Agnostic to Apologist

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ESV John 8:32

If you look up the definition of an agnostic, you’ll find that it is describes a person who does not necessarily deny the existence of God. But neither does an agnostic affirm the existence of God. As a matter of fact, they generally believe that no proofs of God exist. You could say, they’re just kind of indifferent and don’t really care one way or the other.

On the other hand, if you look up the word apologist, you’ll find that it describes a person who stands in defense of a doctrine; like Christianity. Interestingly enough, one of the greatest agnostics of modern times spent his later years earning the distinction of being one of Christianity’s greatest apologists. I’m speaking of C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity and many other Christian books. Lewis went from being a decided skeptic to a staunch supporter and many of his writings give insight into his conversion. Allow me to summarize his conversion with the simple observation that “the truth” set him free.

This past week I had lunch with a self described agnostic. It was a short but interesting conversation. And I hope to continue the conversation one day soon.

One comment my friend made has stuck with me. He said that the part of him that wanted to believe in God was skeptical (even distrusting) of religion. He seemed both surprised and amused that I agreed with him. Now, I’m not suggesting that we abandon gathering together in local congregations, but whenever the object of our faith rests in our religion instead of our Creator, we’ve made a grave mistake.

The Athenians made this mistake. When Paul was in Athens, he noticed that they were so religious and so careful to cover their bases, that they even had an idol to an unknown god. Acts chapter seventeen records his sermon to the Athenians. Beginning in verse sixteen, Paul proclaimed to the Athenians the truth about the God that was unknown to them; the God who made the world and everything in it.

When Paul finished what I believe to be one of the greatest sermons recorded in scripture, we find that some people mocked him, others wanted to hear him again on the matter, but some believed. Yes, some believed in the one true God. They were converted through the gospel that Paul taught; the same good news Christians preach and teach today. The truth set them free.

My prayer is that God would grant me the opportunity, desire, knowledge and ability to share as much of the gospel, to as many people, as possible. So that perhaps, the truth of the gospel would set someone free. Who knows, maybe someone will even go from agnostic to apologist.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

The Apostles’ Creed: Brilliant at the Basics

Why print The Apostle’s Creed? It’s simple really. Any document respected and revered enough by Christendom to remain in widespread use since the very early days of Christianity deserves some attention.

Some readers will immediately yawn and dismiss this article because their tradition recites the Creed every week in church. Other readers already have their defenses up; bristling at the thought of my using this space to discuss a creed. And still others are probably scratching their head wondering aloud: Hmm, what’s a creed? (It’s a brief statement of faith.)

As my Sunday School class discussed The Apostles’ Creed briefly this past week, I tagged it with the sub-title “Brilliant at the Basics” because of the way it effectively articulates the basic tenants of Christianity. I am convinced The Apostles’ Creed can be defended biblically. That being the case, I challenge you to read it carefully, slowly, and with an open mind; noting how it systematically and brilliantly lays out the basic beliefs held dear by Christians throughout the ages. It is truly Brilliant at the Basics.

Well, here it is with some of my thoughts inserted in brackets. Think of it and read it as a profession of faith in three parts.

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell. [This phrase was not in the earliest editions of the Creed. It first appeared around the end of the fourth century and much debate surrounds its meaning. I’m convinced that “to hell” should be interpreted and read “to the grave.” But you can beg to differ and we’ll still be friends.]
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church, [In modern English, this phrase is better rendered “the holy universal church;” meaning the true church. It is not a reference to the Roman Catholic Church that we know today.]
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Communication

“For we all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” ESV James 3:2

Do you remember the movie On Golden Pond (1981) starring Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn? Well if you didn’t see it, there isn’t room here to explain it. But if you did, you’ll recall that it centered on the sometimes ornery family relationships of an aging couple. Miscommunications between the couple and their daughter, which were sometimes intentional, were also frequent and many times comical to the viewer. I guess the gaffs were humorous because they were so ordinary and easy to relate to.

I’ve never been to Golden Pond, but I have been to Little Bear Creek. And last week, down on the lake, I was reminded of just how easy it is for miscommunication to occur.

Melisa (my wife) and I were sitting on the back porch of the cabin early one morning enjoying the dawning of the day when I noticed a crane slinking along the bank in search of prey. Not wanting to startle the crane, I motioned for Melisa to be quiet; it’s amazing just how noisy Frosted Flakes can be. Anyway, we watched as the crane stealthily inched along the water’s edge until just the right moment when, all of sudden, he pecked at the water and caught a fish!

We continued to watch in silence as the crane positioned the fish just right in its beak. He would jiggle the fish around a little, clamp down on it again and rinse it in the water. He must have repeated these steps a half dozen times before he got it like he wanted it. Then, he stuck his beak into the air and swallowed the fish whole in a single gulp.

At this point I’m smiling and thinking to myself: “Alright! You go bird; breakfast!” At that same moment, Melisa, before going inside for more Frosted Flakes, mutters out loud: “Poor fish!”

Now, we had both witnessed exactly the same event. The facts of the event were indisputable. Yet, when the deed was done, we had registered completely different endings in our minds; satisfied hunter versus poor, helpless prey.

I hope this story illustrates the importance of clear, concise communication in a family; or for that matter, between friends, at work or even in the church. Even when facts are indisputable, we often register different conclusions in our mind. This is exactly why letters, emails and text messages fall short as a means of communication; they’re easily misinterpreted and oft times register unintended conclusions.

Picking up on our verse, let me encourage you to be careful and clear in your communications this week. In conversation, choose your words carefully so that you don’t stumble in what you say.

Hmmm…wonder if I should I have told Melisa about this article ahead of time?

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Bike Rides, Hummingbirds and Wood Peckers

“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” ESV Proverbs 12:11

This past weekend I took a break and stopped to “smell the roses.” On Saturday I went bicycling with my son and a group of our friends. We pedaled some forty miles across sections of Franklin, Colbert and Lawrence counties. I was reminded anew that I’m not as young as I once was and of just how refreshing a hot shower followed by a two hour nap can be!

We started with the wind at our backs, but as we turned back to the south and then to the west, we faced a stiff, fifteen mile per hour headwind. I never considered quitting and letting the wind get the best of me, but I did have to remind myself that forward progress could only be accomplished by continued pedal strokes; one methodical circle at a time.

On Sunday afternoon I headed to a cabin on Little Bear Creek Lake where I was treated to a spectacular view of the lake aglow in the afternoon sun. I was also greeted by a hummingbird that had an odd fascination with my sandal and two wood peckers hard at work on a nearby tree. As I watched, I noticed that the hummingbird had a curious attraction to anything colorful and still. I’m sure its daily search for food.

But it was the two wood peckers that brought this verse to mind. The pair must have been male and female; one being larger than the other. And they were steady boring a nesting hole into a tree. One of them would stand aside or fly away while the other methodically ducked into the tree, banged away for a moment, and came out with a mouth full of sawdust. Then they would swap for a spell; but the work continued unabated. And I have no doubt that they’ll be in their new home soon.

Now think for a moment about the truth of our verse from my weekend observations. Had the wind bettered me, I could have stopped on the side of the road, but I wouldn't have been any closer to crossing the finish line. The hummingbird looked silly trying to find nectar in my sandal strap, but he would’ve never found a meal resting in his nest. And those two wood peckers. Well, they have learned the art of working together in a focused effort to get the job done and they’ll very soon reap rewards.

Are you methodically working your land, focused on the truly important things in your life, or are you distracted and following worthless pursuits? Distractions are plentiful. Spend some time this week focusing on the truly important things in your life; especially your relationship with God and your family. The fruit of your labor will be sweet.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Resist the devil

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” ESV James 4:7

Often times when reading about war and military actions the word resistance comes up. And it usually carries the implication of conflict or the meeting of opposing forces. I looked the word up online and found this definition: “the act of opposing.” Similarly, a quick search on the word resist yielded: “to oppose actively.” These definitions make an important point; to resist, or the act of resistance is not passive. Resistance is active.

So, to resist is to actively oppose or engage. Likewise, in the case of our verse today, to resist the devil would mean to actively engage and oppose him. Rather than being passive against evil and the power of the devil, James is telling us to actively oppose him and the result will be that “he will flee from you.”

I have a passing interest in Civil War history because troops from the North and the South spent a lot of time, and often fought, right here in our backyard. So, I enjoy occasionally mining historical nuggets with a local connection. One day while I was reading from Shelby Foote’s Civil War about some troops stationed in Tuscumbia, I came across a rather brash quote from a young General that is meaningful to our discussion of active opposition. In a message to Jefferson Davis, John Bell Hood wrote this: “You may rely upon my striking the enemy whenever a suitable opportunity presents itself, and that I will spare no effort to make that opportunity.”

Now think about the parallels for a moment. Hood was engaged in a physical battle. Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle. Hood vowed to strike (actively oppose) his enemy. Christians are commanded to resist (actively oppose) our enemy; the devil. Hood vowed to strike whenever he could. Does James indicate that Christian resistance is part-time? Finally, note that General Hood vowed to “spare no effort to make that opportunity.” May I suggest that we are to do the same? Spare no opportunity to resist the devil.

Followers of Christ can anticipate, even expect the devil to be lurking around every corner. The bible says he is like a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) Why then should we spare any effort to unveil him? Why should we spare any effort to reveal the devil who is camouflaged, hidden in the shadows, ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness? The answer is obviously that we shouldn’t. We must spare no effort to reveal the devil and resist him.

In physical combat, the tools of resistance are munitions designed to inflict bodily harm; guns, bombs, etc. Next week, we’ll look at the spiritual tools of resistance. Tools that make the enemy flee.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

Fear, Imagination & Reality

“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a wizard or a necromancer, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. ESV Deuteronomy 18:10-12

There was a “New Earth Festival” in Huntsville this past Sunday. Apparently, this festival provided a forum for tarot card readers, ghost hunters, new age healers and the like. Now I don’t pretend to know all the details, but here’s how the Huntsville Times reported on one of ten topics under the heading: Do skulls hold key to world salvation?

“According to folklore, 13 crystal skulls were created in a dimension other than this world up to 30,000 years ago and hidden in Central and South America. On Dec. 21, 2012, the skulls will reunite, activate and save the Earth from doom.” (I’m not making this up.) To which one person is quoted as saying: “I’m a believer and I’m a skeptic. I just don’t know.” How’s that for a disciple?

If it were not so sad, the whole event would provide much comic relief; it’d be a hoot. But it is sad. It’s sad because it’s just another example of the extraordinary lengths our society will go to both fuel and quench our fears of mortality with our own imaginations. We go to all manner of trouble to obscure and/or soft pedal truth. And in so doing, serious discussion is replaced with entertainment. As Neil Postman said in his aptly titled book, we are Amusing Ourselves to Death. I mean think about it. We’re all one day closer to meeting our maker today than yesterday and these folks would have us seek answers at a conference for fortune tellers…It’s like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic; useless.

The Bible says that there is no place for such nonsense with God’s people. But the nonsense is not new. We’ve may communicate it differently, but it was present even in the times of Moses!

The nonsense endures, but the truth endures as well. And the truth is that an all-powerful, timeless, all-knowing, righteous, just and holy God created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them. And he’s not served, glorified or amused by our entertaining antics.

So, what is the key to world salvation? The writer of Hebrews says it best: “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.

A Dose of Reality

“Jesus said to him [Thomas], "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ESV John 14:6

These last few weeks we’ve looked at who God is (Creator of all things and worthy of all praise), what God demands of creation (to love Him with every fiber of our being and our neighbors as ourselves), and our societal drift in opposition to God’s commands; namely, the self-centered attitude of “it’s all about me;” my wants, my desires and my gratification supersede all else.

Do you see the conflict between God’s commands and society’s attitude? That conflict can only result in separation from God. Now, this is the point where a politically correct columnist would move on, but let’s talk frankly about this separation issue. One of these days, the same God who created the world is going to judge the world. And those found wanting, will be banished from His presence forever. It won’t be fun; it will be torment; it will be hell.

But ask someone to join you in Bible study and you’ll get all kinds of answers: I know I need to be in church… I’m going to clean up my life… I’m a good person; I’m ok… I’m a member at _____church… Momma used to carry me to church every Sunday… I’d come, but the church is full of hypocrites…I’m not into organized religion…The sad reality is that none of those answers will suffice on judgment day. When we meet our Creator, all excuses and human reasoning will be out the window. Instead, a holy God will judge sinful man and sentence him on the spot.

But the same God who will judge sin has provided a means of reconciliation with Himself. And that means is through His Son, Jesus Christ. As a matter of fact, God “gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). There is no catch, but here’s something very important: Jesus is the only means of reconciliation that God has provided. There is no other way to be reconciled with God; religion won’t do it; cleaning up your life won’t do it; your momma’s good intentions won’t do it. “No one comes to the Father except through me [Jesus].

Drew Jones has written a short song (The Gospel Song) that has captivated me because of the way it beautifully summarizes this central Bible truth. It goes like this: “Holy God, in love became -- perfect Man to bear my blame. On the cross He took my sin. By His death I live again.”

Amen.

Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.