Defending the Faith

Tonight at our home we talked about defending the faith. The idea was brought up about organizing a "debate" among our children's friends. This debate would be in an effort to discuss differences in beliefs. My church teaches this, but your church teaches that. My parents taught me that while yours taught the opposite. I was reminded of some of my high school days.

I remember having discussions that we thought were so deep and meaningful. In retrospect, they were actually a colossal waste of time and something that I am sure brought shame to the name of Christ. The discussions were full of “my preacher said” and “Brother John taught us”. These statements were fortified with “I think” this way or that. Then seasoned heavily with printed pages of “100 verses from the Bible that shows I’m right” – These pages were usually met with “101 verses from the Bible that prove you’re an idiot.” In the end, I still attended church with my parents and my friends attended with theirs. No one was convinced, and what’s worse no one was convicted.

So we are to defend the faith – I think that’s in the bible in the book of Hey Jude. Doesn’t that mean Pistol-Packin-Preachers and Nuns-with-Guns? No, while that brings up some interesting and scary images, it doesn’t pinpoint the intent of scripture. The problem is that we are not ready to defend the faith. We are not ready to fight for our beliefs. We don’t even know when to fight and when to be silent. I think the biggest problem is that we don’t know what we believe.

What are the most important beliefs? I think that all of my beliefs are important, but the truth is that if you don’t think boudin is good or sushi rocks…I’ll still be your friend (but you really should try both). But there are beliefs that are no-wiggle-room, believe-or-we-can’t-be-friends items. Like “Who is Jesus?” Whatever you say to answer that question, you need to include “He’s God” and “Eternal” and “Sinless” and “Savior”. If you don’t believe that He is the Eternal, Sinless, God-Man, Savior then we can’t be pals. I still love you and will pray for you (now for your salvation), but we are not going to be friends. So what are those beliefs?
Here are some from the top of my head to think about. Are they essentials?

Creation – 6 days, yes literal days
Noah – big boat, animals, flood – really
Mary – Virgin (not just young), great gal but no saint and certainly not diety
Jesus – Second Person of the Trinity who stepped out onto nothing and spoke the worlds into existence. Worker of miracles beginning with making wine from water, continuing in healing sick, restoring lame, and raising the dead. Perfect spotless Lamb of God who saves all who by faith believe in Him, receive him, and repent of their sin. Crucified on Calvary, Died as dead as dead can be, Rose from the Grave bodily and very much alive, Flew into heaven to prepare a place for me, coming again. The one only singular exclusive door into heaven and access to the Father.

Are there other essentials? What are some of your beliefs that are important, but not essential?