Spiritual Growth: What is it and How Does it Work?

When talking about the topic of spiritual growth one must first understand the term and have a working definition. So what does spiritual growth mean? Are we some type of Christian tree? Are we progressing to a more conscious state of spiritual awareness (that’s what Deepak Chopra would say)? No, spiritual growth can be simply defined as the continual process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Now, I know many people would say that spiritual growth is more complex than that, but…they are wrong. Think about it, what could be more infinitely complex than the Savior? What could be more evasive than having the character of God? Nothing. Spiritual growth is the hardest thing in life. But it is what we are to strive for; it is what we are predestined to do. (Romans 8:29-30)

Paul tells us that spiritual growth is a lifelong (and beyond) process. Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained this (conformity with Christ, specifically the Resurrection) or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The call of a believer in their life is to continually be conformed to the image of Christ. But how is this accomplished? And is there a “best” way or more “efficient way of doing so? Again, while others would say that this also a very complex question and write for days on end about how it can be done, my answer is simple and brief. I would say that the key to spiritual growth (conformity to Christ) is to walk in the Spirit. Walking in the Spirit is paramount in a Christian’s life. It is only through the Spirit that we are able to resist temptation, sin, and the devil. Paul says, “Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) Walking in the Spirit means yielding to the desires of the Spirit, if you are yielding to the desires of the Spirit, you are being conformed to the image of the Son. It is simple logic, seeing that this is the goal of the Spirit. Now those are the over-arching ideas if you will. But what about the practicality of it? What about the ‘Nitty gritties?” When you are walking in the spirit a few things will come as an effect of it. You will constantly be in fellowship with God (prayer), you will constantly be in the Word, and you will constantly tell no to sin. You will truly be living a life pleasing to God. Now many people have been trying to figure out the best way to grow spiritually and they do so with a convoluted idea of what it is. They seem to think that spiritual growth is feeling better about your Savior, talking about Him more, praying more “passionately” (in other words starting off with something “better” than “Dear Heavenly Father”), fasting for more than one day at a time (impossible for any true Baptist), and going on more mission trips. But is that in the Bible? No. While some of these are effects of walking in the Spirit they are not true indicators of spiritual growth. Let me give you an illustration of spiritual growth. A new believer is like a newly planted tree, he is small and stubby. Now what He needs is water, the water of walking in the spirit. He also needs sunlight, the rays of yielding to the Spirit. As he walks in the Spirit (by yielding his desires to God, and being dependent on Him for everything) he begins to grow (spiritual growth; conformity with Christ). As he grows, he begins to bear fruit like victory over sin, more time spent in the Word, a passion for reaching the lost, etc. You see the fruit, isn’t the actual growth. The fruit is an effect of the growth. If the fruit was the growth that would mean that you are doing the work and not God. Which is incorrect, the Spirit is doing the work through you. While you are responsible for your own spiritual maturity, the Holy Spirit is the one doing the work, all you are doing is continually yielding yourself to and walking in the Spirit. Saddleback church has a process for spiritual growth I found interesting. It’s a twelve step plan: 1. 1. Commit your life to Christ. The most important decision you'll ever make! Get baptized. Make this outward expression of your inward commitment of faith. Commit to showing up consistently to our weekend services. One of the best ways to develop your spiritual life is to meet regularly with other believers. Attend CLASS 101. Class 101 is our basic introduction to our church family. Check out a small group. Commit to a daily time with God. Download a Bible reading plan: 30 Days | 90 Days | 1 Year Deepen your Bible study skills by downloading and following this devotional study form. Check out the Spiritual Growth Center for lots of great tools and resources. Make the I CARE commitment and start praying for your friends and family. Serve in a ministry team. You're never more like Jesus than when you are serving others because of him. If you're looking for significance and fulfillment, then start serving today! Host a small group. We are always looking for leaders so we can connect others into new groups, maybe it's time for you to step up and host a group. Go on a PEACE trip. If you want to make a difference globally, maybe it's time for you to step out in faith and serve on a PEACE team. Contact us today for more info. Again, fruit is not the actual growth, just an effect. I would say that a simple breakdown would look something like this (a prerequisite would be that you are already a believer with no unconfessed sin in your life) 1. Yield to the Spirit, 2. Be controlled by the Spirit, 3. Start over again. Always remember that our spiritual growth or conformity to Christ is for the glory of God. That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Contemplation on Evolution’s Faults

Evolution has a numerous amount of intellectual pit falls. To be honest, there have been too many to count, mainly because it’s wrong. But as I listened to a pastor preach about the image of God and what that means, something really struck a chord about Evolution. We, human beings, dwell on beauty and have emotions. We can feel, and not just vague feelings of sorrow like a dog whimpering after he is disciplined for chewing on its master’s slippers. But man can feel intensely, we are passionate beings.

We are people of passion because our Creator is a God of passion. We are created in His likeness, His image. Humans feel emotions. This simple fact cuts evolution at the knees. It paralyzes Darwinism. Evolution teaches that the key to life is survival. This is the key for every living cell, including people, animals, plants, everything. If that’s all we are here to do its quite pointless isn’t it? You might think I’m going on a tangent, but I’m getting to my point. According to Darwinism, every “evolutionary advance to human life” was for a reason – surviving. Yet, one must consider the question; do we need to feel to survive?

If life was simply about survival wouldn’t it have been easier (and a couple “million” years less) to numb our painfully pointless existence and simply not feel? It would make life a whole lot “easier!” It’s quite obvious that animals and plants do not feel the same way as humans. An evolutionary animal activist might say, no. But consider this, animals react to their environment, they are dependent upon their environment to know which emotion to display (Skinner was correct, other than the subject of course). E.g. a cat might be “happy,” but why? It just got fed. A cat might be “sad,” but why? You hid its favorite toy. The point is, an animal’s feelings are reactions to their various circumstances.

One might say that this is the same for people. A boy is sad, why? His father died. A woman is happy, why? She just got married. Are these reactions? Yes. But, what about those who are joyful in the face of disturbing and difficult situations? What about the people who are praising God, yet are being whipped and beaten for their faith? This separates us from animals and thus from evolutionary thought. This is not evolutionary; it is not in the best interest of the person displaying gratitude to God yet being led to the slaughter. This shows that true emotions, not just reactions but true emotions, disprove Darwinism’s claim about life being a simple struggle for existence.

If we have emotions, which we do, it is for a purpose. Otherwise, why? There are essentially two ways of life. You can either live for self, which includes all the systems of the world (evolution being one). Or, you can live for God, the system found in God’s Word. Are emotions for your own benefit? The obvious answer is no (unless it is done for God, which in turn God allows it to be a blessing to us). So logically, the only alternative is for God. Our emotions are for the benefit, or glory of God. Because once again, we are a people of passion because our Creator is the God of passion.

These conscious decisions to display emotion, to show passion is yet just another way the Designer is proven without the Bible (the irrefutably best illustration of God’s existence). Emotions are yet just another way to give glory and honor to the One who called us according to His Will. That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Dear the "Emergent Church,"

My brothers, your voice has been heard. Your passion has been displayed, and for that I am sincerely grateful and so our Master. Due to your perseverance, the church has been made aware that we do have things to work on. We are not perfect. We are in desperate need of change in some areas. Areas such as being more passionate, missional, and being able to communicate more effectively in our culture and communities. Your sheer passion to be followers of Jesus has given me much joy.

But, I (and our Lord) have this against you. In you're diligent attempt to be followers of the person of Jesus, my brothers you have forgotten and forsaken His message. His message was the same as His cousin, John - repentence. Primarily, He came to seek and to save, secondly to be an example of a God-honoring life to His redeemed Bride - the church.

This message was no "secret" (Brian), but it was what He preached. Freinds, you know that preach means to proclaim with authority. This message was "yelled from the rooftops," if you will.

Paul affirmed this message when He spoke at Mars Hill (Yes, Rob this is for you too), "But now [God] commands all men to repent." This is the message Jesus preached, and the one we too should preach. Not some mystical message that goes against and/or denies the Word of God.

Friends, you have been swayed by the enemy, to believe that the infallible Word of God was written for us to simply know how to follow Jesus, but John is clear. John 20:31, "But these [the Gospel of John] are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."

My brothers, do not forsake the Gospel. For, it truly is the power of God unto salvation. There is life after deathand two destinations. Friends, I earnestly believe you know this, but as shepherds of your flock you must make this clear to your members, friends, and family. It is our commanded vocation given to us by our loving Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. This is our calling - to shepherd.

Brothers, you are the shepherds of your church,community, group, whatever you want to call it. But Good shepherds do not mislead their flock, and consequently become lost. They know where to go, how to lead their flock. This must be us.

While, this is nearly an impossible task, it is what we are to strive for. To know our God, what He has communicated to us in the Bible, and know how to apply His Word in our lives and the lives of others. As shepherds, we must be sure not to mislead our flock.

We cannot be unsure, uncertain, or doubtful about God's Word. It is the Truth. We must study this Truth, and apply it. This doubt that has been plaguing your movement needs to end. It is not arragant to be certain, brothers. It is arragant to believe your word, thought, or opinion is greater than God's, i.e. the Bible. The virgin birth, the Resurrection, election are all true because the Truth says it is true. And, if you truly desire to hear "Well done, thou good and faithful servant", you must come to the realization of the Word of God being the ultimate authority for everything.

Lastly, brothers you are tearing apart the church. I believe that your movement, dialogue, conversation etc. is very similar to Saul. You sincerely believe you are doing a great work for God, but in truth you are "ravaging the church."

I know this statement is harsh, But I hope that it is apparent that I have genuine love and concern for you. I also hope that these words have been of the "faithful are the wounds of a friend" genre.

In closing, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." So stop dividing, stop misinterpreting, and stop giving into the Enemy. (Ephesians 4:14) "Do not be tossed to and fro, and carried about by every wind of doctrine." Rather, "But as for you teach what accords with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)

To God be the glory always and throughout eternity,
Your Friend,
Dean

The Love of God

It's been awhile, but I have too many classes, sorry. Anyways, lately I've been thinking about love. No, not the sappy kind, the true kind. The love of God. You see, I am a classic Baptist who thinks nay knows that the purpose of creation was for God to bring glory to Himself, but in that I believe that God wanted to bring glory to Himself through showing His infinite love to His Creation.

Think about it, God has done so much for us lowly men. Why? Because He loves us! How amazing!!! The Living God who created everything loves me, He loves you. Take some time to praise God today for His love for you. I know this is so simple to the Christian, but I'm a fan of the simple truths of the Bible; NEVER FORGET GOD'S LOVE!!!

As I was thinking about this astounding truth, I was going through John 3 in my Greek studies. And it left me in utter amazement of my Savior. I understood what defines true love. Love sacrificially gives, humbles itself, and it is active its alive.

Love Sacrificially Gives:

This can be seen clearly in this passage. Look at verse 16, God loved the world so what did He do? He gave us His precious and only Son. Verse 35, God loves His Son so what did He do? He gave Him all things under His control? A few chapters later Jesus shows how He loves us by giving His life on a rugged cross for our salvation from the penalty of sin.

You think these gifts were easy to give? Did it cost something to the giver. Absolutely it did/does!!! God gave the only Son He has!! Jesus gave His life!!! Not even to mention He became a servant for our sakes, the God of the universe (Read the Kanosis passage in Philippians 2). God gave everything to Christ's hand, I think that's a lot! In this same way we should give sacrificially to our Savior, why? Because we love Him!!! Whether its financially or actually doing something for God, we should be giving to Jesus. For those fo you who are truly giving, is it for the right motives? Is it because you love God? I know I had to reconsider my motives.

Love Humbles Itself:

In verse 30 John tells His disciples that He must decrease that Jesus would increase. John knew who Jesus was and He loved Him. This is why He willingly humbles himself. When true love is faced with the one whom it loves it will be humbled. Are you humble? Do you think highly of yourself and not as Highly as you should about Christ? I know I havn't been.

Love is Active/Alive:

All throughout this passage we can see that love isn't just a feeling, it's a conscious decision we make all the time. Through love we believe in the Son, and have eternal life. Through love God gives us His Spirit. Through love we bring glory to God. Through true love God is glorified.

Do we as Christians have this type of love for God? Or are we too concerned with our material wealth, friends, the stockmarket, our schooling, our comfortable pew? I know too many churches that have lost their first love because they did not give, humble themselves, or actively love their Savior. Don't forget Him in the business of life, ministry, and finances!!! Love Him!!! Why? HE LOVES YOU!!!!! That's my opinion. Take it or leave it. -Dean

Mark Driscoll: Friend or Foe?

I grew up in the Seattle area, and have grown up there I've heard a lot from pastors like Casey Treat, Judah Smith, and Mark Driscoll. The later of these has sparked an interest. Lately, I have been doing a lot of study on Mark Driscoll.

Driscoll will admit to being part of the emerging church movement, actually he embraces it. According to Driscoll there are four "lanes" or "teams" in the emerging church movement. Driscoll says that Mars Hill Church and himself are part of the "Emeriging Reformers" lane.

This view is said by him to be similar to old reformed theology with "minor" exceptions. Exceptions such as worship being "pretty free" and all gifts are viewed as being for today (healing, tongues, etc.). What Mark Driscoll means here is that they believe in the same doctrine as conservative Evangelical Christians except their worship is more liberal (drums, electric guitar, more rock, etc.) and that they believe that all Christians are able to access every spiritual gift mentioned int he New Testament.

So theologically Driscoll would be similar to that of the Baptist denomination. So what's wrong with him? He has some great stuff (especially about the crucifixion of Christ), but he also has some real messed up ideologies. He holds that a Christian should cuss when conversation demands for emphasis.

He also thinks that drinking alcohol is good. He says that it is a sin to abstain from alcohol, and even to drnk light beer. He says, "I personally long to return to the glory days of Christian pubs, where God’s men gather to drink beer and talk theology." While this is not a "critical" issue, it does alarm me to think he is inserting his own opinion so much into the Scriptures.

There are many other minor issues that conservatives have with Mark Driscoll, but let's take a look at some facts. He is a pastor of a CHRIST-CENTERED church the size of 10,000 (a weekend). He preaches with authority, but not the authority of the usual charismatic but with the authority of the Bible. Driscoll says, "The problem with my pastoral job is that I don't really know what I'm doing. So I read every book I can find and cling to the Bible like a kid who can't swim but somehow found a life preserver in the middle of the ocean." He clings to the Gospel.

Although Mark Driscoll and I have some fairly large disagreements, I am proud to call him a brother in Christ. And as for his church, He is preaching the Gospel, others are getting saved, disciples are being grown, and God is being glorified. That's my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

A Brief Thought on the Time Taken for God to Create

Many scientists have studied creation. It’s only rational for a person to think, “Where have I come from?” Some have come to the right conclusion; that is that we are created beings by an intelligent designer. This designer is not just intelligent, He is the omniscient God. He is the God of Israel. He is Yahweh.

After one has come to this conclusion that God created everything, the question must be asked, “How long did it take?” The Bible provides the answer to this question in the book of Genesis. There are several views on this passage. The most prominent of these views are the gap theory, and the literal day theory.

The gap theory: In between Genesis 1 verses 1 and 2 is a gap. How long is this gap? Well, no one really knows. Some say that there were a few centuries, some say millions of years. This view essentially says that in between verses 1 and 2 God had a sort of “test-run” on creation where men (with Satan’s help) rebelled against God, to the point where God had to destroy the entire planet. The Biblical support for this view is very limited.

They say that in verse 2 when the reader sees that the Holy Spirit “moved across the waters” this phrase means that the Spirit protectively hovered over the waters. They say that this was done so that the Holy Spirit could protect earth from Satan. They also argue that verse 2 is all about judgment saying that “darkness” refers to evil judgment. But both of these arguments can be proven wrong fairly easily. Hovering can be meant to be protective, but it can also be a loving action by a loving Creator. And darkness is said to be good be God(vs 3, 31), so there’s no way that it can mean judgment. There was no gap, and no men before the first man – Adam. This view does not agree with the entirety of Scripture. This view is false.

The literal day theory: The Bible says over and over again in Genesis 1 that on this “day” this was created. The Bible says that all of creation took place in one week - 6 days of creation, and 1 day of rest. People like to take the word “day” and say that this word could mean any type of time. Henry Morris in his book Science and the Bible says, “Although the Hebrew word for “day” (yom) can occasionally mean a time of indefinite length if the context requires, such a usage is rare, and the word almost always does mean a literal day (i.e., either a twenty-four-hour period or the daylight portion of that period). He then goes on to say, “The use of a numeral with day (“first day,” and so on) or the boundary terms (“evening and morning”) are usages that elsewhere in the Pentateuch invariably require the literal meaning of “day.” (pg. 38)

This view would agree with the rest of the canon of the Bible. Exodus 20:11 says, “For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” These are literal days. This is the basis of our time system, here (in Creation) we have the first week. This is how we know which is the seventh day; which day we should separate as the Sabbath day. The time God took to create the universe is a type of illustration for us to surround our time frame around. How amazing is God? He created everything in only six literal days. What a miracle, what a Creator!! There is none like Him (Psalm 86:8)! That's (not just) my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Sunday's Comin...

How amazing is the death of Christ!!! I think sometimes that we Christians forget about what Christ did for us.; He died for us. The Soveriegn Lord of all creation put on this pathetic form according to Philippians 2 and bore the pain - the pain and humiliation of the cross. For centuries the Jewish community had been awaiting the coming of their True King, their Messiah. And then when they least expected it Christ came.

He came bearing witness of Himself with miracles. But did they listen to the much prophesied of Messiah? No, for the most part, they scorned Him. They rediculed Him. They decided to crucify Him. After the penalty was announced (much to the happiness of the crowd of Jews gathered at Pilate's palace), a garrison (a garrison was normally nearly 600 soldiers) of Roman soldiers took Him aside away from the public and mocked Him.

They stripped Him of His cloathes, and put a scarlet robe on Him. They took some thorns, twisted it into somewhat of a circle, and smushed it into place on His head claiming it to be His "crown." Then they nailed Him to a cross, but what they didn't know was that Sunday was coming...

If only we could truely grasp this amazing concept of God dying. I think that it would impact us in such a way that we would have no other choice than to serve Him with all of our hearts. That's my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

A Biblical Example of Evangelism: Paul

Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

How many times have you heard this verse along with some “new” type of evangelism? Ones like “coffee” evangelism. There’s always some new fad out with how to reach the unsaved for Christ. With so many new methods coming out everyday, may I just suggest a simple one? How about the Biblical approach?

I’m not saying that these fads are wrong; I just don’t understand why the traditional evangelism is not sufficient. I think we focus on these new methods too much. I’m a Baptist, which essentially means that I go by Biblical examples; and the most predominant example of Biblical evangelism other than Christ is the apostle Paul. So let’s take a look at what Paul’s evangelism looked like, and then apply that to today.

One of the best passages when trying to understand Paul’s methods of evangelism is Acts 17:16-32. Here we find Paul in the city of the philosophers, intellectuals, and critics – the city of Athens. This is where Paul gives possibly his most well known sermon of all time; he gives the sermon of “The Unknown God.”

But before we look at the means of the message, let’s look at the motive. We can find the reasoning for why Paul evangelizes in verse 16. It says that when Paul saw their idol worship that his spirit was provoked or stirred with him. This word provoke comes from the Greek word παροξύνω which means to sharpen alongside with or to exasperate. John Gill put it this way in his commentary, “not only his soul was troubled and his heart was grieved, but he was exasperated and provoked to the last degree: he was in a paroxysm; his heart was hot within him; he had a burning fire in his bones, and was weary with forbearing, and could not stay; his zeal wanted vent, and he gave it: “

Paul was so concerned about the state of their “lostness” that he was essentially heartbroken over it. He was so concerned he was moved to action, he could not be silenced. Could this be said of us today? Are we so concerned about people’s relationship with God that we can do no other than to tell them the Truth? Is that our motive for evangelism today? Or are we just making sure we are fulfilling commands, are we just making our quota?

I think if we honestly had this innate desire to reach souls for Christ there would be revival first in our own lives, our relationships, our churches, our communities, our nation. If our heart was really exasperated about the souls of others around us, we would be able to say with Paul in Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation. What a statement we find here, such a love for others. WOW!!! If we have this desire and this love we will most assuredly be able to apply the rest of this passage.

So how did he respond to this innate desire? Vs. 17 says that “Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews.” I.e. So he reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue. Because of his desire to win the lost for Christ, he went into the synagogue and in the marketplace declaring the Gospel of Christ to anyone who happened to be there.

If you know anything about Athens, it is that the fathers of modern philosophy were largely based from this city. The Athenians loved anything new. They wanted the latest philosophy so that they could determine if it was valid or not. It says in vs. 18 that the Epicureans and Stoics conversed with Paul. They called him a “babbler” this term comes from the Greek word σπερμολόγος which means that a picker-up of seeds. This term basically means a gatherer of scraps, and in this case referring to knowledge. Some might say that this is a “bad” name but I think Paul would be happy to be called a gatherer of knowledge. The verse goes on to say that they thought he was a preacher of foreign gods because he preached Christ’s resurrection. This was nonsense to them, because despite their love or thinking and philosophy, they had no concept of this.

After this they led him to where all the real philosophers were located. This is where Paul gives his most well-known and most preached on sermon of all time. They led Paul to Areopagus. There they ask him a simple question, “Can we know what this new form of doctrine that you preach is?” Isn’t this the usual case? When confronted with the Truth people will ask questions, they will not understand completely at first. Which is good for us, because we get another chance to retell the Gospel.

After they ask this question Luke gives an authoritative comment. He says in verse 21“Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing except telling or hearing something new.” This shows human nature, despite all the philosophy and thoughts of grandeur that they already possessed they craved more. They continually wanted “a newer thing.” Could this possibly be the “God-shaped hole?” I would say yes.

After Luke’s brief comment, Paul begins his speech or sermon. He begins with a compliment; saying that he perceived them to be “very religious” this would be very honoring for an Athenian. This shows how one truly can have a loving debate and discussion about the Gospel. Earlier in the text Paul preached they complimented him and then asked questions, then Paul compliments them and truly answers this question. This is a great example of how evangelism can work.

Alright let’s pause for a moment to consider some historical background for Athens. In that day there were thousands of idols in Athens, possibly 35,000 statues within the city. They had so many gods, but just in case they missed one they had an alter to the “Unknown God.” In the days of Paul, it was illegal in Athens to introduce a new God. They desired new philosophies but not a new god, they had enough of those.

Paul knew this. He understood where he was, the culture, laws, and customs of Athens. He took the time to understand and to learn their culture. He knew it was illegal for him to introduce a new god to the Athenians, but he knew he could introduce them to a God they had no understanding of – The Unknown God. He also tells them that they worshipped him in vain, but he was now introducing Him to them. This is an excellent transition; he takes something they understand and turns it into something they need to know. And talk about an attention step! They must have been so eager and excited to understand something that until this point, no Athenian had ever known.

Paul starts his sermon or discussion with the beginning. Telling the Athenians that this Unknown God was the God who created everything, also saying that he is self-existent and sovereign and needs nothing from men. Also telling them in vs. 26 how God rules over civilization saying, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.” This flies in direct contrast to what these Athenians believed. Essentially the Stoics believed in fate, and the Epicureans in chance. A fully Sovereign God would totally demolish those philosophies.

Paul then talks about how the Athenians have tried so hard to reach out and find God, but he was never that far from them. Trying to reach out to God through religion and philosophy is impossible; this is what Paul is telling the Athenians. This would most likely confuse them, so once again Paul refers to something that they do understand. He refers to some of their own poets’ writings in vs. 28. This would bring back the attention of the Athenians.

Paul then says in vs. 29, “ Being then God's offspring, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of man.” Paul is telling them, hey this isn’t some made up statue this is a Supreme Being who is personal. This would be very hard for them to understand. A God who wanted a relationship with mere men?? And then Paul tells them how this God demanded repentance, and how He will judge the world by the Man whom he appointed. And that this was made known through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When they heard about the resurrection, the Bible tells us that some mocked and some said that they wanted to hear of this again (after some time of pondering I assume). After this Paul leaves. Not in an angry way, not in a self-righteous “I’m right you’re wrong” type of way, but he just goes out from their midst. And some went with him, some got saved! One of them was a judge of Areopagus, Dionysius. What a conversion, from a judge of a pagan council of prominent philosophers to a man saved by God’s grace!

This text, I believe can show us how evangelism can and should be worked. Notice how Paul compliments the Athenians. He answers questions with humility. He makes the great comparison between the Unknown God and Yahweh. He refers to things they understand when it appears that they had been lost in his speaking twice. Essentially, the reason why Paul’s evangelism was so effective was that he took the time to understand the Athenian culture, and then contrasted it with the Truth.

We don’t need these new fads for evangelism. What we need is to know about our culture, and be able to contrast it with the Truth of God’s infallible Word. Remembering Paul’s heartful concern for the unsaved, and applying the Biblical approach of evangelism we can be like the apostle Paul when it is said of him in Acts 17:6 that he “turned the world upside down” for Christ. That’s my opinion. Take it or leave it. - Dean

A little testimony

I just wanted to take a little break from opinionated topics. And take a little time to praise God for something He's done in my life recently. This semester has been really hard, I transferred to a new college in the South and I've been struggling with it. I've been pretty depressed about it.

Last week, just when I was not having a good attitude about my circumstances, there was a very good sermon. An evangelist came and spoke about Paul and the different institutions he was known in, challenging the student body as to whether they were known for integrity as well.

While, I sat there I kept on thinking to myself. "Man, I've heard this sermon before, I know it!" For the longest time though I couldn't figure it out. Then the man prayed, and he gave his name - Bro. Kistler, and it hit me.

Ten years ago this May, I visited the Northwest A.C.E. convention in Washington. One of the nights Bro. Kistler was speaking at one of rallies. He gave that same sermon, concluding with Romans 10:14, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?`` Which is now my life verse.

At the end of his prayer, he asked those who wanted to commit their lives to full-time ministry to come forward. I went down at the age of nine, walked the aisle, and bowed my knees at the alter. I remember Bro. Kistler putting his hands on my shoulder, and praying with me. Afterward he told me to write it down in my Bible, I did and I still have that Bible. I gave my life for the spreading of God`s Word that night.

And there he was, bro. Kistler. The man that got me into the ministry that I know God has prepared and is preparing me for. It was a very special thing for me. I went to him, told me my name and how he was used by God to change my life at such a young age. We had a great talk. I don`t know about the rest of Bro. Kistler`s ministry, but it changed my life. That`s my opinion...well...That`s my story. Take it or leave it. - Dean

Thinking Critically: Good for the Christian mind or Bad for the Body of Christ?

Lately, I've noticed a trend in our society. People don't like to judge the truth about what other people say. When I say judge, I mean that they do not like to discern. I have been told lately that I think too critically about people and how they use God's Word. I was told that I was being too negative. What's happened to the Christian world?

Now, people view thinking critically as a negative thing. At least that’s the way people will treat you if you do so. So what exactly does it mean to think critically? The dictionary describes thinking critically as thinking with “skillful judgment as to truth, merit, etc”. So by definition it is thinking carefully to discover or judge that which is true. That’s what thinking critically means.

There was a time when people were encouraged. No, they were commanded to think critically and especially regarding God's Word. I mean come on! The Burean church searched the Scriptures making sure that the APOSTLE PAUL was correct. Paul told us to do the same. In Philippians 4:8 Paul tells us to “think on” or as the Greek tells us to “estimate or conclude” what is true.

We as Christians are to think critically. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 5:15 that we need to "See that you walk circumspectly". Everyone always rushes to the word "circumspectly" when they read this verse. But let’s start with the verb. It says “See that” this comes from the Greek word blepo meaning to see; or to take heed. So Paul says take heed or be aware that you walk circumspectly. The word walk comes from the Greek word peripateo, which means the way you live. The way you live takes both aspects of the way you think, and the way you act. Circumspectly means diligently; cautiously or carefully. So you are to take heed be aware that you act and think carefully or cautiously. That is what the verse means. This verse essentially commands that we think critically.

There are dangers when it comes to critical thinking. One danger is that usually thinking critically and judging others goes hand-in-hand. I believe that this is the reason why people have turned away from critical thinking. People see someone talking poorly about someone or something, and the first thing that they think of is judging. They will run to Matthew 7:1 and say that Christ tells us not to judge one another. Which is true in one aspect. If one would take the time to look at the context one would find that Christ only disapproves of one type of judging, hypocritical judging. The Bible says we are to discern what is true, as already stated above.

Another danger is that we can become too condescending when we think critically and also act on it. We are to speak the truth in love as Ephesians 4:15 states. This means that we are to not to be critical just for the sake of being critical. We are to discern what is true and if we come into contact with error we are to confront that error with Biblical truth. And it is to be done in humility and brotherly love. We are supposed to think critically, but we must also be sure that our motives are right. That’s my opinion, take it or leave it. - Dean