Author Archives → Michael Pircio

Christology 101-Jesus as the Eternal Word: Understanding the Logos

The Gospel according to John introduces us to a profound concept – Jesus Christ as the Word, or the ‘Logos’ (John 1:1). This term, ‘Logos,’ is deeply rooted in pre-Christian Greek philosophy, where it was understood as the divine principle of reason and order that gives form to the cosmos1. In John’s Gospel, however, the Logos takes on a distinctly Christian interpretation, signaling the divinity of Jesus Christ.

C.S. Lewis, in his work “Mere Christianity,” brilliantly articulates the logical implications of accepting Jesus as the Logos2. Lewis suggests that if Jesus, who claimed divinity for Himself, is indeed the Logos, then He cannot be dismissed as merely a moral teacher or a prophet. He must either be considered a madman, the Devil, or the Son of God3.

This line of reasoning offers a robust defense of Christ’s divinity. If Jesus is the Logos, the divine principle inherent in the cosmos, then His claims of divinity are not just valid but also crucial for understanding our Christian faith.

In addition to the Gospel of John and Lewis’s perspective, the Apostle Paul provides further insight into the nature of the Logos. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul identifies Jesus as the “image of the invisible God,” the one through whom all things were created (Colossians 1:15-16)4. This again underscores Jesus’ divine nature, positing Him as the divine Logos through which the cosmos was brought into existence and over which He reigns supreme.

The implication of these Scriptures is not just that Jesus is divine, but that He, as the Logos, is intimately involved with the cosmos and human history. Augustine, the influential theologian, expressed this notion beautifully when he said, “God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering”5. These words serve to emphasize the paradox of the Incarnation – the divine Logos chose to fully embrace the human condition, including its suffering and death.

Understanding Jesus as the divine Logos who willingly experienced the full spectrum of human existence speaks volumes about God’s love for humanity. As theologian J.I. Packer points out, “The supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us… is the mystery of the love of God”6.

The notion of Jesus as the Logos is not only about grasping Christ’s divinity intellectually. Instead, it invites us to reflect on how this truth influences our faith, our perception of God, and our relationship with Him.

In the coming weeks, we will delve deeper into the concept of Jesus as the Logos. This journey offers a remarkable opportunity for us to grow in our understanding of Jesus, to deepen our faith, and to foster a closer relationship with Him. May our exploration of the Logos open up new pathways for us to experience God’s unfathomable love, grace, and truth.

Footnotes

  1. Logos. (2021). In Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/logos/
  • Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.
  • Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Geoffrey Bles.
  • The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Zondervan.
  • Augustine of Hippo. (397-400 AD). Confessions.
  • Packer, J.I. (1973). Knowing God. InterVarsity Press.

The Surprising Harmony: How The Reformed Christian View of Faith and Reason Offers an Integrated Approach to Life

 

In the world of Christianity, faith and reason have been a topic of debate for centuries. While some believe that faith is a purely emotional experience, others argue that there must be a logical basis for belief.

This is where the Reformed Christian view of faith and reason comes in. The approach, known as ”presuppositional apologetics,” asserts that faith is the foundation of all reasoning, and that reason must be subject to faith.

But what does this mean, and how does it impact our understanding of God and the world around us? Exploring this complex and often misunderstood topic can reveal a great deal about the nature of belief, and the ways in which we interact with our faith.

Apologetics, as it turns out, is not simply about clearing up misunderstandings or explaining away discrepancies. Rather, it’s a whole approach to faith that seeks to integrate reason and revelation, allowing for a more holistic understanding of God and the world.

And nowhere is this more evident than in the Reformed Christian tradition, which emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the importance of using our minds to seek truth. In the face of scientific discoveries and philosophical challenges, Reformed thinkers have not retreated into dogmatism or blind faith, but rather have embraced the tension between faith and reason as a means of deepening our understanding of both.

Far from being an obstacle to faith, reason becomes a tool for exploring the mysteries of God and the complexities of the world he created. So if you’re looking for a faith that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually satisfying, it’s worth considering the Reformed view of faith and reason.

Who knows? You might find that the tension between the two is a source of surprising harmony after all.

Introduction: Faith and Reason

Faith and reason may appear as conflicting concepts, but Reformed Christianity amalgamates the two to present a comprehensive approach to life. At the core of this perspective lies the acknowledgement of human reasoning’s limitations and the ultimate reliance on God’s sovereignty.

This view recognizes the value of reason and intellectual inquiry in comprehending and interpreting God’s truths. The approach to studying scripture highlights both spiritual discernment and scholarly analysis.

Alister McGrath notes that ”Theology’s purpose is to enable us to respond to God better,” which necessitates faith and reason working together harmoniously. By adopting this integrated approach, Christians can gain a deeper understanding of the universe’s mysteries and our place within it.

This enriches both our spiritual and intellectual lives. Ultimately, the Reformed view of faith and reason offers a holistic perspective on the world and our purpose within it, accentuated by the central tenet of Christ’s redemptive grace.

 

Reformed Christianity’s View on Faith and Reason

Reformed Christianity believes that faith and reason complement each other. Though faith is grounded in divine revelation, reason is still a valuable tool to understand the world.

In our world, reason is often seen as the highest form of knowledge, making this approach to faith and reason seem perplexing. However, the Reformed view offers a harmonious approach to life.

It encourages exploring the world with reason while also valuing divine revelation and recognizing the limits of human knowledge.The Reformed view realizes that we are finite beings attempting to understand an infinite world.

By embracing both faith and reason, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our place in the world, and the ultimate purpose of life. In a chaotic and confusing world, this approach offers much-needed clarity and hope.

 

A Brief History of Faith and Reason

Faith has been discussed since the beginning of time. As humans, we ponder our existence and purpose.

People link faith to the creation of the universe and humanity’s relationship with a higher power. Faith is used to justify what can’t be explained and to provide comfort during uncertainty.

However, some argue that faith and reason are opposites. They claim that reason always prevails over faith.

But what if a life approach allowed faith and reason to coexist in harmony?The Reformed Christian view values faith and reason equally. It suggests that faith isn’t blindly jumping into the unknown, but relying on evidence and reason.

The history of faith and reason is complicated, but the Reformed Christian perspective offers a feasible alternative. What if we could have both? What if faith and reason collaborated, providing a more comprehensive understanding of our place in the world? The idea is intriguing and warrants further exploration.

 

The Integration of Faith and Reason in Daily Life

The Reformed Christian view offers a unique way of integrating faith and reason, which may seem like opposing views. By focusing on the Bible and its teachings, followers see them as essential to daily living.

This tradition embraces intellectual inquiry through the lens of religious beliefs, attaining a holistic understanding of life that’s constantly evolving. Thus, Reformed Christians show that intellectual pursuits and spiritual calling can work in harmony.

 

Benefits of an Integrated Approach

The debate on the balance between faith and reason is divisive. The Reformed Christian view, however, provides a solution by integrating both logic and spirituality.

Research shows that this approach leads to better mental health, productivity, and overall happiness. Theologians like C.S. Lewis recognize the value of this holistic understanding of the world.

By embracing this approach, individuals can fully participate in both the intellectual and spiritual richness of life, leading to a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Common Misconceptions of Faith and Reason

The age-old debate between faith and reason still rages on. In this context, R.C. Sproul, a prominent Reformed Christian thinker, offers a surprising perspective.

Despite misconceptions about the compatibility of faith and reason, Sproul argues that they can work together to offer a more integrated approach to life. Through his teachings, Sproul dispels the myth that faith requires abandoning reason.

Instead, he highlights the complementary nature of faith and reason, which leads to a deeper understanding of the world and our place in it. Although some may still scoff at the idea, Sproul’s approach provides a thought-provoking framework that challenges traditional thinking.

It offers a new way of looking at the world.

Conclusion: The Beauty of Harmony.

In a chaotic and confusing world, finding harmony can seem impossible. But what if there was a way to make sense of the seemingly senseless? That’s where Reformed Christian apologetics comes in.

Proponents of this view believe that faith and reason can coexist, creating an intellectually rigorous and spiritually profound worldview. This approach encourages curiosity, evidence-based reasoning, and a deep appreciation for the divine mystery.

It reminds us that the pursuit of truth is a lifelong journey, requiring humility, openness, and a willingness to engage with difficult questions. In a polarized and cynical time, this integrated approach offers hope and possibility.

 

Closing Remarks

In conclusion, the Reformed Christian view of faith and reason is a complex, layered, and thought-provoking topic that requires careful examination and scrutiny. While some may view faith and reason as two separate and distinct entities, the Reformed Christian perspective emphasizes their inherent connection and interdependence.

From the early church fathers to contemporary theologians, the Reformed tradition has championed the importance of both faith and reason in shaping our understanding of God and his plan for humanity. And while there may be those who dismiss the Reformed view as outdated or irrelevant, its enduring influence on Christian thought and practice remains undeniable.

Ultimately, the Reformed Christian view of faith and reason challenges us to think deeply and critically about our beliefs, and to embrace the richness and complexity of the Christian faith in all its glory.

Weekly Thoughts | A Personal God

The God we worship is a personal god. Day in and day out, He reveals Himself to us through the infinite number of ways that we can meet Him. You see, God exists beyond time and space. When we read the Bible or pray, we are reading about the Infinite One who has already come to meet us in our time of need. Whether you believe in Christ or not, He offers you a personal relationship that no one else can. For many people, this might seem like such an obvious thing to say about God. After all, it’s something that every single Christian believes, right? But how many times have we heard people speak negatively about their experience with God? That’s because true connection with God isn’t something that happens automatically – it takes hard work and constant self-examination. And if you’re ready to begin your journey towards true connection with your Creator, keep reading!

The God we worship is a person who wants to know us personally.

The idea that God exists beyond time is a surprisingly new concept to most people. In fact, many people believe that God doesn’t exist at all outside of themselves! Because people are so focused on the creation of themselves, they tend to forget that they are created in the image of a Creator who is far beyond the limitations of space and time. This fact is crucial to understanding the nature of God. God wants to know us personally. He loves us, and He desires to know our desires, our hopes, our dreams, and our fears. But the problem is that we (humans) don’t know ourselves very well. We tend to be blind to our own shortcomings and limitations. We are also so busy creating our own lives, we tend to miss out on the opportunity to learn from our Creator.

Belief in a personal god is not the same thing as belief in God.

Belief in a personal god is a foundation of faith. People who claim to believe in a personal god but also claim that this god doesn’t exist are missing the point. The concept of a personal god is simply a way of explaining the difference between the human and divine perspectives. Humans, who exist in a limited context, see things in terms of our own limitations – but God sees everything from the infinite perspective of infinity. When we pray, God doesn’t just understand the words that we speak. He sees our thoughts and our desires, but we don’t see these things because we are too busy focusing on our own existence.

The God we worship is a holy and righteous person.

God is holy. He cannot be tempted by evil. He cannot be jealous or envy others. He cannot be angry. He cannot be a person who is proud or self-righteous. He cannot be a liar or a cheat. He cannot be a thief. He cannot be selfish or greedy. He cannot be disrespectful towards others. He cannot be wasteful. He cannot be a person who is lazy or who is too busy living their own life without looking outside of themselves to see the needs of others. Yes, God is holy. And yes, he is just. God is a righteous person.

Conclusion

The God we worship is a person who wants to know us personally. The God we worship is a caring person. The God we worship is a holy and righteous person. So, what does all this mean? The God we worship is a personal god. He exists beyond time and space. He wants to know us personally. He is holy and just. He isn’t too busy living His own life, but rather He sees us as important and worthy of His time and attention. So what does this mean for you? It means that you have the opportunity to meet a person who only wants to know you and love you. You have the opportunity to experience unconditional love, and it doesn’t cost you a thing. You have the opportunity to experience all of these things without any effort on your end, because God is a personal god. You don’t need to earn God’s love. It’s freely given.

Weekly Thoughts | The Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most central and significant events in the entire Bible. It stands as a cornerstone of the Christian faith, and its importance cannot be overstated. As C.S. Lewis famously said, “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse.”

The historical evidence for the resurrection is strong. As a matter of fact, there is more evidence for the resurrection of Jesus than for any other event in ancient history. There are multiple sources that attest to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead, including both Christian and non-Christian sources. These sources all point to the truth of the resurrection.

The early Christians were willing to die for the truth of the resurrection, despite the fact that they could have saved their lives by renouncing their belief. This willingness to lay down their lives for what they believed to be true serves as evidence of the reality of the resurrection. Furthermore, there were many eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, including those of His disciples. Many of these accounts were written down and passed on to future generations. Finally, we have archaeological evidence that corroborates certain details of the resurrection narrative. This serves as additional evidence for the historicity of the resurrection.

The disciples’ transformation from cowards to bold evangelists is difficult to explain apart from the resurrection. Before Jesus’ death, the disciples were afraid and unsure of what to do. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, they were suddenly filled with courage and conviction, boldly proclaiming the good news of the gospel. This transformation can only be explained by the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. The resurrection was the event that changed the disciples from cowards to bold proclaimers of the gospel.

The empty tomb serves as evidence for the resurrection. All four gospels record that on Easter morning, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by his followers. This empty tomb serves as evidence that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, as no other explanation can adequately account for it. Furthermore, the Jewish leaders, who had so desperately sought to discredit the resurrection, were unable to explain the empty tomb. This serves as further evidence of the resurrection.

The testimonies of those who encountered the risen Jesus are significant. The gospels record multiple accounts of people who encountered the risen Jesus and were transformed by the experience. These testimonies serve as powerful evidence for the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. For example, the apostle Thomas was initially skeptical of the resurrection, but changed his mind after encountering the risen Jesus. This is just one of many examples of how the testimonies of those who encountered the risen Jesus serve as powerful evidence for the resurrection.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that has had a profound impact on history and continues to shape our lives today. Its validity and importance cannot be denied, and it stands as a cornerstone of the Christian faith. With all of this in mind, we can confidently affirm that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead and is alive today.

Weekly Thoughts | Random Chance

Random chance is a concept that has been around for centuries. It is the idea that events and outcomes are determined by luck or fortune, rather than by skill or intelligence. In the Christian worldview, this idea is fundamentally wrong because it fails to take into account the sovereignty of God.

The Bible teaches us that God is in control of all things. In Proverbs 16:33, we are told that “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” This verse is clear in teaching us that God is ultimately in control of our lives and the outcomes of our decisions. We may think that chance or luck are at work in our lives, but God is always at work.

God has a plan and purpose for our lives. He has a specific plan for each of us, and He uses all things to accomplish His will. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” This verse tells us that even though we may not understand what’s happening in our lives, God is using it all for our good and His glory. We may not always understand why things are happening, but we can rest assured that God is using it all for His good purposes.

Random chance also fails to take into account the power of prayer. We may think that random chance is what determines events and outcomes, but the Bible teaches us that prayer has the power to shape the course of our lives. James 5:16 says “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” This verse tells us that when we pray, God is listening and will act on our behalf. We may feel like random chance is in control, but we can be sure that God hears our prayers and answers them according to His will.

Finally, random chance fails to take into account the power of faith. We may think that luck and chance are what determine our outcomes in life, but the Bible teaches us that faith has the power to shape our lives. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse tells us that when we have faith in God, He will work in our lives in ways we cannot see. We may not understand why things are happening in our lives, but we can trust that God is at work behind the scenes, shaping our lives according to His plan.

Random chance is a concept that has been around for centuries, but it fails to take into account the sovereignty of God, the power of prayer, and the power of faith. These three elements are essential components of a Christian worldview and should be taken into account when considering random chance. Ultimately, we can trust that God is in control and He will use all things for His good purposes.

Weekly Thoughts | The Importance of Church Attendance

Attending church regularly is essential for Christians to experience the fullness of their faith. It is not just an opportunity to worship and fellowship with other believers, but also provides a number of spiritual benefits. Regular church attendance offers a number of advantages, including developing and nurturing a relationship with God, creating a sense of community, staying focused and disciplined in our faith, and allowing us to stay accountable to God. Through regular church attendance, we can deepen our understanding of God and His plan for our lives, grow in our faith, stay grounded in our faith, stay motivated and energized in our spiritual journey, and feel supported by those who are also on their spiritual journey. For Christians, attending church on a regular basis is an essential part of their faith journey.

First, regular church attendance allows us to develop and nurture a relationship with God. Worship services provide an opportunity to learn more about God and His Word, as well as to spend time in prayer and meditation. Regular worship also allows us to grow in our faith and deepen our understanding of God and His plan for our lives.

Second, regular church attendance provides a sense of community. Going to church provides a safe and welcoming environment where believers can connect and build relationships with others. This helps us to stay grounded in our faith and encourages us to grow in our relationships with each other.

Third, regular church attendance can help us stay focused and disciplined in our faith. We can become easily distracted by the world and its temptations but attending church can help keep us focused on God and His will. Additionally, hearing a sermon or participating in a devotional can help us stay motivated and energized in our spiritual journey.

Finally, regular church attendance can help us stay accountable to God:

We can be challenged to live out God’s Word and be held accountable for our actions. Additionally, we can be encouraged by others in our congregation and gain a better understanding of what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.

Through regular church attendance, we can develop and nurture a relationship with God, create a sense of community, stay focused and disciplined in our faith, and stay accountable to God. We can also deepen our understanding of God and His plan for our lives, grow in our faith, stay grounded in our faith, stay motivated and energized in our spiritual journey, and feel supported by those who are also on their spiritual journey. By attending church regularly, Christians can live out their faith in a way that honors God and serves as an example to others.

The Divinity of Christ at Christmas

Introduction

Christmas is a time for celebration, joy, and peace. It is a time for families to come together and to reflect on the beauty of life and the people in it. It is a time to take stock of the things that matter most, like love, faith, and hope. The Christmas season also serves as an important reminder of the birth of Jesus Christ and God’s plan for the world. The Christmas story begins with the promise of a Messiah who would be sent by God to save the world from sin and bring salvation to mankind. This promise is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe to be the one and only son of God. The divinity of Christ has long been a source of debate among theologians and scholars. However, when one looks at the biblical accounts and other historical evidence, it becomes clear that Jesus was always intended to be more than just a moral teacher or prophet – he was and is God himself. In this essay, I will make a case for the divinity of Christ by discussing the prophecies of his coming, the fulfillment of those prophecies in his life, his miracles and other supernatural acts, his ministry on earth, and his resurrection from death.

Prophecy Fulfilled: The Coming of the Messiah

The prophecy that God would send a messiah can be found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. As far back as Genesis 3:15 there are predictions about a savior who will set humanity free from sin and death: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” In fact, there are over three hundred prophecies in Scripture that detail events in the life of Jesus Christ before they occurred. These prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’s life in remarkable ways. He was born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), descended from King David (Isaiah 11:1), lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21), performed numerous miracles (John 10:37-38), was rejected by his own people (Isaiah 53:3), was betrayed by one of his own disciples (Zechariah 11:12-13), was crucified (Psalms 22:16-18) and rose from the dead (Psalms 16:10). Each one of these prophecies concerning Jesus’s life were fulfilled in him, making it impossible to deny that he was indeed God’s chosen Messiah.

Miracles & Supernatural Acts

Throughout Jesus’s ministry he performed numerous miracles – from feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21) to raising Lazarus from death (John 11:43-44). These miraculous acts are evidence that Jesus had divine power over nature, an ability that only God could possess. Additionally, he had knowledge about things only God could know – such as what people were thinking (John 2:24-25) or who was going to betray him (Matthew 26:21-25). Moreover, Jesus claimed to be equal with God in other ways too. He said he could forgive sins (Mark 2:5-10) which only God has authority to do, he claimed authority over death (John 8:51-57), and he said that anyone who had seen him had seen the Father (John 14:9). All this provides further evidence that Jesus was much more than just a teacher or prophet – he was truly divine.

Ministry on Earth

Jesus did not come simply as a teacher or prophet; he came as Savior and Redeemer. He preached about love for others, mercy towards sinners, forgiveness for wrongdoings, hope for those who are lost, compassion for those in need, faith in God’s goodness, humility towards one another and so much more. He also healed countless people, cast out demons and inflicted justice where it was needed throughout his travels on earth. By doing all these things Jesus showed us how we should live our lives according to God’s will. Not only did he preach about it but he also practiced what he preached through his ministry on earth. These acts are further proof that Jesus is more than just a man – he is indeed divine as well.

Resurrection

Perhaps most importantly of all is Jesus’s resurrection from death after being crucified on the cross. His resurrection serves as proof that God accepted Jesus’s sacrifice for our sins which means we are now able to have everlasting life with him in heaven if we accept him as our Lord and Savior. In addition to this biblical evidence of this incredible miracle there is also evidence from non-biblical sources such as Jewish historian Josephus Flavius who wrote about Jesus Christ around 95 AD which serve as further proof that Jesus really did rise from death after being crucified on the cross.

Conclusion

When viewed together all this evidence serves to strongly support the case for the divinity of Christ. From prophecy fulfilled in his life to his resurrection from death – we see clearly how Jesus is not just another prophet or teacher but truly divine as well. This truth is fundamental to Christianity and at no time is it more apparent than during Christmas when we celebrate Christ’s birth into this world – a birth that marked not just an event but a turning point in history as well. So let us take this season as an opportunity to remember this incredible truth – that Jesus was always intended to be God himself – so that we may forever keep faith in his love and grace for us all!

Mars Hill Offensive | Part 1: Wordly Wisdom

I’ve often heard over the years that God’s Word is the only thing we need to reach a lost world. If people are receptive to it, or would otherwise call themselves church goers or religious, I can see the appeal in that statement. What about those that don’t prescribe to a certain religion or to a philosophical view of God? Or how about those that see the Bible as irrelevant to them, just plain fake or created to control mankind?

The Apostle Paul ran into this exact issue when He visited Athens during His ministry. Greece has a long history of being the philosophical capital for the world, especially Athens and even under Roman rule, this was no different. While preaching in the markets to the Jews and the Gentiles, some philosophers approached him. These philosophers were Stoic and Epicurean (Acts 17:18) and had never heard of Jesus, the one true God, or the resurrection. You see both of those schools of philosophical thought are ironically extreme opposites looking for the same goal (which is probably why they were together, for discussion). 

Epicureanism is a sad ideology which has gripped the modern world. We can see it in our book stores, on television and in the types of businesses and events that are run. Epicureanism advocates that hedonism will save you from pain and anxiety and the needless fear of death and the gods. Basically they prescribe that pleasure is our salvation from all of the horrible things that happen to us and around us. Our current world tells us that we need to put “me first” and that we “need” to shop for things, we have bars filled with alcohol that encourage drunkenness, we have clubs that encourage promiscuity, and we have the internet that encourages everything else. 

Paul saw the danger of this ideology, and no doubt was slightly perturbed that it existed still, even 400 years after Epicurus (the founder) lived. However, there was another group that was with them and they were equally dangerous. Not that they encouraged blatant sin in order to cure the pains of this world, no, the Stoics advocated for much different; however, the Stoics had a lot of things right about the world as well and Paul used that to his advantage. 

Stoicism: A quick overview

Stoicism comes from the greek word Stoa, or painted porch where the founder of the philosophical school of thought, Zeno of Cyprus, would teach. True to the modern epithet of “Actions speak louder than words”, the Stoics believed that a person’s behavior in relation to external stimuli was more important than their words. On a physical plane, they held that everything that was real was material. On a metaphysical level, they taught there was a logos. 

If that word sounds familiar to you, it should. In John 1:1 we read “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The word “Word” is translated from the Greek word “logos”, meaning “reason”. This is extremely important to consider that not only are the stoics on the same page-ish as Christians, but God has allowed them to deduce through their worldly wisdom, that God exists and through Him everything was created. 

See, the Stoics were philosophical decendents of Socrates and Socrates was a student of Plato (supposedly, but that’s for a different discussion). Plato also had another famous student, Aristotle. (Now, you’re all getting upset because I’m bringing back high school geometry and this isn’t what you signed up for.) Aristotle wrote, in the 12th book of Metaphysics this quote, “And life also belongs to God; for the actuality of thought is life, and God is that actuality; and God’s self-dependent actuality is life most good and eternal. We say therefore that God is a living being, eternal, most good, so that life and duration continuous and eternal belong to God; for this is God”

WOW, this is one of the most intelligent philosophers to ever live, and he understood that the pantheon is wrong, all the Greek myths were false and over it all proclaimed there is only one God and HE IS GOOD. 

So we know that these Stoics understood that A). There is a single God and B.) Not only is there a God but He is the active reason that created all of the material in the world. 

But why did I say their philosophy is equally as dangerous as the hedonistic Epicureans? They believed they didn’t need God and that they could overcome the pains of this life themselves. They believed all emotion was equally threatening to their existence and in the process of wanting peace they only relied on themselves.

Paul’s arrival to Mars Hill

Paul as a person, was well educated not only in human doctrine (such as the philosophies listed above), but also in the laws, prophets and history of the Jews. Not only had He searched the scriptures and seen that His Savior was Christ the Lord, but He was personally visited by the Lord a few times after His miraculous conversion. 

So when Paul arrived to this hill that had alters to all the gods, he stopped to look at one. It was interesting because it said “To the unknown god”. Paul siezed this opportunity to explain that this God, whom they didn’t know, was the only God. I find this especially ironic since the Stoics and Epicureans initially accused him of speaking of a “foreign god” (Acts 17:18), which they were in reality worshipping a foreign god all this time. 

Paul made sure he was well versed in their ideology before he spoke to these intelligent men. He knew of their teachers and understood what they were taught. As Christians, which this blog is aimed at, we need to make sure we are aware who our audience is, what they believe, and know how to counter it. Sometimes early on in the conversation that requires us to relay our knowledge of their beliefs before even bringing up the Bible. If we study not only the scriptures but other ideas that challenge what we believe, not only will that refine our faith but give us the tools to give the gospel effectively. 

Current Events | A Glorious Risposte

A little birdie has sent me this wonderful comment to the left made by a gentleman (it is not my job, nor my place to shame people so he will remain anonymous) and it’s unsurprising. I really wanted to be done after my last post before the holidays, but that unfortunately can’t happen. This is meant to be a post of encouragement and warning at the same time. Christ told us “If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you” (Jn 15:18, ESV) There is coming a time, soon, where this man’s sentiments will be the prevailing zeitgeist against all professing, true Christians. Anyone who professes salvation in Christ, being led by the Spirit, will be persecuted.

Now, I have heard the issues you all are having in your respective organizations, and I hear your anxiety and frustrations. I am not here to tell you it is going to be easy. Our King, while incarnate on this earth even told us it wouldn’t be easy. There will be many that think they can speak for our King, they can’t. There are many more that think they know what we as Christians are supposed to do, say and how we are to act (as you all have seen). They DON’T know this. What then do we say in response? What is our riposte to their unbelief?

The Lord has put everyone with a religious exemption using their faith in the Spirit and salvation through Christ on a pedestal for persecution and humiliation. Let this be your ministry just as I write to you now. Peter told us “Have no fear of them or be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to ANYONE [HR, Supervisor, vile coworker included] who asks you for the reason for the hope that in in you, yet do it with gentleness and respect“

So what answer do we give? What defense is our hope?

WE GIVE THE GOSPEL

I know some of you may feel pressured to lie or to finagle your way out of it. Stand firm on your foundations! Peter also told us “That those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” Likewise Paul said he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom 1:16). We must realize we are coming to a point, and some of you are starting to feel the pressure, where we must stand for our King or the very mere mortal existence we have. Christ put it plainly that if we are ashamed of Him on Earth, He “will be ashamed of them when He comes in his father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38).

Like it or not, when you decided to use your credentials as a servant of Heaven as an excuse (while valid) not to take this vaccine, God had a plan for you. That plan did not involve lying about your vaccine status when solicited rather, that plan was for you to spread the Gospel of our King.

If people want to jest or act like they know our faith, let them; however, give them a taste of what our faith is, in love. It’s not faith in men, politicians, corporations or science, it’s faith in an eternal God and Lord of creation, who came as a man to sacrifice himself as the final payment for our fallibility, that that God could finally spend eternity with his Creation once again.

The world will treat you differently, as an outcast, that I will promise. However, our Savior said it best, “Take Heart; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33, ESV)

The time is near, stand for Heaven. Soli Deo Gloria.

Current Events | A Divine Direction

I sit here to write this and I firmly grasp the world has been thrown into turmoil. I know that we are in a different place than we were even a year ago, and while concerning to see how the world is moving at record breaking pace, we now know we cannot trust in man. As I explained in No Terrestrial Help, we cannot continue to look to religious leaders to provide anything. We have been entrusted by God to follow His word and His Spirit. While the Church at large is biblical, it has largely failed and the body of believers have chosen to follow men, men which we are told are fallible (Romans 3:23), liars (Num 23:19) and deceivers in their religious pomp (Jn 8:44).

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