Christians commonly present a circular argument in the way they discuss the authority of the Bible. They say that Jesus is the Son of God and produce proof texts from the Word of God to make their point. The unbeliever replies that he does not believe the Bible. The Christian...
We now live in a 'global village', a multi-faith society where exclusive claims may offend. Many adherents of other faiths are prepared to recognize Jesus as a great teacher, prophet, leader and reformer - even perhaps as one way to God. Are we not then being arrogant, intolerant and narrowminded...
Some people argue that evangelism is a matter of the simple proclamation of Gospel truths, uncluttered by human arguments that appeal to fallen intellects. Christianity, they say, is an affair of the heart, not the mind and God alone can open blind eyes to see the glorious truth of the...
We cannot talk with non-Christians about the Gospel unless we first talk with them. But talking superficially is not enough. The Gospel involves serious life and death issues which are deeply personal, and if we jump in cold without first establishing a relationship with our hearers, we will only turn...
Late nights, early mornings and frantic ward rounds. All this coupled with a horrid little black box which screams regularly to let you know it's still there. Such is the life of a busy junior doctor in an enormous inner city hospital. My first few months have been akin to...
If we are living a consistent Christian life and praying for opportunities to speak of Christ, they will come. But will we be ready? Will we be able to explain confidently and coherently what we believe? Where should we start? What should we include? How should we finish? Thankfully we...
Given that the Gospel itself is God's powerful agent in evangelism through which he reveals himself (Rom 1:16,17), and given that it is in the mind of God to whom he chooses to reveal himself (Matt 11:27), we then have the right framework to discuss what constitutes success in evangelism....
'Christianity stands or falls on the claim that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.' So claimed Ludwig Kennedy in a recent radio debate with Lord Rees-Mogg. He was right. The Apostle Paul put it even more bluntly: 'If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is...
In a recent television interview Peter Ustinov, the famous actor, was asked for his 'doctrine of man'. He gave the reply 'Man is essentially good!' and was rewarded with sustained applause from the audience. Even among those who believe in the reality of heaven and hell, the popular conception is...
A Study Guide on a Recurring Theme in Dialogue The Christian world view has a great deal more to say about suffering than any other religion or philosophy. It gives substantial (albeit incomplete) answers to our questions. The Bible is a practical book, not satisfying our idle intellectual curiosity (Mt 11:25)...