Tag Archive for: apologetics

Is the God of the OT the Same God of the NT?

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There’s no shortage of accusations claiming the Bible depicts a vision of two Gods: the grumpy, moody, and often volatile, curmudgeon like God of the Old Testament, and the mushy, judge free, glorified sugar daddy God of the New Testament. Is this the case? Does the Bible present a clash of the God’s? The malevolent God of the Old Testament and the benevolent God of the New Testament? Or does God suffer from a bad case of bi-bolar disorder, is he the first mental health patient, exhibiting fits of schizophrenia, or some sort of split personality disorder? Not quite.

Progressive Revelation

What the Bible presents is a God who reveals himself in both Testaments through progressive revelation. As the story unfolds, the revealed nature of God crystalizes, elucidating in greater detail who God is. While it is true that one may capture clearer glimpses of God’s grace in the New Testament due to his ultimate grace coming to fruition at the cross, this does not mean the Old Testament is bereft of God’s benevolence toward humanity. Throughout the Old Testament the Bible presents a God who tirelessly pursues his people even after countless rejections of his warnings of impending judgment.

Mercy in the Old Testament

Yes, judgment comes, but it does so after they ignore his warnings to turn toward him. Even the prophets of the Old Testament as they rail against the nations, are in many ways messengers of mercy, by warning people and giving them a heads up, in advance, to make things right. When they don’t, sure judgment ensues. But so does the great hound of heaven, with another invitation to align to him once again.

Judgment in the New Testament

As you come to the New Testament, it’s not like God is morally indifferent. Like some pushover deity wrapped around our finger whose only aim is to indulge our hedonistic impulses. Not in the least. One’s not hard pressed to find God’s judgment at work there either. A cursory read of Romans 1-3, or Jesus’s clearing of the temple (Mark 11:15-17), or the hardening of the Jewish nations heart as seen in Romans 11:11-24 are a few salient examples. Not to mention the book of Revelation, which unfolds God’s plan of justice in the eschaton (Rev. 20:11-15) or the fact that Jesus addressed the topic of hell more than heaven. In the end, the Bible does not portray of dual headed god, but the entire canon unveils for us the fuller picture of One God who is both just and loving and of course so much more.

Recommended Resources Related to This Topic

If God, Why Evil? (DVD Set), (MP3 Set), and (mp4 Download Set) by Frank Turek
Why Doesn’t God Intervene More? (DVD Set), (MP3 Set), and (mp4 Download Set) by Frank Turek
Why does God allow Bad Things to Happen to Good People? (DVD) and (mp4 Download) by Frank Turek
Is Original Sin Unfair? (DVD Set), (mp4 Download Set), and (MP3 Set) by Dr. Frank Turek
How Can Jesus Be the Only Way? (mp4 Download) by Frank Turek

 

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Bobby serves as lead pastor of Image Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and is well known for his YouTube ministry called, One Minute Apologist, which now goes by the name Christianity Still Makes Sense. He also serves as the Co-Host of Pastors’ Perspective, a nationally syndicated call-in radio show on KWVE in Southern California. Bobby earned his Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary, his Doctor of Ministry in Apologetics from Southern Evangelical Seminary, and his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Birmingham (England) where he was supervised under David Cheetham and Yujin Nagasawa. Bobby’s also written several books including: The Fifth Gospel, Doubting Toward Faith, Does God Exist, and Fifty-One other Questions About God and the Bible and the forthcoming Christianity Still Makes Sense to be published by Tyndale in April 2024. He’s married to his lovely wife Heather and together they have two grown kids: Haley and Dawson.

 

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We Will Not Be Silenced | with Dr. Erwin Lutzer

What’s behind the current ‘unraveling of America’? And how should we respond? We’re living in unprecedented times when Christians can either choose to stoop to the pressures of cultural demands or stand for the truth of Christ. Which one will you choose?

This week, our friend Dr. Erwin Lutzer joins Frank to discuss the inspiration behind his two latest books titled ‘We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to our Culture’s Assault on Christianity’ and ‘No Reason to Hide: Standing for Christ in a Collapsing Culture.’

The author of more than 50 books and former Senior Pastor of Moody Church, Dr. Lutzer, is sounding the alarm on the totalitarianism that has crept into America and why we should confront this issue head-on.  Are the cries for diversity, equity, and inclusion legitimate? Or have these buzzwords been used to debilitate the Church and end modern society as we know it? In this discussion, Frank and Dr. Lutzer will answer questions like:

  • What makes America unique?
  • How should Americans deal with and process ‘collective guilt’?
  • What are the symptoms of propaganda?
  • Why is censorship so dangerous?
  • How has Marxism infiltrated America?

Christians have allowed this collapse by remaining silent, but we can no longer afford to be silent. We hope that by the end of this episode, you’ll better understand why submitting to the cultural orthodoxies is not an option for the Church!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry.

We Will Not Be Silenced: https://a.co/d/gb8ImDm

No Reason to Hide: https://a.co/d/i44ilvt

More resources from Dr. Erwin Luster: https://www.moodymedia.org/

 

 

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God Wants You Well… Or Does He? A Closer Look at the “Health and Wellness” Gospel

Does God want everybody to be well? By the power of your faith can you abolish all sickness from your life and your loved ones’?

In this midweek podcast episode, Jorge and John take a close look at the “Health and Wellness Gospel” and how it fails to embrace the whole council of Scripture. At its best, this idea has some basis in the Bible, but stretches the text beyond recognition. And at its worse, it sets people up for disappointment, disillusionment, and even deconversion.

To be clear, God wants all of us well (eventually), but in the mean time, we live in a fallen world marked by sickness, death, and disease. Miraculous healing does happen (sometimes), but that’s God’s prerogative and not in our power to control. We’re left to minister in this war torn landscape, through the sickness and suffering. There we find perhaps the greatest testimony to the truth of Christ is when we suffer well. In that way, Jesus’ words still shine through as a ray of hope: “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I [Jesus] have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry.

 

 

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Who is Nefarious? | with Steve Deace

There certainly has been something nefarious going on with the making of the movie ‘Nefarious‘. Sicknesses, accidents, technical difficulties, and much more disrupted the production of the new film (reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters) released on April 14th. Were these accidents all the result of mere coincidences? Or was true spiritual warfare at play?

This week, Frank interviews Steve Deace, the writer of the novel ‘A Nefarious Plot‘, to discuss the good, the scary, and the downright strange occurrences that took place while working on the book’s film adaptation. In spite of all of the events that could’ve brought this film to a halt, ‘Nefarious’ has finally hit theaters and is a film that both Christians and non-Christians are guaranteed to enjoy!

Later in the episode, Frank responds to a listener’s question regarding the difference between sexual desire and lust. Is all sexual desire a sin? All this and more is discussed in this chilling podcast discussion that you don’t want to miss! Be sure to grab a friend or your church small group to go support this film! A good old-fashioned thriller film with the Christian worldview lying just beneath the surface could be a great conversation starter, even for the hardened skeptic!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

‘Nefarious’ the movie: https://www.whoisnefarious.com/

‘A Nefarious Plot’ by Steve Deace: https://a.co/d/dZGhcBm

The Steve Deace Show: https://bit.ly/41Y667G

Is homosexuality a sin? (YouTube short): https://bit.ly/3AAU3Bn

William Lane Craig podcast on sexuality: https://bit.ly/3HnQ133

 

 

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Can You Explain the 5 M’s? – Part 2

What worldview can best explain the major aspects of reality? And why do they even exist in the first place? What’s the purpose and meaning behind it all? Grab your notebook and join Frank on this midweek podcast episode as he continues to go through the 5 M’s that any worldview needs to explain if it’s going to be considered the TRUE worldview. And who knows, he may even throw in a sixth ‘M’ if you stick around to the very end!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

 

 

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Can You Explain the 5 M’s? – Part 1

Have you ever wondered why reality is the way that it is? And what worldview can best explain it? Some of the greatest thinkers in modern and ancient history have pondered the order and beauty of the universe, only to conclude that an “unmoved mover” or “cosmic lawgiver” is the BEST explanation for its existence. But sadly, many in modern society seem to ignore what’s staring at them right in the face!

No matter what you believe, all valid religions or worldviews ought to be able to explain WHY reality is the way it is. To do this, there are at least five aspects of reality that humanity has long sought an explanation for:

  1. The Material
  2. The Mental
  3. The Mathematical
  4. The Moral
  5. The Metaphysical

In this week’s podcast episode, Frank walks us through THREE of the 5 M’s – there was simply too much amazing stuff to squeeze in all 5 so stay tuned for ‘Part 2’! As Christians, we believe that God holds and sustains all things, but believing something and being able to explain it are very different things. Fortunately, today’s podcast will give you a better understanding of how the fundamental laws of nature and logic ultimately point to God. Once you listen, you may never look at reality the same way again!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

 

 

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Shocking Egyptian Evidence for the Exodus Plagues

Is there evidence for the Exodus plagues that comes from Egypt? Shockingly, there is — at least there seems to be. In this midweek podcast episode, Frank examines the amazing parallels between the biblical Exodus and an ancient artifact known as the Ipuwer Papyrus.

It’s hard to believe, but as you’ll learn, the Ipuwer Papyrus, which was authored in Egypt sometime in the second millennium BC, expresses conditions in ancient Egypt that appear to be the results of the Biblical plagues. Of course, this is controversial, especially for those who think the Exodus never actually happened. We report, YOU decide.

Frank also shows that the plagues were not random — they were direct assaults on the Egyptian gods, and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is a slam on the Egyptian theology of the afterlife. Moses certainly knew the Egyptian culture. How did he get it so right?

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

 

 

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How to Make an Effective Pro-Life Argument | with Dr. Sean McDowell and Dr. Scott Rae

The overturning of Roe V. Wade in the summer of 2022 shocked advocates of both the Pro-Life and the Pro-Abortion movements. But how has the reversal impacted the fight for life? In this week’s episode, our friend and guest host, Dr. Sean McDowell, and leading Christian ethicist, Dr. Scott Rae, discuss the aftermath of the Roe V. Wade reversal and how this decision will shape the future of abortions in America.

Tune in as Sean and Scott update us on advancements within the Pro-Life movement as well as help us learn how to address common arguments in favor of abortion. They also answer questions like:

  • What is the significance of the RU486 abortion pill?
  • Should men have the right to vote against abortion?
  • Is abortion healthcare?
  • What are the health risks of late term abortion?
  • How can the Church make a difference?

Many moms turn to abortion out of desperation, overlooking the consequences that have a lasting impact on their physical and mental health. This is the Church’s opportunity to get involved and show these moms that there is hope even in the midst of unplanned and unwanted pregnancies.

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into great discussions with like-minded Christians while providing financial support for our ministry.

Countering 12 Pro-Choice Arguments: https://bit.ly/3ocMHkA

 

 

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Why Do Some Christians Die Too Young? Plus More Q&A

Why does God take some believers “before their time” and put us through so much pain and suffering during our time on earth? Shouldn’t He reward us for good behavior? In this midweek podcast episode, Frank addresses this and several other listener questions including how to talk to politicians about abortion, Jeremiah 29:11 vs. God’s promises to us today, and how do we know what we know (ontology vs. epistemology)?

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST, be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

If you would like to submit a question to be answered on the show, please email your question to Hello@Crossexamined.org.

 

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The Common Sense Crusade | with Calvin Robinson

In today’s world, popularity trumps truth. Many Christians are hiding under their desks and many pastors are hiding behind the lectern in fear of being cancelled. They’re not interested in actually engaging the culture or standing up for the Word of God–they just want to tickle ears and give people what they want to hear. That’s why it’s so refreshing when someone like Father Calvin Robinson comes along, and shakes up the world with his winsome words of truth and wisdom!

A couple weeks ago, Frank did a podcast episode that walked listeners through a fabulous debate speech that Fr Calvin delivered at the Oxford Student Union back in February, and today our new friend from across the pond joins the program to talk about wokeness in the Church of England and around the world. Fr Calvin also shares his journey into Christianity and ordained ministry, and many other insights on what it’s like to be a man of the cloth in the U.K. who isn’t afraid to stand up for the truth. He even started his own TV show to help get the word out–Calvin’s Crusade for Common Sense.

You’ll find that twisting God’s Word in England has pretty much the same destructive force as what we see happening here in America!

To view the entire VIDEO PODCAST and an exclusive interview with Frank and Fr Calvin, be sure to join our CrossExamined private community. It’s the perfect place to jump into some great discussions with like-minded Christians while simultaneously providing financial support for our ministry.

Full lecture at the Oxford Union: https://youtu.be/ymbTb2HS5Rc

Fr Calvin Robinson’s website: https://www.calvinrobinson.com/

Watch Fr Calvin’s show on GB News: http://bit.ly/3KCWFV5

 

 

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