Back_To_Basics_Berean_Bible_Study

A popular pseudo-intellectual copout of the anti-theists is that they have no burden of proof whatsoever because they don’t assert anything. They claim that they simply lack sufficient evidence of God. This is utter poppycock because, firstly, no level of evidence would be sufficient because they ignore that which surrounds them every day in creation itself. Second, they most certainly do assert something when they vociferously deny the existence of God or Jesus, or the authenticity of Scripture, etc. It is just as easy (and inane) for us to deny that Washington was president of the United States by eliminating any US documentations as biased and made-up mythology created 100 years later. Anyone making novel outlandish claims has just as much, if not a greater, burden of proof than those defending previously universally accepted facts of history. If they want to compare hypotheses to see which is more rational and supported by reason and facts, the discussion is worthwhile. However, if they only wish to deny everything presented without offering any counterevidence, then you are merely throwing pearls to the swine. For further development of this theme, go to “Apologetics (& Introduction to Genesis)” found at https://rumble.com/vmmqgf-apologetics-and-introduction-to-genesis.html.

I can so often relate to Peter, especially when he jumped to Christ’s defense in Gethsemane, cutting off Malchus' ear. I often respond with the same vigor and hostility when skeptics attack Christ and His Truth. But as we learned shortly afterward when he denied Christ in the courtyard just hours later, Peter’s zealousness was not evidence of his love of Christ, but that he was still in the flesh. Compare Peter’s response in Gethsemane to his conviction and demeanor after he was restored and reinvigorated by the Resurrected Christ at the Galilean shoreside. For further development of this theme, go to “Apologetics (& Introduction to Genesis)” found at https://rumble.com/vmmqgf-apologetics-and-introduction-to-genesis.html.

The same as the demoniacs reviled Christ in His incarnate form, Anti-theists will do the same when you use His eternal Word. When engaging them, don’t be fooled into disarming yourself or baited into descending to their level of base discourse. If you keep your head and respond as Christ would deem fit, you will find that the skeptics are guilty of all the logical fallacies which they project onto you and that their anger stems from their completely untenable positions. For further development of this theme, go to “Apologetics (& Introduction to Genesis)” found at https://rumble.com/vmmqgf-apologetics-and-introduction-to-genesis.html.

The Bible is clear that you can do nothing to convince those in rebellion against God to repent and believe because their unbelief is not an intellectual matter, but a spiritual one. That’s the bad news, but here is the good news: “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27).

This is a pretty good summary of our first two prologues for Genesis. They both address disturbing trends in Christianity. The first, “In the Beginning, God” reminds us that the Bible is clear that God is indeed sovereign over all things from the very beginning to the very end, and each moment in between. Then, “In the Beginning was the Word,” assures us that Christ is indivisible from God the Father and is of the same character, also guiding and upholding all things from the beginning of time unto its culmination. For further development of this theme, go to “Apologetics (& Introduction to Genesis)” found at https://rumble.com/vmmqgf-apologetics-and-introduction-to-genesis.html.

I was supposed to finally start Genesis this time, but the introduction was 20 minutes long, so instead of doing a half-hearted look at Genesis, I’ll save that for the next one and really dig in. This introduction focuses on communicating with skeptics, noting their typical tactics and our appropriate response.

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh meaning, He represents the very heart and mind of God in a manner which humans can better understand and relate to. This theme is developed much deeper in “In the Beginning Was the Word” at https://rumble.com/vlgu65-in-the-beginning-was-the-word.html.

A lot of people end their debate over eschatology with, “I am a pan-Tribulationist; it will all pan out in the end,” to avoid any conflict, but eschatology does matter because what you believe about God’s ultimate plan affects how you understand all aspects of His eternal plan. This theme is developed much deeper in “In the Beginning Was the Word” at https://rumble.com/vlgu65-in-the-beginning-was-the-word.html.

I’ll let you decide: is Solomon speaking poetically about wisdom in general or is he describing Jesus, the very Logos of God in the same manner as John in the first chapter of his Gospel. This theme is developed much deeper in “In the Beginning Was the Word” at https://rumble.com/vlgu65-in-the-beginning-was-the-word.html.

I explain why John’s Gospel has a different structure and tone from the synoptic Gospels. It is in no way contradictory, but complimentary, in that John goes deeper into the metaphysical aspects of our faith. For why John 1 is so important, go to “In the Beginning Was the Word” at https://rumble.com/vlgu65-in-the-beginning-was-the-word.html.

No one within the mainstream Church today goes as far as Marcion, actually declaring that the God of the Old Testament is evil, but when we really dig into their beliefs, we see that far too many actually do create a false division between Jesus, who they picture as all about love, acceptance, and forgiveness and the Father as He is portrayed in the Old Testament who judges man and declares His wrath against the wicked.

Before we get into the meat of Genesis 1, I wanted to make sure we all understand that Christ was there from the very beginning and that there is complete unity between Him and the Father.

One of the best things about reading the Bible is discovering how different it is from how it is portrayed in our culture. Christinity has become quite feminized and when people talk about a Chrisitian demeanor, what they mean is a genteel, milquetoast manner. Yet, when we actually read the Bible, we so no heroes who act like Mr. Rodgers, but instead find a parade of very weathered men and warriors who had a heart for God. Go to https://rumble.com/vjvt4o-genesis-11-in-the-beginning-god.html for the full lesson on Genesis 1:1.

Is God a God of love? Absolutely. But that isn’t the whole picture. To truly love someone, you need to know the real and complete person. This applies to God as well. When we create a false idol of Him based upon how we wish Him to be, we set ourselves up for disappointment and disillusionment when things don’t work out the way we desire. If we start by seeing Him as nothing but love, we will be perplexed when we witness things which don’t fit our contemporary definition of it. If, however, we start from the position of seeing God as the author of ALL things, we can then learn from Him the true definition of love. Go to https://rumble.com/vjvt4o-genesis-11-in-the-beginning-god.html for the full lesson on Genesis 1:1.

Wanting a comfortable prosperous life is certainly natural. Unfortunately, when we don’t achieve that and see others who have, jealousy and resentment are also quite natural as well. But we are not to think like a natural man according to the flesh. We are liberated by the Holy Spirit to see the much bigger picture. Go to https://rumble.com/vjvt4o-genesis-11-in-the-beginning-god.html for the full lesson on Genesis 1:1.

There is a reason after finishing the Gospel of Matthew, I went to Genesis. Matthew gives an excellent portrait of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, when we spend all our time in the New Testament, which emphasizes His love and compassion, we lose sight of His omnipotence and Sovereignty which is clearly described throughout the Old Testament. We need to take on the full counsel of God to get the complete picture. Go to https://rumble.com/vjvt4o-genesis-11-in-the-beginning-god.html for the full lesson on Genesis 1:1.

It took us a couple years, but we finally finished Matthew’s Gospel. It is a good time to pause and reflect on my methodology and where I intend on going from here. If the plan sounds good to you, jump on board at https://rumble.com/vjvt4o-genesis-11-in-the-beginning-god.html for the full lesson on Genesis 1:1.

Too many “Christians” have a very weak and limited view of God. If you fully grasp the first four words of the Bible, you understand much of what you need to know about who God is.

I am aware of my clumsiness and lack of skill in relating the Gospel, so I am calling in back up. Paul perfectly sums up in a few paragraphs what I have been trying to teach this entire lesson. For my longer version, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html

One of the silliest refutations of the Resurrection is the earliest. From the very beginning, enemies of Christ claimed that He did not rise, but that His Disciples had broken in and stolen the body under the nose of Roman guards. Does this make any sense? Nor do any of the other objections raised today. For the rest of the story, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html

A popular tactic of skeptics is to point out alleged discrepancies in the Resurrection account. Yet those same skeptics would allege collusion and plagiarism if the accounts were identical. I have 26 years of police investigative experience and can attest that minor differences only indicate sincerity and reflect the different perspectives and priorities of those reporting the event. Each person emphasizes the aspects which are most important to them, while neglecting details they find insignificant, but other witness may feel are crucial. As an investigator, I did not throw out reports which superficially appeared to differ, but instead put them all together to uncover the complete picture. For the rest of the story, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html

What a great question and it is probably the most important question of all of philosophy. The world looks for meaning among the dead, but ours is a blessed hope in a Living God. For the rest of the story, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html

Despite James completely obliterating this Antinomian nonsense, the most popular concept of faith in contemporary Christianity is that it simply means believing certain facts about Christ. Really? Just mental assent? Is that what you would consider faithfulness in your wife – that she simply acknowledges in her mind that you are her husband? Or do you actually understand that faith means loyalty, but just don’t want to put any requirements on yourself to actually follow Jesus if you want to claim Him as your Savior. Since you didn’t understand James’ Epistle, maybe you will understand Joseph’s example. For the rest of the story, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html

Few Christians know the name of Salome, the wife of Zebedee, mother of the Apostles John and James, but she actually was one of Christ’s most devoted followers and gets a decent amount of coverage in the Gospels. For the rest of the story, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html

I am a strong advocate for masculinity, and find it terribly lacking in the Church. But this is in no way to denigrate the role of women. It is clear that Scripture elevates them. It is also clear that both men and women are very necessary because men and women are very different, and each brings necessary, complimentary aspects to the table. For the rest of the story, check out Matthew 27:55-66; 28 (Fear Not, He is Risen) at https://rumble.com/vh7ijj-matthew-2755-66-28-fear-not-he-is-risen.html