SPF 061: Giving a Defense for Hope - a podcast by lauren hlushak

from 2017-11-15T06:50:27

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How do we give a defense for the hope that we have? Let’s start with a few questions that every person wrestles with in their lifetime. Who am I? Why am I here? What is wrong with the world? How can the wrong be made right? Today we are answering these questions from two vorldveiws: secular humanism and Christian theism and how relying on the Truth of God’s mercy helps us prove faithful.

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SPF Christmas Favorites List

Does gift giving stress you out? Give life to your soul? Are you a last minute shopper or have you already purchased AND wrapped all your Christmas goods? Whatever your feelings or styles are with gift-giving, you won't want to miss these SPF Christmas Favorites!

That's right - a list compiled of some great ideas for gifts. It's kind of like Oprah's Favorites only more affordable . . . and more awesome because there are some giveaways and exclusive discounts to SPF Listeners.

So check it out! It's LIVE today!

www.sheprovesfaithful.com/christmas

Cultural Apologetics

The word "apologetics" is scary to me. It feels like I'm not smart enough to even get near the topic. But we are called to give a "defense" or apologia, for the hope that we have, and with gentleness and respect.

Today is about answering four questions through two different worldview. We expose the issues with one and see the goodness of the other.

1. Who am I?

2. Why am I here?

3. What’s wrong with the world?

4. How can the wrong be made right?

Voddie Baucham addresses these in a talk that is EXCELLENT here:

https://vimeo.com/203890559

Secular Humanism:

Secular humanism is by definition "an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems." (Merrium Webster dictionary)

Christian Theism:

The belief that God is the Creator of the universe and reigns Supreme. We have rebelled against His holy law and are dead in our sins. We need a Savior to take the punishment for our transgressions, which came through Jesus Christ, God's only Son. Through Christ alone can our sins be forgiven and can we stand before the most Holy God without blemish.

Secular Humanism answers the four questions with humans being the solution to the problems. More government and more education are often the solutions they stand behind, but they do not work.

For example, the drug problem. Check out recidivism - rearrests for the same crime for drugs:

Recidivism is measured by criminal acts that resulted in rearrest, reconviction or return to prison with or without a new sentence during a three-year period following the prisoner's release.

Bureau of Justice Statistics studies have found high rates of recidivism among released prisoners. One study tracked 404,638 prisoners in 30 states after their release from prison in 2005.[1] The researchers found that:

Within three years of release, about two-thirds (67.8 percent) of released prisoners were rearrested.

Within five years of release, about three-quarters (76.6 percent) of released prisoners were rearrested.

Of those prisoners who were rearrested, more than half (56.7 percent) were arrested by the end of the first year.

Take directly from https://www.nij.gov/topics/corrections/recidivism/Pages/welcome.aspx

Look at the potential effectiveness of Red Ribbon Week from a mother: - why wearing camouflage will not help you in the crack battle:

Christian Theism answers the questions with a worldview and belief that God is Creator, we are creation, and that the problem in this world is sin, therefore God is the only solution.

If sin is not the problem, then humans are the answer. If sin is not the problem, then God is not the answer.

Does the Bible say that we can fix our own problems?

No, we are not righteous! That means God is the answer.

Sin is the answer to what is wrong. There is no other answer.

Sin gave way to a world that is in chronic decay, progressive immorality, and death

VB More education just leads to smarter sinners

More government control leads to more law breakers and less freedom

Christ came to set us free.

Read Colossians 1 and Ephesians 2