Herein lies a nugget of truth we can all treasure. When we approach God’s Throne it is a Throne of Grace. Christ has gone ahead of us and made it possible for us to be in relationship with a Father who loves us. Therefore avail yourself daily of His Priestly ministry and trust Him for the grace you need for today to help you fight the good fight.

The door is always open for you in heaven!

Lamentations 3:23 assures us that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning. You never know what blessings the Lord has in store when your feet hit the floor. Forrest Gump was right when he said life is like a box of chocolates–you never know what you will get.

I woke up this morning with just the last paragraph of Acts 24 (vv. 24-27) left to read before moving on, and when I saw the Greek New Testament lying open to that text on the desk in my man-cave, I wondered what gems might possibly be waiting for me.

First, I am impressed at how Paul never allows a good opportunity to share the Gospel to get away from him. Here he has a chance to ask for leniency or release. He might complain about the food or amenities provided him as an unconvicted incarcerated Roman citizen. Think about how you might have handled such a situation. Paul seems not to have been driven by a selfish concern for his own welfare but by his passion for the glory of God and salvation of the lost. Paul was an equal opportunity evangelist–the station in life of his audience meant nothing to him. Here we see him speaking about faith in Christ as well as discoursing at length on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment. What I wouldn’t give to have been a fly on that palace wall!

Paul’s boldness paid off. Felix’s conscience was pricked and he used the common ploy of shining Paul off until a later date. Of course he was not convicted too deeply because he also hoped for payola and declined to release Paul because he believed leaving him in prison would appease the fickle Jews.

Paul was left in lock-up for two full years! How quickly we skim over this fact. Two years of unjust incarceration based on unfounded accusation and political expediency. But it was also two years of opportunity for Paul to repeatedly preach to Felix and Drusilla. We do not know the outcome of Paul’s efforts except that God was glorified by his faithfulness.

I wonder how often we exhibit the patience and optimism of Paul. Recently I had dinner at a nearby restaurant with Connie, and was irritated when the waitress delayed for a few minutes before coming to refill my water glass. Five minutes waiting for ice water, oblivious to how hard the waitress was working on a busy Friday night for minimum wage! How often our desire for self comfort and gratification blinds us to the opportunity to be a blessing to others to the glory of God. May Paul’s experience be an example and challenge to us all.

Every day God’s mercies are like a new box of fine chocolates. You never know what you will get. (I just started on low-carb this week, hence the candy metaphor.)

In Acts 25 we observe a scene played out many times in history: a man of God appears alone before a civil ruler, sometimes with a group of angry accusers standing by. We think of Elijah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, and of course the Lord Himself. We are reminded of the great Reformer Martin Luther and others from his era whose lives seemed to be at the mercy of the powers that be. In these men we witness a courage that is truly admirable. Where did this boldness come from?

In Paul’s case it came from the knowledge that he was guilty of no wrongdoing (vv. 10-13). It is one thing to suffer as a wrongdoer, and quite another thing to suffer simply for your beliefs (1 Peter 4:15-16). There is nothing wrong with holding to and practicing Christian beliefs–even though some in our increasingly pagan culture might beg to differ. In Paul’s case false accusations were leveled as they were against the Savior. Like the Lord, Paul was treated like an evildoer; but he knew–rightfully–that before God he had done no wrong.

Moreover, Paul was thoroughly convinced of the truthfulness of the Gospel (vv. 14-15) and of the sovereignty of God. This conviction is present in all truly regenerate believers. It is planted in us by the Holy Spirit and it cannot be quenched by the accusations of Satan or unbelievers. Paul stands before Felix assured of the truth and the providential control of the Author of that truth. He is calm, collected, and respectful. Yet straightforward and uncompromising.

Finally, Paul understands the true nature of the issue. This is not a matter of civil wrongdoing, but rather of the hatred of God and His Word. This is not a legal or intellectual issue–it is a moral issue. Moral not in the sense that Paul was in the wrong, but moral in the sense that his accusers are making a decision to reject the revelation of truth being offered them in the Gospel. And that with no good rational or legal reason.

A few months ago I was working out at a local gym with a brother in the Lord. As we sat on the recumbent cycles pedaling away our conversation turned to the things of God. After a few minutes a young woman exercising nearby walked over and snapped: “Would you mind not talking to loud about GOD?!” We might have been a bit loud, but no louder than those sitting all around us discussing politics, the economy, and the latest Seahawks game. The woman’s innuendo was that talking about God in a public place is somehow wrong. We left and went to the steam room to resume our conversation.

Were we guilty of wrongdoing? Some would say we were. But we knew before God we were in the clear. No brag, just fact. And so brethren, don’t be wimpy, namby-pamby, apologetic, sniveling milk-toast Christians when you are criticized or falsely accused. Don’t be insensitive and overbearing either. Let your courage be born of conviction.

In Acts 23:1 Paul makes a statement which puzzled me for years: “I have live my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.” The first time I read this verse I could not understand how someone who had lived much of his adult life as an enemy of Christ–much less your average Christian–could make such a brazen claim. Surely I am not able to look back on my whole life and say I have lived with a clear conscience up until now. How could a man who had been responsible for the persecution, imprisonment, and death of Christians boast in this way.

One explanation would be to say Paul is confident that his sins are forgiven and that he stands before the Sanhedrin clothed in the righteousness of Christ by faith alone. His conscience is good not in the sense that he in righteous in himself, but that it has been cleansed by the blood of Christ.

No doubt Paul, like all of us, stood before God pronounced righteous by faith alone in Christ alone. No debate there. But is this really what the Apostle was referring to in Acts 23:1? I think not. I do not believe Paul is referring to the course of his whole life here but only to the present episode and to the specific charges the Sanhedrin brought against him–namely that he was in some way transgressing the Law of God.

My reason for this conclusion is based on Paul’s use of the Greek verb politeuo. This word means “to conduct oneself as a citizen.” It is the verb form of the Greek noun polis (city or city-state). Paul is not saying he has always had a clear conscience over the whole course of his life–his own statements elsewhere in Scripture refute such a notion. What he is telling the Jewish leaders is that in the present episode and with reference to the bogus charges they are bringing against him he feels no remorse or guilt before God. For this he is struck on the face by one standing by.

What is the lesson here? Simple. Do not be guilt-tripped by religious rules and traditions of men elevated to the level of divine commandment. Know what God says, and be able to distinguish it from that which issues forth from the flesh of man. Obey God. Remember that His Word is the standard you must live by and that He alone writes the rules.

If you allow them to do it, the pharisees of this world will place a load on your back that they cannot so much as budge themselves: Don’t watch TV or movies, drink alcoholic beverages, play cards, listen to “secular” music, read Bible versions other that the KJV, attend church wearing pants (ladies) or going tie-less (men). Dear believer, if you are attending a church where those in charge are laying these kind of fleshly man-made diirectives on you, get as far from that place as you can as soon as you can! It is hazardous to your spiritual health!

Like Paul you need to examine your life in light of  what God has revealed to you. You stand or fall before Him alone. Personally none of us could ever look back across the course of our lives and claim to have lived with a perfectly good conscience. But in terms of your present life and circumstances make sure of two things. First, your sins are forgiven and you are standing before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ. Second, in your present circumstances you are informed and walking by the Word of God, not man-made religious regulations. If your conscience is good in that context, that is what really matters.

Sometimes we get mixed up as Christians in our thinking about how God works because we hold to a false dichotomy or dualism. In plain language what this means is we often wrongly conclude that God is present and blessing us only when we are praying, reading the Word, witnessing, or consciously thinking and talking about spiritual matters. As a result we attempt to manufacture the work of the Spirit through outward appearances and behaviors. This practice is called Pietism.

Pietism rears its head in many ways, from quiet contemplative false humility to identifying the work of the Spirit in emotionalism and sensationalism. The error of Pietism is two-fold: not only does it identify the nature of spirituality in outward appearances and behaviors, but it presents a false dichotomy that says life is divided into two compartments: the spiritual and the profane.

At the root of Pietism is a denial of the Providence of God. Question 11 in the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, “What is God’s Providence?” The answer is then given: “God’s providence is His completely holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing every creature and every action.” God is always at work, and God can and does work in and through what we would consider normal or natural means. While Pietism teaches us that God is to be worshipped in a specific place at a specific time in one prescribed manner only, biblical providence declares that all of life is worship–not just some little corner of life that we label as spiritual. God’s Spirit does not need us to be in a visible emotionally ecstatic state to authenticate His presence and power. Nor does He need us to be quietly sitting in a dimly-lit corner with our shoulders rounded and lips pursed like little pharisees, praying for all those unfortunate sinners out there in the big bad world.

All through Acts we have seen how God worked mightily in and through Paul in the confirmation of the Gospel by conversions, miracles, and exorcisms. But in Chapter 22 we see God using ordinary means in the life of the Apostle to accomplish His purpose. The commander and centurion protect Paul from harm. Little do they know that God is using them to preserve His chosen vessel and that their actions would be recorded in God’s Word for millions of future readers to see. Surely Paul never anticipated that one day his lifelong status as a Roman citizen would be used by God to keep him from being unduly punished. Notice, too, that Paul spoke up for himself and used his “rights” as a Roman citizen. A more pietistic approach would have been to pray and “trust God” rather than to take things into his own hands and ”operate in the flesh.”

What idiocy! Christians, look around you. Everywhere there is evidence of God’s majesty and presence through general revelation in the created order. You do not need God to speak to you through an inner impression or so-called word of knowledge in order for Him to reveal Himself. Of course, God can do whatever He chooses, but He is not bound by our false dualisms and dichotomies. Be done with this neo-gnostic compartmentalized view of the  world and Christian life. Look for God to work in and through the most ordinary and mundane circumstances, as well as through miraculous means if He so chooses. God is providentially present in your life always. The hairs of your head are numbered, and not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from His knowledge and control. God will take care of you. Correction: God is taking care of you!

The Gospel has offense built into it. The natural man cannot help but view the things of the Spirit of God as foolishness (1 Cor. 2:14). The word of the cross sounds like nonsense to the mind of a perishing unregenerate man, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). You do not have to try hard to offend people with the Gospel; just present it clearly and honestly, and it will grate against the flesh of the unbeliever. No one wants to be told they are a guilty helpless sinner whose only hope of eternal life is to abandon all pretense of self-righteousness and trust alone in the crucified risen Christ.

It is one thing, however, when the Gospel alienates people, and it is another matter when we offend unbelievers by being insensitive pious idiots. I have seen Christians become like a pushy salesman in witnessing to where people stormed off angrily, only to have the insensitive Christian conclude that the offended party was “under conviction” by the Holy Spirit. Other times I have seen well-meaning believers snow non-Christians under with an avalanche of Christian-ese jargon and Bible verses quoted by the spitfire method. Recently I went to a church service where the worship leader greeted the people with something like, “We trust today that as you linger in our midst you might be warmed and filled with blessing, and that the Lord will be your portion and raise up a horn of plenty in your heart and life.” (Well, maybe I exaggerated a little! :>)

Which brings me to my points. In Acts 22 Paul faces a hostile audience of Jews who are eventually offended when they hear his presentation of the Gospel. But Paul attempts to build connection with them in the following ways. First, he addresses them respectfully. He calls them brethren, and he acknowledges that in some sense they are zealous for God. Second, he speaks to them in the native Hebrew language. Although these Jews knew Greek, the fact that Paul was able and willing to speak to them fluently in their native tongue brings their rapt attention. He further builds connection by reference to his upbringing in Jerusalem and by dropping the name of the famous rabbi Gamaliel. Third, he relates personally how the Lord had worked in his own life in bringing him to Christ. There is a human element in a well-given testimony that can build connection with the most reluctant and hostile hearers.

A few good tips from Paul’s example for us. Don’t water down the Gospel in an attempt to sugar coat it. Expect the word of the cross to offend sinners. If you do not offend sinners in your witnessing then you are probably not preaching the true Gospel. On the other hand, do not alienate people by being a blithering moron. Show respect for those with whom you share. Speak in language they can understand. This does not mean you have learn street slang or Ebonics, or try to morph like the Terminator or change colors like a chameleon to fit every situation. Be yourself but also be aware that many people have less than an entry-level knowledge of spiritual things. Finally, share what Christ has done for you personally; but do not do this to bring glory to yourself by bragging about what a rotten sinner you were and what a favor you did the Lord by turning to Him. Emphasize what God did for you, and spotlight His power and glory.

Observe and practice these principles as you seek to build meaningful redemptive connections with people.

When I say to go with the flow I am not talking about the flow of the world but the direction in which God’s Spirit seems to be moving and blessing. In today’s post I am going out onto a limb by explaining Pauls’ trip to Jerusalem in Acts 21 in a light unfavorable to the Apostle. As I mentioned in the previous post, I honestly believe God told Paul not to Go to Jerusalem. Paul was called to the Gentiles; that is where his effectiveness was confirmed through signs and wonders and the conversion of sinners. But Paul’s heart ached for his fellow Israelites, and he wanted to go to Jerusalem to do his part in bringing the Gospel to them.

He is so concerned about making a positive impression that he heeds the counsel of James and the other Christian leaders at Jerusalem by observing Jewish purification rituals. This goes beyond the whole concept of being all things to all men. Paul would never have engaged in such activity in any other place at any other time.

And it didn’t work! It backfired in his face. Why? Because God had not directed him to Jerusalem or into the temple to engage in the acts of empty ritualism. In fact, as the Holy Spirit had warned earlier, it almost got him killed. Again, I am aware of how God in His sovereign will preserved Paul from serious harm and used this episode to get him to Rome, where he preached the gospel and wrote prison epistles. God is able to work in spite of our disobedience and still blesses and uses us. If this were not the case we would all be in serious trouble, and we could never be instruments of God’s service.

The bottom line is: Be who you are in Christ. What has God gifted you to do? Then do it. In what areas has God blessed your efforts before? Then go with that flow and believe Him to bless your work again. God is always working. It is not a matter of us trying to get Him to do something, but rather to line ourselves up with what He is already doing. Don’t look to some imaginary greener pasture over yonder hilltop just because some so-called expert says it ought to be so. Be who you are, where you are, with what God has given you. If you are in the flow of God’s blessing, in a big or small way, stay there. This is what Paul did not do.

The Bible presents its characters with warts and all and never whitewashes their shortcomings. Even when they get out of the flow of His Spirit He sovereignly works in a way to bring about His purpose.

Come on back!

In Acts Nineteen we see that while Paul was in Ephesus for two years many believed in Christ. The new converts, apparently with no encouragement from the Apostle, turned from their pagan religious connections and burned their magic books and paraphernalia. This mass exodus from the Cult of Diana, the official goddess of Ephesus, put a major dent in the business of the silversmiths who manufactured the household idols. A riot ensued, but the affair turned out to be much smoke and no fire; for as the town clerk pointed out (v. 37), “You have brought these men who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.”

In other words, in the two years Paul was in Ephesus he apparently preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ exclusively, and did not preach against or warn anyone about the errors of Diana worship. Had he made this his practice, then the charge would be valid that he had in fact blasphemed the goddess Diana of the Ephesians. There is a lesson here for us. We should focus our time and effort on the positive preaching of truth rather than the refuting of error. There is no doubt that protecting the sheep from wolves is very important, as we see in the very next chapter of Acts (20:29); but it must always be secondary to the positive preaching and teaching of the truth.

I heard it said by a banker many years ago that the way he taught new tellers to recognize counterfeit money was to have them spend many hours handling the real thing. The only time they ever saw or handled phony cash was when someone tried to pass it at the window. The idea behind this strategy was that once a teller is familiar with the real thing the bogus can be detected immediately. I don’t know how true this would still be in this new world of high-tech counterfeiting, but you get the point.

Be ready to correct error when necessary, but make it your normal practice to displace error with truth. Remember, the Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom. 1:16). God will regenerate whom He has chosen–that is not your job. Once a person is born again and the Spirit is living in them, He will convict them of error and they will turn from their pagan demonic religious affiliations. Truth Displaces error.

When I was saved in the Jesus Movement in 1971, the expression, “Far out!” was used as a catch-all for every imaginable situation, much like the word “Dude!” today. One day I noticed in Ephesians 2:13 the following words: “But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” After that whenever I heard someone talking about the far out pot they had smoked or party they had attended, I would interject that maybe it wasn’t really far out at all, but rather far off. This made for some interesting conversations as well as miffed stoners. But the fact is that in a certain sense when we are outside union with Christ we are far off from the Lord and His blessing.

On the other hand in Acts Seventeen we see Paul telling the pagan Athenians about the nearness of God: “He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist” (vv. 27-28). In a spiritual sense we are distant from God until he initiates regeneration in our hearts. In a spatial sense God is present all around us all the time, no matter who we are or where we go. We cannot see, feel, smell, taste, or hear the invisible God, but he is providentially present in His creation.

So next time you feel far from God, guess who moved. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). By faith believe the reality of His presence in your life. Practice his presence daily. Evidence abounds in the general revelation he has provided through creation and conscience. As a redeemed bearer of His image you should never feel as if He is far away. When you do feel this way, remember it is an emotional illusion you cannot trust.