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Confirmation Of The Gospel


“Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace” (Philippians 1:7).

The gospel, of course, embraces all the truths concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, from creation to consummation. Since these truths have been under Satanic attack throughout all the ages, it is vital that the gospel both be defended against its enemies and confirmed in the hearts and minds of its friends.

The word for “defense” (Greek apologia) is the same as “answer” in I Peter 3:15, where we are commanded to “be ready always to give an answer . . . a reason of the hope that is in you.” The word for “confirmation,” on the other hand, is essentially the same as “established,” or “stabilized,” as in Colossians 2:7: “Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith.” Thus the saving gospel of Christ—from its foundation in genuine creationism to its consummation in His coming kingdom—is both to be defended against false teaching and established as truth. These two aspects correspond in general to apologetics in defending the faith and Christian evidences in establishing the faith.

This is not merely a job for certain theological or scientific specialists, however. All believers need to be “partakers” of this grace (lit. “convinced co-participants”). Real “partakers” do not just go along for the ride, but are firmly committed and fully comprehending supporters. However, both those who lead out in such a work, as well as those who are “partakers,” are exhorted to do so in grace! “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).

Amen Pastor Roger!

I hope and pray that every Christian readies themselves to give an answer and explain the hope within them with joy. I firmly believe that GOD has work for all of us to do. The beautiful thing is that GOD will equip us to do what HE wants done, and HE will be with us during the task, however great or small.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Isaiah 48:17 NASB  Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go.

Greetings fellow travelers on this highway of holiness!

Paul wrote that he, who was a highly educated Pharasee, chose to know "nothing save
Jesus Christ and him crucified and rose again".
I believe that if we would be like Paul and just preach Jesus to the lost and dying world, then
signs would follow.

The preaching of the cross is foolishnes to the world, but is the power of God unto salvation
to all of us who believe. Thank the Lord Jesus that he chose one day to let this lost and
dying soul come to know him, and even more blessed that he has let me introduce others
to him!

respectfully yours in Yeshua:

ravenloche

True enough Raven, but lets keep in mind too that the same man stood before the Araeopagus--a group of philosophers and thoughtful skeptics, and made sence to them.  Some were convinced by his arguments, some refused to be, and he got invited back.

I love that passage pastor Roger, : 1 Peter 3:15
15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer [apologia] to everyone who asks you to give the reason [logos] for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Once upon a time, not so long ago it went without saying that the Bible was the authority.  Weather or not a person was saved, or believed everything in the Bible, it was still generally understood that if the Bible said it, there was no argument.  Now days, because of the preponderance of ignorance both inside the church, and outside, the authority of the Bible must first be established before quoting it is meaningful.   There is just too much "ancient literature" out there.  Every occult faction--mormons, witches, satanists, buddhists...ect. appeals to the ancient knowlege---"it must be true because its old" type mentality.  This is a form of the ad populum fallacy in logic---everyone else believed it so it must be true.  We need to be able to demonstrate that the ' ancient literature' of the Bible is supported by the sciences, (philosophy, arceology, astrology, biology, physics, math...ect.) , by history, that it supports itself, that God supports it (Acts 17:31), and our own actions support it ???  We need to present the information they need to remove stumbling blocks, while getting out of the way and allowing God to illustrate through us that light that will touch their will.

Someday when I grow up I'll be able to do that    ;D

Hello Ravenloche,

It's great to hear from you. I give thanks that the Gospel of the Grace of God is simple enough for a child to understand. I also give thanks that this simple message is MORE POWERFUL THAN EVER!


Love in Christ,
Tom

Philippians 4:12-13 NASB  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.