This is topic Christianity Is For Weak, Stupid People? in forum Exposing False Teaching at Christian Message Boards.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://thechristianbbs.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=53;t=000466

Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :
 
Christianity is for Weak, Stupid People? - The Role of Reason for Christians
by Rich Deem


Many skeptics think that Christianity is for people who do not want to think. Christians are often characterized as people who believe whatever they are told by the church. Faith is thought of as something that one believes blindly - with no supporting evidence.

However, this viewpoint does not represent biblical Christianity. In contrast, to what many skeptics believe, the Bible challenges its readers to test it and come to a reasonable conclusion. There are those Christians who believe blindly, and certain cults (such as Mormonism) teach that truth can be known through prayer. These ideas are heretical to biblical Christianity and often lead to deception, making such individuals susceptible to conversion by the cults.

Test everything. Hold on to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

What does the Bible teach?

Contrary to what many non-believers think, the Bible does not teach blind faith. In fact, the Bible actually tells believers to test everything. No other "holy" book tells its readers to actually put what it says to the test. The Bible can make such a statement because it passes the tests of truthfulness that no other "holy" book can. God Himself in His revelation to Isaiah stated, "Come now, and let us reason together..." God, the Creator of humans and human reasoning ability wants us to use that ability to determine His plan of salvation. How do we determine if the Bible is true? We test it and see if it is reasonable. Psalm 19 tells us that the universe "declares the glory of God" and that this "voice goes out into all the earth." This site is dedicated to showing how the universe declares God's love and design. In fact, the Bible says that the evidence for God's design of the universe is so strong that people are "without excuse" in rejecting God and His plan of salvation.

The importance of the mind in the life of believers and non-believers

The Bible encourages people to use their minds. In fact, the Bible says that God created humans and endowed them with a mind so that they would use it. The Bible says that God and Jesus Christ will test the minds (as well as the hearts) of people. One of the most important prophecies to Christianity, the prophecy of the New Covenant, fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, describes the changes God does in both the heart and the mind of those who are transformed. The Bible says that those who do not believe do so, in part, because of deception in their minds. This deception leads to hostility to God and defiling of their minds and consciences. The mind is also very important in the life of a Christian. The Christian is encouraged to set his "mind on the things above." We are also encouraged to direct our "mind to know, to investigate, and to seek wisdom and an explanation." Christians should use their minds in all aspects of life and "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." We are to use our minds to experience the reality of the Holy Spirit in order to experience His peace. This peace of God, "which surpasses all comprehension" guards both our hearts and our minds. Even the act of worship (both prayer and singing) should involve both the spirit and the mind.

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)

The Bible encourages people to acquire knowledge

The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament gives practical advice for living, raising children, and making good choices versus bad choices. Many of the verses discuss the importance of acquiring knowledge and wisdom, even to the degree of choosing knowledge over riches. Faith is of utmost importance to the Christian. But the Bible doesn't say to limit your belief to faith alone. In fact, it commands us to add first moral excellence then second knowledge. Daniel, one of the greatest examples of faith, who had an amazing prayer life, was also a man of great knowledge and intelligence, and used this ability to witness to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Solomon, in his prayers to God, asked for wisdom and knowledge, both of which God granted to him.

Biblical faith is based upon knowledge and sound doctrine

God wants believers to be knowledgeable, especially regarding their faith. A lack of knowledge leads to apostasy and destruction, as God Himself said to Hosea, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." A zeal for God is not sufficient to please Him, since many Jews have this zeal, although it is misplaced since it is "not in accordance with knowledge." The Bible encourages believers to have a knowledge-based faith, built upon sound biblical doctrine. When Paul preached the gospel, he did it through reasoning from the scriptures and not an appeal to blind faith. Paul, in his letters told believers to do away with childish thinking and reasoning. Christians are advised to set an example for others in teaching by modeling "integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech." The physician Luke, in his prologue to his gospel revealed that he determined the truth through careful investigation:

...it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" (Matthew 22:37)

What did Jesus teach?

Jesus extended the first of the ten commandments to love the Lord not only with our hearts and souls, but also our minds. Jesus almost always taught using parables and examples. He did this specifically so that people would think about what He was saying. In fact, in many instances, Jesus would ask people what they thought of what He said. When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, he explained the scriptures to his disciples and "opened their minds" so that they could see how He fulfilled the messianic prophecies.

Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD (Isaiah 1:18)

Conclusion

The Bible teaches a rational faith, based upon knowledge and refined through testing. Christians are encouraged to use their minds in all aspects of life, including our spiritual life - prayer and worship. God values truthfulness to a high degree and wants us to know the truth about his creation, the nature of His being and His scriptures. Ultimately, God wants all people to come to the knowledge of the truth of His salvation through Jesus Christ, so that they may spend eternity with Him in the new creation.
 
Posted by Brother Paul (Member # 7959) on :
 
Thanks once again for a thoughtful and well presented post. I am sure the Lord uses you to clarify many issues for the saints. May the Lord anoint you to continue in your ministry.

In His Name,

Brother Paul

P.S. I have checked out the website you suggested before. I have been ministering apologetically for GotQuestions.org for about three years and there are many excellent sites. The Lord bless...Shalom aliechem (His Peace be upon you)
 
Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :
 
Thank you so much Paul for your encouragement.

GotQuestions is a great site!

The Lord bless...Shalom aliechem (His Peace be upon you) also.

Carol
 
Posted by MentorsRiddle (Member # 2108) on :
 
I often overlook the "Exposing False Teachings" section of the board -- but stumbled across this one.

I think this entire post should be copied and posted in the main section of the forum so more people will read it -- as I don't see alot of activity in this section of the board.

This was a very well thought out and constructed post that kept my attention the entire way through and explaned how the mindset of a true Christian should be.

Thanks for this wonderful and well done post.

God-Bless
 
Posted by Carol Swenson (Member # 6929) on :
 
Hi MentorsRiddle

Please feel free to copy and repost it if you want to.

Rich Deem has other good articles at http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/
 
Posted by WildB (Member # 2917) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Carol Swenson:
Christianity is for Weak, Stupid People? - The Role of Reason for Christians
by Rich Deem


Many skeptics think that Christianity is for people who do not want to think. Christians are often characterized as people who believe whatever they are told by the church. Faith is thought of as something that one believes blindly - with no supporting evidence.

However, this viewpoint does not represent biblical Christianity. In contrast, to what many skeptics believe, the Bible challenges its readers to test it and come to a reasonable conclusion. There are those Christians who believe blindly, and certain cults (such as Mormonism) teach that truth can be known through prayer. These ideas are heretical to biblical Christianity and often lead to deception, making such individuals susceptible to conversion by the cults.

Test everything. Hold on to the good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

What does the Bible teach?

Contrary to what many non-believers think, the Bible does not teach blind faith. In fact, the Bible actually tells believers to test everything. No other "holy" book tells its readers to actually put what it says to the test. The Bible can make such a statement because it passes the tests of truthfulness that no other "holy" book can. God Himself in His revelation to Isaiah stated, "Come now, and let us reason together..." God, the Creator of humans and human reasoning ability wants us to use that ability to determine His plan of salvation. How do we determine if the Bible is true? We test it and see if it is reasonable. Psalm 19 tells us that the universe "declares the glory of God" and that this "voice goes out into all the earth." This site is dedicated to showing how the universe declares God's love and design. In fact, the Bible says that the evidence for God's design of the universe is so strong that people are "without excuse" in rejecting God and His plan of salvation.

The importance of the mind in the life of believers and non-believers

The Bible encourages people to use their minds. In fact, the Bible says that God created humans and endowed them with a mind so that they would use it. The Bible says that God and Jesus Christ will test the minds (as well as the hearts) of people. One of the most important prophecies to Christianity, the prophecy of the New Covenant, fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, describes the changes God does in both the heart and the mind of those who are transformed. The Bible says that those who do not believe do so, in part, because of deception in their minds. This deception leads to hostility to God and defiling of their minds and consciences. The mind is also very important in the life of a Christian. The Christian is encouraged to set his "mind on the things above." We are also encouraged to direct our "mind to know, to investigate, and to seek wisdom and an explanation." Christians should use their minds in all aspects of life and "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." We are to use our minds to experience the reality of the Holy Spirit in order to experience His peace. This peace of God, "which surpasses all comprehension" guards both our hearts and our minds. Even the act of worship (both prayer and singing) should involve both the spirit and the mind.

The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)

The Bible encourages people to acquire knowledge

The book of Proverbs in the Old Testament gives practical advice for living, raising children, and making good choices versus bad choices. Many of the verses discuss the importance of acquiring knowledge and wisdom, even to the degree of choosing knowledge over riches. Faith is of utmost importance to the Christian. But the Bible doesn't say to limit your belief to faith alone. In fact, it commands us to add first moral excellence then second knowledge. Daniel, one of the greatest examples of faith, who had an amazing prayer life, was also a man of great knowledge and intelligence, and used this ability to witness to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Solomon, in his prayers to God, asked for wisdom and knowledge, both of which God granted to him.

Biblical faith is based upon knowledge and sound doctrine

God wants believers to be knowledgeable, especially regarding their faith. A lack of knowledge leads to apostasy and destruction, as God Himself said to Hosea, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." A zeal for God is not sufficient to please Him, since many Jews have this zeal, although it is misplaced since it is "not in accordance with knowledge." The Bible encourages believers to have a knowledge-based faith, built upon sound biblical doctrine. When Paul preached the gospel, he did it through reasoning from the scriptures and not an appeal to blind faith. Paul, in his letters told believers to do away with childish thinking and reasoning. Christians are advised to set an example for others in teaching by modeling "integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech." The physician Luke, in his prologue to his gospel revealed that he determined the truth through careful investigation:

...it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'" (Matthew 22:37)

What did Jesus teach?

Jesus extended the first of the ten commandments to love the Lord not only with our hearts and souls, but also our minds. Jesus almost always taught using parables and examples. He did this specifically so that people would think about what He was saying. In fact, in many instances, Jesus would ask people what they thought of what He said. When Jesus was resurrected from the dead, he explained the scriptures to his disciples and "opened their minds" so that they could see how He fulfilled the messianic prophecies.

Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD (Isaiah 1:18)

Conclusion

The Bible teaches a rational faith, based upon knowledge and refined through testing. Christians are encouraged to use their minds in all aspects of life, including our spiritual life - prayer and worship. God values truthfulness to a high degree and wants us to know the truth about his creation, the nature of His being and His scriptures. Ultimately, God wants all people to come to the knowledge of the truth of His salvation through Jesus Christ, so that they may spend eternity with Him in the new creation.

bump
 
Posted by Preacha24-7 (Member # 16081) on :
 
Praise the Lord everybody. I’m glad to be a part of this chat room. We’re in a battle saints. It’s a battle for souls. Good vs Evil. Light vs Darkness. We need to understand that it is not Black against White. We are in a spiritual battle. Satan is a troublemaker. Ephesians 6:10-11 New King James Version
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. How do you defeat Satan? It’s really simple #1 The name of Jesus
#2 The Power of the Holy Ghost
#3 the Word of God (The Bible)

1John4:1-4 New King James Version
1 Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4 You are of God little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God. To God be the Glory.
 
Posted by knowHim (Member # 8) on :
 
Well said Preacha24-7. I think that a lot of people who call themselves Christian’s are not. If one is a Christian they will know their bible and not believe everything they are told from preachers or anyone else, as you stated. “Beloved do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world”

If people don’t know what the bible says they believe everything. I started a daily bible reading website to try and get people to join in and study the bible daily. All are welcome to join us.

Everybody needs to know what the Bible really says: what it says about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, salvation and eternity, etc. Don’t depend on what a church or some famous preacher tells you. If you depend on Hollywood, the History Channel, or a magazine for the most important information you will ever need to know. You may end up lost forever not knowing what God has written down for you. He wants you to spend eternity with Him.

You need to know Jesus before you can be saved. The bible is all about who Jesus is and what He has done for you. He has a gift for you and it is completely free. But if you don’t know Him, you will not be in the Kingdom of God with Jesus who gave His very life for you.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’ ~ Matthew 7:21-23

There is an absurd amount of very bad information out in the world today about the Bible. You will only know the truth if you study the bible for yourself. And if you study the bible and ask The Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the truth He will and it will change your life forever.

Join us at https://know-the-bible.com
 
Posted by Preacha24-7 (Member # 16081) on :
 
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Saints don’t let the world shame you or make you afraid to speak the name of Jesus. We must preach the Gospel with love and compassion, but we must tell people the truth. It is our duty as Children of God to tell everybody about Jesus. The Devil is lying to people everyday. Rise up men and women of God and preach the Gospel. The Bible says that evil should be exposed. Ephesians 5:5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Verse 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Verse 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. New King James Version 2John1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. New King James Version
 
Posted by Preacha24-7 (Member # 16081) on :
 
Here are some verses that back up everything I believe as a born again Christians. These verses are very helpful especially when you meet people who follow false religions(Cults).

Christianity vs False Religions.

Cults deny the Deity of Jesus and don’t believe sin exists. They do not acknowledge Him as God. They say he was a great teacher and prophet. They claim there are many ways to God, but we know that is not true.

This is what Christians believe.

1.Jesus is God John1:1-5; 10-18, John 8:58, Col 1:15-20.
2. Jesus is needed for salvation from sin. John 3:14-18, Rom 3:10-11,23-26, 1John 1:8-10.
3. Jesus rose from the dead. Luke 24:36-53, 1Cor 15:3-8; 12-22.
4. Jesus is fully God John5:17-27, John 10:30-39, Col 2:9-10.
5. Only One way to God John 3:14-17, John 14:6-11, Acts 16:31
 
Posted by knowHim (Member # 8) on :
 
quote:
Originally posted by Preacha24-7:


This is what Christians believe.

1.Jesus is God John1:1-5; 10-18, John 8:58, Col 1:15-20.
2. Jesus is needed for salvation from sin. John 3:14-18, Rom 3:10-11,23-26, 1John 1:8-10.
3. Jesus rose from the dead. Luke 24:36-53, 1Cor 15:3-8; 12-22.
4. Jesus is fully God John5:17-27, John 10:30-39, Col 2:9-10.
5. Only One way to God John 3:14-17, John 14:6-11, Acts 16:31

I agree. It is very surprising how many people say they are a Christian and don't believe "Jesus is God"

That is why as Christians we need to know our bible for our selves.

Know the Bible
 
Posted by Preacha24-7 (Member # 16081) on :
 
Here are some Scriptures that will help you defeat the Devil.
1.Isaiah 54:17.
2. Rom 8:1-2.
3. Rom 8:28.
4. Rom 8:37
5. Rev 12:11
6: Ephesians 6:10-18
Just remember saints Satan is a liar and the father of lies. Don’t listen to him.
God bless and I hope these Scriptures help to encourage your fath and growth as a Christian.
 
Posted by Preacha24-7 (Member # 16081) on :
 
Before I get started just want to say that everything I do and say is to help and to encourage. If you have friends or family members who are Roman Catholic please pray that God will deliver them because they practice and do stuff God said not to do and I have Scripture to back up everything I say.

They pray and worship Mary. That is idolatry
Exodus20:3 You shall have no other God’s before me
Exodus20:5 You shall not bow down to them nor serve them.

Mary was a vessel used by God. She is not to be worshipped.
The only way to God is through Jesus. John14:6 Jesus said to him “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus is the only Mediator between God and man. 1Timothy2:5
Catholics call their priest father Matthew 23:9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
They confess their sins to a priest. Man can not save you only Jesus can save you and forgive your sins 1John1:9

Purgatory is a lie! You can’t pray someone out of hell.
Hebrews9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement. As long as you are breathing and have breath in your lungs you have a chance to get right with God. When you die it’s too late. As a Christian following correct Doctrine is very important. I will never join a church or listen to any Pastor or Evangelist that preaches false doctrine. Father God in the name of Jesus let these Scriptures bless, encourage and motivate someone to know the truth and live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name I pray Amen
To God be the Glory
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
The Catholic Church will answer to God one day.
Betty
 
Posted by Preacha24-7 (Member # 16081) on :
 
It’s time for Christians to start listening to the truth from God’s Word. It’s really sad how so many Christians have been deceived by preachers who preach false doctrines. God gave us the Bible so we can know the truth. The reason Cult religions exist is because Satan does not want you to know the truth.
Satan is a liar. But I have good news. Satan is defeated and is on borrowed time as he waits for his final punishment.
John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. New King James Version

2John1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ
9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son

10-11 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. New King James Version

1John5:12 He who had the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life New King James Version

1John5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world- our faith.
5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Without God we are nothing. Every boy, girl, man, and woman must make a choice.
Choose Jesus = Life forevermore when you die eternity
Choose Satan= death, hell, and destruction totally separated from God. All these Scriptures are from the New King James Version
 




Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classicTM 6.5.0