Cold-Case Christianity: Session 02 – Think Circumstantially

Have you considered that the claims of Christianity are a matter of fact? That they are either true or false?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ either happened or it didn’t. If it didn’t, then game over. If it did, then there is no message that is more important.

Join us as we examine the evidence for the truth of the Bible and the claims of Christianity in our study of “Cold-Case Christianity” by world-class Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace.

CLICK below to watch.

Session 02 – Think “Circumstantially” and Test Your Witnesses

Cold-Case Christianity: Session 01 – Don’t Be a Know-It-All

Have you considered that the claims of Christianity are a matter of fact? That they are either true or false?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ either happened or it didn’t. If it didn’t, then game over. If it did, then there is no message that is more important.

Join us as we examine the evidence for the truth of the Bible and the claims of Christianity in our study of “Cold-Case Christianity” by world-class Christian apologist J. Warner Wallace.

CLICK below to watch.

Session 01 – Don’t Be a “Know-It-All” and Learn to “Infer”

Is Philosophy at Odds with Christianity?

Philosophy is almost universally frowned upon in the Christian church, especially in more fundamental leaning congregations. Many within the Christian church consider philosophy to be completely at odds with Christianity or Christian doctrine. There are certainly many unsound philosophes that are directly in opposition to Christianity or Christian teaching.

The apostle Paul warns Christians to “beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit.” (Colossians 2:8, KJV) Others view philosophy as simply being man’s wisdom as opposed to God’s wisdom, and, as such, to be avoided if one is to avoid error. Still others view philosophy as inaccessible to the average person and therefore unnecessary or irrelevant to the practicing Christian.

This apparent opposition and tension between philosophy and Christianity causes many within the Christian church to avoid philosophy altogether, regardless of its form. Is it possible that avoiding philosophy is more harmful than beneficial in relation to Christianity? Further, is it impossible to delve deeply into Christian theology without the tools of philosophy? Is philosophy really at odds with Christianity, or is it essential to Christian theology?

This research paper will examine the above topics and will make the argument that philosophy itself, while not necessarily essential to the practicing Christian, is not at odds with Christianity. To the contrary, the tools of philosophy can do much to aid in the study and development Christian theology and, in fact, are essential to that. Philosophy, in the individual sense, is unavoidable in that we all develop our own philosophies about the world around us. The key is to be able to ascertain and discern between sound and unsound philosophy so that unsound ideas can be rejected. Additionally, the Christian should be mindful not to elevate philosophical assumptions or opinions above clear special revelation.

mhi-wp-020-is-philosophy-at-odds-with-christianityDownload

Does Truth Exist? Truth in the Face of Postmodernism

Postmodernism is primarily a late 20th century movement within Philosophy that is broadly characterized by skepticism, subjectivism, relativism; a general suspicion of reason; and an elevated assertion that ideology plays a central role in maintaining political or economic power. One of the central tenets of Postmodernism is extreme skepticism with regard to absolute or objective truth claims . These claims are extremely problematic because they would render objective truths as preference held by those espousing them. Postmodernism, while prevalent in modern society, is a false ideology and is one of, if not the, most destructive philosophies in existence. In contrast with the teachings of Postmodernism, truth is critical to understanding virtually anything and everything. It is the instrument by which we seek to understand reality itself and is inextricably linked to it. It is by seeking truth that we attempt to answer the big questions in life and to find direction. This paper will demonstrate that truth does exist, that it must exist, and that it matters profoundly in all of mankind’s endeavors. How one’s beliefs align with reality ultimately determine whether actions taken based on those beliefs will succeed or fail or be correct or incorrect.

Click to access mhi-wp-010-truth-in-the-face-of-postmodernism.pdf

My Kingdom Is Not of This World

We are SUPER excited to announce the publication of MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD (21 Days to Knowing Jesus Christ). This book is a compilation of and expansion on the Mars Hill Institute online study entitled 21 Days to Knowing Jesus Christ.

The paperback printed version of the book is now available to purchase HERE! Get yours NOW!

This is a one of a kind publication that is of value to both those who are interested in knowing about Jesus Christ and those who are already believers. It is intended to be both a resources for evangelism outreach as well as a training tool for believers who want to deepen their relationship with Christ and learn how to better share their faith.

This book is a great gift for someone who is curious about Christianity and wanting to know more about Jesus Christ and His claims. It walks the reader through a 21-day study in the Gospel of John and synthesizes the teachings into an easy to understand, yet comprehensive summary. It provides Biblical and cultural context as well as identifying Old Testament prophecy and references relevant to Jesus. It spells out precisely what Jesus teachings are and why they should form the foundation of our lives.

At the end of 21 days, you will look at the world differently and have a renewed understanding of the central claims of Christianity.

Table of Contents:

Introduction
The Pursuit of Truth
The Bible
Why the Gospel of John?
The Historical Jesus Christ
The Culture of Jesus’ Day
The Scriptures of Jesus’ Day
Gospel of John Timeline
Day 1 – The Eternal Word
Day 2 – Water Turned to Wine
Day 3 – The New Birth
Day 4 – A Samaritan Woman Meets Her Messiah
Day 5 – A Man Healed at the Pool of Bethesda
Day 6 – Feeding the Five Thousand
Day 7 – Jesus’ Brethren Disbelieve
Day 8 – The Truth Shall Make You Free
Day 9 – A Man Born Blind Receives Sight
Day 10 – The True Shepherd
Day 11 – Lazarus Raised from the Dead
Day 12 – Walk in the Light
Day 13 – The New Commandment
Day 14 – The Way, the Truth, and the Light
Day 15 – The True Vine
Day 16 – I Have Overcome the World
Day 17 – The Hour Has Come
Day 18 – My Kingdom Is Not of This World
Day 19 – It is Finished
Day 20 – The Empty Tomb
Day 21 – Follow Me
Summary
The Nature of Jesus from the Text
The Miracles of Jesus
The Old Testament Prophecies
The Truth Claims of Jesus
The Commands of Jesus
What Did Other People Say About Jesus?
Conclusion – Who Is Jesus Christ to You?
The Way Forward
The Roman Road

We are currently planning on making this resource available in two formats: 1) Printed booklet form for distribution in evangelistic outreach ministries and 2) Mass market Paperback and Hardcover edition for regular consumer markets. The outreach version will be made available to churches only in bulk quantities while the consumer version will be available through Amazon and book stores.

Stay Tuned for more information!