Many people are afraid of the Book of Revelation because they think it’s a difficult book to comprehend. Not so. The word “revelation” means just the opposite: the revealing, the unveiling. 

The Book of Revelation is very simple—particularly because it’s the only Book with its own divine outline, found in chapter 1 verse 19, where Jesus told John to “write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” 

If you follow this divine outline, the Book unfolds very easily.… 

I. The things which thou hast seen—chapter 1 The reality of the Resurrected Jesus 
II. The things which are—chapters 2–3 Jesus gives seven messages to seven churches, wherein lies the chronological flow of church history from the beginning of the early church to the present. 
III. The things which shall be hereafter…
Chapters 4–5 The church is raptured and taken to heaven for a seven-year “honeymoon” with the Lord. 
Chapters 6–19 The Tribulation occurs on earth as God pours out His wrath on a Christ-rejecting, sinful world. 
Chapter 19 At the end of chapter 19, the Lord comes back to Jerusalem with His church to establish His kingdom. 
Chapter 20 The Millennium—a thousand-year period of peace and prosperity—follows as the Lord rules and reigns from Jerusalem. At the end of the Millennium, Satan is loosed. A final rebellion ensues before Satan is put away permanently. 
Chapters 21–22 A new heaven and a new earth are created wherein we will live oh, so happily ever after.

Taken from: Courson, Jon. Jon Courson's Application Commentary: Volume 3, New Testament (Matthew - Revelation) (p. 1663). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. 

The Gospel?

Books of the Bible - Revelation

"John Lennox is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum. In addition, he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford University."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Apologetics - John Lennox

"Michael Ramsden is the International Director of RZIM for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and has been part of RZIM since its foundation in Europe in 1997. Michael is also joint Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and Honorary Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Michael was brought up in the Middle East and later moved to England where he worked for the Lord Chancellor’s department investing funds. While doing research in Law and Economics at Sheffield University, he taught Moral Philosophy and lectured for the International Seminar for Jurisprudence and Human Rights in Strasbourg."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Apologetics - Michael Ramsden

"Dr. Nabeel Qureshi has given lectures at universities and seminaries throughout North America, including New York University, Rutgers, the University of North Carolina, the University of Ottawa, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Biola University. He has participated in 17 moderated, public debates around North America, Europe, and Asia. His focus is on the foundations of the Christian faith and the early history and teachings of Islam. Nabeel is a member of the speaking team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He holds an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University, and an MA from Duke University in Religion." ["On Saturday, September 16, 2017, Nabeel Qureshi, age 34, entered into the joy of his master, Jesus Christ, after enduring a yearlong battle with cancer."]

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Apologetics - Nabeel Qureshi

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Apologetics - Random Studies

"Os Guinness is an author and social critic. Great-great-great grandson of Arthur Guinness, the Dublin brewer, he was born in China in World War Two where his parents were medical missionaries. A witness to the climax of the Chinese revolution in 1949, he was expelled with many other foreigners in 1951 and returned to Europe where he was educated in England. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of London and his D.Phil in the social sciences from Oriel College, Oxford. Os has written or edited more than thirty books, including The Call, Time for Truth, Unspeakable, A Free People’s Suicide, The Global Public Square, Last Call for Liberty, Carpe Diem Redeemed, and The Magna Carta of Humanity. His latest book is The Great Quest: Invitation to the Examined Life and a Sure Path to Meaning, published in 2022. Since moving to the United States in 1984, Os has been a Guest Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Studies, a Guest Scholar and Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Senior Fellow at the Trinity Forum and the EastWest Institute in New York. He was the lead drafter of the Williamsburg Charter in 1988, a celebration of the bicentennial of the US Constitution, and later of “The Global Charter of Conscience,” which was published at the European Union Parliament in 2012. Os has spoken at many of the world’s major universities, and spoken widely to political and business conferences across the world. He lives with his wife Jenny in the Washington DC area."

What is the Gospel?

Os Guinness: How To Impact Culture

"Just who were the Puritan writers? They were not only the two thousand ministers who were ejected from the Church of England by the Act of Uniformity in 1662, but also those ministers in England and North America, from the sixteenth century through the early eighteenth century, who worked to reform and purify the church and to lead people toward godly living consistent with the Reformed doctrines of grace. Puritanism grew out of three needs: (1) the need for biblical preaching and the teaching of sound Reformed doctrine; (2) the need for biblical, personal piety that stressed the work of the Holy Spirit in the faith and life of the believer; and (3) the need to restore biblical simplicity in liturgy, vestments, and church government, so that a well-ordered church life would promote the worship of the triune God as prescribed in His Word (The Genius of Puritanism, 11ff.). Doctrinally, Puritanism was a kind of vigorous Calvinism; experientially, it was warm and contagious; evangelistically, it was aggressive, yet tender; ecclesiastically, it was theocentric and worshipful; politically, it aimed to be scriptural, balanced, and bound by conscience before God in the relationships of king, Parliament, and subjects; culturally, it had lasting impact throughout succeeding generations and centuries until today (Durston and Eales, eds., The Culture of English Puritanism, 1560-1700)." (Theologian Joel Beeke, Source: https://www.semperreformanda.com/the-puritans/the-puritans-index/why-you-should-read-the-puritans-by-joel-beeke/)

The Puritans On Prayer And Meditation By Stephen Yuille

Ravi Zacharias: Deuteronomy 8

Ravi Zacharias: Hosea

Ravi Zacharias: Interpreting Failure, Conserving Victories

Ravi Zacharias: Jesus Among Many Gods Q&A

"For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford university. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include Walking from East to West, a memoir; The Grand Weaver, an exploration of God's intention in both the ordinary and the startling elements of life; and The End of Reason, a rebuttal of the claims of the so-called New Atheists. His weekly radio program, Let My People Think, is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, Just Thinking, is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Ravi Zacharias: Satan Tempts Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11)

""Why do I need God if my life is going well? I've always solved my own problems, so what can God really do for me? God has never seemed near to me during the difficulties in my life, so why should I trust Him?" Ravi Zacharias explains why God is more than a psychological crutch for the weak-minded and why success and independent living fade in comparison to knowing the eternal truth found in God." 

"For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford university. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include Walking from East to West, a memoir; The Grand Weaver, an exploration of God's intention in both the ordinary and the startling elements of life; and The End of Reason, a rebuttal of the claims of the so-called New Atheists. His weekly radio program, Let My People Think, is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, Just Thinking, is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Ravi Zacharias: Need God, What If I Don't?

Ravi Zacharias: Who is God? (2 Chronicles 20)

"Dr. Nabeel Qureshi has given lectures at universities and seminaries throughout North America, including New York University, Rutgers, the University of North Carolina, the University of Ottawa, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Biola University. He has participated in 17 moderated, public debates around North America, Europe, and Asia. His focus is on the foundations of the Christian faith and the early history and teachings of Islam. Nabeel is a member of the speaking team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. He holds an MD from Eastern Virginia Medical School, an MA in Christian apologetics from Biola University, and an MA from Duke University in Religion."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Nabeel Qureshi: Everything Else to Know About Islam

Nabeel Qureshi: Jesus of Islam vs. Jesus of Christianity

Nabeel Qureshi: Critical Issues in Islamic Studies

Nabeel Qureshi: A Look at the Quran

Nabeel Qureshi: Islam Through the Eyes of Muslims

"Idolatry takes any number of forms at the individual, church, and national levels, but its temptation is always the same: you shall be as God. And the results always lead to death. As churches capitulate to antichristian cultural pressures, they often keep their outward form, but lose the power and vitality that ought to sustain and animate them. The Lord reserved some of His hardest words for those who led their people in this apostate way."

"Dr. Joseph Boot (M.A., Ph.D.) is a Christian thinker & cultural apologist/philosopher, Founder and President of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity. He also served as founding pastor of Westminster Chapel, Toronto for 14 years.  Now resident home in Great Britain, Joseph has worked in the fields of Christian apologetics, worldview education and church leadership for over twenty-five years on both sides of the Atlantic. He has spoken and guest lectured globally at numerous university events, seminaries, churches, colleges, and conferences. He regularly addresses pastors and Christian leaders as well as academic, medical, legal, and political professionals and has publicly debated leading atheistic thinkers and philosophers in Canada and the United States."

Joe Boot: The Second Commandment - Idolatry Kills

"We continue our series in the Ten Commandments with the command against idolatry. In this episode, Joe Boot discusses the root of idolatry in the heart, and deals with some listener questions about the possibility of making work or family into an object of worship. We conclude by examining idolatry within the church itself."

"Dr. Joseph Boot (M.A., Ph.D.) is a Christian thinker & cultural apologist/philosopher, Founder and President of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity. He also served as founding pastor of Westminster Chapel, Toronto for 14 years.  Now resident home in Great Britain, Joseph has worked in the fields of Christian apologetics, worldview education and church leadership for over twenty-five years on both sides of the Atlantic. He has spoken and guest lectured globally at numerous university events, seminaries, churches, colleges, and conferences. He regularly addresses pastors and Christian leaders as well as academic, medical, legal, and political professionals and has publicly debated leading atheistic thinkers and philosophers in Canada and the United States."

Joe Boot: The Second Commandment - You Shall Not Make An Idol

"We’re officially underway with our series on the Ten Commandments. In this first episode, Joe Boot explains why this section of Scripture begins with the Lord declaring who He is, and why the commandments are ordered in the way that they are. If you’ve never thought about what our worship has to do with law, don’t miss this one."

"Dr. Joseph Boot (M.A., Ph.D.) is a Christian thinker & cultural apologist/philosopher, Founder and President of the Ezra Institute for Contemporary Christianity. He also served as founding pastor of Westminster Chapel, Toronto for 14 years.  Now resident home in Great Britain, Joseph has worked in the fields of Christian apologetics, worldview education and church leadership for over twenty-five years on both sides of the Atlantic. He has spoken and guest lectured globally at numerous university events, seminaries, churches, colleges, and conferences. He regularly addresses pastors and Christian leaders as well as academic, medical, legal, and political professionals and has publicly debated leading atheistic thinkers and philosophers in Canada and the United States."

Joe Boot: The First Commandment - The Voice Of God Himself

"Vince Vitale is a speaker for the Zacharias Trust, as well as being Team Director and Senior Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. He is also Tutor in Philosophy and Mission at Wycliffe Hall and a member of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Oxford. Before coming to Oxford, Vince taught in the Philosophy and Religion Departments of his alma mater, Princeton University, where as an undergraduate he took an unexpected journey that led him to put his trust in God. While teaching at Princeton, Vince served as Faculty Director of the campus ministry Athletes in Action. Vince’s primary research interests are in philosophy of religion, philosophical theology, and ethical theory, areas that converge in his doctoral thesis on ‘the problem of evil’. He and Ravi Zacharias have co-authored the book Why Suffering? Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn’t Make Sense."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Vince Vitale: A Vision For Evangelism and Apologetics

Nathan Betts: Confidence In Uncertain Times (Luke 5)

Exodus 6-8:19 (God's Assurance to Moses & Miracles and Plagues 1-3 before Pharaoh)

Exodus 19-20:20 (Israel Meets God at Mount Sinai & God Gives Ten Commandments to Moses)

Exodus 23-24 (More Laws Directed to Judges & God Makes a Covenant with Israel)

Abraham – A Paradigm of Faith in God 

John Lennox is Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and a Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an Honorary Fellow of Wycliffe Hall, an Adjunct Professor of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford. He is particularly interested in the interface of science, philosophy and theology and his most recent books include Seven Days that Divide the World (on Genesis 1), Gunning for God (on the new atheism) and Stephen Hawking and God (a response to The Grand Design). Professor Lennox has debated a number of the world’s leading atheists including Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Peter Singer.

THE STRUCTURE OF GENESIS 

I. THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE AND HUMAN BEINGS 1.1 – 2.3 

II. WHAT IT IS TO BE HUMAN AND THE BEGINNING OF SIN 2.4 – 4.26 
The generations of the heavens and the earth 2.4 

III. FROM ADAM TO THE JUDGEMENT OF THE WORLD 5.1 – 9.29 
The generations of Adam 5.1 – 6.8 Noah 6.9 – 9.29 

IV. ABRAHAM AND HIS SONS 10.1 – 25.11 
The generations of the sons of Noah 10.1 Shem 11.10 Terah 11.27 

V. ISAAC AND HIS SONS 25.12 – 35.29 
The generations of Ishmael 25.12 Isaac 25.19 

VI. JACOB AND HIS SONS 36.1 – 50.26. 
The generations of Esau 36.1 Jacob 37.2 

ABRAHAM AND HIS SONS 10.1 – 25.11 

1. Nimrod and the foundation of cities: Babel, Erech, Accad, Calneh, Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, Resen (10.9-12). The city, tower and ideology of Babel; the judgement of God on Babel and the scattering of the nations linguistically and geographically (11.1-9). 

2. The call of Abram. God’s promise to him of nationhood carrying universal blessing: in you all the families of the earth will be blessed (12.1-3; 1.:18; 22.18). 

3. The ‘promised seed’ (12.7; 15.1-6; 18.10-18): the birth (21.1-7), sacrifice (22.1-19) and marriage (ch. 24) of Isaac. 

The covenant made with Abram and his seed regarding inheritance (15.7-21), the covenant of circumcision (17.1-27). 

THE STAGES IN THE LIFE OF A MAN OF FAITH 

SECTION 1 12-15 God’s call and promise: justification by faith 

SECTION 2. 16-19 Faith in God’s promise or personal effort? 

SECTION 3. 20-24 The search for security: a bride for the son 

Genesis gives not only an account of the temporal beginnings of the universe, the earth and life on it but also a biblical anthropology in the original sense of that word – a logos (account) of anthropos (man). Leon Kass suggests that the stories are powerful precisely because they present human life in all its moral ambiguity – they present to us not simply what once happened in a particular time and place with particular people but in a very real sense they throw light on what always happens and hence act as a mirror in which the complexity of our own lives is reflected. 
That is, Genesis shows us not only what is first in time but also what is first in importance when it comes to understanding fundamental things – God, the universe, life, language, morality, relationships sin, death, … 

The first half of the book reveals to us first of all what the world once was in all its glory with human beings made in the image of God as the pinnacle of God’s creation with all their wonderful capacities. It then traces the devastation wrought by the misuse of those capacities – the banishing from Eden, the trials of life and the increasing violence of human behaviour that leads to capital judgement that is survived by Noah and his family alone. 

In the second half of the book God makes a new beginning – this time by calling out a particular person, Abram, from a particular tribe to form a new nation that would be taught God’s way and witness to him in the world. We learn here about the complexities of the path back to God that gives us hope that if flawed men and women like the three great patriarchs, their wives and families can become men and women who trust and live for God then there is some hope for us. 

One major lesson is that, since sin entered into the world through human failure to trust God and grasping at independence from God, the way back to God will be by learning to trust him and be dependent. Genesis shows what this means by describing faith in action over several generations of the same family. 

A TALE OF TWO CITIES 

The universal project – the building of the city 

1. Nimrod and the great cities of Ancient Near East 10.8-12 
2. The city tower and ideology of Babel 11.1-9 
3. The other Semitic nations and Abraham’s ancestry 11.10-30 

“And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods” Joshua 24.2. The essence of idolatry: trusting the creature rather than the Creator. The trajectory of idolatry from Eden to Babel. 

Nimrod and his kingdom: “The beginning of his kingdom was Babel…” Nimrod means ‘we shall rebel’. Josephus writes: ‘Now it was Nimrod who excited them (the people of Shinar) to such an affront and contempt of God… He also said he would be revenged on God, if he should have a mind to drown the world again. To that end he would build a tower too high for the waters to be able to reach and so he would avenge himself on God for destroying their forefathers.’ 

The ideology of the modern skyscraper is that of ancient Babel/Babylon: identity, technological achievement and prowess, the triumph of human rationality, a driving ego pushing out the boundaries, flaunting wealth and power, reaching for the sky and grasping at immortality. According to the later Babylonians their temple was constructed as “a likeness on earth of what he has wrought in heaven”. (Enuma Elish 6.113). The main temple in Babylon, Esagila, was “the house with the raised head” and the ziggurat in the temple of Marduk was called Etemenanki – the house of the foundation of heaven and earth. 

The foundation principle of the city of Babel: “Come let us brick bricks and burn them to a burning… let us build for ourselves a city with a tower with its head in the heavens… let us make a name (shem) for ourselves lest we be scattered abroad on the face of the earth. 

NT COMMENT 
For he [Abraham] was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God…God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11.10,16. 

LIFE OF ABRAHAM SECTION 1 CHS. 12-15 

People matter more than things 
God’s call and promise 
Denial of Sarah in Egypt. 
Separation from Lot. 
God renews the promise: Abram builds an altar 
The capture and recovery of Lot: the ministry of Melchizedek 
Abram believes God. God covenants the inheritance. 

FROM UR TO CANAAN 11.27 – 12.9 
12.1-3 The command of God to leave home and kindred and go to a land that will be shown to him. (note ESV margin pluperfect – “The Lord had said…” implying that the first move 11.31 was the result and that Terah had broken the journey) 

When Terah dies Abram fulfils Lord’s original command and travels to the land of the Canaanites with Lot. God appears to Abram and promises the land to Abram’s descendants. Abram builds an altar near Bethel. 

The promise: a) become a great nation; b) to be blessed and to have a great name (shem); c) to be a blessing to all nations. 

NT COMMENT “The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran and said to him: ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you’.” Acts 7.2 

FROM CANAAN TO EGYPT 12.10-20 
The famine forces Abram to Egypt. Abram fears for his safety and puts self-preservation (and material wealth) above relationships (marriage), honesty and truth. Abram prospers as a result but God plagues Pharoah’s house until Abram and Sarai are sent away. 

FROM EGYPT TO BETHEL 13.1-13 
Abram returns to Bethel and “calls on the name of the Lord”. The amount of his possessions lead to tension between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot and eventually to separation. Abram gives Lot the choice as to where to live. Lot chooses the plain of Jordan near Sodom because it is like the ‘garden of the Lord’. Abraham stays in the land occupied by Canaanites. This raises the question of the implications of such choices for business, family, children, isolation, culture etc. 

FROM BETHEL TO MAMRE 13.14-18 
God renews and augments his promise to Abram of land and posterity. Abram moves to Mamre near Hebron and builds another altar there. 

THE WAR OF THE KINGS 14.1-24 
War between two coalitions of kings leads to the capture of Lot. Abraham defeats a coalition of kings and rescues Lot, his goods, his women and his people. The King of Sodom tries to get Abram to take the spoil for himself but give up the rescued people to him. Abraham, strengthened by the sudden intervention of King and High Priest Melchizedek, refuses. 

NT COMMENT 
“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.” Hebrews 7.1-3 

What is the connection between Melchizedek’s ministry to Abraham and that of Christ our Great High Priest to us? 

GOD CONFIRMS HIS PROMISE AND MAKES A COVENANT 15.1-21 

Abram’s concern: “What will you give me seeing I go childless?” 
God the Possessor of Heaven and Earth shows Abram the stars and 
promises him an heir. Abram believes and his faith is counted as righteousness. God confirms the promise with a covenant. Abram’s seed will go down to slavery in Egypt but eventually come out with great wealth. 

NT COMMENT 
“What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness”. Romans 4.1-2 

“Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise… And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Galatians 3.16-18,29. 

What is the relationship of faith and merit to justification and the inheritance? 

LIFE OF ABRAHAM SECTION 2 CHS 16-19 

WALKING BEFORE GOD AND JUDGING THE FLESH 
The taking of Hagar instead of Sarah and the birth of Ishmael 
The covenant of circumcision, ‘a seal of the righteousness of faith’ 
The Lord appears to Abram: “walk before me and be blameless” 

Abram pleads with God for Sodom 
Lot rescued from Sodom which is destroyed 
Lot in the cave: the birth of Moab and Ammon 

The section falls into two major parts and focuses on two aspects of what the NT calls “the flesh”. In the first part Sarai despairs of having her own children and encourages Abraham to help realise God’s promise of children by taking Hagar the Egyptian as wife. 
The second part the concerns Lot’s struggle with the situation brought about by God’s judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot and his family had been living. 

PART A 
NT COMMENT 
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Galatians 4.21-23 

NB It is important to differentiate between Hagar’s personal experience of God and the use of her story as an allegory in the NT 

Thirteen years pass between the end of ch 16 and the beginning of ch 17. Abram and Sarai have to live with the consequences of their actions “in the flesh. An experience readily recognisable by us all. 

NT COMMENT 
“So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members.” Romans 7.21-23 

Challenge to Abram (and us): “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless”. 

NT COMMENT 
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” Galatians 5.16-18. 

The concept of circumcision in the OT and the NT 
1. Covenant with Abraham regarding his physical posterity 
2. A seal of the righteousness of faith that Abraham had while still uncircumcised. Romans 4.9-12 
3. A symbol for Israel: the danger of ceremony without spiritual content 
4. The circumcision of Christ: Colossians 2.11-12 
5. The practical lesson: “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” Philippians 3.3 

PART B ABRAHAM, LOT AND THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM 

Abraham pleads for Sodom 
The appearance and visit of the Lord to Abraham. The promise of a child in the next year provokes Sarah to laughter which she denies. The Lord announces the destruction of Sodom and Abraham pleads for it. 
The angels visit Lot’s house and encounter the wickedness of Sodom. Lot’s sad attempt at compromise. His rescue by the angels, the death of his wife and his tragic days in the cave. 

NT COMMENT 
“…and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard); then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment”. 2 Peter 2.7-10 

“If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Do you not know that you* are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” 1 Cor. 3.16-17. 

“Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all— so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife.” Luke 17.28-32 

LIFE OF ABRAHAM SECTION 3 CHS 20-15
 
God’s testing of Abraham: the search for assurance and security 
Abraham denies Sarah among the Philistines because of false moral judgment 
The birth of the promised seed: Isaac, 
The expulsion of Hagar and her son; 
Abraham’s oath to the Philistine and his son at Beersheba; 
The offering of Isaac: justification by works and God’s oath 
Finding a bride for Isaac from the Gentiles. The marriage of the promised son. 

The first major lesson in Abraham’s life was that men and women are justified by faith without meritorious works. He then had to learn to walk by faith before God and not to put his confidence in the flesh. In this final section God calls upon Abraham in a very specific way to justify his faith by his actions. 

NT COMMENT 
“Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? ‘Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.’ So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman” Gal. 4.22-31. 

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone”. James 2.21-24 

The significance of the oath 
“For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, ‘Surely I will bless you and multiply you.’ And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” Hebrews 6:13-19.

ANOTHER FATHER AND ANOTHER SON 

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3.16 

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8.32 

ABRAHAM AND THE RESURRECTION 

“And as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living” Matthew: 22.31-32. 

John Lennox: Abraham's Call

John Lennox: Abraham's Journey

"John Lennox discusses the paradigmatic example of Abraham's faith: the moment that he believed God would grant him a child. Abraham and his wife were old and had to reason to believe that they were physically capable of having children. However, Abraham had good reason to believe that God is trustworthy -- and he acted on that knowledge. Christian faith is therefore not blind belief in the impossible, but confidence that God has revealed himself to be good, reliable, and true."

John Lennox: Abraham's Faith

"John Lennox concludes his series on the life of Abraham with a discussion of Abraham's ultimate test -- his near-sacrifice of Isaac on Mount Moriah. This challenging text is one of the most discussed -- and most criticized -- passages in the entire Old Testament. John Lennox sheds light on this story and discusses its importance and relevance for Christian faith today."

John Lennox: Abraham's Triumph

Deuteronomy 9-16 (Worshiping God, How to be Blessed, & Living for God and People)

"Christmas, alongside Easter, is a principal celebration in Christianity, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. This event, known as the incarnation, is seen as God manifesting in human form through Jesus (Philippians 2:5-7). Pastor Skip explores the origins and purpose of Christmas, referencing biblical passages like Romans 1:1-4 and Galatians 4:4-5. He points out that Christmas's roots trace back to Genesis 1-3, where the Protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 introduces the concept of a Messiah who will overcome evil, marking the beginning of the promise fulfilled in Jesus. The lineage from Adam to Jesus, as detailed in Genesis, demonstrates God's ongoing promise.

The importance of Jesus' birth is highlighted by its timing - "the fullness of the time" (Galatians 4:4-5), symbolizing a period ripe for the Messiah's arrival. This period was characterized by Israel's spiritual longing under oppression, a unified Hellenistic culture thanks to Alexander the Great, and the expansive, peaceful Roman Empire that facilitated the spread of Jesus' teachings. Pastor Skip emphasizes that Jesus, pre-existing in heaven, came to earth to redeem humanity, contrasting this divine mission with secular representations like Santa Claus. He also encourages exploring the profound impact of Jesus’ birth on the world, including its influence on various aspects of society such as holidays, hospitals, and education.

The teaching also includes practical aspects, urging believers to use Christmas as a time to reflect on and discuss the implications of Jesus' coming, particularly focusing on John 3:16. This reflection should encompass God's love, the transformative impact of Jesus' birth, and the spirit of giving epitomized by God sending His Son. Additionally, Pastor Skip suggests using the Christmas season for evangelism and outreach, highlighting its potential as a powerful tool for sharing the Christian faith."

More @: http://skipheitzig.com/teachings_view.asp?ServiceID=4371&AcceptsCookies=yes

Christmas Through The Ages - Romans 1:1-4; Galatians 4:4-5

"In this episode, you'll be hearing a talk that Vince gave a few months back at the Relational Wisdom Conference in Montana titled 'What is a biblical approach to disagreement?' We hope this episode helps you approach disagreement with less fear and with a far greater expectation for how loving, respectful dialogue can deepen relationships (even when we're engaging on the most culturally contentious of topics)."

Source: https://askaway.podbean.com/

What is a biblical approach to disagreement?

John Lennox: Christmas For Doubters

"Paul Washer testifies of the manifestations of the love of God in his life. This is a sermon from the early 2000s on the book of the Song of Solomon."

Paul Washer - The Way God Loves You

"Preachers will often study and preach on the very issues that they are wrestling through in their own souls. They wrestle with God’s Word to find clarity and Biblical truth to help them on these matters. Needs such as what are some ways that we can grow in grace in the Christian life? What are the pillars that we need to have firmly rooted in our souls to make progress in our heavenly pilgrimage?"

Paul Washer - My Soul’s Needs And Biblical Keys For Growth

"What are some principles that can help with being a godly spouse and a godly parent? In this video, Paul Washer deals with multiple topics and in the second half answers questions from the audience. This was a spontaneous extra session from the 2021 Fellowship Conference.

0:00​ – Introduction
6:26​ – Are you putting ministry above your family?
18:13​ – Be subject to one another?
27:20 – An area I have failed in.
28:46​ – A husband needs his wife’s respect.
1:09:28​ – Now, as a Christian, how do I train my daughter?
1:20:52 – How do I discern if my child is truly saved?
1:27:46​ – How do I prevent my child from being self-righteous?
1:33:14​ – What about sinful aspects of my spouse’s culture?
1:37:27​ – What about parental authority?
1:44:56​ – What about a husband who neglects his wife?
1:50:32 – How do you maintain joy in the home?"

Paul Washer - Marriage, Family And Parenting

"God has not “swept our sin under the rug”, but rather Christ has bore our sin and the punishment for it. In His death on the Cross, He has paid in full the penalty due to us for our sin by bearing the wrath and anger of God that we deserve. Therefore God is just, and yet can declare righteous the unjust through the Just One, Jesus Christ."

Paul Washer - God The Just And The Justifier Of The Wicked

Joy comes before obedience, rather than after. If you don’t understand that, you will really be messed up all of your days. Joy is not the result of obedience, joy is the result of what God has done. So now your joy is fixed on a fixed and stable source. When your joy is based on your performance it is going to be up and down like the wind. – Paul Washer

Paul Washer - Four Pillars Of Walking With God

Psalms 135-138

Lamentations 1-5 (Destroying Our Lives & How To Ask God For Help)

Michael Ramsden: A Wasted Life? Aren't Christians Missing Out?

We are asking why is the Christian faith so exclusive?
Whenever you say that something is true, you are automatically saying that any contrary statement is untrue.
For someone raised in an Islamic culture, Christianity can clearly be seen as a different message from Islam, however, in the West, many would argue that Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism are basically the same. Maybe we need to allow the adherents of these beliefs to explain their own systems.
Surely if God is loving, isn’t being a good person all that matters? Jesus was very clear, all good people are going to heaven. When someone came to Jesus, asking, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No-one is good, but God alone” (Mark 10:17-18) If good people are going to heaven, and only God is good, then who is going to heaven?
In Luke 18:9-14 Jesus tells a story that is pertinent to our situation, which shows us that there are only two possibilities as to how a person can become righteous, either (1) we make ourselves righteous or (2) someone else makes us righteous.
A Phariseeand tax collector were both praying at the same time in the temple. The Pharisee thanks God for making him such a good person, the tax-collector beats his breast – a strong gesture of remorse. The tax collector literally prays, “may this sacrifice be for me“. Jesus has come into the world as the sacrificial lamb which takes away the sins of the world.
Richard Dawkins argued after the Asian tsunami that it is morally reprehensible that an innocent man should be sacrificed for the guilty.
Why this emphasis on sacrifice, why is the cross at the centre of Christian teaching?
The answer is that we cannot separate love and judgement.
In Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennett rejects Mr Darcy’s eloquent proposal of marriage, because Darcy states that he loves her against his will, reason and better judgement. He claims to love her though he does not know her.
Most of us project an image of ourselves which is better than the person we really are, the danger of this is that people fall in love with the image, not the real person. Love is only truly meaningful if the one who loves us truly knows us, but God sees everything, therefore, his love is truly meaningful.
True love can only exist in the presence of judgement, “If you never know truth then you never know love” (Black Eyed Peas, “Where is the Love?”).
If your sister is raped, and the judge lets the offender go free, saying, “we must be merciful” then where is the justice? In Christianity alone, God exercises mercy through the exercise of his justice.
Jesus, teaches us that the man who prayed, “may this sacrifice be for me” went away having received God’s gift of righteousness. Christianity is radically humbling – not only does it teach that no-one is good, but also that no-one can make themselves good.
Jesus’ answer to the question, “don’t all paths lead to God?” is that there are no paths that lead to God, only the path that God has made in coming to us.

Michael Ramsden: A Matter Of Exclusivity

It is often argued by sceptics that the church has, over time, inflated Jesus’ claims about himself
It is a matter of historical record that early Christians worshipped Jesus as God, even pagan opponents, such as Pliny the Younger record this.
The argument that the Church inflated the claims about Christ fails on a number of levels, but, perhaps the clearest is that the time-line involved is too short.
The books of 1 Corinthians and Galatians are almost universally accepted by scholars as having been written in the mid 40s A.D. about twenty years after the events that they record.
In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Paul cites a creedal hymn about the death and resurrection of Christ, which had been passed down to him. We know from Galatians that Paul met with Cephas (i.e. Peter) around 34-37 A.D. and Cephas would doubtless have passed the core teachings about Jesus down to him at that time, only years after the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Even the leader of the Jesus Seminar, which argues that 90% of the recorded sayings of Jesus in the New Testament are false, has recently argued that the Gospel message was held by Christians from day one, although he argues from this that the church was wrong from day one!
Another question raised by sceptics is why Jesus didn’t just tell us that he was God. The gospel of Mark is probably the first gospel to have been written and in it, Jesus is asked whether he is “the Christ, the son of the Blessed One” to which he replies “I am” – this is not a question of interpretation. Even though some may not accept its authority, they do so because they don’t like what it clearly says.
This question as to whether Jesus’ claim to being God has been inflated can be answered using a passage of scripture accepted by almost all scholars.
In Ezekiel 34, the shepherds of Israel are denounced for feeding themselves at the expense of the sheep, until the true shepherd rescues the sheep from their abuse. At the end of the passage, it is made explicit that God is the good shepherd, the people are the sheep and that the bad shepherds are the religious leadership.
We should note from this passage that God is disgusted at the behaviour of the bad shepherds and that he himself has promised to intervene as a good shepherd, to seek out the lost and rescue them.
In Luke 15:1-7 Jesus compares himself to a good shepherd who searches out the lost sheep and asks the religious leaders whether they would not leave the ninety-nine safe to seek after the one lost sheep.
“This is who I am” said Jesus, and this is why the bad shepherds killed him. Jesus wasn’t killed because the religious leaders misunderstood him, they killed him because they understood.

Michael Ramsden: A Matter Of Inflation

This is a challenging and difficult message, but we must note how the world sees us in order for us to be able to minister effectively.
We should acknowledge that some of the things which the “new atheists” say about us are 100% correct!
Luke 10:25-37 – An expert in the law asks Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ answer is a relational answer about love for God and for others.
The lawyer’s next question is “who is my neighbour?”  One of the key accusations levelled against the church by the “new atheists” is that Christianity makes life convenient for us
Professor John Gray, the author of “Straw Dogs” argues that there is nothing special about being human, and attacks humanism as being simply Christian morality dressed up in secular language, ignoring scientific reality. According to his argument, all human morality is a matter of convenience, something which people follow when things are going well, but discard in tough times, when we revert to acting in our own interests.
Jesus replies to the lawyer’s second question “who is my neighbour?” with the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ first audience probably wouldn’t have been surprised that the priest walked past on the other side. The priest was not only in danger, but in a moral dilemma.
The story continues with the appearance of a Levite, one who served the priests.
Audiences in Jesus’ time would have expected a story about a priest and a Levite to be followed by the appearance of a member of the congregation of Israel, who served the Levites, however, Jesus departs from this formula by introducing a despised Samaritan as the rescuer of the wounded man.
It was manifestly not convenient or safe for the Samaritan to help the wounded man, but he did so.
When Jesus ends the story the audience must have realised that the Samaritan may have had literally to lay down his life for his neighbour.
Jesus therefore changes the question, from “who is my neighbour?” to “who is neighbourly?” We are called to “go and do likewise” and love everybody, whatever the cost to ourselves.
This moral choice is particular problematic for those, who, like us, live in an affluent part of the world. It has been found by sociological research that affluence often leads to a lack of a sense of meaning to life. If our Christianity is too convenient, we should not be surprised if the world is not impressed.
Is your Christian faith simply a matter of convenience?
In struggling with addictive behaviours (such as internet pornography) have you so accommodated God into your way of living, that you barely feel guilt anymore?

Michael Ramsden: A Matter Of Convenience

Michael Ramsden: Affluenza - The Effects of Affluence on the Soul and Society (Part 1)

John Lennox: A City in Pain

"Michael Ramsden is the International Director of RZIM and has been part of RZIM since its foundation in Europe in 1997. Michael is also joint Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Michael was brought up in the Middle East and later moved to England where he worked for the Lord Chancellor’s department investing funds. While doing research in Law and Economics at Sheffield University, he taught Moral Philosophy and lectured for the International Seminar for Jurisprudence and Human Rights in Strasbourg. He has also been a Professor-in-Residence at the Wolfsberg Executive Institute in Switzerland. Michael has been invited to lecture in various settings including the White House in Washington DC and has in the past addressed leaders at NATO HQ in Brussels, Members of the European Parliament, as well as bankers and investment managers on the current global financial crisis. Michael is also involved in a number of initiatives to equip and train emerging leaders and evangelists throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Michael Ramsden: The God Who Speaks

Vince Vitale: Great Expectations

Revelation 2:8-11 - The Suffering Church

Revelation 2:1-7 - The Loveless Church

Revelation 1:9-20 - Seeing Jesus

Revelation 1:4-8 - From God With Love

Revelation 1:1-3 - Revelation Of Jesus Christ

"Michael Ramsden is the International Director of RZIM for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and has been part of RZIM since its foundation in Europe in 1997. Michael is also joint Director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and Honorary Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Michael was brought up in the Middle East and later moved to England where he worked for the Lord Chancellor’s department investing funds. While doing research in Law and Economics at Sheffield University, he taught Moral Philosophy and lectured for the International Seminar for Jurisprudence and Human Rights in Strasbourg."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Michael Ramsden: There Is Now No Condemnation (Romans 8)

Vince Vitale: Following Jesus

"Vince Vitale is Director of the Zacharias Institute. He was educated at Princeton University and the University of Oxford, and he later taught philosophy of religion as a faculty member at both universities. It was during his undergraduate studies in philosophy at Princeton that Vince took an unexpected journey from skeptic to evangelist. He then pursued masters and PhD studies at Oxford, receiving a Daniel M. Sachs Graduating Scholarship (awarded annually to one graduating Princetonian) and a Clarendon Scholarship (supported by Oxford University Press). While researching at Oxford, Vince developed a new response to the problem of evil. This response—termed the Non-Identity Defense—is discussed in Vince and Ravi Zacharias’s book Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn’t Make Sense. Vince’s second book, Jesus Among Secular Gods: The Countercultural Claims of Christ, is also co-authored with Ravi Zacharias and is scheduled to be released in January 2017. For his work on Søren Kierkegaard, Inter-Varsity Press and Tyndale House awarded Vince the title IVP Young Philosopher of Religion of the Year 2013."

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Vince Vitale: Has Suffering Buried God?

Michael Ramsden: Peace With God

Michael Ramsden: Pentecost - A Promise Fulfilled

"Vince Vitale is Director of the Zacharias Institute. He was educated at Princeton University and the University of Oxford, and he taught philosophy of religion and served as a faculty member at both of these universities. It was during his undergraduate studies in philosophy at Princeton that Vince took an unexpected journey from skeptic to evangelist. He then completed masters and PhD studies at Oxford, receiving a Daniel M. Sachs Graduating Scholarship (which was awarded annually to one graduating Princetonian) and a Clarendon Scholarship (supported by Oxford University Press)." https://rzim.org/

"According to the American Heritage Dictionary, apologetics is “formal argumentation in defense of something, such as a position or system.” A Christian “apologetic” is not an apology as we usually use the term, that is, to say you are sorry for something. We use the word “apology” in the sense that we give a defense of the Christian faith. Apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia, “to give an answer.” 1 Peter 3:15 gives us the defining statement: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer (apologia) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The Scriptures do not divorce the content of apologetics from the character of the apologist. The apostle Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, knew the hazards and the risks of being an answer-bearer to the sincere questions that people would pose of the Gospel. For that very reason the Scriptures give us a clear picture of the apologist: one who has first set apart Christ in his or her heart as Lord, who then responds with answers to the questioner, and does so, with gentleness and respect."

Vince Vitale: Has Science Buried God?

                              

Michael Ramsden: Engaging In An Unengaged World (Part 1)

Michael Ramsden: An Encounter To Transform Your Life

Copyright for all material is held by L'Abri Ideas Library: www.labriideaslibrary.org

"Few Christians have had as great an impact on their generation as Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer. He communicated the truth of historic Biblical Christianity in a way that combined intellectual integrity, artistic sensitivity and a practical loving care. With a sharpened analytical mind he understood and uncovered the roots of modern thinking and its logical conclusion across a wide range of disciplines. In contrast to other worldviews and religions Christianity can stand truthfully, addressing our need to understand reality with our minds, to cope with it in our lives and to work into it with reasonable hope."

Article: Everything But the Knickers: The Enduring Significance of Francis Schaeffer (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/everything-but-the-knickers-the-enduring-significance-of-francis-schaeffer/)

Article: Truth With Love: The Apologetics of Francis Schaeffer (https://denverseminary.edu/article/truth-with-love-the-apologetics-of-francis-schaeffer/)

Francis Schaeffer - Christ As King - Part 2

Francis Schaeffer - Christ As King - Part 1

"Christ says "Give me All. I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want You. I have not come to torment your natural self, but to kill it. No half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there, I want to have the whole tree down. I don't want to drill the tooth, or crown it, or stop it, but to have it out. Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours." (Scholar C.S. Lewis)

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Jesus: The Way, The Truth, The Life

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