3 Simple Ways the Birth of Jesus Changed the World

3D Glasses Categories: Theology and Christian Apologetics, Apologetics, Christianity, Christmas, Gospel, Jesus, Natasha Crain, NatashaCrain.com, Theology and Christian Apologetics, Worldview
“When we see Jesus as he is, we must turn away or else shamelessly adore him. That must be kept in mind for any authentic understanding of the power of Christian faith.” This quote, from Dallas Willard’s book, “The Divine Conspiracy,” challenged me the moment I read it this week. There is no better time to remind ourselves of what it means to shamelessly adore Jesus than at Christmas. I’m convicted this week that shameless adoration becomes most possible when we truly grasp what our lives would be like if He had not yet been born. 5 minutes before His birth, the world was completely different. 5 minutes before His birth, the world was completely different. It’s so easy to forget this, because all we know living in the second…
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Humbly He Came

4. Is the NT True?, Alexa Cramer, Apologetics, Baby Jesus, Christianity, Gospel, humility, MamaBearApologetics, MamaBearApologetics.com, Nativity
There are a lot of things that are true but are hard to believe, but the fact that the Creator of our universe has pooped in a diaper is a big one. I mean, really think about that. And if your first reaction is to think that the opening line of this post sounds crass (which is a natural reaction given Who we are talking about), you are only reinforcing the point I’m about to make: Our all-powerful almighty God entered into this broken and dangerous world as a helpless baby. The One we worship above all else fed at His mother’s breasts and, yes, even pooped in His diaper. Although the song “Away in a Manger” suggests our Savior didn’t cry, I just don’t buy it. He was fully…
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Historical Bias, Objectivity, And The Truth Of Christianity

4. Is the NT True?, Apologetics, bias, Brian Huffling, BrianHuffling.com, Christianity, Epistemology, Gospel, historical apologetics, knowledge, objectivity, Philosophy of History, Worldview
“Historians are biased and choose what they report. As such, history can’t be known.” That’s a typical objection to the ability to know history. If such objections prove that we can’t know history, then we can’t know that Christianity is true since it is known through history and historical claims. In his prologue, Luke says, “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke…
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Was Jesus Really Born of a Virgin? Does It Matter?

4. Is the NT True?, Alisa Childers, AlisaChildersBlog.com, Apologetics, Christianity, Christmas, Gospel, Jesus, miracles, Nativity, New Testament, virgin birth
“It doesn’t really matter if Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit or by Joseph’s seed. What matters is that Jesus came to earth, died, and was resurrected.” This is more or less what was said in a conversation I had several years ago with a now self-proclaimed progressive Christian. At the time, he was trying to work out his theology. Today, his words ring with expectancy to be answered. Was Jesus born of a virgin? Does it matter in regard to our faith if He was? Virgin Birth: Negotiable or Not? The virgin birth of Jesus Christ has always been considered a non-negotiable core doctrine of Christianity and is mentioned in the earliest creeds. Among Christians, this doctrine wasn’t broadly questioned until a period of history referred to as…
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What Really Happened at the Council of Nicea?

Apologetics, Christianity, Church History, Council of Nicaea, Da Vinci Code, Gospel, historical apologetics, Jonathan McLatchie, JonathanMclatchie.com, Uncategorized
For many years, the Council of Nicaea has been the subject of much confusion among laypeople. The misapprehensions which have come to be associated with the council of Nicaea have, in part, been fueled by popular fictional novels such as Dan Brown’s notorious The Da Vinci Code. No matter what group you are dealing with in your apologetic exploits (including atheists, Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Unitarians), you are almost guaranteed to encounter some of these misconceptions. For this reason, it is important for Christians to study and learn church history, so that they might correct common myths and falsehoods. Did Constantine Invent the Bible and the Deity of Christ? The Council of Nicaea was famously convened on May 20, 325 AD, at the request of Emperor Constantine (pictured above). What did…
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World Religions in Seven Sentences with Dr. Doug Groothuis

christian, Christian Apologetics, Christianity, Dr. Doug Groothuis, Dr. Frank Turek, Gospel, morality, philosophy, Podcast, religion, theology, World Religions
How much do you know about the major world religions? Whether it’s atheism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, or one of the many Eastern religions, humanity holds a wide array of beliefs about who God is and if He even exists at all. But what if more Christians dedicated time to learning about other religions? How could this strengthen our faith along with our ability to share the Gospel? We’re kicking off December with renowned Christian apologist and philosopher, Dr. Doug Groothuis, professor at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI and the author of 20+ books, including his latest work, ‘World Religions in Seven Sentences: A Small Introduction to a Vast Topic‘. In this episode, Frank and Doug discuss the inspiration behind the book and unpack some of the core beliefs of…
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Jesus: Santa Claus for Adults?

4. Is the NT True?, Apologetics, Atheism, Christianity, Christmas, FreeThinkingMinistries.com, Gospel, Grinch, Jesus, Santa Clause, Tim Stratton
It’s common for atheists to be a “Grinch” over the Holidays and exclaim that Jesus is just a “Santa Claus for adults!” When I hear that claim, I immediately respond with a question: “What do you mean by that?” If one means that children often believe in fictional fairy tales and adults believe in fact-based evidence, then I agree – Jesus is for adults (and actually people of all ages)! But I don’t think that’s the intent behind this claim. I believe the intent of the atheist (“Grinch”) is to convey that little kids believe in a fictional Santa Clause and many adults believe in fiction too – Christianity. How the Grinch Stole Christ out of Christmas Well, why think a thing like that, Mr. Grinch? Is belief in Jesus —…
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Pastoral Counseling and the Resurrection of Jesus

bellatorchristi.com, Gospel, Pastoral Counseling, pastors, psychology, Resurrection, Theology and Christian Apologetics, Therapy, TJ Gentry
When reflecting on over forty years of pastoral ministry carried out in numerous forms and contexts, two recurring realities emerge as most prominent in my experience. First, people are often profoundly troubled and deeply hurting amid the moral chaos and cultural decay of a sin-stricken world, resulting in a brokenness that reaches the deepest recesses of the human mind and heart. Second, the gospel—the hopeful proclamation of the now-and-not-yet kingdom of God as manifested in the deity, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is the greatest source of healing for individuals, families, churches, and cultures.[i] “The gospel—the hopeful proclamation of the now-and-not-yet kingdom of God as manifested in the deity, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ—is the greatest source of healing for individuals, families, churches, and cultures.” In a word, the…
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Do you Dare to Really Know Jesus?

4. Is the NT True?, christology, Gospel, HeavenNotHarvard.com, Jennifer Defrates, Jesus, resurrection Categories: Is the New Testament True?
If you would consider to dare to know Jesus, I invite you to give Him some serious thought today. Whether you’re a Christian or not, you probably claim to know Jesus, at least in broad strokes. In fact, worldwide, no one person has influenced history more than Jesus. The way we even measure history has been using His birth since A.D. 532. While using “BC” (Before Christ) has become less politically correct, the era still changes approximately at His birth. But which Jesus do you know? There is only one historical Jesus in reality. But how He is painted, described, even taught can vary wildly. And sadly, not every person who describes herself as a Christian even knows the real Jesus. We live in a culture of busy. We don’t have…
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Top Ten Ways to Advance the Gospel at Holiday Dinners – 2024 Edition

Christian Apologetics, Christianity, Dr. Frank Turek, family, friends, Gospel, Holiday, Holiday dinner, morality, philosophy, Podcast, religion, Thanksgiving, theology
Are you dreading the upcoming holiday dinners where you’ll be in close proximity with friends, family, and loved-ones who aren’t Christians? Let’s face it—holiday gatherings with friends and family who don’t share your worldview can feel awkward. But they’re also incredible opportunities to share the Gospel! If you’re in search of some practical tips to make faith conversations a little less painful this Thanksgiving and Christmas, listen up! In this week’s podcast, Frank shares 10 practical strategies to help you navigate holiday faith conversations with confidence and without making a scene. He’ll answer questions like: Are you setting realistic goals for sharing your faith? Why is listening often more impactful than debating? What role should prayer play when evangelizing? What are 3 tactical questions that you can ask and what common…
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