The Gospel

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Walk With a Limp

Vulnerable Post Incoming…

Today Laurie and I met with our counselor, who has been lovingly supporting us for the past two years through so much. He pointed out some very valuable things about us that completely changed my perspective. I went into that meeting beating myself up, feeling down on myself, as if I was a worthless throwaway. I felt like someone who had failed too many times, someone who was too bruised and too broken to still be effective. But God used that time to remind me of something I had forgotten: that even when we are limping, even when we are weary, He is still using our lives to touch others in ways we often cannot see.

There’s something that has been weighing heavily on my heart for a while now, and I want to do my best to share it with honesty and humility. This is not a post meant to make anyone feel guilty or condemned. It is not a complaint. It is the story of how God met me in the darkest places and how that story has shaped the way I view ministry, the church, and what it truly means to be a shepherd.

When I was a child, I went through abuse that no child should ever experience. I will not go into the details, because those details are not the point of this post. What matters is that even in that dark and painful season, God never stopped reaching for me. There were moments when I felt completely unseen and unheard, yet in the middle of all that pain, I would have these undeniable encounters with the presence of God at the altar. I remember being at kids camp, kneeling at the front of a chapel, feeling the presence of God wrap around me like a blanket when everything else in my life felt cold and broken.

I want to say this clearly. The things that happened to me were not my parents’ fault. They did not know what had happened until many years later when I was already an adult. I love my parents deeply. But for years, I carried those scars silently. I carried them into adolescence and into adulthood. By the time I was nine years old, I was already wrestling with things I could not put words to. I struggled with symptoms that were later identified as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I did not know how to explain the storm that was happening inside of me. All I knew was that I kept going back to those altar moments because somehow that was where I felt closest to peace.

Then, when I was fifteen years old, I had another one of those powerful altar moments at youth camp. That night, as I stood with tears running down my face, I heard the voice of God speak to my heart. I felt Him call me into ministry, specifically youth ministry. The message that night felt like it was directed straight at me. The speaker talked about how God can use the broken, the hurting, and the forgotten to bring healing to others. Something inside me broke and healed all at once. I knew at that altar that my life was not my own. I knew I was called to speak life into students who were walking through the same kinds of pain I had walked through when I was young.

But the road from that altar to where I am today has not been easy. I always thought that once I entered ministry, the hard part would be over. I thought that once I became a pastor, people would finally love me the way I had longed to be loved by the church when I was younger. Looking back, I realize that was a very naive thought, but it came from a genuine place. I wanted to belong. I wanted to help others belong. What I did not expect was that some of the deepest wounds of my life would come at the hands of church people.

Over the years, I have experienced rejection, gossip, betrayal, and slander. I have had the worst lies spread about me behind closed doors… lies told when I wasn’t there to speak the truth. I have felt heartbreak inside the very walls of the church. I’ve seen how quickly people can turn on each other, sometimes even in the name of righteousness. There have been seasons when I poured my heart into people, only to be met with silence or misunderstanding. There were moments I questioned my calling altogether because of the pain that came with it. And it wasn’t just me who carried that pain. When my wife was suffering from postpartum depression, instead of love, she was met with rejection and betrayal from some of the very people who should have surrounded her with compassion. That season broke something in both of us, but it also revealed what genuine ministry should look like… not performance, but selfless, sacrificial love.

I have even had ministry leaders try to use my diagnosis of PTSD against me, as if being wounded disqualified me from ministering effectively. What they did not understand is that my scars are not a sign of weakness but of survival and redemption. My limp is not proof that I am broken beyond repair. It is proof that God has healed what should have destroyed me. Yet every time I reached the point of wanting to give up, God would remind me of that altar moment at fifteen years old. God speaks firmly to my heart, “I called you to love them anyway.”

And here is the truth I want to make sure is clear. Despite the pain I have experienced and the wounds I have carried, I hold no hatred or bitterness toward those who have hurt me. If any of those same people were to walk through my doors today, I would receive them with open arms. I would welcome them as brothers and sisters because the love that God has placed in my heart for them is deeper than the pain that was caused. The love of Christ in me outweighs the hurt that others have done to me. I choose grace because grace is what God chose for me.

Laurie and I have made it a core value of our ministry to love people deeply, even when it costs us something. We have opened our home to people who were hurting. We have stayed up late at night praying with students, feeding families who did not know how they were going to make it, and walking with people through dark and messy seasons. We have given what little we had, not because we were trying to impress anyone, but because we remember what it was like to feel unseen. We made it our mission to make people feel like family.

I have come to understand that this is what real shepherding looks like. Real pastoral leadership is not about titles or stages. It is about towels and tears. It is about walking with people when they are at their lowest. It is about staying when everyone else leaves. It is about leaving the ninety-nine to go after the one who is wandering, confused, or broken. Jesus never built a ministry around comfort. He built it around compassion.

The church was never meant to be a stage for performance but a place where love is genuine and lives are shared. Romans 12:9–10 tells us to “let love be genuine” and to “outdo one another in showing honor.” Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by our love, not by our polish or perfection. True ministry is not about impressing people; it is about serving them. Philippians 2 reminds us to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others, walking in the humility of Christ. Real pastoral leadership means laying down our pride to lift others up, walking beside the hurting, and showing the kind of selfless, sacrificial love that reveals the heart of Jesus.

If I am being completely honest, ministry has been both the greatest joy and the deepest pain of my life. It has stretched me beyond what I thought I could bear. But it has also shown me the heart of God in ways that nothing else ever could. Because every time I have been hurt, every time I have been misunderstood, every time I have been tempted to close my heart, the Lord has met me again at the altar and reminded me that He was wounded by the very people He came to save. That realization changes everything. It changes the way I see those who hurt me. It changes the way I lead. It changes the way I love. Jesus never gave up on the church, even when the church was unfaithful to Him, and I refuse to give up on it either.

I also know that I haven’t done everything perfectly. In fact, I have failed often. But even in my failures, I have learned to fail forward. Proverbs 24:16 says that though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again. That verse reminds me that grace is not just for the moments when I am strong, but for the moments when I stumble. I want to live my life humbly before the Lord… quick to repent, quick to forgive, and quick to get back up again, no matter what I experience.

At one point, I heard someone say, “I don’t trust a pastor who doesn’t walk with a limp.” That line has stayed with me ever since. It speaks to something sacred. The limp represents the encounter that leaves you forever changed, like Jacob wrestling with God. It represents the scars that remind you of where you have been and the grace that keeps you moving forward. I resonate with that deeply, because every pastor who has been through pain and still chooses love walks with a holy limp. Those who have been wounded but still show up, who have every reason to close their hearts but still open them, are the ones who reflect Jesus the most.

So to every pastor, every leader, and every believer who feels weary, please remember why you started. Remember that God called you not because you were strong, but because you were willing. You may be limping, but your limp tells a story. It tells the world that grace is real, that healing is possible, and that God is faithful even in the struggle. Do not let bitterness steal your compassion. The world does not need more guarded leaders. It needs shepherds who have wrestled with God and walked away changed. It needs pastors who walk with a limp and still keep walking.

I have seen over a hundred young people give their lives to Jesus through the ministries Laurie and I have been blessed to lead over the past 6 years. Every single one of those moments reminds me why we keep going. Every testimony, every tear, every student who finds hope again makes every wound worth it. So I will keep loving. I will keep serving. I will keep opening my life to people even when it hurts. Because I know what it is like to be the one. And I know what it is like to be found.

That is what real church should look like. That is what real pastoral leadership should look like. Not perfect, not polished, but present. A family that loves deeply, forgives freely, walks with a limp, and always points back to the altar where it all began. Where we remember how we got here. At the base of the old rugged cross. Where we may have thought we were saying yes to Jesus, but it was really Him saying yes to us. As the hymn says… “So I’ll cling to the old rugged, its shame and reproach gladly bear…” This is the life I have been called to live, and I will live this life until the day Jesus calls me home.

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Responding to Hate Mail: 2 Samuel 12:11, Numbers 31:17-18 and the Morality of God

I am genuinely excited to announce that the Bold Apologia podcast has reached a new and encouraging milestone. It has grown in reach and visibility to the point where it is now receiving attention from critics of the Christian faith, particularly from those whom I have identified as internet atheists. One of the more surprising but strangely affirming results of this growth is the arrival of hate mail. While some may see that as a negative development, I see it as a sign that the message is spreading. The truth of the gospel is stirring hearts and minds, even if the initial response is resistance or hostility. When the light shines in the darkness, the darkness often pushes back. But that pushback can also become a powerful opportunity to give a reason for the hope that we have.

Over the years, I have noticed that many objections raised against the Bible and the Christian worldview tend to follow predictable patterns. Frequently, they involve passages from Scripture that are taken out of context and presented in a way that is meant to shock or scandalize. The accusation is often that the God of the Bible is immoral, unjust, or even cruel. These arguments are usually based on a superficial reading of the text and a lack of understanding of the historical and theological context in which the events occurred. When someone unfamiliar with the Bible hears these claims, they can seem persuasive. But when we take time to walk through the Scriptures thoughtfully and honestly, we find that the God revealed in its pages is far more just, merciful, and consistent than the critics would suggest.

In order to make my responses to this kind of hate mail more fruitful, I have decided to share some of them here on the blog. My goal in doing so is not to mock the individuals who send these messages, but to offer a biblical and reasoned response that can serve as both a defense of the faith and an encouragement to believers. I also hope that skeptics who are genuinely searching will find these responses helpful as they consider the claims of Christianity for themselves.

Each of these posts will follow a simple format. First, I will present the message or email I received. After that, I will share my direct response to the objection that has been raised, carefully addressing the Scripture that was misused or misunderstood. In this particular entry, we will be looking at two frequently misrepresented passages. The first is 2 Samuel 12:11, and the second is Numbers 31 17-18. These verses have been cited in an attempt to portray Christianity as a violent and immoral belief system, even going so far as to label it a “blood cult.” My hope is to show that such accusations fall apart when the full truth of the biblical narrative is brought into focus.

Let us begin by looking at the message that was sent.

“Speak For Yourself” From Dan Edwards

I just watched one of your YouTube videos, in which you speak for all atheists. 

Let me help you out.

There is one primary book responsible for creating atheists, the Bible.  Have you read it? 

Do you believe in personal responsibility? Are you guilty of anybody else’s crimes?  

Let’s open to 2nd Samuel 12:11. In the scripture God commands David’s wives to be raped for David’s sins. 

Numbers 31 17 – 18. God commands the Israelites to kill everything including babies children and women and to take the young virgin girls as sex slaves. 

These are just two examples of the complete immorality of christianity. I could give you dozens more illustrating your atrocious immoral Christian dogma. I think my point has been made.

This is why I am an atheist. The god of Christianity is a brutal murderous immoral thug. 

The god of Christianity murders babies and children and rapes women. 

I’m waiting for your apology sir.  It’s Christians who have an immoral framework.  It’s Christians who worship a blood cult, build on human and animal sacrifice.  

My moral values far surpassed those of your Christian dogma. I would never harm a baby or rape a woman like your God does. 

Deal with that sir.

My Response

Dan,

I can see that you’re very upset, and honestly, I would be too if I had mistakenly believed that my video claimed to speak on behalf of all atheists. Let me assure you that I’m fully aware that atheists arrive at their conclusions through a variety of reasons. What fascinates me is the energy some devote to refuting the existence of a God they insist does not exist. Even now, you are writing to me to offer passionate refutations of a being you claim is imaginary. No one forced you to send this message, yet here you are, defending atheism, a worldview that is by its nature indifferent to the existence of deities, by pulling verses out of context to mock a faith you do not share.

I will gladly respond to your message, not because you owe me a reply or because you deserve an apology, but because I genuinely enjoy engaging with theology, writing, and these complex topics. Consider this response a labor of love aimed at clarity rather than concession.

Your argument rests on a highly selective reading of ancient texts that ignores their historical, literary, and theological contexts. Let us consider the passages you highlight: 2 Samuel 12:11 and Numbers 31:17–18. These texts, when examined within their original settings, are not normative moral prescriptions for Christians today but rather descriptive narratives embedded in specific historical circumstances.

Take 2 Samuel 12:11, which appears within the account of King David’s grievous sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. In this passage, the prophet Nathan delivers God’s judgment: “I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun.” This is not a divine endorsement of sexual violence, nor does it portray God as orchestrating immorality. Rather, it is a pronouncement of judgment within the covenant framework of Israel’s monarchy. God is declaring that the very structures of David’s own household, corrupted by his abuse of power, will be the means by which discipline is carried out. The fulfillment of this prophecy takes place when Absalom, David’s son, publicly takes David’s concubines during a coup, not as a result of divine command, but as part of the tragic unraveling of David’s kingdom due to his sin. God’s role is judicial, not participatory in the evil act. He is not the author of sin but the sovereign Judge who allows natural consequences and human choices to bring about discipline and correction. The purpose is not humiliation for its own sake, but the exposure of hidden sin and the upholding of divine justice. Extracting this verse to portray God as cruel or immoral is a gross misrepresentation of the text and ignores the broader biblical themes of repentance, mercy, and restoration that follow David’s confession and God’s forgiveness.

Similarly, Numbers 31:17–18 must be read against its ancient Near Eastern backdrop. This passage is part of a narrative concerning the Israelites’ conflict with the Midianites, a war narrated in the language of total warfare typical of that time. The commands recorded in this text, which include the killing of certain groups while sparing others, reflect a military action sanctioned for that particular historical context. The language is hyperbolic, common to ancient war narratives, and is not intended as a timeless moral prescription for peacetime conduct. To take these verses at face value as evidence of an eternal divine character is to commit a false equivalence by equating a historical account of warfare with modern ethical standards.

Furthermore, your approach employs a strawman tactic by reducing Christianity to these problematic passages, ignoring the rich, evolving tradition of moral and ethical reflection that has developed over centuries. Christianity, as lived and understood by millions today, is centered on the life, teachings, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a message that emphasizes love, forgiveness, and redemption. To characterize the faith solely by a handful of violent narratives from its ancient roots misrepresents its core teachings and overlooks the transformative interpretations that have emerged throughout history.

A key concept that illuminates this dynamic is progressive revelation. This idea holds that God’s character and will are not revealed in full all at once but unfold gradually throughout the biblical narrative. The early portions of Scripture reflect the cultural and historical contexts of ancient societies, where norms were very different from those of later times. As humanity evolved, so did the understanding of divine truth. This unfolding reaches its apex in the teachings of Jesus, who embodied love, mercy, and justice. His message redefined moral imperatives, transforming the believer’s relationship not only with the divine but also with one another. The recognition that every individual is created in the image of God became a cornerstone for a more inclusive and just moral framework, one that directly challenged practices that dehumanized people, such as slavery.

History offers tangible evidence of the impact of this evolving moral vision. In the early church, Christians embraced a radical notion of equality. Drawing on Jesus’ teachings and the Apostle Paul’s declaration that in Christ there is neither slave nor free, early believers began to challenge the rigid social hierarchies and oppressive practices of their time. As the centuries passed, voices within the Christian tradition (during the Middle Ages, the Reformation, and beyond) continued to question the moral legitimacy of slavery. Thinkers and mystics inspired by the redemptive message of the Gospel argued for the inherent dignity of every human being, planting the seeds of dissent against systems that dehumanized individuals.

During the Reformation, reformers not only addressed ecclesiastical abuses but also critiqued social practices that were intertwined with traditional authority, including slavery. Emphasizing personal conscience and the moral imperatives of love and equality, they reinterpreted Scripture in a way that contributed significantly to the moral discourse over the following centuries. In more recent history, Christian abolitionists such as William Wilberforce, inspired by a Pauline understanding of the Christian moral vision, played pivotal roles in dismantling government-sanctioned slavery in the West. Their efforts were grounded in the belief that the evolving revelation of God’s character demanded the recognition of every person’s inherent worth; a belief that ultimately reshaped Western ethical and legal norms.

This historical trajectory demonstrates that progressive revelation is not merely an abstract theological concept but a dynamic force for social transformation. It shows how an evolving understanding of divine truth can lead to profound moral and ethical shifts. Early biblical texts, when isolated, might appear to endorse harsh practices by modern standards, but when understood as part of a larger, unfolding narrative, they give way to a transformative call to love, justice, and mercy. A static, decontextualized reading like the one you offer fails to capture the dynamic, historical evolution of divine revelation that has not only deepened our theological understanding but has also contributed to tangible improvements in society, such as the abolition of slavery.

Finally, your argument is fundamentally flawed because it isolates and decontextualizes passages from a vast and complex corpus of literature, reducing them to so-called proof texts that purportedly define the moral character of Christianity. This selective reading ignores both the historical context of the texts and the dynamic interpretive traditions that have emerged over centuries. In doing so, it commits several logical fallacies, including cherry picking, strawman reasoning, false equivalence, and an appeal to emotion, which render your critique neither intellectually honest nor theologically sound.

A sound approach requires understanding that the Bible is a collection of texts written in various genres and contexts, each demanding careful exegesis. Isolated verses from ancient narratives, particularly those born out of the brutal realities of warfare or ancient societal norms, cannot be taken as eternal moral commands. Instead, modern Christian ethics emerge from a comprehensive reading of Scripture, one that acknowledges the historical realities of the past while embracing the redemptive and transformative message of Jesus Christ. This dynamic process of progressive revelation has not only enriched theological thought but has also been a powerful catalyst for social change, as evidenced by the gradual abolition of practices such as government-sanctioned slavery in the West, which we can thank hard working Christians for.

You are more than welcome to consider these perspectives not as an attack on your beliefs, but as an effort to engage ethically with the historical, theological, and ethical complexities of the scriptures you hastily ripped out of context. My hope for you is that you can move beyond sensationalist readings and toward a discussion that honors the depth of Christian thought, which despite your hate mail, embodies a God of love, justice, and mercy.

Adam Parker, Host of the Bold Apologia Podcast

“Proclaiming Christ to listeners through apologetics, theology, and the proclamation of the Word of God.”

Takeaways and Conclusion:

As we come to the end of this response, I want to speak not only to the arguments presented but also to the heart behind them. Dan’s message, though filled with anger and sharp accusations, reflects a deep wrestling with the nature of God and the problem of evil. While the language he used is confrontational, the questions he raises are not unfamiliar. Many people have struggled with the same passages, the same ethical challenges, and the same doubts about how a good and just God could allow or command certain things. These are not easy topics, and I do not claim that a single article can fully resolve all the tension they create. However, I do believe that when Scripture is studied carefully and approached with humility and a desire for truth, it reveals a God who is consistently just, deeply merciful, and always redemptive.

If you are a believer reading this, I want to encourage you to remain anchored in both truth and grace. The world does not need louder arguments or more heated debates. It needs the light of Christ to shine clearly through the lives and words of His people. When we are met with hostility or misunderstanding, our goal should not be to win an argument but to represent Jesus faithfully. He was full of grace and truth. He answered difficult questions, but He also wept for those who rejected Him. He corrected falsehood, but He also had compassion for those who were lost and broken.

With that in mind, I invite you to join me in praying for Dan. This is not a call to pray from a place of pride or self-righteousness, but from a place of love and sincere hope. Pray that his heart would soften. Pray that his questions would not drive him further into bitterness, but instead lead him toward truth. Pray that he would come to know the God he currently rejects as the holy, righteous, and merciful Father revealed in Jesus Christ. Even the very Scriptures he now mocks have the power to reach his heart and transform his life.

God is not intimidated by questions, and He is not shaken by anger. He is patient. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. That includes Dan. That includes every skeptic and critic. That includes anyone who is sincerely seeking, even if their search begins with hostility. And it includes every one of us, for we were all once far from God.

May our response to criticism always be marked by a firm stand in truth, a humble posture of heart, and a genuine love for those who do not yet know the hope we have in Christ.

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Reflecting on the Recent Discussion on Apologetics Live with Dan Kreft

As part of last night’s discussion on the cumulative case argument for apologetics, we examined whether Acts, as a descriptive text, should be used prescriptively in evangelism. I want to first express my gratitude to Dan Kraft for engaging with me on the topic. His thoughtful approach is genuinely appreciated, and his commitment to a godly dialogue was evident. If I misunderstand any of his perspectives here, I invite him to correct me, as my intent is to represent his views as accurately as possible.

During our discussion, we discussed whether Acts offers a prescriptive model for evangelism, Romans 1’s relevance in conversations about God’s existence, and the role of 1 Peter 3:15 in apologetic contexts. My goal here is to delve more deeply into these passages, grounded in sound exegesis and a spirit of humility, both to clarify my own position and to encourage further reflection.

Acts as Descriptive or Prescriptive?

  • Dan’s Position (as I understand it): Dan holds that Paul’s evangelistic approach in Acts should be viewed as a prescriptive model for how Christians today should share the gospel. He argues that Paul’s consistent approach throughout Acts—including his direct proclamation of the gospel rather than arguing for God’s existence—demonstrates a “biblical” method of evangelism, rooted in the conviction from Romans 1 that God’s existence is evident to all. By this logic, Paul’s lack of engagement in philosophical arguments for God’s existence serves as an implicit directive for believers to similarly affirm, rather than argue for, God’s reality when witnessing.
  • My Position: I see Acts primarily as a descriptive narrative, chronicling the specific contexts and methods the apostles, including Paul, used to spread the gospel, rather than a prescriptive manual for all believers. In my view, the accounts in Acts serve to illustrate the early church’s growth, its challenges, and the flexibility of the apostles’ methods based on their audiences, without necessarily mandating that we imitate each aspect of their approach in every setting. To consider Acts as prescriptive in this way could inadvertently limit the scope of effective evangelism and ignore Paul’s own adaptability.

Exegetical Analysis:

Acts, written by Luke, presents a historical account of the early church’s growth and includes a variety of evangelistic methods adapted to diverse contexts. For instance, Paul’s approach to Jewish audiences differs from his engagement with Greek philosophers in Athens (Acts 17). The fact that Paul changes his method based on the audience suggests flexibility rather than rigidity. If we understand Acts as prescriptive, we might risk limiting the range of methods allowed in evangelism, contradicting the nuanced, contextual approach that Paul himself models.

If Dan believes all Christians must follow Paul’s methods exactly as described in Acts, I respect his consistency in seeking a biblical foundation. However, I see Acts as primarily historical, intending to inform and inspire rather than dictate a single method. If I’m wrong on this point, I encourage Dan to offer further clarification. Consequently, I think Dan is committing a hermeneutical error.

Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11

One moment in the discussion where I admittedly was taken by surprise was Dan’s use of Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11 as the “biblical answer” to why there are “historical books” included in the Old Testament, linking them to the way the book of Acts is seen in the New Testament. I wasn’t prepared for this, and since have noticed a missed opportunity I had at this point in the discussion. Here are the perspectives and breakdowns:

  • Dan’s Perspective: Dan referenced these verses to argue that all Scripture, including Acts, was written for our instruction, thus supporting a prescriptive reading of Paul’s approach.
  • My Perspective: I believe these verses speak more to moral and spiritual instruction rather than prescribing an evangelistic or apologetic methodology.

A deeper Analysis of these verses:

Romans 15:4

  • Context and Purpose: Romans 15:4 states, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” In the broader context of Romans 15, Paul addresses the unity of believers, urging the “strong” and “weak” to bear with each other, follow Christ’s example, and live in harmony. Paul’s appeal to the Scriptures here supports his encouragement for mutual endurance and the communal hope shared by believers.
  • Focus on Endurance and Hope: Paul’s phrasing suggests that the purpose of the Old Testament writings is to instill perseverance and encourage believers in times of difficulty. The “endurance” Paul mentions is tied to a capacity for resilience, often in the face of persecution, hardship, or challenges within the Christian community. This is not a directive for evangelistic or apologetic method but rather an affirmation of Scripture as a source of strength and resolve.
  • Scripture as a Guide for Personal and Communal Growth: Paul’s reference here highlights the Old Testament’s value for guiding moral and spiritual formation within the church. By seeing how God sustained His people, believers are encouraged to hold fast to faith. The instruction of “whatever was written” points to a broad applicability, suggesting that all Old Testament Scripture contributes to the believer’s spiritual foundation, developing character and hope through examples of faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 10:11

  • Context and Purpose: In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul writes, “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.” Leading up to this verse, Paul recounts the moral failures of the Israelites in the wilderness—idolatry, immorality, testing God, and grumbling. Paul’s aim is to caution the Corinthian believers against repeating these mistakes, stressing that their lives as New Covenant believers require vigilance and integrity.
  • A “Warning” for Godly Living: The term “example” (Greek: typos) implies a pattern or model meant to teach a lesson. Here, the emphasis is on learning from Israel’s errors to avoid similar pitfalls. The phrase “for our instruction” conveys a moral and ethical intent, underscoring the importance of holy living and cautioning against complacency. Paul uses Israel’s story as a solemn reminder, not as a model for how to conduct apologetics or evangelism, but as a call for self-examination and personal sanctification.
  • Relevance to New Testament Believers: Paul’s use of “on whom the end of the ages has come” signals an eschatological urgency. Believers, standing in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, are urged to live with heightened awareness and commitment. This passage serves as a moral and spiritual instruction for Christian conduct, aimed at fostering maturity and discernment within the church body, rather than offering a formula for external evangelistic methods.

The Formative Role of Scripture in Christian Life

  • Spiritual and Ethical Formation:

Both Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11 point to Scripture’s role in shaping the inner life of the believer. These verses underscore that Scripture acts as a tutor, leading believers to develop virtues like patience, faithfulness, and resilience. By looking at Israel’s history and the fulfillment of promises, Christians are equipped to build lives marked by integrity and perseverance.

  • Scripture as Instruction for Growth, Not Methodology:

The emphasis in both verses is on personal and communal transformation rather than prescriptive methods for evangelism or apologetics. They highlight the Old Testament’s instructive power, providing believers with examples to emulate or avoid, reinforcing the view that these passages serve as guides for character formation. If these verses were intended as directives for methodology, we might expect clearer connections to specific evangelistic or apologetic practices.

If Dan sees these passages as supporting a particular apologetic approach, I can understand his reasoning in linking them to the narrative examples in Acts. However, I interpret these verses as broadly encouraging Christian living, focusing on the ethical and spiritual formation that equips believers for faithful witness. In this sense, they function as a foundation for enduring faith rather than prescribing specific methods for engaging others. Therefore, I would, in retrospect, kindly point out that Dan is misapplying these texts.

Romans 1: Does It Preclude Arguing for God’s Existence?

• Dan’s Perspective (as I understand it): Dan suggests that Romans 1 renders arguments for God’s existence unnecessary. He interprets this passage to mean that because God’s existence is evident in creation, there is no need to argue for it, particularly in evangelism. According to this view, Romans 1 provides a sufficient basis for presupposing God’s existence without engaging in additional philosophical or evidential arguments.

• My Perspective: I interpret Romans 1 as affirming the principle of general revelation—that God has made His existence known to all through creation. However, I believe that this does not exclude the use of reasoned arguments for God’s existence, especially when addressing those unfamiliar with or skeptical of Christian teachings. I see value in engaging people intellectually to help bridge gaps in understanding, as Paul demonstrates in his discourse with the Athenians in Acts 17.

Exegetical Analysis of Romans 1

Romans 1:20 reads, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” The Greek phrase aorata (“invisible qualities”) and dynamis (“power”) affirm that creation provides clear evidence of God’s existence and attributes. Paul’s wording—phanera (“clearly seen”)—implies that God’s qualities are perceptible and understood universally, which aligns with the concept of general revelation.

However, Paul’s intention here seems more focused on establishing humanity’s accountability than eliminating the need for discourse on God’s existence. He emphasizes that people are “without excuse” because creation itself attests to God’s reality. While this natural knowledge of God provides an inherent awareness, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate the usefulness of engaging people through argument, particularly when addressing different intellectual or cultural contexts.

Classical and Evidential Apologetics’ Use of Romans 1

Evidentialists and classical apologists often appeal to Romans 1 to support the value of general revelation in apologetics. They argue that this passage affirms the natural world as a foundation for demonstrating God’s existence, which allows for reasoned discourse and evidence-based arguments. For evidentialists, Romans 1 validates using creation as a “first step” to present the case for God’s existence, allowing observations from science, history, and nature to reinforce faith.

  • Classical Apologetics and Romans 1: Classical apologists, who often utilize a two-step approach (first arguing for theism, then for Christian claims), see Romans 1 as a biblical basis for general revelation. They argue that while creation reveals God’s reality, reasoned discourse helps articulate and clarify this revelation. For example, Thomas Aquinas viewed natural theology—arguments based on observation of the natural world—as a means to lead people toward an understanding of God. Classical apologists believe Romans 1 supports the use of cosmological and teleological arguments, which point to God’s existence as a rational conclusion drawn from the natural order.
  • Evidential Apologetics and Romans 1: Evidentialists also turn to Romans 1 as a foundation for presenting evidence that supports theism. They argue that if God’s attributes are “clearly seen” in creation, then scientific, historical, and philosophical evidence can serve as a legitimate basis for helping others recognize God’s existence. Evidentialists often use the passage to show that arguments based on observable phenomena—like the complexity of the universe or the fine-tuning argument—can bring people closer to belief. In this sense, they see Romans 1 as an invitation to use creation as an apologetic tool, grounding their approach in the natural revelation that Paul describes.

Acts 17 as a Model of Engaging Through Reasoned Discourse

Paul’s encounter in Athens (Acts 17:16-34) serves as a compelling example of his willingness to engage in discussions about God’s nature with people unfamiliar with the Jewish faith. In Acts 17:22-23, Paul opens his address by acknowledging the Athenians’ religiosity and referring to their altar “To an Unknown God.” This beginning is a contextual, respectful acknowledgment of their worldview, designed to open the door for dialogue. Paul then moves into a theistic argument, proclaiming God as the “Lord of heaven and earth” who does not live in temples built by hands (Acts 17:24).

This approach aligns with Paul’s assertion in Romans 1 that God is evident through creation, yet it shows his willingness to expound on this truth in ways that resonate with the cultural and intellectual background of his listeners. By quoting Greek poets (Acts 17:28), Paul leverages general revelation to build a bridge to his audience, showing that reasoned discourse can serve as a valuable means of helping others understand God’s nature. The Greek word used in Romans 1:20, kathoratai (translated as “clearly seen”), emphasizes that God’s qualities are observable and accessible, yet it does not imply that additional reasoning or evidence is redundant.

General Revelation and Reasoned Apologetics

While Romans 1 presents God’s existence as evident in nature, this revelation is non-specific and may leave certain individuals seeking a fuller understanding. Classical and evidential apologists argue that reasoned discussions help clarify and expand upon this general revelation, making it more intelligible to those from secular or skeptical backgrounds. For them, Romans 1 supports the approach of starting with common ground—such as the natural world—and moving toward a fuller understanding of God, especially when addressing modern audiences who may lack a foundational belief in God.

In this view, reasoned apologetics complements Romans 1 rather than detracts from it. While creation reveals God’s attributes, dialogue helps address specific doubts and intellectual barriers, allowing individuals to engage deeply with these truths. If Dan sees this reasoning as detracting from the sufficiency of Romans 1, I respect his view; however, I believe that Paul’s use of reason in Acts 17 exemplifies the validity of engaging audiences intellectually. This approach can offer clarity for those genuinely seeking to understand, without negating the foundational truth that God has made Himself known through His creation.

1 Peter 3:15 and Its Role in Apologetics

  • Dan’s Perspective (as I understand it): Dan maintains that 1 Peter 3:15 should not be exclusively viewed as an apologetic text, given its broader context focused on godly conduct and endurance in the face of suffering. He emphasizes that Peter’s primary concern lies in how believers respond to opposition, not necessarily in prescribing formal apologetic methodology.
  • My Perspective: While I agree with Dan that 1 Peter 3:15 is set within a broader context of encouraging steadfastness and integrity during persecution, I see this verse as underscoring the need for believers to be prepared to articulate their faith. This readiness extends beyond hostile situations to encompass daily interactions where questions about faith may arise.

Exegetical Analysis of 1 Peter 3:15

Contextual Background of 1 Peter 3:15

  • The broader section (1 Peter 3:13-17) addresses believers enduring hardship and persecution. Peter encourages them not to fear intimidation but to conduct themselves with honor and gentleness. His aim is to strengthen their witness, advising them to sanctify Christ as Lord and remain ready to answer anyone who asks about their hope.
  • Peter’s immediate context is one of suffering, but his instruction in verse 15 goes beyond simply enduring hardship. He emphasizes a proactive stance: believers are to sanctify Christ in their hearts and be prepared to give a reasoned explanation for their faith, implying a responsibility to both steadfastness and clarity in testimony.

Detailed Exegesis of Key Phrases in 1 Peter 3:15

1. “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” (Greek: kyrion de ton Christon hagiasate en tais kardiais humon):

  • The verb hagiasate (translated as “sanctify”) means to “set apart” or “consecrate.” This command is in the aorist imperative, signaling an urgent, decisive action to honor Christ above all in the believer’s heart.
  • En tais kardiais humon (“in your hearts”) suggests an internal commitment. Peter links the act of sanctifying Christ as Lord directly with the believer’s core being—the “heart” (kardia), which in Greek thought often represented the seat of emotion, intellect, and will. By anchoring this in the heart, Peter establishes that a believer’s outward testimony flows from a deep-seated devotion.
  • This phrase, then, underscores that apologetics is not merely intellectual but deeply rooted in one’s commitment to Christ. The heart-orientation toward Christ as Lord provides the foundation for a life that is visibly set apart, attracting questions from others.

2. “Always be prepared to make a defense” (Greek: hetoimoi aei pros apologian):

  • Hetoimoi (“prepared” or “ready”) suggests a continual, vigilant readiness. The adverb aei (“always”) reinforces that this preparedness is not situational but rather a permanent state of readiness, whether in persecution or in everyday interactions.
  • The term apologia (translated as “defense”) means “reasoned response” or “explanation.” In classical Greek, apologia was often used in a legal context to denote a formal defense, yet Peter’s usage here suggests something broader: the ability to articulate one’s beliefs clearly and thoughtfully.
  • The phrase pros apologian can be rendered as “toward a defense,” indicating an orientation or intention toward explanation rather than simply passive endurance. Peter thus calls believers not merely to withstand questioning but to actively engage in thoughtful, reasoned responses about their faith.

3. “Always be prepared to make a defense” (Greek: hetoimoi aei pros apologian):

  • The phrase panti to aitounti (“to everyone who asks”) implies that this readiness to respond is not limited to hostile interrogators but to anyone who inquires, including those genuinely curious or seeking understanding.
  • Logon peri tes en hymin elpidos can be translated as “a reason concerning the hope that is in you.” Logon (from logos) means “reason,” “word,” or “explanation,” suggesting a clear, logical articulation of one’s beliefs. The word elpidos (“hope”) speaks to the future-oriented confidence Christians have, grounded in the resurrection and promises of Christ.
  • Importantly, peri tes en hymin elpidos (literally “concerning the hope in you”) highlights that the hope is internalized—it is something believers personally hold, experience, and can testify to. This hope isn’t an abstract concept but a living reality that should naturally provoke questions, especially when expressed with peace and steadfastness in challenging circumstances.

4. “With gentleness and respect” (Greek: meta prautetos kai phobou):

  • Prautetos (gentleness or meekness) and phobou (respect or reverence) together characterize the demeanor believers should embody when giving their defense. Prautetos denotes a humble, patient attitude, while phobou conveys a reverent, respectful approach, possibly toward both God and one’s audience.
  • This phrase indicates that the manner of apologetics is as important as the content. A defense given with gentleness and respect avoids arrogance or aggression, aiming instead to invite understanding and reflect Christlike humility.

Broader Implications of 1 Peter 3:15 for Apologetics

  • While 1 Peter 3:15 is situated within a context of persecution, the call to be “always prepared” (hetoimoi aei) suggests an all-encompassing readiness applicable to daily life. The open-ended phrasing “to everyone who asks” (panti to aitounti) implies that this preparedness is not exclusive to hostile situations but includes any opportunity where questions may arise.
  • Furthermore, the internal aspect of “sanctifying Christ as Lord” grounds the apologetic response in personal devotion, making it relevant beyond specific moments of persecution. Believers are encouraged to give a reason for their hope with humility and clarity, not as a defense mechanism but as an invitation for others to understand the faith that sustains them.

If Dan views the apologetic application of 1 Peter 3:15 as overly narrow, I understand his caution, especially given the verse’s primary setting in the context of suffering. However, I interpret the verse as urging both preparedness in trials and in general interactions. This readiness to give a reasoned account is essential for engaging a world that often asks questions about faith in a variety of contexts. By emphasizing gentleness and respect, Peter sets a tone that is universally applicable, ensuring that the believer’s response is not only reasoned but also Christlike.

Final Reflections:

Reflecting on this dialogue, I am sincerely grateful to Dan for his thoughtful engagement and the chance to refine my perspective. His commitment to the authority and clarity of Scripture is inspiring, and his points have challenged me to revisit each passage with a deeper sense of responsibility to accurately represent God’s Word. If I have misunderstood or misrepresented any aspect of his views, I welcome his correction, as my goal is to engage with both accuracy and humility. These conversations offer invaluable opportunities not only to sharpen our own theological understanding but also to build unity in our shared pursuit of truth.

In considering these passages together—Acts, Romans 1, Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11, and 1 Peter 3:15—I find that each, while distinct in purpose and context, collectively upholds a principle of flexibility and wisdom in evangelism and apologetics, without diminishing the importance and supremacy of scripture in evangelism. Acts illustrates the adaptability of the apostles’ methods, revealing how they responded to diverse audiences with contextually relevant approaches. Rather than prescribing a single evangelistic method, Acts demonstrates the apostles’ responsiveness to the Holy Spirit and to the unique backgrounds of their listeners, which I see as an encouragement to similarly engage others thoughtfully.

Romans 1 affirms the truth of general revelation, that God’s existence and attributes are evident in creation. However, rather than precluding further dialogue, this passage establishes a foundation for engaging those who may need a bridge from their natural awareness of God to a fuller understanding of the gospel. Classical and evidential apologists have long understood Romans 1 as validating reasoned discourse and the use of evidence, reflecting Paul’s own practice of engaging others thoughtfully, as he did in Athens.

Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11, while not focused on methodology, reinforce the formative role of Scripture in shaping believers’ lives and character. These passages remind us that the Old Testament writings are for our instruction, teaching us perseverance and humility. This personal formation naturally informs our witness, equipping us to respond to others from a place of integrity and maturity rather than rigid adherence to a single model.

Finally, 1 Peter 3:15, set within the context of enduring hardship with faithfulness, emphasizes the importance of readiness to give an answer for the hope within us. While it encourages steadfastness under persecution, its message extends beyond this to a general call for preparedness in all encounters. Peter’s focus on gentleness and respect highlights the spirit in which our witness should be given, making this verse foundational for an apologetic approach that is both reasoned and compassionate.

In sum, these passages collectively encourage a witness that is thoughtful, adaptable, and grounded in Scripture. Rather than binding us to one prescriptive method, they emphasize the importance of context, character, and readiness. While Dan’s perspective offers valuable reminders of the foundational truths we share, I hold that these texts invite us to approach apologetics and evangelism with flexibility and attentiveness to the needs of those we encounter. Thank you again to Dan for his insights and his godly approach to this discussion; his perspectives have both challenged and encouraged me in my commitment to faithful witness.

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A Poem About Comfort in Humility After Shattered Dreams of Greatness

Once yearning for greatness, dreams now lie in dust,
Shattered illusions, in humility, trust.

In God’s Kingdom, the lowly hold the key,
Greatness unmeasured, by quiet decree.

Performance fades, a transient facade,
In God’s embrace, where new birth is not flawed.

For the child of God, in brokenness, whole,
Neither diminished nor increased, this saved soul.

In shattered dreams, a truth unfolds clear,
His worth unchanged, a child held dear.

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An Encouraging Thought: About Christmas, on Thanksgiving Eve

I love Christmas. I know we just had Thanksgiving, but I am a big fan of Christmas, and for so many reasons.

One of those reasons being that Jesus Christ descended to this earth as a human baby. I know this may seem like a peculiar reason, so let me explain. In our History as a gathered people (the Church), we’ve dealt with false teachers… Gnostics posed an early threat to orthodoxy and taught many false doctrines, one of which was against the incarnation of Jesus Christ as a man. They taught that Jesus was the exact opposite of physical matter (which was the embodiment of evil) and that it would be impossible for God be in such a state; even going as far as to say Jesus wasn’t on earth physically, but appeared as a phantom spirit.

The early church fought hard against this teaching. They taught that the problem is not physical matter, but that humanity was far from God because of sin. When God created the earth he called it good, but man chose to sin, consequently resulting in the fall; meaning anything imperfect or wrong with the world is a direct result of sin, and not physical matter. In fact, our earthly bodies will be restored in the resurrection. Hence the Apostles’ Creed concludes, “I believe in… the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life.” This was in stark contrast to the gnostic view that the body is evil, and would done away with. Couple this with the fact that Jesus appeared as a physical yet immaculately conceived newborn baby in the incarnation, it would blow the mind of many to find that the initial heresy the Church had to deal with was not against Christ’s divinity, but rather His HUMANITY.

Now, back to the Christmas story. Simply put, Jesus appeared as a physcial, human baby…. God condescended to come down to us. This is so unlike any of the gods the Greeks would have served. In their pride, they would have never done such a thing. But Jesus, this Jesus is so different from them. That, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8) This was so countercultural that many Jews were unable to comprehend it, despite the scriptures in the Old Testament clearly testifying about it.

Please understand, the Christmas story is more than a mere testament to the humility of our Lord. It tells us that God desires to see sinners saved, and that He proved it by going through the trouble of becoming a man, even a baby… going on to fulfill prophecy, and complete the mission of redemption for us all. On top of this, he is now our high priest, “a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). We can rest confidently knowing that not only does He desire to see sinners saved, but once he redeems those sinners, He is able to empathetically walk with us as we complete our mission on this earth. And in this difficult season of my life, I am warmed to know my savior ‘empathizes with me.

Do you see it?

Without the incarnation, without the historicity of the Christmas story, we don’t get these benefits. There’s so much more I could go into. But I just wanted to get this off my chest. I really do love advent, and Christmas, and all the celebrations entail, and it gives me even more cause to be thankful to God this Thanksgiving Eve!

Ravi Zacharias sharing the gospel to an audience.
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REFLECTIONS ON THE MORAL FAILINGS OF RAVI ZACHARIAS

2/11/2021
Today, people around the world are shaken by the findings of the recent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by the recently deceased Founder of RZIM (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries) and Christian Apologist, Ravi Zacharias. If you are reading this, it is likely that you have already heard the devastating news of his secret life during his years as a minister. Please know that before I continue, my intent in writing this article is not to add more fuel to the fire, nor is it to defend or deflect what was clearly proven in the very extensive and compelling Miller & Martin Report. But, in such a time as this, I believe that it is the responsibility of Bible believing Christians to still give an answer for the hope that is within them. Because of that, in this article, my hope is to do that very thing and nothing else.

As a young teenager, I stumbled in my faith, and it was as a teenager that I relied greatly on men like Ravi Zacharias. His messages on YouTube were, in my teen years, a catalyst for my faith. When I was struggling with doubts about the pain I was going through, I looked to Ravi and his sermons to bring clarity to my life circumstances. In these times, Ravi helped me understand what it means to be human, what good and evil is, and why there is suffering in this world. Some things that will be said about Ravi by many people today stem from shock, disappointment, and anger. Some people have brokenly expressed, “I looked up to this man…” Others have referred to Ravi as a hypocrite, or, as one deeply hurt individual stated, “This is so devastating. It’s like he died all over again…” The man we thought was there, really was not, and it is deeply devastating to many. These are people who will no doubt have to process through their own grief and disappointment at the results of the Miller & Martin Report. These feelings of disappointment are not unwarranted, nor are they unreal.

Even more real to this extremely heartbreaking news is the immense pain of the victims from behind the scenes of Ravi’s double-life. Nobody knows all the names or the exact number of victims of Ravi Zacharias’s sexual transgressions, but we do know that one, Lori Anne Thompson, is one of those individuals. She is one of the true heroes to be acknowledged in all of this. In an open statement she shared her story, and however painful it was to hear, it was very powerful; a story which previously had been held back by the non-disclosure agreement she had in place with Zacharias. She said, “I have repeatedly requested to be released from my NDA. To date, no release has come. So be it. My words belong to me, and I take them back today.” This is an incredibly powerful statement. It is so important that we acknowledge that on the other side of our hurt, disappointment, and shame at this terrible situation, there are real people, such as Lori Anne, who have suffered worse at Ravi’s hands.

Where do we go from here?

As I have mentioned, I have looked up to this man; and thousands of others have as well. Ministers, world leaders, and countless other kinds of people from different ethnicities, countries, social classes, and positions in their society have not only viewed this man in high regard, but have been genuinely and deeply impacted by his ministry, by his words, and by his outreach. How do these people respond to this, really? For me, as I write this in tears, I am deeply pained. I think of myself in my teenage years. I was someone who looked up to this man and placed him on an extremely high pedestal. I can honestly say that had this all come to light in those days, I might have completely walked away from the faith altogether. Fortunately, I am finding this out later in life, and my faith is firmly rooted and founded in Jesus Christ and his words. With this said, this is certainly not the case for those who are not firm in the faith, or worse, those who were on the edge of eternity at the ministry of Ravi. By that, I mean those who were so close to responding to the gospel… How many of them are throwing their hands up? How many will never trust a man of God again? This is a truly devastating thing to ponder.

Since the release of the report, many have taken to condemning and denouncing Ravi Zacharias. Others have called for RZIM to disband and disperse. It could be rightly argued that these callouts are fair and warranted. But that will not be the goal of this article. I hope to do something more… This, at its core for some people, is an issue of faith. I think back to my time as a teen. What questions would I have asked had this come out then? I was a deeply troubled and hurting person that relied on Ravi Zacharias and his ministry to just stay afloat. Fresh out of many years of struggling with suicidal inclinations, self-harm, and many other hurts, I had given my life to the Lord fully, and at many times felt alone in my new walk with the Lord. Then, through YouTube, Ravi came into my life. I could relate with him. His powerful testimony of being saved from “a bed of suicide” resonated with me deeply. Nights when I was ready to throw my own hands up, his words entered the room through that computer screen, and I was given the hope that I desperately needed. News of something like this would have completely derailed me. So really, what would have happened with me had this come out sooner?

As I reflect, I recognize that for much of my teen years, my faith was built on a poor foundation. As I have said, I was deeply impacted by Ravi’s ministry. I used his work to hold me over into my adult years where I began to realize that I must be rooted in Christ’s words, not the words of any eloquent speaker. In Matthew’s Gospel we hear from Jesus that, “Everyone… who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock.” (Matt. 7:24 ESV) Why would Jesus use this imagery? Why would he compare his words to a rock? Well, simply because when the storms and uncertainties of life come and beat against us, we need a solid foundation to keep us standing firm in those storms. Jesus and his words resemble that solid foundation, or “rock.” As Jesus said, “…the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matt. 7:25 ESV) When our faith is built on this rock, nothing shall overcome it. Not even the moral failings of Ravi Zacharias. This is something I did not understand as a youth, new in my faith. My house was not properly built on the rock-solid words of Christ at that time; something I am very thankful to have today.

The truth is, when I was a youth, I was more like a person who built their house on sand. I took Ravi Zacharias, and I placed him on a pedestal that he was never meant to be on. Jesus said, “…everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Matt. 7:26 ESV) One thing I know I did, was that I idolized Ravi Zacharias. And anyone who has a basic knowledge of scripture knows that idolizing a person is idolatry, and idolatry is sin. To put it concisely, idolatry is disobedience to the commands of Christ. And such disobedience always leads to the natural consequences warned of in scripture… a great fall. How many are in a crisis of faith at the news of Ravi’s moral failure? Such people have a house (life) built on sand. Of such people, Jesus said, “…the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matt. 7:27 ESV) It is so important for us to have a proper foundation. Because without it, in times like this, we will find ourselves in crisis that Jesus never intended for us. So where do we go from here? I would say that we ought to take this time to reflect… What are we building our life on? Men who fail, or Jesus who never fails?

The questions I would ask…

I want to ponder about God for a little bit, and I want to do this in light of my former self. I know that there are people much like I was, and I know that there are answers that are needed. So, I am going to try to think of some questions I might have had about all this, and then give a good shot at answering them. The first question I might have asked is, does all this mean that Ravi Zacharias was wrong about what he said? Ravi argued powerfully for the existence of God and the truth of Christ as the one and only Savior of the world. But does his moral discrepancies disprove his arguments? In his five-minute short response to these recent revelations regarding Ravi, Dr. Michael Licona pointed out, “…Many will be turned off to Christianity as a result. People don’t necessarily have problems with Jesus. They have problems with many of his followers. Even worse, some Christians will begin to doubt whether Christianity is true, because one of it’s most prominent advocates lacked integrity.” Unfortunately, this is too true. This is devastating news and, though it shouldn’t, it will impact people in a very negative way. What do I mean by that? Well, as Dr. Licona rightly expressed, it is not Jesus people have problem with here. It is the lack of integrity that Ravi had. As Licona follows up, “…Christianity is true because of the person of Jesus…” The good character of a Christian does not prove or disprove anything about Jesus. It only provides us the evidence we need to determine if that person is truly following Christ. This is a thinking error that many believers and non-believers alike might be wrestling with. If you are one of these, just know that Ravi is not Jesus. He is merely a man, and his failings do not overshadow the overwhelming success of Christ. In other words, Christianity is true not because of those who adhere to it, but because Jesus is exactly who he claimed to be when he performed signs and wonders, fulfilled with pinpoint accuracy all the prophecies in the Old Testament regarding the Messiah, and rose from the dead.


The next question I may ask is, how could God use a man like this to do good in the world and still be good? This question is really a cry for justice. Ravi Zacharias received honors and accolades as a loved and admired man of God. Yet, behind the scenes he was a predatory violator of the moral law that he so fervently stood in the gap for. As the Miller & Martin Report indicates, Ravi spent a protracted period living in sin. He was not just messing up from time to time. He was living this out as a double life. A lifestyle of duplicity and sexual impropriety. So where is the justice? Why would God show Ravi mercy, knowing that in the end he would be found out as a fraud, causing many to stumble? These are daunting, difficult questions to answer. But there is an answer. Simply put, the answer to this question is found in a mixture of God’s mercy and His sovereignty. Sometimes we don’t really realize what God is doing behind the scenes while we are here on earth sinning and messing up. So, in these next paragraphs, please bear with me. This may take us for a ride, but the answer, however deep and theological, is refreshing indeed!

To start, the Apostle Peter puts this in good perspective: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV) This is an extremely hard pill to swallow for some; but to be frank about it, God did not judge Ravi in this life simply because God is merciful. As a youth pastor, I find myself needing to answer questions about injustice and evil. Generation Z hates injustice, and rightly so. And, as a result, I have learned to effectively give the youth of this generation an answer for this. When they ask, why does God allow evil? Why does he allow injustice? I unflinchingly answer: “Well, because if God didn’t allow injustice and evil in the world, none of us would even be here. God would have already judged and punished us all by now.” God’s word is noticeably clear, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23 ESV) Part of me wants to be offended that God allowed Ravi to last so long in his position of admiration and influence. But I know this is my flesh speaking. We ought to praise God for His mercy, not grumble about Him giving the same mercy to Ravi that we would want Him to give us. So, simply put, God did not judge Ravi in this life for the same reason he has not judge you or me. Because He is merciful!

But, how does this mercy tie in with God’s sovereignty? Well, mercy is not something that is deserved. And, mercy is only one part of God’s method for dealing with the wickedness of humankind. As it has already been established, all of us have fallen short of God’s glory. We all deserve judgement from God, yet he works with us all to fulfill his good purposes. With this, despite our evil, scripture is quite clear that God uses the evil of mankind for good. Ravi lived a double life, but God still used him to bring needed answers to struggling people. Now, at face value this seems like a very insensitive thing to say. That, Ravi Zacharias, a man who lived wickedly in God’s eyes was still used by God? Of course! In fact, God has made good out of worse in order to carry out his good purposes.

For example consider King Nebuchadnezzar, who destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and exiled the Israelites in 586 BC. What does God’s word say of him? Through Jeremiah, God says, “Now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, my servant, and I have given him also the beasts of the field to serve him.” (Jeremiah 26:7 ESV) What? His servant? Why would God refer to this evil man as His servant? Simply put, God is revealing to us that even when we commit evil, He is still sovereign. We may try to break His laws and set ourselves up against Him, but God always finds a way to achieve His plan. This is not the only time that God has used wicked men to carry out his purpose. He did the same thing with the wicked King Cyrus of Persia, who like the King of Babylon, He refers to as like a servant, calling Cyrus His “shepherd” who will rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. (Isaiah 44:28 ESV) Another example more popular to Christians is in Genesis where Joseph confronts his brothers who sold him into slavery saying, “…you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” (Gen. 50:20 ESV) This, of course, led to the saving of many people from a horrible famine in that time, particularly the saving of the entire nation of Israel.

Next comes the question, does this mean that God effectually caused the evil of Ravi, who victimized all of those women? Or did He effectually cause Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Israel as judgement? Or did He make Cyrus kill more people to conquer Israel? Or did God make Joseph’s brothers sell him out into slavery? Not necessarily. God is not the author of evil. Some Calvinists try to imply that God does do this, but I am neither a Calvinist, nor do I believe that. I could get further into that topic, but I won’t because it is not the purpose of this article. That said, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Joseph’s brothers, and Ravi chose to do these bad things out of their own free choice. But God is sovereign over evil! And as stated before, throughout scripture it is demonstrated that though God does not cause wicked people to do wicked things, He does use wicked people to bring out His purposes for good!

look deeper at the case of Joseph: his brothers planned to sell him into slavery and ruin his life out of jealousy, but God used the circumstances of Joseph to save Israel and many others. We see a similar sentiment of this sort of phenomenon in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, “…we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV) Here, Paul is referring to the evil persecutions committed against Christians. Paul is saying that in the case of those who love the Lord, all things are worked by God for their good. So, if God can work persecution, death, and destruction for good, he can certainly use a duplicitous man like Ravi for good. And he did. As I have said, God used Ravi mightily to give me the answers I desperately needed as a hurting teen. There is no getting around this fact for me. All glory to God! But, he did use Ravi.

Now, how does this make sense? Wouldn’t God then have to make all situations of evil work out for a good outcome for all of us? First, in the grand scheme of things, God does not owe us anything. Often times we associate good with our own perceived well-being. And, though God loves his creation, (us in particular), we are not owed anything from God… Especially if we choose to break His law and stand in arrogance against Him. All of us have fallen short and have sinned, and as result we all deserve to die. It’s as scripture says, “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 ESV)

This is why any redemptive act that God effects in this sinful and fallen world flows from his mercy. Why? Because our sin has deemed all of us worthy of judgement. With that said, if He does judge us it is a good thing because justice is good! Think about it… Even Joseph, the one wronged by his wicked brothers deserved to be judged because he was also a sinner. Yet, God redemptively participated in Joseph’s story to cause good. This doesn’t mean that all evil in this world is turned around for a good outcome for us in this life; it only means that evil can be used by God in his sovereign mercy to effect good in the world. Therefore, when God uses wicked people for good, we are in no place to stand in judgement of him because we are the sinners worthy of death; and it is the same in the case of Ravi. Ultimately, nobody can stand in judgement against God on the basis of His mercy towards evil men, nor on the basis of how God uses evil men for good.

With all of this in mind, one day, when all of what we now see passes away and we all stand in front of God for final judgement, God’s complete justice will be enacted upon the entire world. But right now, He sovereignly shows mercy. Ravi Zacharias has already faced this judgement, and my hope is that he stood before God having repented of his sins. But, in His sovereignty, God used a man who did great evil, for His own good purposes. That means that in my teen years, God used a man who was committing unconscionable deeds to give me answers to some of life’s most challenging questions. God used a sinner to keep me afloat. And God likely did this for many other people who are like me.

This does not put God in a position to be judged by us, and this does not nullify His goodness. It reveals the goodness of God. That God would have mercy upon Ravi Zacharias, and still used him to extend more mercy to sin-sick people, really is a testament of the patience of God, not the wrongness of God. This in no way excuses Ravi Zacharias. However, this does give an adequate answer to a really challenging question… Many are disappointed today, but knowing that God is willing to use sinful people for the good of other sinful people is a beautiful reality that neither takes away from His goodness, nor does it minimize the genuine impact Ravi Zacharias had in my life, nor in the lives of some of those who are reading this.

Now comes another question, what does God think of what Ravi Zacharias did? Simply put, God is as much against Ravi’s sin as He is anyone else’s. In fact, more! There is a higher standard for men who are in leadership. Jesus’ own brother, the Apostle James, warns: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (James 3:1 ESV) It is no shock to anyone that what Ravi did was morally unconscionable considering the scriptures. However, Ravi still stood in a position of great influence in the world and in the church. Yet, God still allowed Ravi to have this position. This is deeply frustrating. Not only to the Christians who are now struggling with their faith as a result of Ravi’s failings, but also for unbelieving people who may have been on the verge of repentance.

Why would God continue to allow Ravi to live in sin? Why wasn’t he exposed sooner? And again, I would refer to what I have said about God’s mercy and sovereignty. It could very well be that God knew things that we do not. But one thing I do know is that had this come out sooner, I may not be writing this article. I may have walked away entirely. Another thing to consider is the mercy of God… Christian leaders need God’s mercy just as much as any sinner. What Ravi did is detestable, but there are mysteries to God’s methods that we may never understand. In the end, we must always remember that men break our trust… Not God. Ravi made these decisions out of his own free will and lived a lifestyle contrary to God’s moral law. Despite this, God showed Ravi ample amounts of mercy and unless Ravi repented before or on his death bed, he was judged before God being without any excuses at all. God will always set things right.

Another thing I might ask is, how do I move on from all of this? I believe the answer to this is something I alluded to earlier in this article. We can’t be building our foundation on shifting sand. When I was a youth, I needed answers and Ravi Zacharias gave them to me. This led to an unhealthy idolization of Ravi, who was a mere man. That said, I really should have put Christ first in everything. My faith is to be built on Him. Ravi Zacharias was full of great and wise words. He spoke eloquently, and powerfully impacted the church whilst he was alive. However, the Apostle Paul has a few things to say about eloquence and wisdom… “And I, when I came to you, brothers, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.  For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 ESV)

The transformative spiritual power of Ravi’s message was never found in his words. Rather, it was found every time he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul said in his Epistle to the Romans, “…I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 ESV) This is why Paul told the Church in Thessalonica, “…our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction…” (1 Thess. 1:9 ESV) The Gospel is the source of the power in the message of Christ, not any imperfect man. Unfortunately, many people have succumbed to celebrity-ism when it comes to their foundation, basing their faith in God on their admiration of speakers like Ravi Zacharias. If our faith were always founded in Jesus and His gospel, we wouldn’t be so shaken whenever prominent Christian men fail. Therefore, I submit to you that you refocus your faith on Jesus and his words, and as Paul writes, “…Let God be true though everyone were a liar.” (Romans 3:4 ESV)

Refocusing…

Now that we have looked at some of the questions that may be floating around about this terrible situation regarding Ravi Zacharias, I think it is important for us to take time to talk about how we got here. I find myself reminded of Paul’s warning to Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16 NIV) As Christians, especially leaders, we must be incredibly careful with how we live and with what we teach. We are ambassadors for Christ to this lost world. What ever happened to holiness in the church? What ever happened to standards for pastors and teachers?

I know that from the outside looking in, many of us would have never guessed Ravi was doing these things on the side. In fact, few of us would ever imagine Ravi in the same picture as a Carl Lentz, or a Jerry Falwell Jr… But now, we certainly see such things floating around the internet today. But might I add… With all the brazen and sharp words some men and women have had for Ravi Zacharias, (and rightly so) statistically speaking, 64 percent of those angry Christian men, and 15 percent of those angry Christian women are addicted to pornography. Yes, is what Ravi did much worse? Of course! But I believe that the increase in moral failings by Christian leaders stems from a serious disregard for holiness in the church. And the problem that churchgoers have with pornography is also evident of that.

Where is the conviction of the Holy Spirit? Where is the accountability? The church in America will never see any sort of revival until we start to value holiness again. We have built a church culture that allows for people to sit comfortably in the pews of church buildings without any challenge from the pulpit to pick up their cross and die daily. With all of this in view, so many “Christian” people today are taking this profoundly disappointing situation and using it as an opportunity to signal their virtue. But that’s not what Christianity is about. It’s about signaling God’s virtue.

We signal God’s virtue by sharing the gospel to this lost and dying world, and by living out the Christ-life. We mustn’t allow ourselves to make holiness merely an image to attain publicly, but a daily denial of self out of our love for our God. Finally, Ravi’s exposure has reminded me personally that I am also merely a man, and I must also watch my life and doctrine. I have a beautiful wife who thinks the world of me. I praise God for her. What things can I do daily to attain the discipline needed to never let her down like Ravi did to his wife, Margie? I have a beautiful baby girl who lights up when she sees me. What can I do right now to make sure that when I die, she will never have to suffer the pain Naomi Zacharias is going through at this time? What can I do to ensure that I don’t cause anyone to stumble? Simply put, I must truly value holiness in every aspect of my life. I must be fully set apart for God. Our arguments for God mean only so much. We must live the life we preach.

Conclusively, in this article I have tried to be real with the reader. I must be honest; I am still fighting my own disappointment. It’s hard because for me, it’s as if he passed away all over again. The man I thought was there really wasn’t. Last May, I remember weeping and needing the comfort of my wife because of my grief over Ravi’s passing. There was so much that Ravi had given me, and I hadn’t taken time to consider a world without him. This is really a mistake on my part, and unfortunately, the American church has allowed for this satanic influence of celebrity-ism to infiltrate it.

We must never allow a minister to grow in popularity so much so that they overshadow Jesus, who is the truth behind the gospel message. This is true whether it be the Apostle Paul in his time, or Ravi Zacharias, Carl Lentz, Jerry Fallwell Jr. or whoever else. Why? Because men fail. Our gospel is not founded on mere men, it is founded on the work and power of Christ. Unfortunately, we have let it come to this in the church today. I have let it come to this. And I take responsibility for it. This is why I have taken this attempt to give answers to some hard questions that people may be facing. My hope is that in doing so, I have brought clarity to those who are in serious need of answers. If I have not been clear enough, I encourage the reader to reach out. Comment on this article or email me at adam@boldapologia.com for more dialogue. I hope this has blessed whoever needed it.

In Christ,

Adam Parker