April 2009 – Page 2 – LOVE | ACCEPT

Atheist Evangelism

I’ve recently been involved in extensive discussions with an avowed Atheist which has brought something interesting and saddening to light. Many Christians participate in this forum and have had their beliefs challenged or outright disputed by this man but, rather than addressing the fallacies or misrepresentations of his arguments, I’m alarmed to find that most either respond in a repeated confirmation of their faith or avoid him altogether. No one seems able or willing to confront him and his statements.

Sorry folks but this is not what Peter was thinking when he wrote “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

While tolerance of opposing views is important in our civil society, it is more important to have the preparation and ability to address a challenge to your faith that is rooted in the false premise of Atheism. As you have probably noticed, the ‘new atheism’ has been making quite a name for itself in the past couple of years. Harris, Dawkins, and Hutchins are names that have entered the cultural milieu as supposed authorities carrying the truth. They are actively proselytizing for their worldview and the majority of Christianity is unprepared to confront it. They are evangelizing and Christians are content to let it go on without challenge.

No more. We’re going to build muscle and trim fat and confront these falsehoods and point out the logical fallacies that the atheist must rely on make his points.

We’re going to fight for the heart of our king…

UPDATE:

Robert, participating in our dialog below, proposed the discussion of a Hebrew verse Isaiah 45:7. Here is the verse in the original language:

isaiah4571

Midweek Beauty Break ~ Change of Seasons III

Change-of-Seasons-III, originally uploaded by wrachele.

The Forsythia’s golden bells are often the first spot of color as spring begins to unfold before us. The long limbs of the plant cover themselves with a brilliant yellow-gold coat of tiny flowers before the green of summer takes hold. Though temporarily muted by the spring snow, a day or two of Colorado sunshine will revive them and the contest between the Sun and the flower will continue…

The Unexpected Adventure by Lee Strobel & Mark Mittelberg

As we follow our particular paths through life we’re all going to encounter people like Jack, people laying tile nearby another conversation, and spend moments with our neighbors and friends. We may find ourselves in the company of a young Hindu farmer or even a Billy Moore. In every one of these interactions there is an opportunity for God to call us into the adventure of a lifetime, opening the door for a spiritual conversation that may be the turning point in someone’s life. In The Unexpected Adventure, authors Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg draw us into the excitement of recognizing these moments without the pressure that sometimes accompanies a programmed evangelism process.

Adventure is about opportunity. Strobel and Mittelberg speak do not set out a program as we might find in Mark’s earlier effort ‘Becoming a Contagious Christian’ and the training program of the same name. Thousands of churches have participated in these types of programs and trained numerous people in how to have the most important conversation that can be had. You learn your spiritual style and how to find those interactions where this can be utilized to the greatest advantage. In many cases, men and women have been successful in implementing the lessons and have gone on to important evangelistic efforts. Many others have found themselves watching and waiting for their opportunities to put the steps into practice but have been too shy or hesitant to move. What sets Adventure apart is its singular focus on the moments of spiritual opportunity that surround us every day. Strobel and Mittelberg serve up vignettes of personal contacts in which they recognized an opening to tell the gospel story, both directly and obliquely.

Written as a collection of 42 devotion-style entries, each of the chapters serves up a different example of the myriad ways in which God arranges spiritually needy lives to intersect with His evangelistic partners, you and me. From an overheard conversation with someone else, through a misunderstood Buenos Dias, or to a close friend who confides her darkest secrets to you; each is a possible invitation to introduce the hope that you know to someone keenly in need of that hope. The variety of encounters that the authors recall is so broad that you will be able to easily locate yourself in more than one. When you have tuned your spiritual antennae to be alert to these invitations you will find that it becomes the most natural thing in life to share what you know without the pressure of thinking about the ‘E’ word or worrying that it must be done in a specific way.

Strobel and Mittelberg have made a fantastic contribution to the Church and her commandment. This book stands up with Rebecca Pippert’s Out of the Shaker, Paul Little’s Know books and Joe Aldrich’s Lifestyle Evangelism in making sharing your hope a natural outpouring of your transformed life. What sets Adventure apart is page after page of recognizable moments in life that we all have. After reading each chapter, you will fold the pages over your finger and think back to similar times in your own life, perhaps recognizing them for divine appointments and hungry for another chance. With no steps to remember, telling your story of hope or simply answering a question will become a response as easy as breathing. Sign up now for The Unexpected Adventure, you won’t regret it.

The Day of the Risen Lord

In a couple of hours, the sun will rise above believers huddled in the cold mountain air. We will be seeking hope, a new day in which lives of promise are once again lived. Many non-believers and cultural Christians will be among us this morning and we have a singular opportunity to show them something that they may not see the remainder of the church year, the lives of truly transformed followers of Christ. Just as Elisha told the King that he was about to see a miraculous outpouring that reversed a famine (2 Kings 7:2), there was doubt. Those who see us celebrating this day may look favorably on us for a moment, but there will still be doubt in their minds the other 51 weeks between now and next Easter. As the Lord rose and showed the world beyond a doubt that there was hope in Him, today is the day in which we should all decide that every moment from here on out will be devoted to showing the hope that lies within us. We must not wait until the last day to discover that God looked upon His Church as a modern Sardis.

He is Risen!

Meditative Poetry from Cindy

Add this poem to your Saturday vigil meditations in anticipation of the new dawn tomorrow. This talented poet paints deeply meaningful vignettes that will move you every time.

Holy Saturday Vigil

Lent ends we stand with the Disciples, wondering if we have correctly placed our faith. Though we know how the story ends, we benefit from examining our faith in the unseen. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Cor 4:18

Lent 2009 – 2 Final Steps to the Cross

We stand in front of the cross on this day. Our Lord has endured that we might live. Words remain in the silence between you and the Father. Images for reflection.

Lent 2009 – 3 Final Steps to the Cross

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you,” And all the other disciples said the same. (Matthew 26:31-35)

And so, Peter ultimately remains self-deluded. In a life altering moment, he tells the One whom he has acknowledged as The Christ that he will never deny him even when all others may. Does Peter honestly believe that or is he demonstrating an ignorance of the true condition of his heart? We are not told, but given our experiences with him, it wouldn’t be far fetched at this moment in history to lean toward an inner ignorance. Peter may have actually convinced himself that his loyalty to Jesus was pure and strong despite his numerous stumbles in the preceding three years. Do you think he was surprised at his first denial?

If any incident in Peter’s life puts a mirror up in front of us, it is these moments of denial. If asked when we are clear eyed and caffeinated, no Christian would perceive of a moment of stress when they would deny their love and allegiance to the Lord. Think hard though. Denial takes many forms beyond simply answering no to a question of association. Was there a moment when you didn’t speak up and should have? Has there ever been a time when being a Christian became an inconvenience and you put it in a secondary position? Failed to speak the truth when challenged by a non-believer?

Denial takes many forms. If you’ve read this far, it’s unlikely that you can claim ignorance. Are you unwilling to suffer the consequences of claiming Christ? The answer looms large this close to the Cross…

Midweek Beauty Break ~ Change of Seasons II

Change-of-Seasons-II, originally uploaded by wrachele.

Against a rather leaden Colorado sky, the Oak leaves hang on. Each is windburned and bleached a deep Sepia from the long winter’s exposure to the sun, one mile closer than most. Soon, the new growth will push the leaves from their safe perch, releasing them to the winds that sweep down off of the Rocky Mountains and out to the plains.

Lent 2009 – 4 Final Steps to the Cross

After a day of parables and teaching, Jesus and the disciples withdraw from public ministry to spend time in fellowship and rest. This time for rest, especially before an important ministry effort, is clearly a critical component and yet, we allow worldly standards to define our work ethic. To halt action for rest in the middle of a ministry is called into question. The expectation is that the pastor is given his one day off per week and he is to be available all of the rest.

The Spirit speaks to us in the quiet and we must be intentional about seeking out the necessary moments of rest and restoration. Be accountable to God more and people less. Follow the habit of your lord.