Peter responds with encouragement to be clear—to ourselves and to others—how our countercultural lifestyle is part of God’s worldwide redemptive mission.
Cross Examination
Apologetics column. Our contributors answer basic questions that people, often especially our youth, have about their beliefs.
What does the Bible mean when it says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps. 14:1)?
Reformed Christians need to look more deeply at these texts in particular and at Scripture as a whole.
How can we know the Bible we have today is a reliable record of the original writings?
I have worked too much at building and maintaining a facade.
It’s impressive when all these people actually agree on something!
What is syncretism, and how do we know when we are guilty of it?
We need to take these texts seriously as a way of taking the questioner seriously.
“Show them no mercy.” Did God really command the genocide of the Canaanites?
How can God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, even as a test of obedience? Isn't that cruel and a case of child abuse?
As a university pastor, every funeral I lead is a tragedy. This student, staff member, or professor died too young.
“Heal my sister’s cancer.” “Help my brother stop drinking.” These are the kinds of prayers that make us wonder if God is listening, or powerful, or loving.
Christ’s church is wonderfully diverse and sinfully divided.
That would contradict the other ideas and practices of Jesus and the first Christians.
What would this have meant to the people who first heard or read it?
We have a way of convincing ourselves that we deserve power, blessing, and a privileged identity because of our relationship with God.
We are unable to take a breath spiritually, much less reach out for a life preserver. That’s the key to understanding the doctrine of total depravity.
Richard Dawkins, one of Christianity’s fiercest detractors, declared in his best-selling book The God Delusion that “the God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction.”
Both nature and Scripture are God’s revelation, giving unique insights into God.
Our beliefs might change because of changes in knowledge and understanding in the world around us.
Let me give you three reasons why I think the resurrection of Jesus was not made up by early Christians.
We can’t seem to give up the clarity, comfort, and community that religious frameworks provide.
God created the world to work in certain ways and follow certain rules. The sun rises and sets. Seasons come and go.
As a Reformed Christian, I cling to the unconditionality of God’s grace, by which my sins are forgiven.