Answering Tough Questions About Christianity

September 4, 2019 Gracie

Have you ever had problems answering tough questions about your faith?

If you have, you’re not alone.

I’m pretty sure it’s happened to all of us at one time or another.

Before you know it, a skeptic catches us off-guard.

The end result?

Often, it’s disappointment in ourselves and a feeling like we’ve let God down.

Please remember, dear Christians: Take these challenges as an incentive to get better prepared!

It’s a constant educational process.

The more you learn, the more confident you’ll be.

If you’re struggling, it’s time to polish your spiritual armor.

Here’s Why It’s Important to Pray About It First

Remember not only who we are, but more importantly, Whose we are.

Challenges to our faith are becoming more frequent, and that’s why praying about these future encounters is so important.

Pray for courage and guidance on a daily basis. If we don’t pray about it, we’re sending a message that we don’t think we need God. We’d rather rely on our own influence and intelligence.

It’s a big responsibility but, as Pastor John MacArthur reminds us, it’s not our job to *change* men’s hearts. We’re to speak the truth in love. Evangelism succeeds in God’s timing, not ours.

Changing hearts is the supernatural work of God.

It gets frustrating at times, but we’re not failures simply because the person we’re trying to reach blows us off every time.

Don’t give up!

When you believe that every word of scripture comes from God and is authoritative and true, and you believe that God is the One, Sovereignly and powerfully, Who uses that truth to change people’s lives – that produces courage. The courage of confidence in Scripture and the courage that God will work through that. You speak that truth with courage and with love and leave the results to the Lord.¹ – John MacArthur, Pastor and Bible Teacher, Grace To You.

Answering Tough Questions About Christianity

Why do we evangelize?

Our motive is pure, despite mischaracterizations from the entertainment world.

We want to help lead people to Christ because we love them and care about where they’ll spend their eternity.

It’s up to us to get the skeptic to think about their faith challenges, but not to get them to sign on the dotted line first time out. It could even take years with someone, if it even happens at all.

It’s important to note that we don’t “win people for Christ” – without God.

Keep on gently listening and planting those seeds, then give it to God.

Please watch this excellent clip from apologist, Greg Koukl from “Stand To Reason.”

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¹ John MacArthur quotation, courtesy of Sermons Online. “John MacArthur On Courage and Confidence.” Online Video Clip. Dr. John MacArthur. Web. Accessed 28 August, 2019.

Our Exceptional God

The Gift Of Our Savior

January 29, 2018 Gracie

God’s Gift Of Our Savior

An unexpected present

“Thank you. You shouldn’t have!”

“You didn’t have to do that!!!”

Have you ever said that to someone who gave you an unexpected present?

As humans, we appreciate a surprise gift, but it’s also in our nature to feel a little confused.

Uh oh, was I supposed to get something for him/her?

What’s today’s date again?

Similiarly, it’s hard for people to accept the truth that our salvation, as Bible-believing Christians, is a gift.

“Free,” as in we can’t earn it, even if we try.

We are well-intentioned people, but our good deeds could never equal what Christ did for us on the cross.

There is no comparison.

We are not “little gods” here on earth as atheists (who trust only in themselves) would have you believe.

But, what about that helpful thing I did for my neighbor yesterday?

What about that flat tire I changed for a stranded motorist?

Those are good and admirable things, yes!

Because you are a Christian, you want to and will do good things, but the very act of helping someone is not the hope of your salvation.

The Golden Rule

I’m sure we all remember hearing the adage, “Do unto others…” when we were growing up. There are also a few different rewordings of that proverb, depending on the source.

What does the Bible say?

Matthew 7:12 reveals these words of Jesus from His Sermon on the Mount,

¹²So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12, (ESV).

We are to love and bless others – a reality of our Christianity.

What The Golden Rule Is Not

The Golden Rule, however, is not the foundation of God’s plan of salvation.

What is the foundation?

Not “what,” but Who?

Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior.

We are sinners in need of a Savior.

The gift of our Savior

Mere words cannot adequately describe just how marvelous!

There’s nothing you nor I can do that is worthy of what our Savior did for us.

Despite our unworthiness, our prayers to Him, in His will, reach all the way up to Heaven.

¹⁴And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. – 1 John 5:14, (ESV).

Life’s Purpose

Love Him, pray to Him, thank Him, delight in Him.

And love your neighbors.

Bless them with friendship, kindness, and compassion, and spread the transforming news of the Gospel.

You’ll get some rejections, but don’t ever give up talking about your faith.

Please hit the “share” button below if you think this post will encourage someone.

God bless!

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**Begg, Alistair. “The Great Marvels of Our God.” 26 January 2018. Web Access 29 January 2018. Used with permission. Copyright Truth For Life. Used with Permission.

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Children And Christmas

December 14, 2017 Gracie

What is it about children and Christmas?

Christmas is just around the corner, and I’ve already stocked up on Kleenex.

No, I don’t have a cold, thank goodness.

But, there’s something about children and Christmas, together, that brings on my tears lickety-split.

These are tears of joy, mind you – the welcome kind!

Does that ever happen to you?

Perhaps it’s a Christmas movie on the Hallmark Channel that gets you going.

Or, you’re watching your little darlings laughing and sneaking around under the tree, shaking presents to see if they can guess what’s inside.

Christmas and children

Whether it’s a movie, a song, or even a touching commercial – when there are adorable children involved, well just go ahead and open up the floodgates!!

Add a family dog and a returning soldier to the mix, well, it’s going to be a gully washer.

It may sound odd, but happy tears are a blessing.

When the tears start falling, my husband chuckles, and comes into the room with a big smile and says, “You crying, honey?”

That just makes it worse.

I answer with a weak “Nooooo!” (between tears, of course)

Tears and laughter, another reason I love Christmas!

A Little Angel With A Big Heart

What is it about kids and Christmas?

Perhaps it’s their wide-eyed wonder as they grasp the true meaning of the celebration.

The baby Jesus

Or their sweet innocence as they say “Happy birthday, Jesus!” when walking past a nativity scene.

Okay, don’t get mad at me, but I have to share the following video with you.

I’m warning you about needing Kleenex ahead of time because I care about your mascara running.

Have you heard of little Miss Claire?

When I looked up the word “adorable” in the dictionary, her picture was next to it. Not really, but it should be.

She will steal your heart, that’s for sure.

Here she is singing the treasured Christmas carol, “Silent Night.”

Isn’t Claire adorable?

I’ve seen her interviewed and this little gal has a big heart. She loves to spread joy to others.

Baby Jesus

Jesus Christ, our Savior was once baby Jesus.

Can you imagine?

Precious baby boy

Helpless, and innocent

Crying at times for His parents to hold Him

Smiling back at Joseph and Mary as they lovingly gazed upon His sweet face.

What a picture that must have been.

This child would grow up to become our Savior, and He’s coming back someday for His people.

The world will take notice.

Are you ready?

Have you gone beyond just saying you believe, to living your life for Him?

The problems we face in this life are hard, but we must take time to pray, repent, and rejoice!

We have a risen Savior!

As Christians, we know that one day, those nagging problems we face, will disappear in the twinkling of an eye.

Try blinking your eyes right now.

Christ’s return will be quicker than that!

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*John MacArthur quotation, public domain and as quoted from Christian quotes.info

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Heaven Isn’t Boring

June 7, 2017 Gracie

What We Know: Heaven Isn’t Boring

Non-believers need prayer. They will miss out on so much, and don’t even know it yet.

You may have read as I have, some of the ridiculous comments about Heaven offered up by non-believers.

Here’s a big one:

They claim Heaven will be dull.

Huh?

Since when?
Have you been there?
What’s your supporting evidence that it’s boring?

Girls And Guys Just Wanna Have Fun

People, people, people.

I recently saw a blog post where the writer said Heaven is boring because there are no problems there.

Apparently, in this person’s mind, sinfulness equals pleasure.

The writer says, if sin goes away, (like cheating, getting drunk, etc.,) eternal life won’t be any fun.

How Could Anyone Not Want Everlasting Joy?

People, including non-believers, spend their lives pursuing pleasure. We’re hard-wired that way.

But, ironically, when non-believers talk about Heaven, joy becomes uninteresting.

Their arguments don’t even make sense!

*Scripture repeatedly makes clear that heaven is a realm of unsurpassed joy, unfading glory, undiminished bliss, unlimited delights, and unending pleasures. Nothing about it can possibly be boring or humdrum. It will be a perfect existence. We will have unbroken fellowship with all heaven’s inhabitants. Life there will be devoid of any sorrows, cares, tear, fears, or pain. – John MacArthur, pastor-teacher, from Grace To You.

Some Day We Will See Jesus Face To Face

I just don’t get people sometimes. If they continue on their present path of Scripture denial, they will miss out on an eternal lifetime of joy and wonder.

We can see small impressions of the beauty of Heaven, right here on earth.

Yesterday, I looked outside at our bird feeder and saw a painted bunting.

Have you ever seen one? Isn’t he beautiful?

painted bunting

This little guy is just one more exquisite example of the beauty of God’s creation.

If I were to list all the examples I could think of, we’d be here for a long time!

No “random chance” foolishness here.

Heaven Isn’t Boring

How much more beautiful will Heaven be than anything we’ve experienced here on earth?

David’s Psalm 8 comes to mind.

Here’s just a part.

Psalm 8:3-4

What a beautiful testament to God’s magnificence. In this great big universe, He cares about you and me.

How can we not be in awe, and show our reverence to our great and wonderful God?

Heaven Isn’t Boring

Dear doubting blogger (mentioned at the beginning of this blog post), I will pray for you.

You have no idea what you will miss if you continue down that misguided path of self-absorption and unconfessed sin.

There’s so much more in store for those of us who put our trust in Him.

The Cross was not, by any means, a failure.

Through Jesus Christ, we have the ultimate victory.

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*John MacArthur quotation, public domain and as quoted from Christian quotes.info

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Ready For A Spiritual Battle?

April 5, 2017 Gracie

Getting Ready

I was a Girl Scout a long, long time ago.

Let’s not talk about how long. 😉

Our motto was to: “Be Prepared.”

Does that phrase sound familiar?

The direction to “be prepared” is also in the Bible – God’s Word.

Are You Ready For A Spiritual Battle?

It’s certainly easier to respond, “no thanks,” and just live your life without a care.

Easier maybe, but that’s not the right answer.

The Bible tells us, and as Peter reveals in 1 Peter 3:15-17:

¹⁵but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. – 1 Peter 3:15-17, ESV.

Contending For Your Faith

Always be prepared with confidence and complete reverence for God.

No one said it would be easy, especially when an unbeliever or false teacher is coming at you with all sorts of accusations. It can hurt, especially when the accuser is someone you know.

Have you ever heard anyone verbally attack the Bible and the Sovereignty of God?

I sure have.

It seems like the confrontations are happening everywhere – on college campuses, in the workplace, and elsewhere.

The most disturbing examples I’ve seen are on the internet and in social media comments.

attacking comment threads

It’s so bad that I only scan the headlines now, and skip over the comment threads where people are so awful to each other. There’s name-calling, threats, and twisting words of Scripture.

Do these folks realize what they’re saying, in a public forum, no less?

I once had a job where a coworker told me that a client we both knew was a “nice” person and would go to Heaven simply for that reason alone.

Our fallen human nature wants to believe that lie, but as Christians, we know that “Congeniality” is not a free ticket to Heaven.

That may sound harsh, but it’s reality. We must turn to the Bible for the answer, not Hollywood movies, or false teachers who add to or delete words of Scripture.

By our faith, we know better.

We are in great need of a Savior and a repentant heart. If being nice was all that was required to get to Heaven, Jesus would not have had to die.

The Gate Is Narrow

A very convicting Bible verse and a key reason why we, as Christians, should share our faith, comes from Matthew.

¹³“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. ¹⁴For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. – Matthew 7:13-14, ESV.

The way to eternal life is narrow. (Chilling, right?)

A very loving thing we can do for a lost person is telling them about salvation through Jesus Christ. We can also pray for them and, for the Holy Spirit to give us the right words when an opportunity comes up. I pray for this all the time.

We can’t let an intimidating person get us to back down about our personal faith in Jesus Christ and salvation through Him.

Are you ready for a spiritual battle

Are You Prepared?

You have to know why you believe.

What do athletes do before the big game?

They practice.

Practice talking about your faith, not because your beliefs are weak, but because it helps. This process isn’t the same as writing a rehearsed script and sounding like a robot. We need to examine our lives, our secular motives before we came to Christ, and the eternal perspective we gained after.

We’re not beating anyone over the head with it or trying to start fights. I take to heart what Paul said in Philippians.

²⁷Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. ²⁹For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, ³⁰engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. – Philippians 1:27-30, ESV.

Expecting Opposition

Not everyone will appreciate your testimony. If someone gets overly ugly with you, you can opt to say you’ll pray for this person and leave. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.

Not a Bible expert? It’s okay. You’re sharing your faith because you love others and don’t want them to go to hell.

Here’s a useful resource, Got Questions.

In this two-minute video, John MacArthur explains why readiness is so important. Feel free to share this with others who need encouragement. God bless.

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*Begg, Alistair. “Declare Great Things.” Crosswalk.Com. 25 May 2016. Web Access 03 April 2017. Used with permission. http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/truth-for-life/truth-for-life-may-25-2016.html

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