Erring Christian

The Erring Christian Series

http://www.erringchristian.com  &  http://www.rahabschurch.com

Evangelical Multi Denominational Christian Fellowship

Heavy Stuff 

Appendix. 

A more in depth look at some of the topics mentioned in the pages of Erring Christian & Rahab's Church. Includes additional information. 

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Index in depth at foot

Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: The Meaning of Life

Topic: Atheistic Evolution

The creationist argues that God, the superior intelligence out side of but intrinsically linked to mankind, brought every thing in to being by a supernatural act of creation.

Confronted with modern carbon dating methods, (adequately dealt with on many creationist web sites) arguments have arisen over the time period of the original creation. 

Six literal 24 hour days as we know them with the original creation approximately six to ten thousand years ago, or longer? 

Also the "age day theory" (a day unto the Lord is as a thousand years) which allows for much longer. There are arguments on both sides. God is outside of time.

http://www.creationism.org/topbar/carbon14.htm

http://www.answersingenesis.org/

docs2002/carbon_dating.asp

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: The Alpha & Omega 

Topic: For the Christian, there cannot be a god behind God ...

Atheistic, evolutionary hypothesis presumes there is not a God. Consequently, devoid of a creator, a supernatural intelligence and force outside of mankind, everything there is, is purely a random chance occurrence that happened without any intelligent intervention, over millions of years in space/time history.  

It follows that there was and is, absolutely nothing to originate things coming into being. Nothing to generate, design, program, bring about, be instrumental in, cause to happen, provide data, or facilitate change. 

For with nothing there, there is nothing to instigate form and order. The only possible alternative to instrumentation and design by a superior intelligence is the premise that every thing there is came into being from something that has always existed (of itself). That something came into existence (by itself), or that something came into existence from absolutely nothing, (of itself), by complete random chance. Or, there is no answer.

Nothing = Nothing Zero Zilch

It is the only explanation and there is no escaping it.  

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: Evolution is the religion of Humanism It leads to Pragmatism Situational Ethics and Anarchy  

Topic:  Prosperity Gospel

If one is truly walking in accordance with the Lord's will, He will meet our needs as has been verified by many. I am not saying it is wrong just to honestly ask for a financial contribution either. Or indeed raise money by various events, what I am saying seems very suspect, is the way some go about it. Even in some instances by giving the impression, the Lord will invariably really bless a contributor to their funds. 

It is true; "the Lord loves a cheerful giver" and it is a fact, we can never out do His blessings on us, but thinking one may acquire wealth by giving, (in a Christian sense) is a wrong motive and makes little of the tremendous sacrifice our Saviour made for our redemption. See also the HOME page. Old Testament Law, New Testament Grace. Two Separate Systems.

Jesus did not promise us wealth of the earthly kind. If He did, St. Paul and the other apostles must have missed something. Many of the worse (seemingly money orientated ministries) are not exactly living in abject poverty themselves. But, far be it for me to criticise the way the Lord may bless genuine Christian organisations who trust in Him alone for finance. 

However, whilst some purport to be trusting God, even stating how much God has blessed them, surely if true, what need they of propaganda aimed at securing extra "love gifts?" Surely that is relying more on human resources than a total dependence on God to provide their needs. I would like to think all additional finance went in to good works, rather than often unnecessary expensive commodities. However, God alone knows a man's real motives, He alone knows his heart; my main concern is how it looks to secular man who we should be trying to reach for Christ. 

Many Evangelists expensively dressed in designer clothes (nothing wrong with that in principle) could seem to the man in the street, like a man in a Rolls Royce asking a street beggar for cash. Jesus said: "take up your cross and follow me." As if being confronted with evolutionary propaganda was not enough, for a "prosperity gospel" type Christian ministry to give a false illusion of the Christian faith, (easily recognisable by sceptical worldly man) that, in my opinion is detrimental to true Christianity. I was in a church for twenty five years and they did not even offer the collection plate around. It was just left near the door. They trusted the Lord to provide for their needs, and He did. So I am admittedly biased. As one Evangelist correctly stated: "If you are truly doing the Lord's work, the finances will look after themselves." 

The same Holy Spirit is in all born again Christians, we are part of one great family. If one member has needs, certain other members can be convicted of those needs when brought to their attention. I personally believe, whether or not they act upon that conviction is how pertinent it is to them, whether they are deeply moved, and "possibly" (remembering we are under grace) how deep their spiritual walk is at that time.

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: Charles Darwin

Topic: Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer and Dr. Morris pointed out that the theory of evolution, with its idea of "the survival of the fittest," was the viewpoint behind both Fascism ...

Atheistic evolutionary hypothesis played it's part in underpinning such exponents of god less ness as with Karl Marx; 'religion is the opiate of the people,' and the national socialism of Adolph Hitler. The philosopher Hegel was a very relevant factor in this.

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: Evolution is the religion of Humanism It leads to Pragmatism Situational Ethics and Anarchy  

Topic: There is a God and man is accountable to Him. This fact is unpopular. Biblical Creationism the true answer to existence, seldom receives good publicity even in some instances by those who should know better, the church!

We are confronted with the fact that things do exist and they exist in their entirety. Plant, animal and human life is actually there, complete and knowable. Jean Paul Sartre has said 'The basic philosophic question is that something is there rather than nothing is there'. Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer develops this: 'Nothing that is worth calling a philosophy can side-step the question of the fact that things do exist and that they exist in their present form and complexity'. 

Evolutionary thought in conjunction with philosophy based on it, has been largely responsible for destroying any belief in absolutes. It denies there is a creator and subscribes to the time + chance + change theory. 

As such, the 'evolutionist' himself should not (honestly) imply or allude to anything that could be considered a supernatural motivational force. 'Nature' in the secular sense, has often proved a convenient all embracing scapegoat for the unexplainable by assuming properties of an un defined, 'supernatural kind.'  "By a quirk of nature,"  "Nature determined," "The wonders of nature." A superior intelligent force?

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: A personal for Christians   

Topic: How relevant to evolution ... love

I remember many years ago meeting two ladies who at the time were witnessing to a "lady of the night." She was positively squirming and to be honest all I could do either was feed them with the right questions. i.e. "How did you come to know Jesus etc." The lady may have been uncomfortable, but confronted with such a convicting onslaught of genuine love, I did not feel too comfortable either. 

Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: The Holy Spirit

Topic: The Great Hinderer

Whilst the atheist evolutionist may consider himself free of supernatural influence because of his disbelief, the Bible categorically states there is a tangible and evil spiritual force operative within our world. "The whole world is in the power of the evil one."  Often made light of these days, (Satan hails a materialist or a magician with the same delight) this force known as the Devil, Satan, the Demonic and many other pseudonyms, has already been defeated by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at Calvary, when he took the sins of believers on Himself and rose again from the dead. The Born Again Christian is in fact born out of the world system when he genuinely accepts Jesus Christ as his Saviour and Lord. He should love the world, (Christ died for it's salvation) but is not of the world. 

Many other pages in the Erring Christian series deal with this aspect in greater detail. ... HOME ... Born-Again ... Steps ...  Bible Prophecy  ... Forum ...  Get Saved ... so need not be explored to any great extent here. Suffice it to say; despite being encompassed with the forces of evil, the great hinderer, the Holy Spirit, the third part of the God Head is present in our world. Whilst He is, we may not yet expect total chaos. There is a profound reason why man, despite having free will, does not completely destroy himself. The reason itself, is that third part of the Holy Trinity the Holy Spirit.

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood -- contending only with physical opponents -- but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.  

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Creation v Evolution

Heading: Brainwashing 

Topic: With no accepted absolute foundation for a moral code of ethics themselves ... 

Consequently, without belief in the Absolute Basis for Truth to which they could relate to, in order to try to substantiate views they deem acceptable, they often quote comments made by well known public figures. This provides a tenuous basis, (that does not 'cut it') for "right reasoning." The impartial honest reporting of an important news event, (giving both sides views) seems a thing of the past. 

The attempted shaping of public opinion to conform to what they deem right, (in accordance with often atheistic, humanist, evolutionary thinking) is the norm these days.

God, whilst encouraging us to seek His truth, never the less gave us completely free will to think and reason for ourselves. Many in the media now attempt to shape our thoughts (which in fairness, some if not all are commendable) to conform with their political persuasion and accepted ideology. Unfortunately, this has the potential of back firing in their face. (Reverse Psychology)

It is the media that often promote as reasonable, things that are condemned in Scripture. This can be readily witnessed to by anyone who watches popular TV programmes, i.e. soap operas, on a regular basis.

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Yet, I would venture to say, in our own strength, in our inherent sin nature, we are incapable of feeling that genuine love to one who's philosophy is the basis for great evil. (Evolutionist) As such it is essential to trust the Lord to work through us unconditionally. 

Some Creationists may be armed with very important knowledge proving the impossibility of chance evolution, yet such knowledge should be, (and usually is) expressed in love. Without love and no matter how great and true are the facts we hold, they will just bounce off one who has already closed his mind to counter arguments.

1 Corinthians 2: 14 (Amplified Bible): But the natural, non spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them -- of progressively recognising, understanding and becoming better acquainted with them -- because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.

When we confront issues that strike at the very roots of our belief and experience, we need more than ever the love that overcomes human boundaries, that overcomes human logic, that even overcomes at times what seems right in our own minds. But that love can only be engendered by the Holy Spirit that lives within us. That lives in the hearts of those that love the Lord and are born again in to His family.

That love is: "spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated." It is so much greater than our understanding of what love is that at best we experience but the merest taste, but it is a taste that gives us fleeting glimpse of the essence of our God. It is supernatural love, we are conscious of it, thrilled by it, but it is indefinable in human terms.

1 Peter 3 : 15 Amplified Bible: "But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defence to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully." 

The love we need and I believe God desires us to have, relates to its originator, to the One that so loves us, He died in unspeakable agony, for us, for we sinners. When our Lord died for our sins on the cross He said: "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." (referring in that instance to His persecutors)

Enthusiasm for a cause alone, if carried out without submission to our Heavenly Father's will, in our own strength in fact, can avail us nothing finally, in that great day of judgement when we stand before our Creator. If our various causes are simply of human origin and not carried out in accordance with God's will for us, and with the engendered love that Jesus alone through the Holy Spirit can impute to us, we are but a "clanging gong, a sounding cymbal" as St. Paul makes very clear. 

The Bible tells us to: "Love your enemies, ... pray for those who persecute you, ... and in the Lord's prayer: forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." God alone is judge, therefore it is not for us to take on that role no matter how great the temptation. 

Sometimes there is the real danger of focussing on ourselves and expecting God to bless our endeavours because they seem the Christian thing to do. If our aims are not born of the Holy Spirit within us, they will finally be burnt up as "wood, hay, stubble" and avail us nothing. 

If our efforts are to be pleasing to God, they must be in accord with His will for us. What He actually wants and empowers us to do. This is not always the same as doing what we might think He wants of us on a human level. This is something I personally have been guilty of many times. I can tell from experience, sometimes I have enthusiastically pursued a cause which seemed very right to me and I have thus expected the Lord to bless my efforts. That is not the way it works. And as a consequence, desired results were not always what was hoped for. 

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  HOME

Heading: Genesis

Topic: Creation V Evolution

In addition to carrying a good deal of information themselves, these web pages also carry substantial links to some of the world's best known Creation Scientist's web sites.

Often televised on Christian channels, i.e. Genesis & Revelation to name but two, these Creation Scientists prove to all but the most prejudiced, the necessity for ID. (Intelligent Design) 

They show without reasonable doubt that the criteria necessary for the designer of such complex structures as the universe and life itself, can only be met by the Judaeo Christian God.

To Be Developed

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http://www.nwcreation.net/humor.html

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  HOME

Heading: Laws & Commandments

Topic: Given by the Judaeo/Christian God

Sermon on the Mount

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's 'Sermon on the Mount' showed how the laws intention had been mis understood.

For example the Old Testament Commandment no. 7

"Thou shalt not commit adultery." 

Matthew 5 : 27-28 Thompson Chain Reference Bible.

Jesus said: Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.  

Jesus explained that it was not just the physical breaking of a commandment that was sin, but even the thinking about doing so.

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  HOME

Heading: The Church

Topic: In many established C of E churches

Some who are really seeking to know the real meaning of life, who find no real answers to their questions in the established church; and are not content to "play the game" because they seriously want reality, will move on. One hopes to a doctrinally sound, fundamentalist "charismatic" bible believing church.

There will be those who become involved in a church where spiritual manifestations do happen. Here lies a grave danger for an un discerning Christian. Whilst we know genuine miracles of God do occur, not all supernatural happenings are of the Lord. Satan is in there pitching all the time. He is the great counterfeiter and deceiver (even of the brethren, or especially of the brethren as others are his anyway). There are many heretical "cults" also that are only too pleased to welcome a disillusioned ex church member into their fold.

Hal Lindsey refers to the church this way: "History is strewn with evidence of movements born in the fires of revivals that after a few generations have departed into error and eventual apostasy." ...

"In most instances the trend began in a departure from the grace of God into 'legalism.' Legalism - seeking to live for God by the principle of law. This is the first and the worst doctrine of demons." I should also mention in passing another of his statements: "Some ministers who truly belong to God's family become tools of Satan by putting their flock under the law."

The church usually faithfully and sincerely teaches us about Jesus. He is held up as an example to us all. Many churches dogmatically recite the creeds. (which in them selves give a strong clue as to how to be saved) I personally don't have a problem with any of these things. However, what I do object to is the church's emphasis on good "works" (nothing wrong with that in principle either) but inevitably the impression is given we have to earn our way in to heaven by our own efforts.

Somehow Grace itself is put under the law. I suspect (after some 50 years in the C of E) this law based, often spiritually dead Christianity, is more in keeping with maintaining "Traditional Values" than sincerely worshipping the Creator. 

As for maintaining "Traditional Values." Oswald Chambers sums this up far better than I ever could:

"The child of God is not first a British or American subject (or any other country) he is not a sanctified patriot, but one whose sympathies have broken all parochial bounds, and whose aims beat in unison with God's own heart." 

The church's emphasis should be on leading one to actually know the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Saviour & Lord! When this happens, the rest will follow.

What about evolution? 

Surely science has proved that everything came in to existence without the need of a god.

The necessity of "intelligent Design" through a Creator has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt using scientific FACTS, (especially since the human G Nome project, information in our genes etc.) However, evolutionists have their own reasons to doggedly continually promote the "product of chance" myth. Where we have a Creator, we are answerable to Him. 

In the beginning evolution could not have even gotten started. However, there is evolution within God given boundaries but without exception such evolution is always within "It's kind." i.e. dog kind will always produce dog kind, cat kind produces cat kind, human kind will always produce human kind. etc. 

  Creation v Evolution & Evolution?

The Militant Atheist's Evolutionary View

In the beginning nothing, NOTHING, exploded with a big bang. Then by its purposeless, designer less self, evolved in to the complexity and order we see today.

No intelligent designer caused this to happen because there is none. Everything there is being shear random chance culminating with death as the final end.

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Common sense tells us it is more plausible that an all powerful Creator God brought everything there is in to existence. 

To Be Developed

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Web Site: The Erring Christian

Page:  Born-Again

Heading: Can I lose my Salvation?

Topic:  Christ's righteiusness

Christ's righteousness is imputed to us the moment we accept Him as our personal Lord and Saviour.

Salvation is not dependant on anything we can try to do to earn it, but on what God has already done for us through Jesus. 

The only way we could ever lose such a great salvation would be to completely, totally and utterly, reject and deny the Saviour who paid the price for our redemption. 

This can't just happen accidentally through not always giving Him the honour due to Him, or by sinning against Him either. A conscious and deliberate choice would need to be made, on our part. 

If we were foolish enough to to make that decision, then there would no longer remain a sacrifice for our sins. Without Jesus, we would be judged by God's LAW. That would condemn us for eternity. 

 Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:  Hebrews 10:26-31) 

The exhortations against apostasy and to perseverance, are urged by many strong reasons. The sin here mentioned is a total and final falling away, when men, with a full and fixed will and resolution, despise and reject Christ, the only Saviour; despise and resist the Spirit, the only Sanctifier; and despise and renounce the gospel, the only way of salvation, and the words of eternal life. 

Of this destruction God gives some notorious sinners, while on earth, a fearful foreboding in their consciences, with despair of being able to endure or to escape it. But what punishment can be sorer than to die without mercy? We answer, to die by mercy, by the mercy and grace which they have despised. How dreadful is the case, when not only the justice of God, but his abused grace and mercy call for vengeance! 

All this does not in the least mean that any souls who sorrow for sin will be shut out from mercy, or that any will be refused the benefit of Christ's sacrifice, who are willing to accept these blessings. Him that cometh unto Christ, he will in no wise cast out.

(Commentary: www.christnotes.org) 

Reserved

Reserved

Good works are the fruits of salvation, not the means of producing it.