CreatorWorship

A second situation that prompted these thoughts happened last week over a period of nearly a week. One of my nephews drew fire over a blog entry that he had made. The opening salvo regarded whether Christmas has pagan or Christian origins. After 40 comments the discussion was moved over to a forum where two of my nephews and a friend of theirs attempted to ferret out the beliefs of two bloggers who had much more to say than what the beginnings of Christmas were. In the end  (198 more entries) it came down to the two not accepting any of the New Testament writings but Jesus’ words, claiming that His death was not a substitutionary atonement for the sins of those who trust in Him. They wanted salvation by Jesus’ words and the Law, not the grace He provided on the cross. Would you know how to defend the Gospel against very Scripturally and historically informed people who deny Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth? Afterall, Jesus never directly said, “I am God” or “Trust my death on the cross to forgive your sins.” I Peter 3:14b-15 says, “Do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence”. My nephews did an excellent job of drawing out the nature of the belief system, defending the truth with many Scripture references, and appealing to the two bloggers to repent and trust Jesus. Perhaps you think the solution is to stay out of blog forums, but how will you answer that colleague at the work or that soccer mom or that classmate who has a twisted view of Scripture? Twisted views of Scripture are common these days. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” I want to urge any believer reading this entry to make 2008 a year of studying the Word. And pastors 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.” Make exposition of the Word central and meaty. May all of us emphasize Bible study over book study, discussing the Word over discussing the weather, that we “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10)