What Is Christian Apologetics?

WHAT IS CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS? “Apologetics” is a term thrown around quite a bit today. Just what is Christian Apologetics, anyhow?  Christian Apologetics has had a long history going all the way back to the New Testament itself. In the Book of Acts the Christians presented reasoned answers to various charges made against Christianity. To the Jews the church pointed out that Christ was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. To the Gentiles the church argued that God was calling them to turn from superstitious religions to the true God revealed in Jesus Christ. In all of their apologetics the early Church emphasized the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In fact, they called it the central pillar on which all of Christianity either stood or fell. WHY CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS? The Bible teaches in 1 Peter 3:15 that all Christians should be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks for the reason for their hope in Jesus Christ. Of course, for some Christians this will be a very special ministry calling, but all Christians should have some part in it. Since sin has corrupted the human mind (Jer. 17:9-10; Rom. 1:18-32; Eph. 4:17-18), good arguments alone will not overcome unbelief. This does not mean that we abandon the task of Christian Apologetics but, rather, that we see Christian Apologetics arguments as means used by the Holy Spirit to illuminate darkened minds of non-Christians. Christian Apologetics should therefore always be done in conjunction with prayer and with dependence on the Holy Spirit. WHAT DOES CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS DEAL WITH? Christian Apologetics deals, first and foremost, with answering the outright denials of Christianity which are found in atheism and in other religions. But Christian Apologetics also deals with answering the distortions of Christianity which are found primarily in the cults, as well as in some professing Christian groups within the Christian community itself. Thus, Christian Apologetics must answer all challenges to the orthodox, biblical Christian faith — no matter who the challengers are.  #<Category:0xb770d6d8>

2009-03-12T13:56:47Z

1 Christian Apologetics CP0100 what-is-christian-apologetics What Is Christian Apologetics?

2009-06-17T16:07:29Z

Christians are often accused of having “blind faith.” Is faith reasonable, and how are faith and reason related? The CRI Perspective in a moment. What is Reasonable Faith? Biblical faith is not a blind faith but is, in fact, faith in evidence. First of all, the Bible is very clear that faith is based on truth. God’s Word is Truth (John 17:17), and God cannot lie, or contradict this Truth (Titus 1:2). Thus, the whole Bible presupposes the validity of reason. Reasonable Faith-  What Are some Reasons for Faith? The Bible also presents reasons for faith, or evidences supporting its truth-claims. For example, Paul sets forth a list of people who saw Jesus Christ after His resurrection to remind the Corinthians that the resurrection was a proven fact (1 Cor. 15:3-8). In the Old Testament the prophets and psalmists frequently pointed to the impotence of idols as evidence that the gods of the nations were, in fact, false gods. And throughout the Bible the fulfillment of prophecy is emphasized as proof of the true God’s sovereign control over the universe. Is Faith Reasonable? Whose standards? To say that faith is reasonable is not, however, to assert that faith must submit to the dictates of fallen man’s anti-Christian reasonings. When skeptics rule out the miraculous as impossible or as unthinkable, for example, they may be using their intellects but they are not being truly reasonable. Non-Christians naturally reason in sinful, unbelieving ways. In fact, a Christian is someone who has had their thinking transformed according to the power of God (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:17-24). And God often uses evidence and sound reasoning, through the witness of well-taught Christians, to break through the unbelieving mind-set of skeptics and turn their hearts and minds to the Truth. Is Faith Reasonable?  YES! In short, faith is, indeed, reasonable and there is no conflict between faith and reason for Christians. But non-Christians will rationalize their unbelief until God’s Holy Spirit, often working through sound apologetic arguments, opens their minds to see the Truth of the Gospel. Truly, the heart can only rejoice on what the mind comprehends. On faith and reason and whether the Christian faith is reasonable, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb76b5f64>

2009-03-12T20:53:54Z

2 faith reasonable CP0101 is-faith-reasonable Is Faith Reasonable?

2009-09-03T19:19:54Z

Does God Exist? How do we know that God exists? Are there good reasons for believing in God, or must His existence be accepted on blind faith? Does God Exist? Theoretical Abstraction? The Bible does not support the idea of “blind faith,” or faith as a “leap into the dark.” Biblical faith is a faith that sees what those who have no faith fail to see; it is a leap into the light, not into the dark. For Christians, God is not a theoretical abstraction, but Someone who loves us and who has made Himself known to us. Does God Exist?  How Do We Know that God Does Exist? Thus, the bottom line is that we know God exists because He has revealed Himself to us. He has done this in many ways — through creation, through our moral consciousness, through miraculous experiences, and in many other ways. Philosophers have designed arguments that spell out the logic of these testimonies to God’s existence, but these arguments simply formalize what should be intuitively obvious to anyone who looks around and within themselves. Does God Exist?  A Conclusion In short, there are many arguments for the existence of God, most of them valid and quite powerful. However, although these many arguments for the existence of God are substantial, because we are sinners and cut off from immediate communion with God we need something more than good arguments. What we need is for God to reveal Himself to the world. This is exactly what He has done. First through prophets in the Bible, and then fully and concretely in Jesus Christ, God has spoken to the world, told us about Himself, shown us what He is like, and called us to be reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, giving proof to the world by raising Jesus from the dead and through Him fulfilling numerous Old Testament prophecies. And that is how we know that God exists. That’s the CRI perspective on answering the question "Does God Exist?" I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7690778>

2009-03-13T20:39:33Z

3 God Exist CP0102 does-god-exist Does God Exist?

2009-09-03T19:34:15Z

The idea that God created the world and life is often thought to have been disproved by evolutionary theory. Is there any scientific evidence for creation? CREATION VS EVOLUTION- The Universe Had a Beginning The truth is that the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports creation. Let me attempt to point out just some of this evidence here. First, the scientific community is now almost unanimous in affirming that the universe had a beginning. This is usually referred to in scientific terms as “The Big Bang Theory.” Of course, this implies that someone or something brought the universe into existence. CREATION VS EVOLUTION- The Universe Is Fine Tuned Secondly, the universe bears all the marks of having been “finely tuned” to make life possible. For example, the elementary forces of gravity, electromagnetism, and the atom are precisely what they need to be. The earth’s size, distance from the sun, rotational period, composition, and many other factors are all just right. The chances of there being even one planet where all of these factors converge by accident are very slim indeed. CREATION VS EVOLUTION- No Primordial Soup Thirdly, the evidence is mounting that life on earth simply could not and did not come into existence through natural processes in a primordial “soup.” For example, the experiments to prove that it could have happened are suspect because little progress has been made possible due to the ingenious designs on the part of experimenters. CREATION VS EVOLUTION- Biological Evidence of Intelligent Design Fourthly, the genetic code of all biological life on earth contains evidence of intelligent design. This is because the genetic code contains information comparable to the information in complex computer programs as well as information in books. CREATION VS EVOLUTION- The Fossil Record Fifthly, the fossil record continues to be an embarrassment to the Darwinian theory of evolution. The many transitional forms which Darwin predicted would be found simply have not surfaced. This fact has forced evolutionists to modify Darwin’s Theory, often in absurd ways. In short, it is the theory of naturalistic evolution which is in serious trouble scientifically today, while the Biblical teaching of creation never looked better. On the evidence for creation, that’s the CRI perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION A list of recommended readings on creation and evolution is available from CRI in our bibliography on Science and the Bible (DC740/$0.25). We recommend Scaling the Secular City by J. P. Moreland (advanced reading) (Baker) (B128/$13), especially chapters 1, 2, and 7 and What is Creation Science? by Henry M. Moris and Gary E. Parker (SB890/$12). These resources are available through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (704) 887-8299 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271. #<Category:0xb760e6d8>

2009-03-13T20:40:58Z

4 Creation Evolution CP0103 creation-vs-evolution Creation vs Evolution: Is there Evidence for Creation?

2009-04-22T20:57:35Z

THE PROBLEM OF EVIL- Introduction One of the most difficult questions that Christians have posed to them concerns the problem of evil and human suffering. People frequently ask, if God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, why is there evil and human suffering in the world? THE PROBLEM OF EVIL- A Product of Choice According to the Bible, the evil we encounter in this world is the direct result of choice on the part of free moral agents. Because God desired to create a world where genuine love was expressed, he gave his creatures (both angels and mankind) free will. Because genuine love can never be coerced, it was necessary that God’s creatures have freedom. Mankind therefore had the choice either to obey God’s loving commands or to rebel against them. Genesis chapter three records in detail how the first man and woman used their freedom to rebel against God. This rebellion, which followed an earlier such rebellion on the part of the angels, is the true origin of evil. Evil and suffering are therefore the result of choice on the part of God’s creatures. Atheists frequently marshal the argument that the presence of evil in the world proves the nonexistence of God. But this argument is self-defeating because the atheist has no reliable standard upon which to judge what is good or evil. The atheist also has no guarantee that evil will ever be overcome. THE PROBLEM OF EVIL- Conclusion The Christian, however has such a guarantee. Not only does the Bible teach that the responsibility for evil rests with angels and men, but it also affirms that God is actively combating evil through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christ’s first coming has provided a way for rebellious mankind to be reconciled to God. At Christ’s glorious second coming He will do away with evil forever. We rejoice with the Apostle John when he said “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Rev. 21:4). God’s sovereignty has conquered evil. While the origin of evil rests with us, the solution is found in God. On the problem of evil, that’s the CRI perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PROBLEM OF EVIL A good introductory discussion on the problem of evil can be found in Reason to Believe (Zondervan) by R.C. Sproul (SB839/$8), and When Skeptics Ask (Victor Books) by Norman Geisler and Ronald Brooks (B241/$24). For an advanced treatment on the problem of evil, we recommend God, Freedom, and Evil (Eerdmans) by Alvin Plantinga (SB880/$10). These resources are available through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (704) 887-8299 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271. #<Category:0xb75a6574>

2009-03-13T20:42:47Z

5 Problem Evil CP0104 the-problem-of-evil The Problem of Evil

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2009-03-13T20:43:58Z

6 God miracles CP0105 does-god-do-miracles Does God Do Miracles?

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2009-03-13T20:45:23Z

7 Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ CP0106 evidence-for-resurrection-of-christ Is There Evidence for the Resurrection of Christ

2009-09-03T20:16:12Z

Apologetics does not deal with excuses, but rather with answers. It means a defense of a particular stance on any given subject.  But how big a role should apologetics play in a Christian’s witness? Do we have to present a case for Christianity? Or are we simply called to preach the gospel? Certainly most Christians are aware of their responsibility to reach a dying world with God’s message. No less an authority than Jesus exhorts us to proclaim the Good News (Matt. 10:27) and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). However, there is another dimension often neglected in evangelism — namely, the defense of the Gospel. The very Bible which moves us to preach the Good News urges us to contend for the faith as well. Apologetics is neither an option left to the believer nor a late feature of the Christian faith. Rather, it is an essential element of Scripture. Writing in a world steeped in mystery cults, the Apostle Peter admonished believers to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have ... with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15 NIV). Only by meeting honest objections with biblical answers can “we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). It was in this spirit that Paul vigorously defended the Gospel, charging Timothy and Titus to do the same (2 Tim. 2:23-26; 4:2-5; Titus 1:9-14). The need for apologetics today is crucial and critical. Believers must realize that we are living in a post-Christian era, with a host of religions, cults, and occultic systems vying continuously for people’s commitments and, indeed, for their very lives. We must face these challenges head-on. Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, a prominent Christian scholar, keenly observes that apologetics does not replace faith but grounds it. Nor does it supplant the Spirit’s working but acts, instead, as a vehicle that clarifies the truth of God’s Word. The same verse that tells us to preach the Word also instructs us to “be prepared in season and out of season, [to] correct, [to] rebuke, and [to] encourage — with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2). On Apologetics, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For more inofrmation on the role of apologetics in the Christian’s witness, please consult When Skeptics Ask (Victors Books) by Norman Geisler and Ronald Brooks (B241/$24), and (at the intermediate level) Reasonable Faith (Crossway Books) by William Lane Craig (B193/$16). These resources are available through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our  Resource Listing, fax us at (704) 887-8299 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271. #<Category:0xb74d60b8>

2009-03-13T20:46:49Z

8 moral reponsibility CP0107 apologetics-a-moral-responsibility Apologetics: Is it a Moral Responsibility for Christians?

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9 theistic evolution CP0108 theistic-evolution Is Theistic Evolution possible?

2009-09-08T16:01:47Z

If Christianity is true, why has so much evil been done in the name of Christ? The question of evil being done in the name of Christ is a question of consistency (I’ll explain what that means in a moment). This question can be resolved by showing that such acts in no way invalidate the gospel. First, the question itself seems to imply that Christianity is false on the basis that evil atrocities have been committed in Christ’s name. Well, there’s no reason why we can’t turn the argument around and claim that Christianity must be true on the basis that so much good has been done in the name of Christ. After all, think of the countless hospitals, schools, universities, and even relief programs that have been instituted as a direct result of people acting in the name of Christ. Also, it is interesting to note that this contention was long ago anticipated by Jesus, who proclaimed that his disciples are to be recognized by their fruits (John 15:8). To immediately classify as Christian those who are responsible for instigating atrocities is to beg the question of who Christ’s disciples are in the first place. Jesus Himself stated that not everyone who calls Him Lord is saved (Matt. 7:21-23). He obviously meant that not everyone who says “I am a Christian” is in fact a follower of Jesus Christ. It is also important to point out that those who use this type of argument fail to understand that the reliability of Christianity does not rest on the imperfect works of sinful men but, rather, rests on the perfection of Jesus Christ alone (Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22). The fact that sins are committed by professing Christians only proves what the Bible declares — namely, that no one is righteous (Rom. 3:10), and that we’re all in need of a Savior (1 John 3:4-5). Remember, Christians are not saved because they are righteous but, rather, God made Jesus who had no sin to become the sin offering, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:20). If you want to receive more information on how you too can receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord, do not hesitate to call or write. Since he created you and knows exactly what you are designed to be — when He becomes Lord and Saviour of your life, your life will truly take on the meaning, purpose, and direction it was intended to have. On evil committed in the name of Christ, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION For more information on this topic see R. C. Sproul’s Reason to Believe (Zondervan) (SB839/$8). This resource is available through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (714) 887-8299 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271. #<Category:0xb749a414>

2009-03-13T20:48:37Z

10 why evil CP0109 if-christianity-is-true-why-is-there-evil If Christianity Is True, Why Is there Evil?

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2009-03-13T20:50:47Z

11 atheism God CP0110 god-vs-atheism God vs Atheism: Is Atheism Logical?

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12 pascal's wager CP0111 what-is-pascal-s-wager What Is Pascal's Wager?

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13 Jesus Die CP0112 the-swoon-theory-did-jesus-die-on-the-cross The Swoon Theory: Did Jesus Die on the Cross?

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14 resurreccion de jesus CP0112SP la-resurreccion-de-jesus-la-teoria-del-desmayo La Resurreccion de Jesus: La Teoria Del Desmayo

2009-03-16T17:53:22Z

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15 bible apologetics CP0114 bible-apologetics Bible Apologetics: Is it a Need?

2009-09-08T19:31:40Z

SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE- Introduction In December of 1981 an Arkansas judge ruled that an account of life’s origin which postulates a Divine Creator is not scientific.  Well is this judge enlightened or is he dragging us into the dark ages?   SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE- Contradictory? It’s true that the Bible shouldn’t be read as merely a science textbook.  However that doesn’t mean the Bible contradicts science (e.g., Psa. 19:4-6; Rev. 7:1).  Fact is, the very foundation of the scientific method is rooted in a biblical worldview.  Christianity considers the world to be knowable, observable, descriptive, and above all, orderly because it has a designer of infinite knowledge and wisdom.  Based on this premise, early scientists like Kepler, Bacon, and Newton believed that by studying creation, they were obeying not only the great commission, but the cultural mandate to subdue the earth as well.  Maybe the best way to put it is to “think God’s thoughts after Him.”   SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE- Is Science Observable? It’s ironic that in an age of scientific enlightenment, skeptics still claim that science deals with what is observable while theology only deals with what is unobservable — especially in light of the fact that we can’t even explain what science is in the first place.  Not only this, but much of what is being touted today as science isn’t really observable at all — things like quarks, electromagnetic fields, and even the evolving big bang theory.  In fact, if we’re to consider only what is observable to be scientific, we’d still be saying that the earth is flat.   SCIENCE AND THE BIBLE- God and Science Truth is, God Himself bases his own integrity upon certain scientific premises (e.g., Jer. 31:35-37).  For instance: the fact that Christ rose from the dead is testable and verifiable.  To prove that he rose bodily, Jesus said to his disciples, see, touch, and eat with me (Luke 24:36-42; John 20:24-31; 1 John 1:1-4).   The point is, the Bible and science are neither mutually exclusive nor contradictory — they fit together like hand and glove.   On the relationship between science and the Bible, that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb740e7e8>

2009-03-16T17:55:59Z

16 science bible CP0116 what-is-the-relationship-between-science-and-the-bible What Is the Relationship between Science and the Bible?

2009-09-09T14:48:14Z

CREATION SCIENCE VS. EVOLUTION- Introduction A recent article from Omni magazine stated that evolution was a scientific fact, but creationism was a matter of faith.  This is just one of many objections evolutionists postulate against creationism.  How should the Christian respond?  The CRI Perspective in a moment.   CREATION SCIENCE VS. EVOLUTION- Evolution a Fact? When people tell you that evolution is a proven fact, they are really only appealing to microevolution.  Of course there are mutations and adaptation of species, but have we any proof of macroevolution?  Can one species transform into an entirely different one?  The honest evolutionist must sadly reply “no.”  So while you might be able to breed a Chihuahua with a Great Dane and get a new species of dog, you can’t breed two dogs and get a cat, a mouse, or a whale.  There is simply no sufficient evidence for macroevolution.   CREATION SCIENCE VS. EVOLUTION- Operation and Origin Science Proponents of Darwinian evolution claim that science deals with the natural, but creation science deals with the supernatural.  But not all scientific endeavors can be explained by natural laws.  Belief in the big bang is just one example of this.  Many who accept evolution fail to make a distinction between operation science and origin science.  Operations science generally refers to observational and repeatable events, while origin science deals with nonrepeatable events such as creation science and macroevolution.   Nevertheless, we can construct a scientific model for creation science by combining matter, energy, and information — such as that found in the genetic code — and produce life.  This model is both observable and repeatable.  Now in order to get programmed information, you need a Designer.  Information does not come by random evolution, but from an intelligent Creator.   CREATION SCIENCE VS. EVOLUTION- Back to the Dark Ages? Once again, the proponents of evolution might claim that accepting creation science would subordinate science under religion, and cause us to revert back to the Dark Ages.  After all, why search for scientific explanations when we could posit a god to fill in all the gaps?  But creation science does not seek to undermine operations science, only macroevolution.  Therefore, creation science is a viable alternative to Darwinian Evolution.   On answering evolution objections to creation science, that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb73f11e8>

2009-03-16T18:00:33Z

17 creation science CP0116 creation-science-answering-the-objections Creation Science: Answering the Objections

2009-09-09T15:01:37Z

WHY BELIEVE IN GOD- an Introduction “Come on, man!  We live in an age of scientific enlightenment — you can’t really mean that you still believe there’s a God.  Get real, I mean I used to believe there was a God too, but that was when I was still in kindergarten — in diapers.  Now I’d need some proof….”   WHY BELIEVE IN GOD- Numerous Reasons The fact of the matter is that reasons for believing that there’s a God are too numerous, I hardly know where to begin.  The first reason I believe in God is that we are totally incapable of rationally explaining the world without a God.  Take the universe, for example.  Science has successfully demonstrated that the universe had a specific beginning — and that it is now running down due to the lack of available energy.  In fact, the universe in which we live is dying of heat loss.  Now since our scientific understanding rules out an eternal universe, and since it is totally irrational to believe that the universe sprang from nothing, the only rational explanation is that a supernatural being created the world in which we live; and that this being is all-powerful, intelligent, moral, and, of course, self-existent.   WHY BELIEVE IN GOD- Downfalls of Atheism The next reason I believe there’s a God is that atheism is incapable of accounting for the vast array of phenomena which we experience every single day.  An atheistic world view cannot adequately account for such things as, the universal laws of logic, laws of science, not to mention, standards of morality.  In addition, if there is no God, then there is no ultimate meaning or purpose to life — we are little more than animals.   WHY BELIEVE IN GOD- The Evidence But the real reason I believe there’s a God is that He has revealed Himself to me through the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Jesus claimed to be God in human flesh (John 8:58).  Now this is an astounding claim, but He supported the claim by His matchless personal character, His fulfillment of predictive prophecy, by His influence on human history, but most significantly, by His historical resurrection from the dead.  Now, if you are looking for God — you need look no further than Jesus Christ Himself.  He was either a liar, a lunatic, a legend, or He was, in fact, Lord.  Now I think if you’ll examine the evidence, you’ll agree with me that He was the Lord, the one who spoke and the universe leapt into existence.   On the question "why believe in God", that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb73ce3c8>

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18 believe in god CP0118 why-believe-in-god Why Believe in God?

2009-09-09T15:21:27Z

WHAT IS THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- An Introduction Watches, machines, computers — all examples of intelligent design.  And like them, the universe also exhibits evidences of intelligent design.  Well is this proof of a Cosmic Designer?   WHAT IS THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- A Definition The argument known as the “argument from design” (teleological) reasons that evidence for complexity and purpose in the universe points to a cosmic designer.  Well, is this a good argument or not?   WHAT IS THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- A Case Study Let’s look at the human brain.  Scientists have called the human brain the most complex mechanism in the known universe.  The brain contains at least enough information to fill 20 million volumes.  And then, of course, there’s the DNA molecule, it exhibits astounding evidence of design.  A single DNA molecule is estimated to carry as much information as one large volume of the encyclopedia.   WHAT IS THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- What Chance Does Chance Have? How do we know that the brain and the DNA molecule didn’t just happen by chance?  First of all, chance doesn’t create.  The probability that the brain or DNA molecule would arise by natural forces alone is truly incredible.  If you doubt this, remember that the probability of forming a simple protein molecule by random processes would take somewhere in the vicinity of 10257 power years.  If you’re not a mathematician, that would be one with 257 zeros behind it, a number which is incredibly large.  Forming a simple cell by random processes would take around 10119,000.  That is a number so large it’s incomprehensible.  Of course, scientists such as A.E. Wilder-Smith and others have argued persuasively that the Darwinian theory of matter, energy, and time combining to produce life is not only improbable, it is indeed impossible.  Life can only emerge when there’s a code and this code has to come from an intelligent creator.   The more we learn, the more we have to echo the words of the psalmist who wrote: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands (Psa. 19).   On the argument from design and the question "What is the Teleological Argument", that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff.     #<Category:0xb73a6904>

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19 teleological argument CP0119 teleological-argument What Is the Teleological Argument?

2009-09-09T15:27:28Z

WHAT IS THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- An Introduction Ever consider this one? Where in the world did the universe come from? Pretty profound isn’t it? Well is there a rational and satisfying answer to the question? WHAT IS THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- Accounting for the Universe Just how do we account for the universe in which we live? A lot of people do not realize that there are a very limited number of explanations for the existence of the universe. The first explanation is commonly referred to as a form of solipsism or the concept that the universe in which we live is merely an illusion. Now to argue that the world is an illusion violates common sense and experience (even a full blown solipsist looks both ways before he crosses the street). WHAT IS THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- Self-Creating? A second possibility is that the world created itself. This is irrational in the extreme. For something to create itself, it would have to exist before it was created, and that’s absurd. Something cannot both exist and not exist at the same time and in the same way (the law of noncontradiction). WHAT IS THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- Creation Ex-Nihilo? A third possibility is that the universe sprang from nothing and by nothing. This, however, is also irrational. Out of nothing comes nothing and an effect can’t be greater than its cause — and in this case the cause would be nothing. One of the basic laws of physics, the law of conservation says, “from nothing, comes nothing.” Energy can neither be created or destroyed. WHAT IS THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- Eternal Universe? The fourth possibility is that the universe is eternal. This view directly contradicts the facts of science which teach that the universe had a specific beginning and that the world is now gradually running down (like a watch). WHAT IS THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT- In the Beginning... Well, there’s one more possibility and this is that the universe was brought into existence by an incredibly powerful Being. And, because this Being created personality, He Himself, is a personal Being. Now here’s what I would say: the most rational thing we can say in an age of scientific enlightenment is exactly what the Bible teaches: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1). Ultimately the biblical explanation for the universe is the only rational alternative, there are no others. On the explanation of the universe and the question "What is the Cosmological Argument", that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7383558>

2009-03-16T18:09:37Z

20 cosmological argument CP0120 cosmological-argument What Is the Cosmological Argument?

2009-09-09T16:06:00Z

WHAT IS A CULT?- Introduction With such an overwhelming number of religious groups around these days, it is necessary to understand the difference between a legitimate religious group and a cult. What exactly is a cult? WHAT IS A CULT- Definitions There are two ways to define a cult. The first way to describe a cult is popular in the secular media. From this perspective, a cult is a religious or semi-religious sect whose members are controlled almost entirely by a single individual or by an organization. This kind of cult is usually manipulative, demanding total commitment and loyalty from its followers. Converts are usually cut off from all former associations, including their own families. The Hare Krishnas, the Family of Love led by Moses David Berg, and Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church are some examples of this kind of a cult. The second way to define a cult is popular in evangelical Christian circles. From this perspective, a cult is any group that deviates from the orthodox teachings of the historic Christian faith being derived from the Bible and confirmed through the ancient ecumenical creeds. WHAT IS A CULT- Psuedo-Christian Cults These groups deny or distort fundamental Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith alone. Some cults that would fall into this category are the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, The Way International, and the Unity School of Christianity. Most of these cults claim to be Christian, and even consider the Bible to be authoritative. But they manipulate the Scriptures to fit their own beliefs. Although they may claim to serve Jesus Christ, and may even use the same terminology orthodox Christians use, their definitions are vastly different. WHAT IS A CULT- The Dangers of False Teachings These groups do not lead to the Christ of the Bible, but to another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:8,9). We must therefore reject these false teachings, and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). And, of course, remember the Bible also goes on to admonish us that we must do this with gentleness, and with respect. Remember, you must present the message, but you need to recognize that it is only the Holy Spirit that changes the heart. On the cults and answering the question "What is a cult", that’s the Bible Answer Man Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7368668>

2009-03-16T18:13:49Z

21 religious cult CP0200 what-is-a-religious-cult What Is a Religious Cult?

2009-09-09T16:13:17Z

Con un número tan extenso de grupos religiosos hoy en día, es necesario saber la diferencia entre un grupo religioso legítimo y una secta. Pero ¿qué exactamente es una secta? Hay dos maneras de definir una secta. La primera manera de describirla es muy popular con los reporteros seculares. En este punto de vista, una secta es una organización religiosa o semi-religiosa en la cual sus miembros son controlados complementamente por un individuo o una organización. Este clase de secta es usualmente manipuladora, demandando lealtad y sometimiento total de parte de sus miembros. Sus convertidos usualmente se apartan de todas sus actividades, incluyendo sus familias. Los Hare Krishna, los “Niños de Dios” o la Familia de Amor dirijida por “Moses David” Berg, Sun Myung Moon y la Iglesia de la  Unificación son buenos ejemplos de este clase de secta. La segunda manera de describir a una secta es la más popular entre los círculos cristianos evangélicos.  Esta perspectiva, dice que una secta es cualquier grupo que se desvía de las doctrinas fundamentales del cristianismo como la Trinidad, la deidad de Cristo, y la salvación por gracia solamente. Algunas sectas que caen bajo esta definición son los Mormones, los Testigos de Jehová, Ciencia Cristiana y la Escuela Unida del Cristianismo. Casi todas estas sectas reclaman ser cristianas, y aún consideran que la Biblia tiene la autoridad final. Pero manipulan las Escrituras para servir sus propias creencias.  Aunque dicen que sirven a Jesucristo, y aún cuando usan términos ortodoxos, sus definiciones son vastamente diferentes. Estos grupos no predican al Cristo de la Biblia, si no a otro Jesús y otro evangelio (2 Cor. 11:1-4;  Gál. 1:8, 9).  Por lo tanto, debemos refutar estas doctrinas y "contende ardientemente por la fe que ha sido una vez dada a los santos" (Judas 3). Y, claro está, recordarnos que la Biblia nos advierte hacerlo con mansedumbre y con respeto.  Recuerde, debe presentar el mensaje del evangelio, pero tiene que comprender que es sólamente la obra del Espíritu Santo la que cambia los corazones. Soy Hank Hanegraaff. PARA MAS INFORMACION Para mas informacion, visite nuestro sitio del Web <a href="http://www.equip.org/">www.equip.org</a> o escribenos en P. O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271-8500. Tenemos una variedad de recursos relacionados con las sectas, incluyendo el artículo “Una guía bíblica a la ortodoxia y a la herejía” (DO080SP). Para los precios corrientes y/o para la información sobre el envío, para poner una orden de la tarjeta de crédito, o para recibir una copia de nuestro listado del recursos, por favor llame gratis nuestro centro del recursos a (888)7000-CRI.   #<Category:0xb734db38>

2009-03-16T18:16:28Z

22 una secta CP0200SP que-es-una-secta ¿Que Es Una Secta?

2009-03-16T18:16:51Z

CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS- Introduction One of the most devastating experiences someone could face is to have a loved one involved in a cult. What are some ways we can know that a certain group is in fact a cult? The devil always hides behind a mask; and he seldom carries an ID card. If this statement is true, it is of utmost importance for us to discern a cult when we see one. CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS- Scripture Twisting The first mark of a cult is its manipulation of Scripture. The Bible is twisted to fit the leader or group’s interpretation. Private interpretations are forbidden because the leader of the cult is the only one, of course, who is able to understand God’s voice properly. Their teachings distort the historic, orthodox claims of Christianity. CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS- Mental Manipulation Second, many times cults manipulate people’s minds. There is little concern for individual thought and development. Education is usually discouraged while the convert is bombarded with the cult’s doctrine and literature. Members are called to leave or neglect their old family and life-style for a brand new one. CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS- Time Manipulation A third characteristic is the manipulation of time. Since salvation comes exclusively from the teachings of the group, in many cults members spend much of their time working for their organization. Family, school, leisure, sleep, and even food are most often neglected. CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS- Manipulating Reality Finally, cults typically manipulate reality. They tend to have an exclusive “us”/“them” mentality in which society and old associates are all out to get them. Anyone outside of the group is suspect.   If a religious group exhibits one or more of the marks mentioned above, that group may well be considered a cult. Jesus Christ said that in the last days many false prophets would arise and deceive many (Matt. 24:11,24). To avoid the deception of the cults, we should be rooted in the teachings of the historic Christian faith, and receive Jesus Christ, God the Son, second Person of the Trinity, as Lord of our lives.   On the characteristics of cults, that’s the Bible Answer Man Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb732a070>

2009-03-16T18:19:59Z

23 characteristics of cult CP0201 common-characteristics-of-cults What Are Common Characteristics of Cults?

2009-09-09T16:21:47Z

2009-03-16T18:23:11Z

24 cult movement CP0202 are-members-of-a-cult-movement-lost Are Members of a Cult Movement Lost?

2009-03-16T18:23:11Z

2009-03-16T18:31:05Z

25 witness cult CP0203 witness-to-someone-involved-in-a-cult How Do I Witness to Someone Involved in a Cult?

2009-09-09T16:36:54Z

2009-03-16T18:32:45Z

26 2 John 10 CP0204 2-john-10 2 John 10: Should We Talk to Cultists in Our Home?

2009-09-10T19:47:38Z

2009-03-16T18:34:49Z

27 religious tolerance CP0205 religious-tolerance Religious Tolerance: Are Christians Judgmental and Unloving?

2009-09-10T19:53:04Z

DON'T ALL RELIGIONS LEAD TO GOD- Introduction Can Christianity be faulted for unabashed arrogance in claiming to offer the only way to God? After all, don’t all religions lead to God? DON'T ALL RELIGIONS LEAD TO GOD- Tolerance vs. Truth A number of people equate religious tolerance with religious truth. Many assume that all religions are basically the same and that all beliefs are therefore equally valid. They picture each religion as having identical faces hidden behind different masks. DON'T ALL RELIGIONS LEAD TO GOD- Contradictory Claims Sound reasoning tells us, however, that all religions are not essentially the same merely because they contain some similarities. A brief survey of a few religions would quickly reveal that every single one of them has competing claims which contradict other religions. How, for example, can someone logically square the Hindu teaching that the universe is God, with the Muslim belief that Allah, the God of Islam, is distinct from the universe? Any honest investigator would have to admit that religions harbor irreconcilable differences, demonstrating that they cannot all possibly lead to the same God. Logically speaking, they can all be wrong, but they cannot all be right. DON'T ALL RELIGIONS LEAD TO GOD- Which is Right? We, therefore, need to ask which religion points to the right God, and consider how certain its claims really are. Regarding these questions, Christianity towers above the religions of the world. For instance, while every religion would have man try to reach up to God, Christianity says that it’s God who reached down to man — that only through God’s grace and mercy, and never by mere human effort, can we ever hope to obtain God’s favor. DON'T ALL RELIGIONS LEAD TO GOD- Conclusion Furthermore, the Lord Jesus, who declared this message, claimed to be God and backed His pronouncements with His own bodily resurrection. No other religious figure throughout history has ever justified any claim with such power and authority. And precisely because Jesus pointed to Himself as the only way to God does His message need to be heard by everyone, everywhere, regardless of their religious beliefs. On Christianity and the question "Don't All Religions Lead to God?", that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb72b9730>

2009-03-16T18:37:20Z

28 universalism CP0206 universalism Universalism: Don't All Religions Lead to God?

2009-09-11T15:47:13Z

NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL?- Introduction If Jesus is the only way to God, what happens to those who’ve never heard the gospel, but follow their own religions? Can they be saved? NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL?- The Question “Isn’t it unfair for God to send people to hell even if they’ve never heard about Him or His Son, Jesus Christ?” Whether it’s asked with the utmost sincerity or used as a convenient excuse to reject God, we must realize that Christianity’s truthfulness depends not on how this question is answered, but upon the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:13-19). NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL?- God is Just While the Bible affirms that Christ is the only Savior (Acts 4;12), it also states that God is truly just (Gen. 18:25; Job 34;12; Acts 17:31) and he loves us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3; John 3:16; cf. 2 Pet. 3:9). He continues to demonstrate this by making Himself known through His handiwork in creation (Rom. 1:19-20), but he also inscribes his knowledge on the very tablets of our hearts, or conscience (Rom. 2:14-15). Because no one has been kept in the dark about God, we’re all accountable to Him (Luke 12:47-48). In spite of this, man has answered God’s love with rebellion, repeatedly rejecting what God has revealed (Rom. 3:10-18). All of us deserve to be sentenced to hell. But despite our depravity, God has mercifully chosen to provide a way to save us. NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL?- Conclusion Although God is sovereign and he can deal with individuals in extraordinary ways, He tells us in the Bible that there’s no other way to reach Him except through His one provision — the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). From this, we can only conclude that those who have never heard of Christ are indeed lost. They’re lost as a result of their own actions, and not because of God. People don’t end up in hell because of what they haven’t heard; they get there because of their failure to act responsibly on what God has already revealed to them — whether through creation in Romans 1, through their conscience in Romans 2, or through the light of Christ in Romans 3. Let us, therefore, labor all the more to bring God’s message to a world in desperate need of salvation (Rom. 1:16; 10:13-15). And remember that if those who’ve never heard the gospel are indeed going to go to heaven, why should we even be involved in foreign missions? Let’s just keep everyone in the dark. In fact if you really draw this argument out to its logical conclusion, Jesus Christ did not come to seek and save those who are lost, he would have come to seek and lose those who are saved. He would then not be the great saviour of the world, he would become it’s great destroyer. On those who have never heard the Gospel, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb729f678>

2009-03-16T18:38:46Z

29 heard gospel CP0207 what-happens-to-people-who-have-never-heard-the-gospel What Happens to People Who Have Never Heard the Gospel?

2009-09-11T16:01:11Z

IS THE BIBLE INSPIRED- Introduction Many people agree that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, but is it exclusively inspired? What about the Upanishads? Or the Koran? IS THE BIBLE INSPIRED- God's revelation unreliable? If the Bible is truly inspired by God, then it follows that it is trustworthy and authoritative in every area it covers (including matters of history and theology). It simply doesn’t make any sense to acknowledge that the Bible is God’s revelation to mankind and at the same time hold that its message is unreliable. IS THE BIBLE INSPIRED- Comparing other "inspired works" However, if we’re to take the Bible very seriously, we also need to realize that its claims conflict with other works that many people deem to be inspired as well. For example the Upanishads — which are part of the Hindu scriptures — teach that the world is God, of course the Bible says exactly the opposite. Also, while the Tripitaka, the sacred writings of Buddhism — prescribes morality, meditation, and wisdom as solutions to suffering, the Bible points to Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross as the only real answer to man’s deepest problems including suffering. And while the Bible centers on Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection, the Koran for example — Islam’s holy book — denies Christ’s crucifixion. IS THE BIBLE INSPIRED- Conclusion As it stands, the Bible is clearly at odds with the sacred writings of the world’s religions. And while, of course, it’s logically acceptable for someone to believe that one of the writings is inspired, it makes absolutely no sense at all to believe that they’re all inspired, since their claims and statements are in many cases mutually exclusive. If we are to regard the Bible as being truly inspired by God, we can only conclude that he had no hand whatsoever in these other writings. To profess otherwise is to mischaracterize God as someone who Himself is full of contradictions and inconsistencies. Now, I want to make it absolutely clear that the Bible alone gives us the answer for living successfully in this life and the life to come. In fact the Bible says, “These things are written that you may know that you have eternal life.” The Bible is the only answer, and the Bible alone is the inspired Word of God. On the Bible, the religious writings of the world and the question "Is the Bible Inspired?", that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7285048>

2009-03-16T18:43:47Z

30 Is the bible inspired CP0208 is-the-bible-inspired Is the Bible inspired? The Bible and Religious Writings of the World.

2009-09-11T16:09:15Z

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST?- Introduction The Bible tells us that everyone who believes in Jesus is a Christian. But what does belief in Jesus really mean? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST?- Which Jesus? Before concluding that someone is undoubtedly a Christian, we should at least determine which Jesus a person believes, and what type of belief he or she holds. Let’s expand on these two very crucial points. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST?- Imposters First, Christians must make sure that anyone professing to believe in Jesus is actually referring to the Jesus Christ of the Bible. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:4, warns us about individuals who preach counterfeit Christs. Take for example the New Age Jesus who supposedly journeyed to the Far East, where he allegedly became a master of the occult. Then there’s the Jesus of Mormonism, who supposedly belongs to a gallery of gods and goddesses. And, of course, the Muslims believe in yet another Jesus, one who simply numbers among the many so-called prophets of Allah, the God of Islam. But of these and other assorted Christs, only the Christ of Scripture is recognized and accepted by true Christians. Let us, therefore, take care to find out which Jesus a person believes in before we pass any judgment. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST?- What is Belief? This leads me to point number two — that a person also needs to exercise the proper type of belief. For example someone who holds to an accurate view of who Jesus Christ really is, and what the Bible says about Him, still needs to do something with his or her belief, and not simply stand by on the sidelines. True Christian belief is demonstrated through action. It isn’t merely a passive acceptance of a set of doctrines (cf. James 2:19), but an active and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, trusting Him as personal Lord and Savior (Rom. 10:9; Titus 2:13). Christians are sinners saved by grace; and until a person has developed a saving relationship with the Jesus of the Bible, he or she, unlike true Christians, still remains dead in sin. In summary then, true biblical belief involves not only knowledge and agreement, but also trust. To demonstrate that one truly believes, we must trust in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life. On believing in Jesus Christ and the question "What does it mean to believe in Jesus Christ?", that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb726b954>

2009-03-16T18:46:12Z

31 believe Jesus CP0209 what-does-it-mean-to-believe-in-jesus What Does It Mean to Believe in Jesus?

2009-09-11T16:23:15Z

WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- Introduction A recent Time magazine caption reads as follows:  “Ruined lives.  Lost fortunes.  Federal crimes.  Scientology poses as a religion but is really a ruthless global scam — and aiming for the mainstream.”  What exactly is Scientology all about?   WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- Bad Press It certainly appears as though Scientology has been receiving a lot of press lately — none of which are favorable.  To quote Time magazine once again:  “The Church of Scientology, started by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard to ‘clear’ people of unhappiness, portrays itself as a religion.  In reality the church is a hugely profitable global racket that survives by intimidating members and critics in a Mafia-like manner.”  Such conclusions were drawn from a barrage of charges which have been leveled against Scientology — charges running the gamut from burglarizing and wiretapping over one hundred government and private agencies to physically and mentally abusing a number of the group’s adherents.   WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- Teachings of Scientology Now as incredible as all this activity seems to be, they pale in comparison with the actual teachings of Scientology.  For instance, according to Hubbard the universe was created and is inhabited by immortal souls called “thetans,” who reside within physical bodies (which, of course, are human bodies).  But due to the alleged accumulation of trillions of years of painful experiences called “engrams’, as well as mental confusion supposedly resulting from electronically-implanted disinformation, these thetans (housed in human bodies) continue to suffer today by way of mental and physical illnesses.  And what Scientology claims to offer is a method of “clearing’ people of these and other obstacles that prevent individuals from realizing their true identities and awesome powers as thetans.   WHAT IS SCIENTOLOGY- A Conclusion Theologically speaking, Scientology contradicts just about every doctrine of the historic Christian faith, from the nature of God and man to the reality of heaven and Christ.  Judging from its teachings and practices, we can only conclude that Scientology is indeed a cult — in every sense of the word.   On Scientology and the question "What is Scientology?", that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7253a70>

2009-03-16T18:47:36Z

32 what is scientology CP0210 what-is-scientology What Is Scientology?

2009-09-11T16:29:41Z

A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW- Introduction There sure are a lot of religions out there today.  You’ve got Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, etc. So obviously Christianity is just another “ism,” right? A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW- Christianity's Uniqueness The truth is Christianity happens to be unique among the world’s religions for several important reasons. Not the least of which happens to be that Christianity, unlike other religions, is historic and evidential. The fact is, Jesus Himself is a figure of history. He was, of course, born in Bethlehem in Judea during the reign of Caesar Augustus, and was put to death by Pontius Pilate, a first century Roman Governor. And, more importantly, the testimony of his life, death, and resurrection happened to come to us by way of eyewitness accounts (2 Pet. 1:16; 1 John 1:1-4). Christianity therefore is a historical faith, and its truth claims can be evaluated by examining the facts and testimony of history. None of the other religions of the world can claim this kind of historical support. A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW- God as Founder Another unique feature of Christianity is that its founder claimed to be God. Of the great religious leaders of the world (Buddha, Moses, Zoroaster, Lao Tzu, Mohammed) only Jesus claimed to be God in human flesh (John 8:58). And this is not an empty claim because it is supported by Christ’s historically verifiable resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:3-8). Other religions like Buddhism and Islam claim miracles in support of their faith, but unlike Christianity, these miracles lack historical verification. A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW- No Absurdities An additional feature which sets Christianity apart from the other religions is that its beliefs system happens to be coherent. Some Christian doctrines may transcend logical categories — and even appear paradoxical — but unlike the religions of the east, they are not irrational or absurd. Oh, and before I forget, the Christian faith is unique in that it can account for the vast array of phenomena which we encounter in life — things like the laws of science, the universal laws of logic, ethical norms, love, meaning in life, and, of course, the problem of evil. So to state it philosophically, the Christian faith corresponds to the present state of affairs. Yes my friend, Christianity’s unique distinctions are very good reasons to embrace it. On the uniqueness of Christianity and A Christian Worldview, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7233bf8>

2009-03-16T18:49:07Z

33 christian worldview CP0211 the-christian-worldview Is the Christian Worldview Unique from other Worldviews?

2009-09-11T16:39:56Z

EASTERN RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY- Introduction Religions from the East are moving West at an alarming rate. So today, like never before, all of us need to know exactly what sets Christianity apart from Eastern philosophy and thought. EASTERN RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY- Exclusive from Christianity There are a lot of eastern religions around today. Religions like: Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Taoism, etc. And while they all have their own distinctions they also have a number of specific beliefs which are mutually exclusive from Christianity. Let’s look at them. EASTERN RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY- The Concept of God The first distinction has to do with the concept of God. In eastern thought, God is understood to be an impersonal force or principle. Now the God of the Bible in sharp distinction is a personal God, who communicates attributes like love, reason, emotion, and a host of others. EASTERN RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY- The Concept of Man Another distinction is that in eastern thought, man is seen as being a part of nature. In fact, man’s goal is to become one with nature because nature is God. So most eastern religions are pantheistic, believing that “God is all and all is God.” Christianity, on the other hand, teaches that man is a special creation and is very distinct from nature. The fact is, man is created in the image and likeness of God Almighty (Gen. 1:26-27). EASTERN RELIGIONS AND CHRISTIANITY- The Concept of Truth One last difference involves the method for apprehending truth. In the east, truth comes through intuition. It’s apprehended apart from the cognitive thinking process. In contrast, Christianity teaches that truth comes through revelation. God’s most complete revelation is found in the person and through the work of Jesus Christ who was none other than God Himself in human flesh. The truth, according to Christianity, is understood with the mind and is then embraced with the heart. I’ve long said that the heart cannot fully rejoice in what the mind does not comprehend. These points, and many others, make Christianity fundamentally different and incompatible with the religions of the East — you just can’t synthesize them. On Christianity and eastern religions, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7219ce4>

2009-03-16T18:58:42Z

34 eastern religion CP0213 eastern-religion-and-christianity Eastern Religion and Christianity: What Sets Them Apart?

2009-09-11T16:42:46Z

ARE MORMONS CHRISTIANS- Introduction Better known as Mormons, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now numbers over 9 million members in almost 130 territories around the globe. Are they really the true followers of Jesus Christ as they claim to be? ARE MORMONS CHRISTIANS- A different Jesus To quote one Mormon apologist: “Latter-day Saints are Christians because they emphatically believe in Christ, use His name in their official church title, and believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon which testify repeatedly of the reality of Christ and the truth of His teachings.” Jesus Christ, no doubt, plays a central role in Mormon theology. However, Paul warns that to be a Christian, one must believe in the true Christ—the Jesus of the Bible—and not another Jesus. In fact, we would all agree with the late Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie when he says, “it matters not that people simply say they believe in Christ, or think they are followers of Moses, or the Apostles. What counts is the reality.”  And the reality is that Mormons believe in a Jesus vastly different than the Jesus of the Bible. ARE MORMONS CHRISTIANS- Many gods You see, Mormonism teaches that Jesus is just one of countless other gods—a belief known as polytheism. Now, a Mormon may try to deny being a polytheist by affirming the existence of other gods, while in the same breath worshipping only God the Father.  However, don’t forget Christ’s proclamation in Mark chapter 12—that God’s most important commandment is to recognize that there is only one God and only one Lord. ARE MORMONS CHRISTIANS- Conclusion Where does this leave Jesus in Mormon Theology? Well, Mormons say they believe that Jesus is Jehovah, the LORD, the God of Israel, yet they refuse to pray to Him, as Jehovah Himself commands in the Old Testament (cf. Deut. 4:7; 2 Chron. 7:14; Pss. 5:2; 32:6; Jer. 29:7,12)—the same Jehovah who knows of no other God besides Himself, the One worshipped and honored by all true Christians (Ex. 34:14; cf. Matt. 2:11; 14:33; Luke 24:52). And so, judging by its own teachings, Mormonism cannot be rightly considered Christian. On Mormonism and the question "Are Mormons Christians?", that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7200fc8>

2009-03-16T19:01:11Z

35 mormons christians CP0300 are-mormons-christians Are Mormons Christians?

2009-09-11T18:11:13Z

2009-03-16T19:03:18Z

36 witnessing to Mormons CP0301 witnessing-to-mormons Witnessing to Mormons

2009-09-11T18:28:12Z

Mormons typically challenge non-Mormons to pray about the Book of Mormon and ask God if it’s true.  What’s the best way to respond when put in this situation?   Mormons commonly give their personal testimonies when they’re asked how they can be so sure that the Book of Mormon is true.  Citing a passage in the Book of Mormon itself, Mormons promise that you can have the same inner assurance — they call it the “burning in the bosom” — if you simply pray to God about it. Furthermore, James 1:5 is regularly quoted to argue that the Bible supports the practice of praying to God in order to confirm the truth of Mormonism.  Well, next time you’re confronted in this fashion, there are a number of things you can do.   First, tell Mormons that James 1:5 can’t be legitimately quoted when they urge non-Mormons to pray about the Book of Mormon.  The obvious reason is that the passage talks about Christians asking God for wisdom when they’re facing trials and temptations.  It has absolutely nothing to do with praying for some sort of revelation to determine the truth of the Mormon church or the book of Mormon.   Second, you may also want to explain that praying about the Book of Mormon is unnecessary because God’s answer has already been revealed by the Bible.  You can show, for example, that there is no need to pray about Sun Myung Moon’s counterfeit book entitled Divine Principle, because it, too, obviously contradicts Scripture.  Point out that passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and Acts 17:11 instruct us to test all things by the Word of God, rather than relying solely on our own feelings.   Third, you, too, can offer a testimony — that is to say, your testimony concerning the truth of the Bible and the historic orthodox Christian faith.  Share your own inner assurance about having eternal life with God, mentioning such passages as John 5:24 and Romans 8:38-39. By combining the subjective element of your personal experience with the strategic response when asked to pray about the Book of Mormon.  And remember, you need not only to be equipped to deal with the deviations of the Mormon church; you also must be prepared to sensitively and effectively communicate the Good News that salvation is not by works but, rather, by grace alone through faith in Christ.  We are saved by grace, and by grace alone; we are saved unto good works (Eph. 2:8-10).   On praying about the Book of Mormon and the “burning in the bosom,” that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb71c3344>

2009-03-16T19:47:04Z

37 book of mormon CP0302 what-if-i-am-asked-to-pray-about-the-book-of-mormon What if I Am Asked to Pray about the Book of Mormon?

2009-04-22T17:38:25Z

THE MORMON JESUS- Introduction Mormons openly profess to believe in Jesus Christ.  But is their Jesus different from the Jesus of the Bible?   THE MORMON JESUS- The Real Jesus? It’s not uncommon for Mormons to argue that they should be regarded as Christians because their faith is centered on Jesus Christ.  And while this may appear to be the case from the perspective of the Mormon Church, there can be little doubt that the Jesus preached by Mormonism is not the Jesus of the Bible.   THE MORMON JESUS- A Different Jesus Simply believing in someone named Jesus will not solve the issue for Mormons because — as the apostle Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11:4 — there are some who preach a different Jesus.  For example, while the Bible teaches that Jesus has always existed as God (John 1:1), Mormons see Jesus as someone who worked His way up to godhood.  In fact, to Mormons, Jesus is merely one in purpose with God the Father; whereas the Bible declares that the Father and the Son are also one in essence (cf. Phil. 2:6) — that they are both equally God and members of the Holy Trinity.   THE MORMON JESUS- Doctrine Twisting This leads me to what is perhaps the most problematic matter facing Mormons with regard to their view of Christ.  You see, in their attempt to evade charges of polytheism — which, of course, is the belief in or worship of more than one god — Mormons end up prohibiting prayer to Jesus.  Mormons confess that they believe in the existence of many gods but pray only to God the Father.  Well, in light of the Bible’s explicit command to pray to Jehovah (cf. Deut. 4:7; 2 Chron. 7:14; Pss. 5:2; 32:6; Jer. 27:7, 12), it’s simply incredible that Mormons refuse to pray to Jesus while yet acknowledging Him to be Jehovah!  In addition, let me point you to passages like John 14:14 and Romans 10:12 which demonstrate beyond the shadow of a doubt that believers ought to pray to Jesus.   THE MORMON JESUS- Not the Jesus of the Bible Mormons can claim to believe in Jesus all they want, but it’s apparent from their teachings that the Jesus they profess is definitely not the Jesus of the Bible.  The truth is they worship another Jesus, proclaim another gospel, and teach the skin of the truth stuffed with a lie.  Ultimately, all cults and world  religions, in one way or another, compromise the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.   On the Mormon Jesus, that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb719eb5c>

2009-03-16T19:49:09Z

38 mormon jesus CP0303 what-is-the-difference-between-the-mormon-jesus-and-the-jesus-of-the-bible What is the difference between the Mormon Jesus and the Jesus of the Bible?

2009-09-14T15:16:30Z

MORMONS AND SALVATION- Introduction Mormons claim that they believe in salvation by grace through faith in the atoning work of Jesus Christ.  Sounds pretty Biblical!  But is it real?   MORMONS AND SALVATION- Clarifying Terms When speaking to Mormons about salvation, it’s especially important to clarify terms from the very outset.  Mormons distinguish between two types of salvation — a stance entirely different from what the Bible reveals.   MORMONS AND SALVATION- Salvation by Grace When Mormons talk about salvation by grace, they’re referring to what they themselves call “general salvation.”  By this, Mormons mean that everybody is going to be resurrected, after which they will be judged according to their works.  In other words, everybody gets an entrance pass to God’s courtroom, but once inside, they’re on their own!  This, of course, adds up to nothing more than salvation by works.   MORMONS AND SALVATION- Full Salvation Another kind of salvation recognized by Mormons is what’s called “individual” or “full salvation.”  This type of salvation is available only to Mormons who have steadfastly obeyed the laws and ordinances of the Mormon church.  Well, you know what this means — once again, we end up with the doctrine of salvation by works.  In this case, we’re talking about the reward being an open path to “exaltation” or godhood.  Well, because Mormons strive to become gods and goddesses, and because they regard “individual salvation” as the only way to reach their goal, they believe that merely attaining “general salvation” is virtually equivalent to damnation.   MORMONS AND SALVATION- Scriptural Salvation What does the Bible have to say?  We read in Titus 3:5 that salvation comes from God’s mercy and not from our righteousness, as Romans 11:6 states:  “If it were [by works], grace would no longer be grace.”  Additionally, Scripture doesn’t distinguish between two types of salvation; it offers only one (cf. Isa. 25:9; John 5:24; Acts 2:21; Rom. 8:1; 10:9).  And while Mormons claim that good works are necessary for salvation, Ephesians 2:8-10 declares just the opposite; namely, that good works result from being saved by grace: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it’s the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast.”  The bottom line is this — Mormonism’s idea of salvation makes a mockery of God’s grace and the atoning death of Jesus Christ.   On Mormons and salvation, that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7179ca8>

2009-03-16T19:52:23Z

39 biblical salvation CP0304 do-mormons-accept-what-orthodox-christianity-considers-biblical-salvation Do Mormons accept what orthodox Christianity Considers Biblical Salvation?

2009-09-14T15:20:12Z

WAS JOSEPH SMITH A PROPHET?- Introduction Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon church, claimed to be a prophet of God.  Was he?   WAS JOSEPH SMITH A PROPHET?- Smith's Vision In determining whether Joseph Smith was a prophet of God we need first to look at Smith’s so-called “first vision,” in which God supposedly instructed the would-be prophet to start a new church — what was to become the Mormon church.  The evidence shows, however that Smith’s testimony suffers from a host of internal discrepancies.  For example, the earliest recorded account of Smith’s “first vision” makes mention only of Jesus Christ, whereas other accounts report the appearance of both Jesus and God the Father, or of an angel, or a group of angels.  Whatever the case may be, it’s clear to see that such conflicting reports only serve to cast doubt on the veracity of Smith’s testimony.  Keep in mind that several of these accounts came from the same man — Joseph Smith himself.   WAS JOSEPH SMITH A PROPHET?- Prophetic Accuracy Turning now to prophetic accuracy, we find that Smith fares no better than he did in recounting his alleged encounter with God.  According to Deuteronomy 18:22, God’s prophets have a one hundred percent rate of accuracy — that is to say, their prophetic predictions never miss the mark.  Unfortunately for Smith, such standards proved too much for him.  We note, for example, that Smith predicted that a Mormon temple in Missouri would be constructed before all of the people living in 1832 pass away.  This did not occur.   WAS JOSEPH SMITH A PROPHET?- A Different god? But even if Smith were flawless in all his predictions (which certainly was not the case), according to Deuteronomy 13:1-3 he would still not qualify as a prophet of God because he was speaking for a false god — a god other than the One revealed in Scripture.  The facts lead us to draw only one conclusion: that Joseph Smith was indeed a prophet, but a false prophet.  And remember, the irony is that is was Joseph Smith who attacked Christianity by saying that all its teachers were corrupt.   On Joseph Smith and the question "Was Joseph Smith a Prophet?", that’s the CRI Perspective.  I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb71567d0>

2009-03-16T20:51:25Z

40 Joseph Smith CP0305 was-joseph-smith-really-a-prophet-from-god Was Joseph Smith Really a Prophet from God?

2009-09-14T15:22:57Z

2009-03-16T20:53:13Z

41 Jose Smith CP0305SP -era-jose-smith-un-profeta-de-dios ¿Ere Jose Smith un Profeta de Dios?

2009-03-16T20:53:13Z

MORMONS AND RESTORATION- Introduction Mormons claim that there was a falling away from the faith after the death of the Apostles. Does this mean that the church needed to be restored through Mormonism? MORMONS AND RESTORATION- The Church Corrupted? Joseph Smith, the founding father of Mormonism, built his institution on the premise that the Christian church was completely overtaken by apostasy. In other words, Smith claimed that the church established by Jesus in the first century was completely nonexistent by the 19th century. This has been the position of all subsequent leaders of the Mormon church, even to this very day. To quote Mormon Apostle Orson Pratt: “Jesus... established his kingdom on the earth...the kingdoms of this world made war against the kingdom of God, established eighteen centuries ago, and they prevailed against it, and the kingdom ceased to exist (Journal of Discourses, 13:125).” Of course, this meant that the church had to be restored. MORMONS AND RESTORATION- Total Apostasy? In response to this teaching, we should ask Mormons exactly how the church could manage to glorify God “throughout all generations” — as the Apostle Paul clearly wrote in Ephesians 3:21 — if they fell into total apostasy. We should also point out that Ephesians 4:11-16 talks about the church growing spiritually mature, not spiritually degenerate. The Bible does affirm that there will be apostates, but according to 1 Timothy 4:1 only “some [not all] will abandon the faith.” This passage alone is enough to prove that Mormonism is wrong about the church falling away altogether. MORMONS AND RESTORATION- Contradicting Scripture Smith and other Mormons need to realize that they’re teaching the exact opposite of what Jesus Christ of Nazareth proclaimed in Matthew 16:18 — namely, that not even the gates of hell would prevail against the church of God. Furthermore, Hebrews 12:28 states that God’s kingdom is unshakable, while Daniel 2:44 refers to it as indestructible. There can be no doubt that Mormonism contradicts what the Bible says about the perseverance of God’s people — the living church of God. Remember, it was Joseph Smith who attacked Christianity. He said that all their sects were wrong, their creeds an abomination, and their professors corrupt. On Mormonism and the "restoration" of the Church, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7120680>

2009-03-16T20:55:12Z

42 Mormonism CP0306 mormonism-and-the-claim-to-restoration Mormonism: Mormonism and the Claim to Restoration

2009-09-14T15:25:59Z

MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- Introduction Temples play a central role in Mormonism. What exactly happens inside these somewhat mysterious structures?  What are these Mormon Temple Rituals?   MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- Necessary for Godhood Only after meeting certain requirements are Mormons allowed to participate in rituals that are performed solely within their temples. These rituals — known as “ordinances” — are vital to Mormons because they are regarded as the only means to salvation and, of course, exaltation to godhood.   MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- The Details The ordinances (which by the way mirror closely Masonic rituals) begin with a ceremonial washing and anointing. Afterwards, each participant is given a secret “New Name,” along with a garment which supposedly has the power to repel physical and spiritual danger. This is then followed by what’s referred to as the “Endowment” — essentially a distorted presentation of man’s fall showcasing Adam’s alleged acceptance of Mormon doctrine. Finally, each participant takes a series of oaths (cf. Matt. 5:33-37) and is asked specific questions that must be answered properly in order to pass through a veil or curtain, thus marking the completion of the ceremony.   MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- Other Practices Well, each Mormon is expected to go through this ceremony at least once for his or her own benefit. But for the most part, these ordinances — which have undergone numerous revisions — are conducted for individuals who have already died! In such instances, church members go through the ceremony as substitutes for the deceased. Additionally, the dead are baptized and, in the case of men, ordained into the priesthood by proxy. And by the way, marriages are also performed in the temple, which purportedly guarantees eternal unions so that Mormons may bear children after having become gods and goddesses.   MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- No Biblical Sanction Mormons typically argue that their temples and ordinances are carry-overs from Hebrew tradition. However, the fact is that there are no biblical sanctions for secret temple ceremonies (cf. Isa. 48:16; John 18:20). And while the temple in Jerusalem previously served as God’s dwelling-place among his people (Ps. 5:7; Luke 19:45-46), 1 Corinthians 3:16, along with other passages (John 14:20; 1 Cor. 6:19), declares that it is now Christians, individually and corporately, which act as the temple of God. Once again, we see that Mormonism is anything but Christian. They may use our terminology, but they deny the basic essentials of the historic Christian faith.   On Mormon temples and Mormon Temple Rituals, that’s the Bible Answer Man Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7108be8>

2009-03-16T20:56:40Z

43 Mormon temple CP0307 mormon-temple Mormon Temple: Mormon Temple Rituals

2009-09-14T15:40:52Z

QUETZALCOATL AND JESUS- Introduction Mormons believe that Jesus appeared in America shortly after His resurrection. Is this really true? QUETZALCOATL AND JESUS- "Other Sheep" Mormons claim that the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16 refers to displaced Israelites who inhabited the American continent. Mormons further reason that Jesus would have had to appear to those Israelites, since He talked about bringing these other sheep into His fold. As we’re going to see, however, such conclusions have no scriptural or, for that matter, historical basis. QUETZALCOATL AND JESUS- A Light for the Gentiles Isaiah 49:6 speaks of “a light for the Gentiles,” and is quoted in Luke 2:32 with reference to Christ (cf. Acts 13:47; 26:23). This makes it clear that Christ’s mission involves the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles. Now if the Gentiles are included in God’s plan of salvation — as these passages clearly indicate (cf. John 11:51-52; Acts 13:26; 28:28; Rom. 11:11, 25) — then the other sheep Jesus mentioned in John 10:16 could only refer to the Gentiles. In that same passage, Jesus says that “there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” This statement of Jews and Gentiles coming together under Christ is echoed in such verses as Romans 10:12 and 11:17 (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:20; Col. 3:11). In addition, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 clarifies the fact that Jesus would gather believers from all nations through the missionary work of His disciples (cf. John 4:22). Mormons are therefore incorrect in saying that these other sheep were Israelites in America whom Christ had to visit. QUETZALCOATL AND JESUS- No Evidence for the "Other Sheep" It’s not surprising that Mormons turn to the Book of Mormon to try to prove their case. But to quote a letter from the Smithsonian Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious historical institutions: “There is no evidence whatever of any migration from Israel to America, and likewise no evidence that pre-Columbian Indians had any knowledge of Christianity or the Bible.” This authoritative statement alone should not only serve to dispel the notion that Israelites inhabited America, it should also eliminate the fanciful myth that Jesus trekked the continent under the name of Quetzalcostl, the feathered serpent. Remember, too, that the Book of Mormon frequently contradicts Scripture; and it is easy to demonstrate from a historical perspective that the Bible is divine — rather than human — in origin. On Mormonism and Christ’s alleged appearance in America as Quetzalcoatl, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb70e8a00>

2009-03-16T20:57:52Z

44 Quetzalcoatl CP0308 quetzalcoatl Quetzalcoatl: Did Jesus Appear in America?

2009-09-14T15:52:23Z

THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- Introduction Mormons refer to themselves as Latter-day Saints. But what exactly is the difference between them and the Reorganized Latter-day Saints? THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- Different from Mormons? Both the Utah Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) and the Reorganized Latter-day Saints claim to be legitimate successors of the organization founded by Joseph Smith in 1830. But despite their common claims, these two groups differ on a number of very key doctrines. THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- Views on God For example, while most Mormons believe that there are many gods and that men can become gods, the Reorganized Church maintains that there is only one God, holding what appears to be a trinitarian view. And whereas Mormons traditionally hold that God was once a mere man who had to work his way up to godhood, the Reorganized Church teaches that God has always been God. THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- The Real Thing? Add to this the fact that the Reorganized Church repudiates secret temple rituals like “baptism for the dead,” which are essential elements of Mormon theology, then one may very well get the impression that the Reorganized Church is in fact soundly orthodox. And if we add to that their refusal to acknowledge a number of writings that Mormons consider authoritative, including the Pearl of Great Price, you really might be inclined to consider them to be “the real thing.” THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- The Problems Now, even though I would obviously commend the Reorganized Church’s opposition to the majority of Mormonism’s false teachings, a number of reasons still prompt me to classify them as heretical. For instance, contrary to Scripture, the Reorganized Church still believes that Christianity was completely overrun by apostasy (cf. Matt. 16:18; 1 Tim. 4:1). They also maintain that Joseph Smith was a prophet — that he was sent by God to restore the church; that he had to reinstitute the apostolic and prophetic offices, along with the Old Testament priesthoods, and that he also had to convey additional revelation from God (which is what the Book of Mormon is supposed to be). Well obviously, both biblical and historical evidence directly controvert these positions which, of course, makes Christian fellowship with members of the Reorganized Church virtually impossible. Because the division caused by such mistaken beliefs is so severe, we can only classify the Reorganized Church as heretical. On the Reorganized Latter-day Saints, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7ae5ef4>

2009-03-16T20:59:47Z

45 Reorganized church of jesus christ of latter day saints CP0309 the-reorganized-latter-day-saints The Reorganized Latter Day Saints

2009-09-14T15:55:54Z

SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses seem to have answers for everything. What’s the best way to witness and share your beliefs with a Jehovah’s Witness? SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- No Pat Answers! Jehovah’s Witnesses have been trained to give stock answers to the most common arguments which Christians use against their false teachings. Therefore, whatever specific strategy is used, the key is to derail them from giving their pat answers. SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- The Watchtower LIES One strategy is to present evidence that the Watchtower has lied to its followers. For example, the Society has stated that its founder, Charles Taze Russell, never claimed to be “the faithful and wise servant” of Matthew 24:45, whereas in fact he really did make that claim. If Jehovah’s Witnesses can be made to see that the Watchtower has lied to them, there is a good chance they will abandon their faith in the organization. Then, of course, they may be open to hear what you have to say about the truth of the Bible. SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- False Prophecies Another strategy is to present evidence that the Watchtower has published false prophecies. This might be a little trickier, since they have come up with some clever excuses for their erroneous predictions, but with good materials and some good instruction these excuses may be overcome. SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Acts 2:26 A third strategy is to introduce biblical material which they likely have never heard before. For example, the Witnesses claim that Jesus did not rise from the dead in His physical body but was recreated as a spirit. In response, you might quote Acts 2:26, which says that Jesus’ flesh “dwelled in hope,” and then ask how Jesus’ flesh could have hope if it was not going to be raised from the dead. This question will probably take them by surprise. SHARING YOUR BELIEFS WITH JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Conclusion Anyone serious about witnessing to the Witnesses needs to spend time studying in preparation. At the same time, as in all witnessing situations, we must witness to Jehovah’s Witnesses with the love of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit. And remember, as the Bible instructs, “be prepared to give an answer with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). You really don’t have to be another one of those Christians who are quickly turned into doctrinal pretzels by Jehovah’s Witnesses. You can give answers; you can give them clearly and concisely, and with the power of the Holy Spirit their lives can be transformed. On witnessing and sharing your beliefs with Jehovah’s Witnesses, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7aa5264>

2009-03-17T13:18:53Z

46 Jehovah's Witness CP0400 sharing-your-faith-with-a-jehovahs-witness Sharing Your Beliefs with a Jehovah's Witness

2009-09-14T16:38:09Z

Los Testigos de Jehová parecen tener respuestas para todo, pero ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de testificarle a un Testigo de Jehová? Los Testigos de Jehová estan preparado para dar respuestas clásicas a los argumentos más comunes que los cristianos usan en contra de sus falsas enseñanzas. Por lo tanto, cualquier estrategia específica que se use, la clave está en desviarlos de las preguntas de la cuales ellos ya tienen respuestas preparadas. Una estrategia es de presentarles evidencia de que la Sociedad Watchtower les ha mentido a sus seguidores. Por ejemplo, la Sociedad ha declarado que su fundador, Charles Taze Russell, nunca reclamó ser “el esclavo fiel y discreto” del cual Mateo 24:45 mensiona, mientras que de hecho él si hizo esa reclamación. Si se logra convencer a los Testigos de Jehová a que vean que la Sociedad Watchtower les ha mentido, hay una buena posibilidad de que abandonen su fe en la organización. Entonces, estaran dispuestos para oír lo que usted tiene que decir acerca de la verdad de la Biblia. Otra estrategia, es de presentar evidencia de que la Sociedad Watchtower ha publicado falsas profecías. Quizás esto sea más complicado, ya que ellos pueden presentar excusas astutas  respecto a sus predicciones erróneas, pero con buen material y buena instrucción, estas excusas pueden ser derribadas. Otra estrategia, es de presentar materiales bíblicos que quizás nunca hayan oído. Por ejemplo, los Testigos reclaman que Jesús no resucitó de entre los muertos en su cuerpo físico sino que fue recreado como un espíritu. Para responder, se puede citar Hechos 2:26, que dice que el cuerpo de Jesús “descansó en esperanza,” y luego pregúnteles cómo podía el cuerpo de Jesús tener esperanza si no iba a ser resucitado de entre los muertos.  Esta pregunta probablemente los tome por sorpresa. Si alguien se interesa seriamente en testificarles a los Testigos de Jehová necesita dedicar tiempo al estudio y la preparación. Al igual que en otras situaciones cuando testificamos, debemos testificarles a los Testigos de Jehová con el amor de Cristo y en el poder del Espíritu Santo. Y recuerde, como nos instruye la Biblia, de “estar listos para responder con mansedumbre y reverencia” (1 Pedro 3:15).  En verdad usted no tiene que ser uno de esos cristianos que rápidamente son transformados en un nudo doctrinal por los Testigos de Jehová. Puede darles respuestas claras y concisamentes, y con el poder del Espíritu Santo, la vida de ellos pueden ser transformadas. Escribanos para recivir una lista de recursos en español en la cual encontrará bastante material acerca de los Testigos de Jehová (RC-001SP). #<Category:0xb7a38c04>

2009-03-17T13:20:52Z

47 de jesucristo CP0400SP testificando-a-los-testigos-de-jehova-acerca-de-jesucristo Testificando a Los Testigos De Jehova Acerca de Jesucristo

2009-03-17T13:20:52Z

ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FALSE PROPHETS?- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses freely admit that they have made failed predictions in the past. Is this enough to categorize them as false prophets? The CRI Perspective in a moment. ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FALSE PROPHETS?- What is a false prophet? Deuteronomy 18:22 states that a false prophet is one who, in the name of the Lord, makes a prophecy which does not take place and is not true. How does all of this square with the Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that just because they have made a few errors does not mean that they are therefore false prophets? ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FALSE PROPHETS?- Strike One First of all, the Watchtower (which is the organizational name of Jehovah’s Witnesses) claimed to have been acting as God’s uniquely-appointed official, or modern-day prophet, when it issued its numerous false predictions. This alone, according to Deuteronomy 18, is enough to qualify them as false prophets. But there’s more. ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FALSE PROPHETS?- Expected Prophecies to be true The prophecies proclaimed by the Watchtower were not considered by the organization as “optional.” In other words, to remain a Jehovah’s Witness in good standing, you must wholeheartedly believe in and uphold these prophecies made by the Watchtower. They were certainly not expendable. ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FALSE PROPHETS?- Christ's Return You see, the prophecies themselves concerned important events holding significant implications. For example, the Watchtower initially proclaimed that Jesus’ second coming happened invisibly in the year 1874. Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses believed this event actually took place in the year 1914. It’s important to note that Paul issued very strong warnings about those setting false dates concerning Christ’s return (2 Thes. 2:1-3). ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FALSE PROPHETS?- Dispair and Disillusionment Fourth, the Watchtower’s false prophecies have produced nothing but despair and disillusionment, and have caused many Jehovah’s Witnesses to resort to drastic measures which they would not have taken otherwise. Numbers of Jehovah’s Witnesses, for instance, quit their jobs and liquidated their personal belongings as they anticipated the world to end in the year 1975. Needless to say, that prediction never materialized. Well, when all the facts are considered, it becomes readily apparent that Jehovah’s Witnesses are false prophets who fill people “with false hopes” (Jer. 23:16). On Jehovah’s Witnesses and false prophecies, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb79e5874>

2009-03-17T13:21:59Z

48 false prophets CP0401 false-prophets-are-jehovah-s-witnesses-false-prophets- False Prophets: Are Jehovah's Witnesses False Prophets?

2009-09-14T17:48:32Z

THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses have their own translation of the Bible, which they call the New World Translation. Is it accurate? Should Christians use it in discussing the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses? THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION- Differences The New World Translation differs from other translations in some rather startling ways. For example, in over 200 times in our New Testament — what they call the Christian Greek Scriptures — the New World Translation has substituted the word “Jehovah” in place of the word “Lord” which, of course, appears in the Greek text. In several passages in which Jesus is called “God” the text has been mistranslated, notably John 1:1, which is made to say that “the Word was a god.” In Colossians 1:16-17, which says that “all things” were created through Christ, the New World Translation adds the word “other,” making it say that “all other things” were created through Christ. These are just a few examples of their mistranslations. Thus, most biblical scholars who have written on the subject have now concluded that the New World Translation is doctrinally biased and is the work of amateur translators. THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION- Discussing with JW's In dealing with Jehovah’s Witnesses on the teachings of the Bible, three different strategies may be used. First, one may ask the Jehovah’s Witness to agree to use a different translation for the purpose of discussion. THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION- Using Passages that are Correctly Translated Second, one may keep the discussion to passages in the New World Translation which are not mistranslated (that is, if you find any). For example, in discussing the deity of Christ, John 20:28 and Isaiah 9:6 are unambiguous, or clear, even in the New World Translation. THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION- The Kingdom Interlinear Finally, for those of you who have some knowledge of the Greek language, the Watchtower book called the Kingdom Interlinear Translation can be used to show Jehovah’s Witnesses the blatant mistranslations in the New World Translation. THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION- Conclusion Whatever strategy is used, don’t let Jehovah’s Witnesses get away with assuming that their translation is the only acceptable version of the Bible. It is, in fact, a most unacceptable version. By all means be sure to pray that God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will see fit to transform the lives of those who even now are trapped in the deceptions of the Watchtower. On the New World Translation, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7982364>

2009-03-17T13:26:14Z

49 New World Translation CP0402 new-world-translation What about the New World Translation?

2009-09-14T17:58:28Z

Los Testigos de Jehová tienen su propia traducción de la Biblia, titulada la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo.  ¿Será confiable? ¿Deberían los cristianos usarla cuando hablan de la Biblia con los Testigos de Jehová? La Traducción del Nuevo Mundo es diferente de otras traducciones de maneras muy sorprendentes.  Por ejemplo, en más de 200 partes de nuestro Nuevo Testamento –– el cual ellos llaman las Escrituras Griegas Cristianas –– la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo ha substituido la palabra “Jehová” en lugar de “Señor” que, por supuesto, aparece en el texto griego. En varios pasajes en los cuales Jesús es llamado “Dios” el texto hacido incorrectamente traducido, notablemente en Juan 1:1, donde traducieron “la Palabra era un dios.” En Colosenses 1:16-17, en donde dice que  “todas las cosas” fueron creadas por Cristo, la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo añada la palabra “otra,” traduciendo el versículo a “todas las otras cosas” fueron creadas por Cristo. Estos son sólo unos ejemplos de sus traducciones incorrectas. Por lo tanto, la mayoría de los eruditos bíblicos que han escrito sobre este tema han concluido que la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo es doctrinalmente prejuiciosa y la obra de traductores aficionados. Al tratar con los Testigos de Jehová con respecto a las enseñanzas de la Biblia, tres estrategias distintas pueden utilisarse. Primeramente, uno puede pedirle al Testigo de Jehová que esté de acuerdo a usar una traducción diferente a la de ellos para la platicá. En segundo lugar, uno puede mantener la platicá sobre los pasajes en la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo que no estén incorrectamente traducidos. Por ejemplo, al hablar de la deidad de Cristo, Juan 20:28 e Isaías 9:6 son inequívocos, aun en la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo. Finalmente, para los que tengan conocimiento del idíoma griego, el libro de la Sociedad Watchtower llamado Traducción Interlineal del Reino (en inglés solamente), puede usarse para mostrarles a los Testigos de Jehová las traducciones incorrectas de la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo. Cualquier estrategia que usted use, no permita que los Testigos de Jehová se despidan suponiendo que su traducción es la única versión aceptable de la Biblia. En realidad, esta es una versión muy inaceptable. Por todos los medios posibles, no deje de orar a Dios que por medio del poder del Espíritu Santo, transforme las vidas de aquellos que aun se encuentran atrapados en las decepciones de la Sociedad Watchtower. El Instituto tiene una variedad de materiales relacionados con la Traducción del Nuevo Mundo, incluyendo los siguientes artículos: “La Traducción del Nuevo Mundo sometida a juicio” (DJ-111SP); “Los Testigos de Jehová y Lucas 23:43 –– un estudio sobre la interpretación de la Watchtower” (DJ-112SP). #<Category:0xb790f83c>

2009-03-17T14:08:47Z

50 Traduccion del Nuevo Mundo CP0402SP -y-que-de-la-traduccion-del-nuevo-mundo- ¿Y Que de La Traduccion del Nuevo Mundo?

2009-03-17T14:08:47Z

The Jehovah's Witnesses' Jesus- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses freely profess to believe in Jesus Christ. But what exactly is their view of Jesus? The Jehovah's Witnesses' Jesus- Very Different from the Scriptures Upon close examination, we find that Jehovah’s Witnesses preach a Jesus who’s vastly different from the Jesus of the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses regard Jesus as the first and only being directly created by Jehovah God (cf. John 1:1-3). They believe that Jehovah God has never had any personal contact with creation, but was indirectly responsible for the creation of all beings by empowering Jesus to bring the physical universe into existence. It’s interesting to note that the Gnostics — who were denounced by the early church — held strikingly similar views. The Jehovah's Witnesses' Jesus- Denial of Deity Jehovah’s Witnesses also deny that Jesus is God Almighty (cf. Phil. 2:6-7). They claim that Jesus is not all-powerful, that He is not all-knowing, and that He is not even all-present. Curiously enough, however, they deny these same attributes about their own Jehovah God! The Jehovah's Witnesses' Jesus- Jesus is not to be worshipped? In addition to all of this, Jehovah’s Witnesses insist that Jesus should not be worshipped (cf. Matt. 2:11; 28:9; Heb. 1:6), and that prayers should not be addressed to Him (cf. Acts 7:59-60; 9:13-14). And while they concede that Jesus should be honored, they refuse to honor Him to the same degree God the Father is honored. This, of course, flies directly in the face of what Jesus proclaimed in John 5:23, when He said that it is God’s will for “all to honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” On top of this, Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that when Jesus Christ was made flesh He became only a mere man who might have sinned but, fortunately for us, didn’t (cf. John 5:19; 7:18; 8:55). The Jehovah's Witnesses' Jesus-  Denial of Physical Resurrection Finally, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that Jesus rose bodily from the grave (cf. John 2:19-22; Luke 24:39), teaching instead that He rose in a “spirit body” (whatever that may be). Thus, Jesus’ resurrection can’t be seen as a triumph over physical death when, in fact, this is the very opposite of what Scripture reveals (1 Cor. 15:54-55). Because of these and other reasons, Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot be regarded as true Christians. Rather, they are what is classically referred to as a cult. They claim to be Christian yet deny essential Christian doctrine. Now, we cannot compromise when it comes to the nature of God, and certainly not when it comes to the Lord Jesus Christ. On how Jehovah’s Witnesses view Jesus Christ, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb789e2e0>

2009-03-17T14:09:55Z

51 Jehovah's Witnesses Jesus CP0403 the-jehovah-s-witnesses-jesus The Jehovah's Witnesses' Jesus: Different from the Jesus of the Bible?

2009-09-14T18:01:18Z

Los Testigos de Jehová francamente profesan creer en Jesucristo. Pero, ¿cual es exactamente el punto de vista de ellos acerca de Jesucristo?  Al hacer una examinación profunda, encontramos que los Testigos de Jehová predican a un Jesús que es sumamente diferente al Jesús de la Biblia. Los Testigos de Jehová consideran a Jesús como el primero y el único ser directamente creado por Jehová Dios (cf. Juan 1:1-3). Creen que Jehová Dios nunca ha tenido ningún contacto personal con la creación. Sino, que indirectamente fue responsable por la creación de todos los seres al autorizar a Jesus a que trajera a la existencia el universo físico. Es interesante notar que los agnósticos ––que fueron denunciados por la iglesia primitiva–– sostenian puntos de vista notablemente parecidos.  Los Testigos de Jehová también niegan que Jesús es el Dios todopoderoso (Filipenses 2:6-7). Ellos reclaman que Jesús no es omnipotente, no es omniciente, y que no es aun omnipresente.  Aunque parezca extraño, aún niegan estos mismos atributos acerca de su mismo Jehova Dios. Además de todo esto, los Testigos de Jehova insisten en que Jesús no debe ser adorado (cf. Hechos 7:59-60; 9:13-14). Aunque ellos creen que Jesús debe ser honrado, reusan honrarlo en el mismo nivel en que Dios el Padre es honrado. Esto, esta directamente opuesto a lo que Jesús proclamó en Juan 5:23, cuando dijo que es la voluntad de Dios “que todos honren al Hijo como honran al Padre.”  Además de esto, los Testigos de Jehová enseñan que cuando Jesucristo fue hecho carne, él llegó a ser solamente un simple hombre que hubiera podido pecar pero, afortunadamente para nosotros, no peco (cf. Juan 5:19; 7:18; 8:55). Finalmente, los Testigos de Jehová niegan que Jesús resucitó físicamente de entre los muertos (cf. Juan 2:19-22; Lucas 24:39), pero en lugar enseñan que resucitó en un “cuerpo espiritual.” Por lo tanto, la resurrección de Jesús no puede considerarse como un triunfo sobre la muerte física cuando, de hecho, esto es muy contrario a lo que revelan las Sagradas Escrituras (1 Cor. 15:54-55). Por causas como ésta y otras razones, los Testigos de Jehová no pueden ser considerados verdaderos cristianos. Mejor dicho, son lo que clásicamente se conoce como una secta. Reclaman ser cristianos pero niegan las doctrinas fundamentales del cristianismo esenciales. Nosotros, no podemos comprometer nuestras creencias cuando se trata de la naturaleza de Dios, y aun menos cuando se trata del Señor Jesucristo. El Instituto tiene una variedad de materiales relacionados con los Testigos de Jehová, incluyendo el tratado escrito por el Walter Matrin titulado “Los Testigos de Jehová y la Trinidad” (T-011SP); “Discutiendo la deidad de Cristo con los Testigos de Jehová” (DJ-510SP). Para un estudio más completo, recomendamos el libro Los Testigos de Jehová por el Walter Martin (B-208SP).   #<Category:0xb78247d8>

2009-03-17T14:12:07Z

52 testigos de jehova CP0403SP el-punto-de-vista-de-los-testigos-de-jehova-acerca-de-jesucristo El Punto de Vista de Los Testigos de Jehova acerca de Jesucristo

2009-03-17T14:12:07Z

2009-03-17T14:13:17Z

53 Colossians 1 15 CP0404 colossians-1-15-the-firstborn-of-all-creation Colossians 1 15: The Firstborn of all Creation

2009-09-14T18:21:00Z

THE NAME OF GOD- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses take pride in their constant use of the name “Jehovah.” But are their teachings about the name “Jehovah” correct? THE NAME OF GOD- The Real Issue In discussing the name “Jehovah,” we need to point out that the issue is not really the spelling or pronunciation, but the claim by Jehovah’s Witnesses that Christians must use that name “Jehovah” — in worship, prayer, and preaching — before they can be considered true Christians. THE NAME OF GOD- Biblical Support? The Bible doesn’t support such a claim, as evidenced by the absence of the name “Jehovah” in the New Testament. Nevertheless, this has not deterred Jehovah’s Witnesses from inserting “Jehovah” in place of “Lord” over two hundred times in their version of the New Testament. They claim that substituting “Lord” or “God” for the divine name is unbiblical and that this practice is rooted in pagan superstitions and religions. THE NAME OF GOD- Substituting "LORD" for "Jehovah" Contrary to this, we find that the practice of substituting “Lord” or “God” in place of “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” goes as far back as the Old Testament. For example, Psalm 53 is virtually identical with Psalm 14, except that it substitutes the word “God” in place of “Jehovah” four different times. We should also note that both the Old and New Testaments refer to “Yahweh” as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Ex. 3:15-16; Mark 12:26; Acts 7:31-32). THE NAME OF GOD- Conclusion And although the New Testament doesn’t use the word or the name “Jehovah,” it does use a substitute — namely, the title “Lord” — which carries the same meaning. In fact, every definition of “Yahweh” proposed by scholars conveys the same basic idea — that “Yahweh” essentially reveals God as Lord. In other words, the name “Yahweh” asserts that God is sovereign and has absolute control over the entire universe, including His people; it’s just another way of saying God is the Lord! All this leads me to conclude that Jehovah’s Witnesses have no biblical justification for their stance on the use of the name “Jehovah.” On Jehovah’s Witnesses and the divine name, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb7cd532c>

2009-03-17T14:16:15Z

54 Name of God CP0405 jehovah-s-witnesses-and-the-name-of-god The Name of God: Jehovah's Witnesses and the Name of God

2009-10-22T19:34:26Z

JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND THE TRINITY- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses are the most vocal critics in our society of the doctrine of the Trinity. Are their criticisms of the Trinity right? The CRI perspective in a moment. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND THE TRINITY- The Attack Booklet In 1989 the Jehovah’s Witnesses published a booklet entitled Should You Believe in the Trinity? Although the Watchtower Society has always attacked the Trinity as a pagan doctrine, this booklet was their first attempt at a systematic refutation of the Trinity. Let me briefly mention just some of the major flaws with the arguments that they use in this booklet. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND THE TRINITY- Out of Context Quotes First of all, the booklet continues the time-honored tradition of the Watchtower to misrepresent the Christian scholars and church fathers, with numerous quotations taken out of context. For example, the booklet actually tries to argue that the church father Tertullian did not believe in the Trinity, when, in fact, Tertullian was one of the first to use the word “trinity.” JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND THE TRINITY- The Usual Arguments Second, the book repeats the usual tired antitrinitarian arguments against the Trinity, for example, that the doctrine of the Trinity was developed in the fourth century. Of course, the Witnesses’ own doctrine concerning God and Christ was developed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, but that doesn’t seem to bother them — they undoubtedly don’t want to be confused by facts. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND THE TRINITY- Jesus not God? Third, the booklet contains the standard arguments against the biblical teaching that Jesus was, in fact, God, focusing especially on the fact that Jesus was in submission to God the Father — as if this has escaped the attention of the Christian church for all of these centuries! The Bible, in fact, teaches both that Jesus was God and that, as the Son of God, and especially as a man, Jesus submitted Himself voluntarily to the Father and seeks to bring glory and honor to the Father. Trinitarians affirm both of these biblical truths — Jehovah’s Witnesses do not. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND THE TRINITY- Conclusion The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ arguments against the Trinity might sound persuasive at first but, on careful examination, can be clearly seen to be without substance. As usual, they give you the skin of the truth stuffed with a lie. On the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Trinity, that’s the CRI perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7bf5484>

2009-03-17T14:17:34Z

55 Christian Trinity CP0406 are-the-jehovah-s-witnesses-right-about-the-christian-trinity Are the Jehovah's Witnesses Right about the Christian Trinity?

2009-09-14T19:26:16Z

Los Testigos de Jehová son uno de los grupos, que con más frecuencia critican la doctrina de la Trinidad. ¿Son justas sus críticas acerca de la Trinidad? En 1989 los Testigos de Jehová publicaron un folleto titulado ¿Debería usted creer en la Trinidad?  Aunque la Sociedad Watchtower siempre ha atacado la Trinidad de ser una doctrina pagana, este folleto fue su primer intento para hacer una refutación sistemática de la Trinidad.  Permítame mencionar brevemente sólo algunas de las fallas principales de los argumentos que usan en este folleto.  En primer lugar, el folleto continúa la tradición consagrada de la Sociedad Watchtower de presentar incorrectamente a los eruditos cristianos y a los cristianos primitivos de la iglesia, con numerosas citas tomadas fuera de contexto.  Por ejemplo, el folleto en realidad trata de argumentar que un miembro de la iglesia primitiva, Tertuliano, no creía en la Trinidad, cuando en realidad, Tertuliano fue uno de los primeros que usó la palabra “trinidad.” En segundo lugar, el folleto repite los argumentos de siempre en contra de la Trinidad. Por ejemplo, que la doctrina de la Trinidad se desarrolló en el cuarto siglo. Por supuesto, la propia doctrina de los Testigos de Jehová con respecto a Dios y a Cristo, se desarrolló en los siglos diecinueve y veinte, pero eso no parece molestarles –– sin duda, ellos no quieren ser confundidos por los hechos. En tercer lugar, el folleto contiene argumentos típicos contra la enseñanza bíblica de que Jesús era, en realidad Dios, y se concentran especialmente en el hecho de que Jesús estaba en sumición a Dios el Padre –– como hijo de Dios y especialmente como hombre, como si esto se les hubiera pasado por alto a la iglesia cristiana por los siglos. La Biblia, en realidad, nos enseña dos verdades básicas, que Jesús es Dios y como Hijo de Dios, especialmente como hombre, Jesús se sometió voluntariamente al Padre y buscaba traerle gloria y honor. Los cristianos afirman estas dos verdades bíblicas –– los Testigos de Jehová no las afirman. Al principio es posible que los argumentos de los Testigos de Jehová en contra de la Trinidad suenen persuasivos, pero bajo un examen cuidadoso, se puede ver claramente que no tienen sustancia.  Como de costumbre, le sirven a uno la cáscara de la verdad rellenada con una mentira. El Instituto tiene una variedad de materiales relacionados con los Testigos de Jehová, incluyendo el libro Los Testigos de Jehová por el Walter Martin (B-208SP); y el tratado “Los Testigos de Jehová y la Trinidad” (T-011SP).   #<Category:0xb7b32a4c>

2009-03-17T14:19:09Z

56 los testigos de jehova CP0406SP -tienen-razon-los-testigos-de-jehova-acerca-de-la-trinidad ¿Tienen Razon Los Testigos de Jehova acerca de La Trinidad?

2009-03-17T14:19:09Z

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses say that Jesus was raised as a spirit rather than in a glorified physical body. What does the Bible say? THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Scripture-Twisting Jehovah’s Witnesses reason that Jesus had to give up (or sacrifice) His physical body permanently in order to atone for mankind’s sins. Thus, God is alleged to have raised Jesus merely as a spirit creature. And in a desperate bid to justify this false teaching, Jehovah’s Witnesses have repeatedly resorted to “Scripture-twisting.” THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- The Evidence The Bible, however, remains clear in confirming Christ’s bodily resurrection. In Luke 24:37, for example, we find that the disciples were startled and frightened by Jesus’ sudden appearance in their midst, “thinking that they had seen a spirit;” in other words, they mistakenly thought that their risen Lord was some sort of a spirit creature. Did Jesus confirm their fears? Hardly. Instead, Jesus says: “Look at my hands and feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Jesus Lied? Now, Jehovah’s Witnesses typically try to dismiss such passages by arguing that even though He occasionally “materialized” in a physical body, Jesus was in fact nothing more than a spirit creature. However, if this really were the case, then Jesus would’ve clearly been guilty of deliberately misleading His disciples into believing that He was actually showing them His own body — as in Thomas’s case, recorded in John 20:27. Furthermore, in John 2:19-22 Jesus announced that He would raise His own body from the dead. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND THE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES- Conclusion Denying Jesus’ physical resurrection spells disastrous consequences for Christianity. For instance, a non-physical resurrection would have absolutely no evidential value, and would undermine Jesus’ claim to be God. A non-physical resurrection would also mean that Jesus still hasn’t solved the problem of death, since His physical body is still dead. Such false teachings are both unbiblical and, in fact, destructive. By the way, the resurrection is the most well-attested fact of ancient history. If you can’t believe this, you can’t even believe Napoleon lived! On Jehovah’s Witnesses and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7e53aa0>

2009-03-17T14:20:22Z

57 Resurrection of Jesus CP0407 the-resurrection-of-jesus-what-do-jehovah-s-witnesses-believe The Resurrection of Jesus: What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe

2009-09-14T19:54:45Z

WHO ARE THE 144,000 WITNESSES- Introduction Jehovah’s Witnesses say that 144,000 “anointed” Christians will go to heaven as spirits, while the rest of saved humanity will live on the earth. How should we respond to this teaching? WHO ARE THE 144,000 WITNESSES- Interpretation of Revelation 7:4 When Jehovah’s Witnesses quote Revelation 7:4 to prove that only 144,000 people will go to heaven, we may object by saying this passage does not refer to some heaven-bound group, but to individuals from the twelve tribes of Israel. Now, Jehovah’s Witnesses may try to counter by arguing that Israel is merely symbolic of the Christian congregation. But if they interpret Israel symbolically in this passage they would also have to interpret the 144,000 symbolically as well, since they’re both mentioned in the same verse. Well, either way, their teaching crumbles. Oftentimes, Jehovah’s Witnesses will also cite Revelation 14:1-5; but once again, nothing in this passage proves that only 144,000 saved individuals will go to heaven. WHO ARE THE 144,000 WITNESSES- The Earthly Class On the flip side, Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that the “great multitude” of Revelation 7:9 is a description of the so-called “earthly class” — saved individuals who don’t number among the 144,000 elite. Sad to say, the vast majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that their only hope lies in being included with this group, since the 144,000 “tickets” to heaven have already been “sold out.” Interestingly enough, all the passages alluding to the great multitude — such as Revelation 7, verses 9 and 15 — place the group before God’s throne which, according to Revelation 11:19, is located in heaven. This is the exact opposite of what Jehovah’s Witnesses teach. WHO ARE THE 144,000 WITNESSES- The Scriptural Answer Contrary to their beliefs, the Bible states that all saved individuals will live in glorified, resurrected, physical bodies — much like Christ’s (Phil. 3:21; 1 John 3:2). Furthermore, Scripture tells us that saved individuals will dwell in both the new heavens and the new earth which, according to Ephesians 1:10, will be brought together under Christ. The truth is, all tickets have not been sold: Jesus Christ paid the price so that whosoever trusts in Him alone will indeed be saved (John 3:16). On Jehovah’s Witnesses and the eternal destiny of saved humanity, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION This issue is covered in David A. Reed’s Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse  (B153/$7), 104-110. For commentaries on the Book of Revelation, we encourage you to get a copy of our bibliography of recommended readings on the subject of Eschatology (DE150/$0.25). These resources are available through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (704) 887-8299 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271. #<Category:0xb76cf874>

2009-03-17T14:21:52Z

58 144000 CP0408 jehovah-s-witnesses-who-are-the-144000-witnesses Jehovah's Witnesses and the Destination of Saved Humanity: Who Are the 144000 Witnesses?

2009-09-14T20:09:35Z

2009-03-17T14:24:08Z

59 destino eterno CP0408SP los-testigos-de-jehova-y-el-destino-eterno-de-la-humanidad-salva Los Testigos de Jehova y El Destino Eterno de La Humanidad Salva

2009-03-17T14:24:08Z

Jehovah’s Witnesses deny that man has a soul or spirit that has conscious existence after death. What does the Bible say? To Jehovah’s Witnesses, the word “soul” is interchangeable with the word “human.” In other words, they don’t believe that humans possess souls which are separate and distinct from the body; rather, they maintain that humans are souls! This explains why Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that a person ceases to exist upon death. The Bible, however, makes it clear that everyone has an inner being which survives after physical death. Admittedly, this being is not conscious in the sense that he’s not fully aware of the physical world; yet he remains a person who possesses both self-awareness and a unique identity. The Bible refers to this inner being as the soul or the spirit of mankind. Matthew 10:28 demonstrates that Scripture distinguishes the soul from the body, thereby disproving what Jehovah’s Witnesses are clearly teaching. It reads: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (NIV). Jesus tells us in this passage that the soul survives death, even though someone may kill the body. Furthermore, Matthew 17 — which recounts not only the transfiguration of Christ, but also His conversation with Moses and Elijah — shows that the soul is indeed conscious after death. After all, how else can Jesus carry on a dialogue with Moses, who passed away centuries earlier? John 11:26 states that whoever believes in Jesus will never die, which explains Paul’s statement in Romans 8:38 that not even death can separate us from God’s love. Conversely, Revelation 20 tells us that the unsaved will experience eternal torment. By denying the reality of eternal punishment, Jehovah’s Witnesses are saying that this passage can’t be taken seriously. Well, the truth of the matter is that Jesus not only taught us of heaven, but also taught us that hell is a tangible reality (Matt. 13:40-42; 18:8-9; 25:41.46). On Jehovah’s Witnesses and the soul of man, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION A discussion of this subject can be found in Jehovah of the Watchtower by Walter Martin and Norman Klann (B004/$8), 74-87. Brief but helpful discussions can also be found in David A. Reed’s Jehovah’s Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse, 38-39, 45-46 (B153/$7). These resources are available through CRI. For shipping and handling information, please call CRI or refer to our Resource Listing. To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive a free copy of our Resource Listing, fax us at (704) 887-8299 or write us with your request at P.O. Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271. #<Category:0xb7613250>

2009-03-17T14:25:21Z

60 What happens when we die CP0409 what-happens-when-we-die-jehovah-s-witnesses-and-the-soul-of-man What Happens When We Die? Jehovah's Witnesses and the Soul of Man

2009-03-17T14:25:21Z

ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES CHRISTIAN?- Introduction You’ve probably encountered them at your door. And you may have seen their Watchtower and Awake! magazines neatly displayed upon the counters of your local Laundromat. Who are the Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are they Christians? ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES CHRISTIAN?- Roots The Jehovah’s Witnesses find their roots in the teachings of Charles Taze Russell who established his group as Zion’s Watchtower and Tract Society in 1884. Ever since the Dawn Bible Students splintered from them in 1931, they have been known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Under the allegiance of “Pastor” Russell, Jehovah’s Witnesses were urged to study only his teachings. Russell claimed that if anyone read the Bible without the aid of his work entitled Studies in the Scriptures, they would go “into darkness.” ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES CHRISTIAN?- "Pastor" Russell's Inconsistencies In order to make such a bold claim, you would think that “Pastor” Russell were either a prophet or a scholar. In actuality, he was neither. He stated that the Battle of Armageddon began in 1874 and would end in 1914 (The Watchtower, 1-15-1892:22; The Time is at Hand, 1888:101; Studies in the Scriptures, series IV, 1897:621). He also claimed to know the Greek alphabet, but after being cross-examined in court, it turned out that he was not familiar with the language. ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES CHRISTIAN?- False Prophecies In spite of these early blunders, the Watchtower still makes erroneous claims that they are the true prophet of God for this generation, and they have set numerous dates concerning the end of the world. Needless to say, all their prophecies have turned out to be false. And just like their founder, they have lacked a proper understanding of the biblical languages. Nevertheless, this has not stopped them from producing their own “New World Translation” of the Bible! ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES CHRISTIAN?- Conclusion Finally, Jehovah’s Witnesses teach doctrines that are completely opposed to orthodox Christianity. For instance, they deny the Trinity, that Jesus is God, that salvation is by grace through faith, and that Christ rose from the dead in his own body. Despite their sincerity and dedication, we can only affirm that the Jehovah’s Witnesses are not Christians. On Jehovah’s Witnesses, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb75bdaa8>

2009-03-17T14:26:38Z

61 Jehovah's Witnesses CP0410 are-jehovah-s-witnesses-christian Are Jehovah's Witnesses Christian?

2009-09-14T20:21:01Z

WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- Introduction The term “New Age” typically conjures up images of crystals, health foods, meditation and, yes, even the infamous Shirley MacLaine. But what exactly is this movement all about, and how does it affect the Christian community? WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- A Conglomeration Defining the New Age movement is not an easy task, simply because it is composed of people coming from a vast range of independent traditions and persuasions. The individuals, however, share common values and a common vision which allow them to cooperate, or network, with one another in order to mold society according to their views of how the world should be. They’ve already made significant inroads into such fields as education, business, and health care, and, to a lesser degree, politics and science. Eastern and occult mysticism provide the basis for New Age values, especially the belief that everything is essentially “one,” and that this “one” is God — a view known as pantheistic monism. New Agers are also committed to the vision of an upcoming period of universal peace and enlightenment which they call the “Age of Aquarius,” where the entire population will be composed essentially of New Age believers. WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- Challenges to the faith As a growing social force and cultural trend the New Age movement presents a challenge not only to secular humanism but, more importantly, to the Christian faith as well. Indeed, the New Age movement can rightly be considered a resurgence of paganism promoting a kaleidoscope of occultic beliefs and practices, including reincarnation, channeling, and all forms of divination. WHAT IS THE NEW AGE MOVEMENT?- Conclusion Deuteronomy 18:9-12 makes it abundantly clear, however, that God strongly detests and condemns all such practices. But in spite of these explicit warnings many New Age adherents continue to merge the message of Scripture with New Age philosophy. As members of the body of Christ, we need to become aware of the danger posed by the New Age movement. We need to equip ourselves so that we can respond to the lies of the New Age movement with the truth of God’s Word. On the New Age movement, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb755d8ec>

2009-03-17T14:28:46Z

62 New Age Movement CP0500 what-is-the-new-age-movement What is the New Age Movement?

2009-09-14T20:33:45Z

2009-03-17T14:36:54Z

63 nueva era CP0500 que-es-el-movimiento-de-la-nueva-era ¿Que Es El Movimiento de La Nueva Era?

2009-03-17T14:36:54Z

2009-03-17T14:42:58Z

64 new age religion CP0501 witnessing-to-those-involved-in-new-age-religion Witnessing to those Involved in New Age Religion

2009-09-14T20:51:16Z

2009-03-17T14:45:48Z

65 new age christ CP0502 the-new-age-christ The New Age Christ: What is the New Age view of Jesus?

2009-09-16T19:57:30Z

NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY- Introduction Are rainbows, unicorns, and crystals sure marks of New Age involvement? How can we accurately identify New Agers? NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY- Identifying Marks We know that not everyone wearing a cross qualifies as a Christian. Similarly, not everyone who sports rainbow and unicorn decals, or owns crystals, is necessarily a New Ager. Remember that these symbols had their origins long before the onset of the New Age movement. In order to identify New Agers accurately, we must go beyond superficial symbols and look at what they believe and practice. NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY- All Is God First, New Agers hold to a view called pantheistic monism -- they see everything as being one, and regard this One as divine. Hence, New Agers believe everyone is god. They also believe that the universe operates under the law of karma and its attendant doctrine of reincarnation. The personal goal of New Agers is to achieve spiritual enlightenment, and they commonly turn to so-called "ascended masters" or spirit guides to help them in their spiritual evolution. NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY- Occultic Practices Second, to attain spiritual enlightenment, New Agers typically engage in various occultic practices. These practices include such things as astrology, magic, and psychic healing, as well as ongoing mystical activities like meditation and out-of-body experiences. NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY- Visions and Networking Third, New Agers share a vision of a coming New Age marked by global peace and spiritual enlightenment. Connected with this vision is the fourth identifying trait of New Agers -- "networking," or cooperating with other New Agers in the free exchange of ideas and in the attempt to mold society into what New Agers believe the world should be. NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY- Conclusions Anyone who fits one or more of these four traits can be said to have affinities with the New Age movement, while not necessarily being a New Ager himself. However, if all four of these criteria are true of that person, then we can be sure that he or she is indeed a New Ager. #<Category:0xb749e26c>

2009-03-17T14:48:56Z

66 new age spirituality CP0503 common-marks-of-new-age-spirituality Common Marks of New Age Spirituality

2009-09-16T20:02:36Z

REINCARNATION AND THE BIBLE- Introduction Few people today are surprised when they hear someone claiming to have lived before. Thanks to celebrities like Shirley MacLaine, reincarnation has become a household word. Additionally, she numbers among those who maintain that even the Bible espouses reincarnation. But just how accurate is that assertion? REINCARNATION AND THE BIBLE- Death is an Intermediary? Reincarnation asserts that death is but an intermediary stage in a cycle where the eternal soul passes from one physical body to another. This cycle of death and rebirth continues until the person finally attains a state of utter perfection. For many, this includes becoming "one with the universe." Can such a view be found within the pages of the Scriptures? REINCARNATION AND THE BIBLE- The Scriptural Truth The answer is an emphatic NO! Reincarnation blatantly opposes the message of God's Word. It is essentially an attempt to bootstrap one's way out of this world, a system of works righteousness condemned by Scripture. "(God) saved us," Paul wrote to Titus, "not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy" (Tit. 3:5; cf. Eph. 2:8-9). REINCARNATION AND THE BIBLE- Jesus is not Unique Furthermore, reincarnation does away with the uniqueness and sovereignty of Christ. No longer is Jesus "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29) nor the Messiah pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities (Isa. 53; cf. John 1:41). Instead, the eyes of reincarnation see human beings as healers of their own wounds, arduously striving to settle a debt Christ had already paid in full. REINCARNATION AND THE BIBLE- A Dangerous Proposition Reincarnation is especially dangerous because it denies the reality of eternal torment resulting from the rejection of God's gift of salvation. It peddles the message that there remain countless chances to try harder and do better during upcoming lifetimes. In contrast, the Bible explicitly teaches that "it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27-28). There are no second chances. There is no coming back. REINCARNATION AND THE BIBLE- Conclusion Scripture tells us that upon death "the spirit returns to God who gave it" (Ecc. 12:7), that "to be away from the body" is to be "at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). Indeed, the Christian's hope rests not on the reincarnation of the soul, but in the resurrection of the body (1 Cor. 15:42-55).   #<Category:0xb748a988>

2009-03-17T14:49:46Z

67 reincarnation bible CP0504 reincarnation-and-the-bible Reincarnation and the Bible: Can they be reconciled?

2009-09-16T20:07:04Z

2009-03-17T14:51:31Z

68 reencarnacion CP0504SP la-reencarnacion-puede-ser-reconciliada-con-la-biblia- La Reencarnacion: ¿Puede Ser Reconciliada con la Biblia?

2009-03-17T14:51:31Z

HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE- Introduction Holistic health has steadily gained public acceptance. What exactly is it all about, and are there any reasons why Christians should steer clear from it? HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE- Diverse Range of Approaches The holistic health movement encompasses a diverse range of alternative approaches to health care. Advocates of the movement view it as an antidote to the inadequacies of traditional medicine, which is accused of overemphasizing the physical aspects of health and healing while neglecting its psychological and spiritual dimensions. HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE- Beyond Modern Medicine? Holistic health proponents pride their efforts in going beyond modern medicine's "cure" and "prevention" mentality. They seek, instead, to focus their energy on such lofty goals as personal fulfillment and self-actualization. But while these aims characterize holistic health's strongest appeal, they also testify to the movement's basic problem -- namely, its subjective underpinnings. After all, is there an objective way to define and administer such a thing as fulfillment? HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE- Occultic/Mystical Preoccupations To make matters worse, nearly all the practitioners in this field are entrenched in an occultic and mystical conception of reality, to the exclusion of the Christian world view. Thus, a number of practices -- for example, psychic healing -- can be found steeped in outright occultism. It's no wonder why this movement has gained such avid support from the New Age community. HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE- Not Recommended Admittedly, some holistic health practices -- biofeedback and chiropractic, to name two -- offer a measure of therapeutic value. However, other applications, like iridology, are nothing more than sheer quackery. Because of these and other related problems, we strongly advise Christians not to go to holistic healers, even in such widely-accepted and innocuous practices as chiropractic, without first inquiring about the healer's personal beliefs and practices. It could prove to be the opening for the world of the occult. Above all, as Christians we must test all things by God's Word which, as Proverbs 4:22 tells us "are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body." #<Category:0xb74520c4>

2009-03-17T14:58:04Z

69 holistic health care CP0505 holistic-health-care Holistic Health Care: Holistic Health and the Christian

2009-09-16T20:11:54Z

2009-03-17T15:00:32Z

70 la nueva era CP0505SP la-nueva-era-la-salud-holistica-y-el-cristiano La Nueva Era: La Salud Holistica y El Cristiano

2009-03-17T15:00:32Z

THE NEW AGE SEMINAR- Introduction Many businesses today regularly hire private consultants who conduct seminars and workshops designed to help boost personnel productivity and improve management performance. Given their overwhelming numbers, how can we know if a seminar has a New Age orientation? THE NEW AGE SEMINAR- The Human Potential Movement No doubt, the New Age movement has managed to reap for itself a handsome reward by its venture into the business world. Major firms like IBM, AT&T, and Eastman Kodak have at one time or another bought into seminars playing to the beat of the human potential movement — a key element of New Age philosophy — which promises to help individuals tap into their unlimited capabilities. THE NEW AGE SEMINAR- Some Questions to Ask And as businesses are always on the lookout for “self-starters” and innovative employees, they are usually more than willing to give such seminars a try. However, these neatly packaged programs are more than often stuffed with New Age values — for example, Werner Erhard’s The Forum, and PSI World. In response to these developments, noted New Age critic, Doug Groothuis, offers these seven questions to help us identify New Age seminars:             First, does the seminar stress visualization as the key to success?             Second, is heavy emphasis placed on praising yourself?             Third, are Eastern meditation and other so-called “psychotechnologies” being peddled as stress-reduction techniques?             Fourth, does the seminar promise to transform your life?             Fifth, does the seminar come with an expensive price tag?             Sixth, is there a high degree of secrecy about the program’s actual contents?             Finally, does the seminar require long hours outside of normal working schedule, along with mandatory attendance by your spouse? THE NEW AGE SEMINAR- Conclusion Now, while these questions allow us to gauge the measure of New Age involvement of any given seminar, we should take care not to label a seminar immediately as New Age simply because it displays one of these characteristics. Rather, let these signs serve as warnings of possible New Age activity. On identifying New Age seminars, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7429318>

2009-03-17T15:11:03Z

71 new age spirituality CP0506 new-age-spirituality-how-can-we-identify-a-new-age-seminar New Age Spirituality: How Can We Identify a New Age Seminar?

2009-09-16T20:21:33Z

PYSCHIC CHANNELING- Introduction “Channeling” is a popular New Age practice. What’s it all about, and does the Bible have anything to say about it? The CRI Perspective in a moment. PYSCHIC CHANNELING- Spiritism with a Twist Despite all the fanfare, channeling is essentially nothing more than spiritism with a new twist: Whereas spiritism employed human mediums for the express purpose of communicating with so-called departed individuals, channeling opened the floodgates even further with its efforts to contact disembodied humans and non-humans alike for advice on virtually everything — from deep philosophical questions to managing household budgets. PYSCHIC CHANNELING- History The practice of contacting the dead (along with other spirits) in order to gain knowledge can be found among numerous ancient, pagan religions. But by the mid-1800s, spiritism entered a new era with its introduction into the parlors of many households. With the advent of Madame Blavatsky, the founder of Theosophy, the rage turned to establishing communication with alleged “enlightened masters” who claimed to hold the keys to spiritual evolution. PYSCHIC CHANNELING- Today's Craze Looking at today’s channeling craze, one can’t help but notice people’s overwhelming hunger for answers. From Ramtha (an alleged 35,000 year-old Lemurian warrior) to Tom MacPherson (an alleged 19th-century Irish pickpocket) to even dolphins-at-large, just about everyone and everything is being channeled for answers. And interestingly enough, the same message can always be heard: “You are God and have the power to create your own reality. You are your own savior. There is no place for judgment, just love. Death is an illusion.” PYSCHIC CHANNELING- Contradictory to the Bible It certainly doesn’t take long to realize that those statements clearly contradict the Bible. And if disembodied entities are, indeed, speaking through these trance channelers, they are nothing less than demonic. Deuteronomy 18 includes spiritism as one of the many practices detested by God. Now, while Scripture recognizes the human need for supernatural information, it also tells us to turn to God alone for such matters (Isa. 8:19-20). To condone and participate in channeling sessions is, therefore, to go directly against the will of God. On psychic channeling, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb740ea18>

2009-03-17T15:12:25Z

72 channeling CP0507 channeling-a-new-slant-on-spiritism Channeling- A New Slant on Spiritism

2009-09-16T20:40:32Z

THE NEW AGE GOD- Introduction New Agers believe in God. In fact, they believe that everyone and everything is God. So, how many Gods do New Agers believe exist? Just one. THE NEW AGE GOD- The Christian View To Christians, God is a personal being who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good. Furthermore, Scripture consistently draws a strong distinction between God the Creator and His creation. THE NEW AGE GOD- The Monistic View Wipe away all distinctions between Creator and creation, and you immediately end up with "monism" -- the belief that all is one. In other words, monism says that there's no difference between God, human beings, and a stick of gum; they are simply parts of one undivided reality. New Agers most definitely hold to monism, but they also give divine status to all reality. Thus, everything in the New Age world is considered God. This is known as pantheism. THE NEW AGE GOD- The God of No Personality It's plain to see that New Age revelations concerning God are nothing but the same old lies the serpent used to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 1 admittedly speaks of people being created in the image of God, but such statements are made with reference to our possession of characteristics which can only be found in personal beings, including the power to think, act, exercise our free will, and acknowledge and worship our Maker. The fact that we are not all-powerful and don't know everything amply proves that we are not God. Strangely enough, the very trait that we have in common with God -- our personality -- is precisely what New Agers deny from God. They reduce God to an impersonal object, be it some kind of force, principle, or energy. THE NEW AGE GOD- Conclusion I believe Romans 1:25 best summarizes what New Agers have done with God, speaking of those who have "exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." #<Category:0xb73f70c0>

2009-03-17T15:13:32Z

73 pantheism CP0508 pantheism-and-the-new-age-view-on-god Pantheism and the New Age View on God

2009-09-17T17:44:52Z

2009-03-17T15:15:13Z

74 panteismo CP0508SP panteismo-cual-es-el-consept-de-la-nueva-era-acerca-de-dios- Panteismo: ¿Cual Es El Consept de La Nueva Era Acerca de Dios?

2009-03-17T15:15:13Z

A NEW AGE CONSPIRACY?- Introduction Some Christians believe the New Age movement has a conspiratorial agenda in which the world will be overtaken by means of a ruler who will actually be the Antichrist. But is the New Age movement really a conspiracy? A NEW AGE CONSPIRACY?- A Network There is no doubt that the New Age movement is a network that links a number of different individuals and groups who are all working toward a common agenda. They are looking for a New Age of harmony in which all mankind will become one. A NEW AGE CONSPIRACY?- "The Plan" Some Christians have interpreted this network to be a secret conspiracy that will introduce the Antichrist. Constance Cumbey believes that all New Agers are following a detailed agenda called “The Plan,” first introduced by Alice Baily during the 1930s. The Anti-Christ, it is said, will be “Lord Maitreya” whose followers will initiate all humans to receive the mark of the Beast. A NEW AGE CONSPIRACY?- No Common Leaderships But such a New Age conspiracy is highly unlikely. Just because certain groups have common goals does not mean that they all have the same strategy for achieving those goals. The New Age network is decentralized and flexible, having no common leader. Despite their common agenda, New Agers disagree on many issues. For example, just because certain New Agers believe in Lord Maitreya does not mean all New Agers believe in him. Marilyn Ferguson, a New Age leader, says belief in Lord Maitreya is an absurdity. Many New Agers are looking for a “Cosmic Christ”, not a literal human “deity” like Lord Maitreya. A NEW AGE CONSPIRACY?- Focus on Priorities Christians should not waist their time speculating about New Age conspiracies. Instead, they should witness to those who are involved in the New Age. If there must be a conspiracy, let it be Christians uniting together to reach the New Age movement in love. Let us, therefore, strive to make Christian disciples of all nations, and work to extend God’s kindom (Matt. 28:18-20). On the New Age Conspiracy theory, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.   #<Category:0xb73d392c>

2009-03-17T15:17:24Z

75 The Plan CP0509 the-plan The Plan: Is the New Age Movement a Conspiracy?

2009-09-17T18:21:42Z

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION- Introduction Meditation. Is meditation a non-Christian practice? Or is meditation something the Bible clearly encourages us to do? CHRISTIAN MEDITATION- Self-Centered Motives Many people view meditation as a means to develop their natural and psychic powers. In other cases, people practice meditation with the goal of self-relaxation. Whatever the case may be, the fact is, this kind of meditation -- that is, Eastern meditation -- is characterized by self-centered objectives. It employs techniques like concentrating on objects, exercising "controlled" breathing, and uttering mantras -- all this with the purpose of emptying the mind of all kinds of distractions which supposedly will enable a person to reach an altered state of consciousness, a state of harmony with himself and the universe. CHRISTIAN MEDITATION- No Blending with Eastern Mysticism Eastern meditation is very dangerous, to say the least, because it draws people away from God by encouraging them to look inwardly to themselves rather than to God. Additionally, the kind of meditation we are talking about right now is intimately tied to Eastern philosophies which run counter to biblical teaching. Not only that, but the notion of emptying one's mind opens up the possibility of demonic deception, manipulation, and yes, even possession. CHRISTIAN MEDITATION- Meditation the Christian Way Now, we have to be careful not to write off meditation itself simply because it's practiced by Eastern mystics. Keep in mind that the Bible in no uncertain terms encourages us to meditate on God's law day and night (Josh. 1:8)! However, biblical meditation doesn't involve looking within ourselves or emptying our minds for selfish reasons. Rather, it urges believers to contemplate and deeply reflect God's Person and faithfulness -- not only that, it also calls us to look to His Word (Psa. 119), and His creation (Psa. 19, 104). In fact, Christian meditation calls us to look upward and outward to God so that our minds may be filled with godly wisdom and insight, and so that our hearts may be filled with comfort, happiness, and joy. To echo the opening words of the Book of Psalms: "Blessed is the man...[whose] delight is in the law of the Lord, who meditates on his law day and night." (Psa. 1:1-2 NIV). And remember, there is a quantum difference between getting into the Word of God and getting the Word into you -- so let me encourage you to hide God's Word in your heart. #<Category:0xb73b9784>

2009-03-17T15:18:40Z

76 Christian Meditation CP0510 christian-meditation-is-meditation-biblical Christian Meditation: Is Meditation Biblical?

2009-09-17T18:51:33Z

2009-03-17T15:20:01Z

77 subliminal tapes CP0511 what-s-wrong-with-subliminal-tapes What's Wrong with Subliminal Tapes?

2009-09-17T19:22:05Z

NEW AGE MUSIC- Introduction New Age music — what exactly is it? Is it just another trend? Or is it something dangerous, something that presents a threat to Christians at large? NEW AGE MUSIC- The Roots of the Music As its name indicates, New Age music has its roots in the New Age movement. It is the product of jazz and folk artists who, in the 1970s, sought to produce music that would be well-suited to the growing New Age spirituality — music that would not only be relaxing and calming, but one that would also facilitate such metaphysical exercises as visualization and eastern meditation. NEW AGE MUSIC-  Two Categories New Age music can be roughly divided into two categories: one that’s essentially an eclectic blend of rock, folk, and, of course, jazz music; and another (dubbed by some as “Inner Harmony New Age Music”) that has an overtly spiritual purpose and is used as background music for meditation and healing sessions. Both forms of New Age music are said to have soothing and pacifying effects on listeners. NEW AGE MUSIC- Is it ALL BAD? Given the original intent behind New Age music, can we really consider it to be anything other than dangerous? As a matter of fact, I believe we can. First of all, we should realize that lyrics (or words in songs) are the primary means used to communicate messages through music. Now, because most New Age music contain no lyrics any attempt to convey “spiritually-loaded” messages is severely restricted. Additionally, if the melody or rhythm of a song is meant to induce a mystical state of consciousness, one would invariably have to be aware of such intentions and be willing to submit to it before reaching such a condition. Finally, perhaps a majority of “New Age” musicians are not trying to inject New Age spirituality into their music; some are even Christians! Therefore, while we affirm that certain songs of the “inner harmony” variety should indeed be avoided by Christians, on the whole we find no cause for extreme alarm with regard to New Age music. On New Age music, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff.     #<Category:0xb73870b8>

2009-03-17T15:21:46Z

78 new age music CP0512 new-age-music New Age Music

2009-09-17T19:35:32Z

THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS- Introduction The mythical lost civilization of Atlantis has been the subject of speculation for a long time. In recent years New Agers have been claiming that the people of Atlantis were an advanced race of beings who are now communicating to us through channelers and the like. Is Atlantis for real? THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS- Plato's Tale The myth of Atlantis was created by Plato (he, of course, was the fourth-century B.C. philosopher of Athens). Now the way Plato tells the story, Atlantis was a mighty civilization that invaded the nations around Greece, and that was defeated by Athens, — and, eventually, the whole island sank into the sea. Plato probably did not intend the story to be taken as historical fact, and certainly did not set forth any evidence for it. Besides, unlike the New Age claim, there is nothing in Plato’s story to suggest that the people of Atlantis were a super-race, and that they actually had contact with extraterrestrials. THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS- The Mythologizing of Atlantis In the late nineteenth century an American writer named Ignatius Donnelly actually published a book claiming that Atlantis was real and it really existed. According to Donnelly, Atlantis was the very first civilization, and it was the reality behind the so-called myth of the Garden of Eden — in fact he said it was the basis for the myths and legends of other ancient cultures. Donnelly claimed that the Atlanteans were actually responsible for both the Egyptian and Mayan cultures. By the way, theories which tie the ancient Americans to the Egyptians and other Middle East civilizations were popular in the nineteenth century (of course you can see this in the Book of Mormon), but all of them have actually been proven to be without any historical or archaeological support. THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS- Conclusion Atlantis is a nice myth, but it’s hardly history. Building one’s beliefs on the shifting sands of this kind of speculation is nothing short of foolish. What’s really beyond me is that people would trade the historical events of the Bible, which after all took place in cities and lands which still exist today, for the irrational myths of the New Age religion. Of course, I guess people don’t really reject Christianity because some kind of a lack of evidence, but rather because if Christianity is true, God is in control and they’re not in control themselves. On Atlantis, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb736e89c>

2009-03-17T15:24:42Z

79 lost city of atlantis CP0513 the-lost-city-of-atlantis The Lost City of Atlantis: Is it Real?

2009-09-17T19:43:01Z

RELIGIOUS HERESY- Introduction We often hear the words "heresy" and "aberration" used in reference to unbiblical doctrines. But what exactly is the difference between a doctrine that is aberrational and one that is heretical?   RELIGIOUS HERESY- Definition The word "heresy," in its most common usage, refers to false teachings that destroy. They are destructive because they overturn the basic elements which make up the historic Christian faith, substituting in their place doctrines which distort or contradict the teachings found in the Bible.   RELIGIOUS HERESY- The Essentials The doctrines of the Trinity, the unique deity of Jesus Christ, and the resurrection are among the essentials of Christianity. They represent the core of Christian belief as contained within the pages of Scripture, and they compose what is commonly called "orthodox theology." And thus, heresies are teachings which openly deny any one of these fundamental doctrines. Examples of heresies include the Mormon doctrine that there are many gods, and that you may become one, as well as the Jehovah's Witnesses, who clearly deny the Trinity.   RELIGIOUS HERESY- Heresy Vs. Aberration It may be the case, however, that a particular teaching does not overtly deny basic biblical theology, but is nevertheless dangerously inconsistent with an orthodox confession of faith. A good example of this would be the "prosperity" teachers who are growing like wildfire within Christian denominations -- doctrines of this variety are referred to as aberrations. Thus, a group may be orthodox in its central theology while at the same time maintain teachings and practices that are clearly at odds with essential Christian theology.   RELIGIOUS HERESY- Heresy Begets Heresy Once we realize that doctrines never function in isolation but, instead, work together to form the structure of a belief system, it becomes easy to understand how one doctrinal error can eventually lead to the corruption of other doctrines as well. As Walter Martin used to put it, "Error begets error, and heresy begets heresy." (2 Pet. 2:2 NIV). As Christians we are responsible, therefore, to make sure that the precious doctrines that God has given us remain sound (1 Tim. 4:16; cf. 2 Tim. 4:2-5). #<Category:0xb7356364>

2009-03-17T15:35:59Z

80 heresies CP0600 heresies-and-aberrations Heresies and Aberrations: What Is the Difference?

2009-09-17T19:55:13Z

FALSE DOCTRINE- Introduction Well, I’m sure you’ve all heard by now, that Christians are simply supposed to love one another and be united together in faith. Should we, therefore, regard as divisive those Christians who speak out against teachings in the church which are clearly unbiblical?   FALSE DOCTRINE- Heresy Hunting? I can tell you firsthand that it is no joy to be labeled a “heresy-hunter.” Yet, as Paul instructed Timothy, we are to zealously guard the purity of the message God has entrusted to us, and for good reason (1 Tim 1:18-19; 6:20; 2 Tim. 4:2-5).   FALSE DOCTRINE- From Within as Well as Without We read in such passages as Acts chapter 20, and 2 Peter chapter 2, that false teachers will arise, bringing with them destructive heresies, distorting the truth and destroying the faith of some. Moreover, it is clear that these teachers will come not only from outside the church, but also from within the body of Christ as well.   It is therefore imperative that we test all things by Scripture (1 Thes. 5:21). It was in this spirit that the Bereans examined the words of the Apostle Paul, for which they were reckoned as noble in character (Acts 17:11).   FALSE DOCTRINE- Correcting and Rebuking Indeed, not only can the Bible be used for preaching, teaching and encouragement, but, it is equally valuable for correcting and rebuking (2 Tim. 4:2). As a matter of fact, we as Christians are held accountable for proclaiming the whole will of God, warning others of false teachings. (Acts 20:26-28; cf. Ezek. 33:7-9; 34:1-10).   FALSE DOCTRINE- Church Discipline This is not merely a suggestion, it is, in fact, a divine mandate. Of course if heresies are coming from teachers within the church, we ought to try and approach them first with our concerns. Should that fail to resolve the problem, we are told in Matthew 18 to expose their errors to the church; and if need be, divulge their names. (1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17-18; 4:14-15; 3 John 9-10).   FALSE DOCTRINE- Scriptural Mandate We would, therefore, do well to heed Scripture’s explicit warnings to be on guard for false teachings (Rom. 16:17-18; cf. 1 Tim. 1:3-4; 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:13-14; Titus 1:9; 2:1), and to point them out to brothers and sisters in Christ (1 Tim. 4:6). At CRI, it is not our practice to make an issue out of peripheral matters on which honest Christians can differ. However, we are committed to exposing those who would compromise the essential doctrines of the historic Christian faith. Remember, controversy for the sake of controversy is sin. But controversy for the sake of the truth is a divine command.   #<Category:0xb7338328>

2009-03-17T15:37:16Z

81 false doctrine CP0601 exposing-false-doctrine Exposing False Doctrine: Heresy Hunting or Biblical Mandate?

2009-09-17T20:08:30Z

The United Pentecostal Church International- Introduction The United Pentecostal Church International teaches that there's only one God, and that Jesus is fully God. Can we therefore regard it as a Christian church?   The United Pentecostal Church International- Rejection of the Trinity Although there may possibly be individuals in the United Pentecostal Church who are indeed Christians, we believe that the church as a whole is heretical. Like other pseudo-Christian groups, the United Pentecostal flatly denies the doctrine of the Trinity. It would be inappropriate to argue that Jehovah's Witnesses or various other groups are non-Christian because they deny the doctrine of the Trinity, but that the United Pentecostal Church can reject the Trinity and still be considered Christian.   The United Pentecostal Church International- Heretical Views of Christ And while they claim that only they believe that Jesus Christ is God, the United Pentecostal Church actually teaches that Jesus is not a pre-existent divine Person, but was simply the fleshly body in whom God dwelled. They don't believe that the Son of God, as a person distinct from the Father, existed before His birth in Bethlehem (Prov. 30:4; John 1:1-2, 14). In fact, they hold that the Son was not a distinct person even while He was a man on earth. This implies that in John 17, Jesus the man was talking with someone dwelling inside Himself -- namely, Jesus the God -- which means that either there are two "Christs" or that Jesus was talking to Himself!   The United Pentecostal Church International- Baptismal Formulas Besides rejecting the New Testament's central message -- that God the Father sent His divine Son into the world to die for us so that we might have eternal life (John 3:16; Gal. 4:4) -- the United Pentecostal Church is also plagued with various legalistic doctrines to which members must adhere in order to remain in good standing and be considered a Christian. For example, they teach that unless you're baptized using the correct formula (which they prescribe) you're really not saved. For these and other reasons, the United Pentecostal Church International cannot be regarded as an orthodox Christian church. We can afford to differ on peripheral issues, but not when it comes to the essentials of the Christian faith. #<Category:0xb73114d0>

2009-03-17T15:44:30Z

83 united pentecostal church international CP0603 united-pentecostal-church Is the United Pentecostal Church International a Christian Church?

2009-09-28T19:49:52Z

2009-03-17T15:52:09Z

84 iglesia apostolica CP0603SP es-cristiana-la-iglesia-apostolica-unicitaria-solo-jesus ¿Es Cristiana La Iglesia Apostolica Unicitaria (solo Jesus)?

2009-03-17T15:52:09Z

2009-03-17T15:53:27Z

85 the church of christ CP0604 the-church-of-christ Is the Church of Christ a Christian Church?

2009-09-28T21:36:11Z

Various groups are claiming that the church needs apostles and prophets today. Does the Bible support such a claim?   Are There Apostles and Prophets Today- Definitions In addressing the question of apostles and prophets today, we must carefully define our terms. Certainly the church today needs church planters, missionaries, or leaders who act as pastors over other pastors. Fortunately, when some people say that the church needs "apostles" today, that's all that they mean. And while the usage of the term "apostle" is not biblical, certainly the church does need such persons.   Likewise, when some people say that the church needs "prophets" today, they mean that the church needs Spirit-filled leaders who can inspire the church with a vision for its mission, or who can challenge the church to deeper commitment to Christ. And again, while this many not be the most biblical use of the term "prophet," there can be no doubt that the church does need such persons.   Are There Apostles and Prophets Today- Comparisons On the other hand, if by "apostles" and "prophets" one means Christian leaders of the same kind as the twelve apostles or the apostle Paul, they are clearly mistaken. There are no church leaders today whose authority cannot be questioned, or through whom new doctrinal revelations are given to the church, or whose teachings must be accepted by all Christians.   Are There Apostles and Prophets Today- Conclusion The New Testament teaches that the apostles of Christ were persons to whom Christ appeared after His resurrection and whom He commissioned to be His personal spokesmen (Acts 1:21-26; 5:32; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8). Ephesians 2:20 and 3:5 teach that the apostles and prophets had foundational offices through which Christ established the church as the newly constituted people of God, a church in which both Jews and Gentiles make up the singular body of Christ. Clearly many men today who claim to be apostles have taken upon themselves authority over other people which has not been given to them by God. Additionally, they are making prophetic utterances which they falsely claim to be divinely inspired.   #<Category:0xb72c33e8>

2009-03-17T15:55:29Z

86 apostles and prophets CP0605 are-there-apostles-and-prophets-today Are There Apostles and Prophets Today?

2009-06-17T15:00:40Z

2009-03-17T15:56:45Z

87 latter rain CP0606 dominion-theology-reconstructionism-and-the-latter-rain-movement Dominion Theology- Reconstructionism and the Latter Rain Movement: What Are They?

2009-09-28T21:41:59Z

Christian Liberalism- Introduction They're in our schools and in our churches! People who profess to be Christian, yet deny the authority of Scripture, and compromise essential doctrines. What is Christian liberalism?   Christian Liberalism- The Beginnings Christian liberalism blossomed in the 19th century. In order to adapt to modern trends, certain scholars began to apply anti-supernatural ideas and Darwinian evolution to Scripture. The miracles of the Bible were now considered myths. The deity of Christ was replaced by a Jesus who was martyred for his humanitarian efforts, and who did not literally rise from the dead.   Christian Liberalism- High View of Mankind In fact, Liberals have an extremely optimistic view of man. Mankind is evolving religiously. World peace is man's ultimate goal in which the "Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man" reigns supreme. Salvation is for the society rather than individuals.   Christian Liberalism- Contradictory to Scriptures However, evolutionism and the denial of miracles are diametrically opposed to what the Scriptures teach. Although Christians can adopt modern thinking, they should not let the "spirit of the age" become their ultimate authority, especially when these thoughts contradict the Bible. Man was created by God, not by accident, as evolutionists teach (Gen. 1,2). And if we deny miracles, we must also deny Christ's physical resurrection. But Scripture says, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Cor. 15:17). Without a literal resurrection, there can be no salvation.   Christian Liberalism- Jesus the Legend? Liberal scholars, like the Jesus Seminar committee, eliminate many of the words of Jesus to mere legends. But in doing so, they've reduced Him to a non-controversial figure instead of the unique Son of God. Why was He crucified if He didn't offend anyone? If His disciples were the ones who created many of the famous sayings of Jesus, liberals ought to worship them instead of Christ!   Ultimately, Christian liberalism builds its house upon the shifting sands of sinful men, but Christianity is built upon the rock of God's Word. #<Category:0xb7289ddc>

2009-03-17T15:58:11Z

88 liberal views CP0607 christian-liberalism-and-liberal-views- What's Wrong with Christian Liberalism and Liberal Views?

2009-09-28T21:46:12Z

William Marrion Branham- Introduction Some say he was Elijah, others say he was the Son of Man. Some even say he was the Christ. Was William Branham (one of the most popular faith healers of this century) really a prophet of God? William Marrion Branham- His Ministry The ministry of William Branham blossomed in the late 1940’s until his death in 1965. Many of his followers claim that he personified the second coming of Elijah whose message, they say, was to call the church out of the creeds of orthodox theology. William Marrion Branham- Legendary Treatment Some even say that Branham was the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and they go as far as to say that he was virgin born, and actually pray to him and baptize in his name. In light of all this, it is rather strange that some Pentecostal and Charismatic leaders like Kenneth Hagin, Oral Roberts, and Benny Hinn still consider Branham to be a great man of God — all of this because of his ability to perform miracles. William Marrion Branham- A True Prophet? Well, miracles are really not a sufficient test to confirm whether or not someone is a true prophet of God. If that were the case, practitioners of the Christian Science cult who report miraculous healings would also have to be considered Christians. You see, the acid test is how do Branham’s teachings hold up in the light of Scripture? Well the truth is, Branham was clearly influenced by the Oneness Pentecostal Movement. Therefore, he claimed that the Trinity was of the devil. He also said that Eve had sex with the Serpent in the Garden of Eden which resulted in the birth of Cain and that Cain’s descendents are the scientists and educated people of today. William Marrion Branham- Clarifying the Falsehoods Well it goes without saying, of course, this doctrine is totally false. In fact, Cain’s descendents (as anyone ought to know) were wiped out during the flood of Noah (Gen. 6-9). And, of course, contrary to Branham’s teachings, the Bible clearly affirms the doctrine of the Trinity as one God revealed in three eternal Persons in such passages as Matthew 3:16,17; John 1:1-14; and John 15:26. William Marrion Branham- A False Prophet Well here’s the bottom line, because William Branham taught these and other false doctrines, we can only conclude that he was not a true prophet of God. Hagin, Roberts, Hinn and others may call him a true prophet of God, but the clear verdict of Scriptures is that he is the personification of the false prophets who are described in Jeremiah Chapter 23. On whether or not William Branham was a true prophet of God, that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb726a52c>

2009-03-17T15:59:28Z

89 William Marrion Branham CP0608 william-marrion-branham Was William Marrion Branham a True Prophet of God?

2009-09-28T21:50:33Z

Christian Perfectionism- Introduction Some people actually claim that they have reached a state in the Christian life where they just don't sin anymore. Wait a minute, doesn't the Bible say that if we actually think something like this we are deceiving ourselves and are, in fact, calling God a liar?   Christian Perfectionism- Not Biblical Christian perfectionism is not biblical doctrine. 1 John 1:8 clearly states: "If we claim to be without sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us." While willful sin ought not to characterize our life, sin will remain a part of human experience until we lay aside our physical body at death (Rom. 7). In fact, the wisest man who ever lived (Solomon) said: "Who can say, I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?"   Christian Perfectionism- A Narrow Definition of Sin Many who believe that they have reached sinless perfection actually have a very narrow and limited view of sin. Some actually argue that only deliberate disobedience to God's will is actually sin. However, this is not the way the Bible describes sin at all. Sin can be committed in thought, word, and deed, and, of course, there are sins of commission as well as omission. To be truly sinless means that you love God with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and, of course, that you love your neighbor as well. To be perfect in a biblical sense means that you mirror the very image of Jesus Christ Himself. This will take place in heaven, but certainly not here on earth.   Christian Perfectionism- Justified, but not Yet Perfect While the Christian is never intrinsically perfect in this life (or completely sanctified), we have been justified because of the work of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). So positionally we're declared righteous (in Christ) though practically we still wrestle with sin. Our confidence, however, is that we are considered perfect in the sight of God because we are united with the Lord Jesus Christ through faith.   Christian Perfectionism- Closeness to God Brings Awareness of Sin Look at the people in the Bible. When they were really close to God, they didn't claim to be sinless. Instead, they became increasingly aware of their sin (Isa. 6:5; Dan. 9:4-19; Eph. 3:8). Paul, of course, cried out: "O wretched man that I am." According to R. C. Sproul, the doctrine of sinless perfection is, in fact, perfect error!   We seek to live holy lives, not to put God in our debt, but merely to demonstrate gratitude for His unmerited love. #<Category:0xb7246a8c>

2009-03-17T16:00:50Z

90 perfectionism CP0609 the-error-of-perfectionism The Error of Christian Perfectionism

2009-09-28T21:53:50Z

Binding and Loosing- Introduction In Matthew 18:18 Jesus said, “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Some people today claim that Jesus was telling us that we have power to “bind” the devil and his demons. Others claim that he was talking about “binding” sickness and poverty and “loosing” health and wealth . Binding and Loosing- Context! As always, let’s go to Rule #1 and look at the context. When Jesus spoke about binding and loosing in context, He was not talking about demons at all. Think about it. Did Jesus really mean that we have the power to loose demons as well as to bind them? Of course not. Binding and Loosing- Church Discipline? Nor did Jesus mean that we can loose wealth and health or bind poverty and sickness. In context, Jesus was clearly talking about church discipline. Those members of the church who sin and repent are to be “loosed” or in other words, restored to fellowship, while those who are unrepentant are to be “bound” or removed from fellowship (Matt. 18:15-17). Sickness, poverty, and demons are totally foreign to the context. Binding and Loosing- No Authority to Bind Demons But, as you might ask, is there perhaps some other biblical basis for binding sickness, poverty, or demons? The answer here again is a resounding and very clear no. Now there are clearly biblical principles which promote good health and material success. For example you can find many of them in the book of Proverbs and there are things we can do to protect ourselves from things like demonic interference and oppression. For instance, we can get back to basics — we can pray and meditate on God’s Word and we can resist the temptation of the evil one. But clearly we, as human beings, are not authorized anywhere in Scripture to bind demons. Nor do we have the power, conversely, to control our health and wealth by mere confession. Binding and Loosing- Conclusion Although we can greatly affect our physical and material well being through things like prudence, planning, and proper stewardship, ultimately we are dependent in every aspect of our lives on the sovereignty of God. In fact, the sovereignty of God is an overreaching principle of Scripture. When it comes to “binding and loosing”, let me urge Christians everywhere to loose themselves from a serious misunderstanding of the context of Matt. 18:18. Conversely, they should bind themselves to the clear teaching of Scripture. As always, when interpreting the Bible, remember — context - context - context. On “binding and loosing,” that’s the CRI Perspective. I’m Hank Hanegraaff. #<Category:0xb7226b88>

2009-03-17T16:02:09Z

91 binding and loosing CP0610 binding-and-loosing Binding and Loosing: What Did Jesus Mean?

2009-09-28T21:56:55Z

ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- Introduction Essential Christianity. We hear a lot of discussion about essentials and non-essentials, but what are the essentials of Christianity? ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- The Basics When we talk about the essentials of Christianity we're referring to the basic elements that make up and characterize our faith, and which, of course, separate it from other beliefs. Let's survey these doctrines. ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- The Authority of Scripture First, we believe in the authority of Scripture, which is another way of saying that the Bible is God's inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word. It's the ultimate source for knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives. ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- The Trinity Next we affirm the existence of a triune God or one God in three distinct persons - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This God is self-existent, eternal, unchanging, omnipotent, omnipresent, holy, righteous, and loving. God created the universe from nothing and He rules over His creation sovereignly including both human and angelic beings. ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- Man, God's Image, and the Fall We also hold that man is a physical and spiritual being who is created in God's image. But because of his sin or transgression, man has lost his fellowship with God. The extent of sin is so great that its effects continue to this very day in the form of cruelty, suffering, and death. ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- God's Grace through Christ By God's grace, Jesus Christ - Who is fully God and fully man - was sent to save us from our bondage to sin. We believe that Christ was born of a virgin, died for our sins, physically rose from the dead, and will one day return to judge the world and deliver His people. Faith in Christ is the only means by which mankind can escape eternal damnation and judgment. ESSENTIAL CHRISTIANITY- The Church Finally, we recognize the church as God's ordained institution headed by Christ. The church is composed of all believers, and is organized for worship, for fellowship, for the administration of the sacraments, for spiritual growth and support, and for evangelizing the world. Much more can and will be said, but we hope this summary has encouraged you to continue studying Essential Christian doctrine.  #<Category:0xb7204dd0>

2009-03-17T16:03:15Z

92 christian doctrine CP0700 christian-doctrine-essentials Christian Doctrine: What are the Essentials?

2009-10-07T15:11:07Z