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Dear Partners In Ministry,
Recently our Board member, Eric Pement and myself were invited
on the nationally broadcast Moody Radio network’s “Prime
Time America” where we discussed “Postmodernism.” In
this climate there is a concerted attack by the enemy of
our souls on the biblically mandated service of apologetics.
Liberal mainline churches and some supposedly “postmodern” Emergent
Movement types hold apologetics at arms length because it
presents the true view of mankind and its true need, not
their imaginary humanistic definition of what man is and
what he needs in modern times. This is based on their hubris
or proud (evolved?) notion that modern men have changed from
their ancestors because of modern media innovations and can
no longer think in linear fashion. Professors interviewed
on our radio show dispute this diagnosis. The Bible’s
definition of man is eternal and doesn’t change according
to the whims of man. I have read their comments on apologetics
and they are usually not courageous enough to make a frontal
assault but “damn it through faint praise” or
innuendo. Their authors say that they see some value in it
but that ignorant “postmodern” people can’t
respond to simple reasoning anymore. Of course, this lets
them off the hook of having to do the needed homework in
order to truly obey the commands of Scripture to be engaged
in apologetics. This doesn’t mean one has to get a
degree in apologetics as we ALL are commanded to be involved.
The late great Dr. F.F.
Bruce, widely regarded as the finest New Testament scholar
of recent times, said that 47% of the entire New Testament
record is apologetics in nature. God’s word doesn’t
change and neither do the definitions it gives of man and
his needs. Apologetics is commanded because it is needed
according to God.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT APOLOGETICS
AND THOSE WHO WOULD ATTACK IT by Rev. Kevin S. Johnson
“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness,
you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND
DO NOT BE TROUBLED, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks
you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with
gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that
in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile
your good behavior in Christ will be put to
shame.-
1 Pet 3:14-16
This is one of the primary locus passages that commands apologetics.
The Greek word that is translated here for defense is apologia,
the etymological root word for apologetics! An “apologia” was
a 1st Century Hellenistic legal term for the reasoned defense
an advocate would make for his client before a judge in court.
This passage also deals with the persecution and fault-finding
you can expect when you are engaged in practicing apologetics.
This is because apologetics involves exposing evil and has
a prophetic element. “I am not a prophet nor the son
of a prophet” (and I work for a “not for profit” organization)
but I too have experienced some of this (see Amos 7:14).
Elijah exposed the evil of the prophets of Baal and so Ahab
tried to marginalize Elijah by calling him the problem when
it was really Ahab who was the problem. 1 Kings 18:17,18
tells us the story: “When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said
to him, "Is this you, you troubler of Israel?" He
said, "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your
father's house have, because you have forsaken the commandments
of the LORD and you have followed the Baals.” In the
New Testament the Apostle Paul was marginalized by Festus!
Acts 26:24 says; “While Paul was saying this in his
defense, Festus said in a loud voice, "Paul, you are
out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad." This
ad hominem tactic uses the very fact that someone makes an
intelligent defense as a way to marginalize him and so avoid
having to deal with the substance of what he is saying.
Satan, and those deceived by him, HATE apologetics! Why?
It is because it represents dialogue and refutation of the
lies of this world system. It represents God’s truths
AGAINST the lies of the devil. Satan would have us believe
that apologetics is no longer necessary or isn’t God’s
main thrust in our age.
Yet, the last days are supposed to be defined by spiritual
trickery and deception. Jesus warned us:
Mt 7:15 “ Beware of false prophets, who come to you
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.”
Mt 24:11 “And many false prophets shall arise, and
shall lead many astray”.
Mt 24:24 “For there shall arise false Christs, and
false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so
as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
We certainly are living in an age of lies. DaVinci Code hysteria,
for
instance, features flat-out lies and distortion about the
biblical record and
reviles the church. We expose this in classes and on our
radio program by showing the excellent presentation put together
by Dr. D. James Kennedy. Dan Brown, author of The DaVinci
Code, calls himself a “committed Christian” but
a real Christian would rather die than intentionally promote
harmful deception! The fruit of his mouth (via his pen or
word processor) doesn’t pass the truth test.
It is reported that confusion about our Lord Jesus has been
the fruit of his book in many areas of the world.“By
their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of
thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth
forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil
fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither
can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that
bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Therefore,
by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did
we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name
do many mighty works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you:
depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” —JESUS in Matt. 7:16-23 “ Beloved,
while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I
felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for
the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. For certain persons
have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this
condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness
and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” —Jude2-4 Satan
is called “subtle” so don’t expect these false prophets to
be “stand up” kind of guys who will speak plainly and let you know
exactly where they stand. They are the type who equivocate and say seemingly
contradictory things at the same time. They don’t want to offend ANYBODY
lest their ministry or books not be supported financially. We are not like
that here at Mount Carmel Outreach!
What About “Embodiment” Apologetics?
The new term for outreach given by some is so-called “Embodiment
Apologetics.” This is proposed to be what is really
needed in order to reach our culture.
In “embodiment apologetics” you just live a good
loving life and tell others your own story of what God has
done in your life. You don’t necessarily confront the
person you are “witnessing” to with his or her
need to decide to believe and repent of false thinking that
produces the sinful actions that hurt them and dishonor their
Creator. You just share your testimony and be kind without
appeal to their God given reason.
We should live a life that is godly and kind and we should
tell our testimony. There is nothing new in that! The evil
is in stopping there and omitting Biblically mandated apologetics
reasoning. “If it is possible, as far as it depends
on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).
When someone is deceptive about our Heavenly Father we are
NOT able to agree with them for their own good but more importantly
because of our loyalty to God.
The opponents of apologetics say our culture doesn’t
like absolute truth statements and they only like people
to express their faith as their own personal experience without
universal applications (big story narratives and
imperatives) that would be binding on all souls, especially
on the one hearing it!“That’s your truth” is
a phrase that is often mouthed by those subscribing to non-Christian
subjectivism. “Whatever works for
you” or as Sinatra put it:“Whatever gets you through the night— whether
it’s a bottle
or a Bible.” The subjectivist approach is appealing to our pagan culture,
and the fallen nature of man, which seeks the easy way out.
Even Christians can want to avoid the hard work and stress
of having to confront others with applicable truth claims.
Any true presentation of the Gospel necessitates a call to
believe. For these Christians subjective testimony and lifestyle
alone seems to let them off the hook to do so.
The pitfall in this approach lies in the limitations of a
personal testimony if divorced from a larger picture or “metanarrative” that
would morally include the other person. If the faith you
share is based on your own subjective life story it can be
easily dismissed by others as irrelevant to their own subjective “spiritual
journey” and only applicable to your unique circumstances.
The need to tell people the Gospel (see 1 Cor. 15:1-5) in
order for them to be saved puts all of us believers in the
realm of apologetics immediately. As soon as someone asks
a question about what we have said we must be equipped to
give a truth- filled answer.
I once encountered a man who said he was a “charismatic
born again Catholic”. He told me that he witnessed
everyday at the grocery store. I asked him if that meant
he did this when checking out? He replied that he did it
everywhere in the store. I said, “That’s great!
But how do you talk to people as they are shopping in the
aisles?” He said he didn’t talk but just smiled
at people and they could sense God in him! I told him Donny
and Marie Osmond do a lot of smiling and they seem to be
authentically nice people but they are Mormons! This illustrates
the need for content. Without the clear facts of God’s
Word, the wrong “god” may get the credit for
our niceness!
The classic forms of apologetics are evidentialist and presuppositionalist.
Both serve to expose or confront evil, and both support the
veracity of the Biblical record through destroying arguments
and lies raised against it. If you care about God’s
honor, it comes naturally to obey the commandment to follow
Paul’s example (Phil 3:17) of persuasive speech (see
Acts17:4); this will be done well or poorly depending on
our devotion to God. If we love Him we keep His commands,
including those given via His Apostles; and He gives us ability
to do so.“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather
expose them.” —Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:11 “The weapons
we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have
divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension
that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every
thought to make it obedient to Christ”. -Paul in 2 Cor.10:4,5 We must
follow the three “P’s” of evangelism. We must Proclaim; then
Persuade; and Pray both before and after as God gives the increase.
THANKS!
We thought we would share with you some of the thankful feedback
we have received regarding various aspects of our outreach
and teaching ministry.
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and
not thine own lips.”-Proverbs 27:2 ON OUR TOURS TO THE HOLYLAND This
April we led our fourth tour of the Promised Land, the first to be consecutive
with a previous year. We experienced an historic 4th Latter Rain in the month
of April. This is the first time in modern times that this has happened. It
was wonderful to see rain in the desert in the upper Aravah at the Dead Sea.
Following is a thank-you about the tour:
“Dear Kevin, Just a quick note
to say thank you for all your time and effort to make our
trip such a wonderful experience.
Again, Thank You!” —Ray Knowland
Ray and his two wonderful children Grant, 13 and Meredith,
12 (she turned 12 the day after we returned from Israel and
Jordan), went with us and were a great blessing to all of
us. It was great to see holy sites partially through their
young eyes.
ON OUR RADIO PROGRAM
“Kevin, I just wanted to write
and thank you for your Saturday program with Joel on WFEN.
It has helped me make recent decisions concerning where myself
and my family attend church, among other things. I have recently
left a rapidly growing church (CITY WITHHELD, from Wisconsin)
after almost 20 years of attendance and membership. It was
not done hastily nor easily. After months of prayer it was
obvious that the church growth movement in general is much
as you have described it. I began to notice that there was little emphasis
on biblical theology of any kind, any systematic theology nor the proper development
of a world view that has a biblical basis in the lives of new converts. Very
socially liberal new converts were placed in positions of great influence i.e.
counseling, with little or no training or oversight. These
people were given free rein to influence weaker members of
the body even though they were established secular humanists,
social liberals and had not the slightest inkling of a biblical
worldview. There were such subtle things as the lack of Bibles
being carried. . . . The insistence that everyone "dress
down" so that the visitor feel welcome. The inability
to manage the huge influx of people, that is to say teach
and disciple them, yet at the same time seeking more people
to come into the church. Pastoral positions developed such
as a pastor of "sports" (don’t ask me I don’t
have a clue what it is, it’s not evangelism because
there was also an evangelism pastor) when there is little
formal teaching or doctrinal emphasis. All this after some
time became a matter of conscience that I could not overcome.
I am sure you and your Saturday program have helped me not
to feel guilty. I am now attending a church that I believe
is soundly rooted in the Word and notice a huge difference
in the attitude of the leadership at this church. I simply
could no longer feel as though the inmates were running the
asylum, so to say, and had to move on. You have helped re-establish
my belief that we are part and parcel of a historic orthodox
Christian faith that has been handed down to us to treasure
and protect. I would (I’d guess) be only one of a few
that think my former fellowship is in deep trouble. There
is little thought of anything other than the rapid growth
that itself is evidence to them of the moving of the Holy
Spirit and confirmation of God’s hand upon them. However
to me, what is taking place is but the beginning of a dangerous
and destructive path that may be difficult to return from.
The latest trend is volunteerism . . . . Just get involved...
everyone ... so even those who should not get involved, the
secularists, are welcomed to get in there and use their “giftedness
for the Lord.” Without a thought of what the consequences
are if one of these people counsels someone to have an abortion
or some other tragic advice counter to the word of the Lord
and sound theology. Anyway, thanks for the continued dialogue
that you present every Sat. Just wanted you to know you have
helped me to have the courage to move on. I know God has
used you, thanks! (NAME WITHHELD).”
We usually urge people to stay in their church and be salt
and light unless the situation is so far gone that it is
impossible to redeem. We join Dr. Ron Gleason, who is a Presbyterian
pastor, when he, on our radio program, applauded this man’s
devotion to God and his family.
ON DISCUSSION GROUP CLASSES:
“Dear Kevin, I enjoyed your teachings as usual. I checked with Google
on the title "How We Got the Bible;" there seems to be more than
one title and/or author. . . . Thank you so much for your magnificent work.
Paul R. Lembrich, (Lutheran)”
ON OUR EMAIL FORWARDS:
“Kevin, I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate
the E-mail's you send. Thanks for putting me on the list. I get info in this
fashion that I find nowhere else. I forward selected articles to others I know
based upon their personal interests, so, these E-mails go beyond your own mailing
list.
Please keep them coming. I see this as an important part
of your ministry .”— Merril Pointer “Hi
Kevin, I am dropping you a note to tell you how much I appreciate
being on your e-mail list and getting your forwards. I read
them all and pass along information to my Pastor and others
in my church. As a born again believer in Jesus Christ, I
shun worldly pursuits. I go to work, church, and share the
gospel with others, but my sphere of influence is very small,
and I know your e-mails have been a tremendous help in educating
me about the bigger picture out there. Please keep up the
good work and know that I am praying for you and your ministry.
I am sure your radio program, website, and e-mail forwards
are a blessing to many. Yours in Jesus Christ, Nigel B. Brown
Trustee, Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, Janesville,
Wisconsin”
We disagree with the UPC on their baptismal regeneration
doctrine and their Sabellianism in regard to the Trinity.
We are, however, thankful for Nigel’s gracious letter. “When
a man's ways please YAHWEH, He maketh even his enemies to
be at peace with him.” —Proverbs16:7
“Kevin,
Keep sending the E-mail articles. I do read them and find
many to be very thought provoking!—Chuck Sweeny”
(Chuck
is a brother in Christ and a popular editorialist and secular
newspaper journalist)
We hope you have found this edition of The Contender Insider
edifying.
Please pray for us and continue to partner with us financially
on a regular monthly basis so we may continue our mission
to this culture.
Please Pray For These Concerns:
• H, A teenager that Kevin
recently prayed with to trust Jesus as Lord and
Saviour. This came after many phone conversations with Kevin’s
teenaged son Caleb regarding the things of the Lord. She
has consequently had a relative who thinks she is now mentally
unhinged and has been committed to a mental ward.
• N and C, who are praising God
for the deliverance from a demon that had
plagued the husband and family for a long time. The demon
said that it had connected with him while he was on the internet
and came to torment the family.
Another former Pastor, led the deliverance and I was involved
in prayer support and counsel. It was a real blessing to
be involved. They had suffered hauntings in the form of disembodied
red eyes accompanied by hissing and dark formed apparitions
in the bedroom. Their little two year old girl had thrown
herself in a pool and the mother saved her. Please pray that
the family would be strengthened in theis healing and growing
time.
• Leor Elan, a 42 year old Israeli
Messianic Jewish believer who had a
heart transplant two years ago. He was our guide on our last
tour of Israel. I first saw Leor on the late Zola Levitt’s
TV program. Pray for the continued success of his physical
heart transplant. He does a very good job as a tour guide
and we love him as our brother in Christ.
• Mikey, a young elementary school
boy who has bitten another child at
school and suffers from fits. Demonic activity is suspected.
• Speaking Engagement: I have
been asked by Dr. David Allen Lewis to
address the Eschatology Club in Springfield, Missouri in
June. They meet on a monthly basis. High school and college
students are also invited. My topic is Islamic Terror Roots
and Israel.
Please Pray For A New Studio
Please pray for the building next to our parsonage on our
property that it could be turned into a viable recording
studio over the Summer months. We own the needed G-4 computer,
a large 24 channel mixing board console, a studio amp, BOSE
monitors and the building. We still need at least $5,000
for the additional recording equipment and software and at
least another $5,000-$6,000.00 for the wall, window, drop
ceiling, flooring, electrical work, carpeting and accoustic
tiles.We have half of an album recorded and know of other
Christian musicians who could make use of the facility if
it existed. We would donate the studio time and they would
only be asked to pay engineering costs and be willing to
donate 10% tithe for a time to our ministry from future sales
of the CDs/albums created here.
We Invite Your Involvement:
Listen to the weekly broadcast of “Perspective Underground” on
88.3 WFEN in Rockford, Il. and 103 FM in Madison, WI. Saturdays
at noon and on our website at www.contender.org! Topics covered
are: Current Events From A Christian Worldview, Biblical
Prophecy, Apologetics and Cults, Christian Morality and Government.
Please let us know what guests you’d like to see in
person at our auditorium!
Attend our interdenominational Monday
and Thursday night discussion and teaching groups Mondays at 7:00 pm at First
Evangelical Free Church in Rockford, Il and Thursdays at
7:00 pm Park Hills Free Church in Freeport, Il. We cover
similar, if not the same, topics as our radio program, and
watch and listen to the latest Christian video and audio
tapes. We also keep abreast of current media coverage of
Christian concerns. Lively discussion and question and answer
is the norm. The classes have been attended widely across
denominational lines.
We have been meeting downstairs at First Free Church in the
board room for 22 years.
Call us at 815-947-CULT if you are witnessing
to a person lost in a cult, false religion, the occult or
if you have any question or spiritual need relating to Christ. We will
try to help with information, prayer and Bible based counsel.
Make use of our Speakers Bureau! Rev. Kevin Johnson, Joel
Griffith, Gavin Rittmeyer and Jim Korleski are available
to come to your church and fill the pulpit, teach Sunday
School classes, speak to youth groups, or do a special series
of seminars on a wide variety of topics. Topics include:
Post-Modernism, Evolution Vs.Creation, Israel and/or Post-Yavne
Judaism, Using Your Gifts In The Body of Christ, The Believer’s
Position In Christ, The Christian and Politics, Legalism,
The Occult, Biblical Prophecy and Modern Times, The Cults
Overview, Following The Example of The Apostles In Evangelization
and Missions, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Islam.
Please approach those who are in authority in your church
or organization who are able to bring us in and urge them
to do so!We ask a love offering, gas and lodging if needed.
Join Our Online Forward List! We will forward articles sent
to us by researchers we have met in our 22 years of ministry
networking and doing radio and TV.
You can help MCO by sending us interesting bits of information
in the form of internet newsclips, articles, tapes and books
that pertain to prophetic developments, the cults and the
occult. Also call the media outlets (radio, TV,
newspapers) and urge them to use us as expert sources or
evangelical spokesmen.
Urge your church’s missions board to join other
churches in their support of MCO! Please urge like minded friends
as well.
Please continue your regular support MCO in prayer
and monthly giving as the
Lord leads!
Notes of encouragement also mean a lot!
We thank the Lord for each one of you!
In His Service Gladly,
Kevin
Mount Carmel Outreach
All donations to The Institute For Christian
Apologetics are
tax-deductible, greatly needed and equally appreciated!
Make your checks out to:
The Institute For Christian Apologetics
Send them to P.O. Box 5761 Rockford, IL 61125
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