I want to clearly say that, I disagree with the way the video predicts the future of Christianity should people listen to Norman Geisler's saber rattling against Michael Licona. I too disagree with his saying that Matthew did not intend the raised-from-the-dead saints in Matthew chapter 27 to be understood historically. I think it is meant to be historical. But arguing that it's not does not equate to saying the Bible is errant. I think one thing missing from the discussion that the people who were raised, were known around Jerusalem. That means that they had not long been dead and I would take their raising to be like the ones who had been raised to life and then later died - like Lazarus. Dr James White takes this position and I think he makes a good point. I also don't think that Geisler's behavior (as bad as it is) will lead to apostasy and cause people to loose their faith and be swayed by Bart Ehrman and people like him. God is in control. It is God who saves us and keeps us saved. Don't people credit. The credit is God's imputed to us through faith because of God's mercy.
Paul Wrote:
7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored.- 2 Corinthians 13:7-9
And even better, Jesus said.
17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” - Matthew 16:17-19
Given that the gates of Hades don't stand a chance, I doubt we have to worry about Bart Ehrman, or Norman Geisler for that matter.
Geisler's Christmas Carol - YouTube
Hiya,
ReplyDeleteThe "bleak future" scenario isn't meant to be too literal -- I do foresee (even as Dan Wallace and many others do) an America more like Europe is now within the next 30 years if we don't wise up. And it's not so much Geisler's specific behavior I'm trying to point up so much as a certain attitude towards authority as opposed to scholarship (which he exemplifies) PLUS his behavior (which indeed some atheists have noted negatively).
So yeah, it's a bit of a parable in its own way. :D So likewise will be a coming follow up...
I do foresee (even as Dan Wallace and many others do) an America more like Europe is now within the next 30 years if we don't wise up.
ReplyDeletePlease?
I really like the video and I have to agree that America may end up becoming a "secular dystopia". But that might just be part of the judgement of God, given that western civilization has been given so much grace and mercy compared to much of the rest of the world and we keep spitting it back in God's face. God may just be leaving America to ourselves and giving more attention to other parts of the world where He is growing His church. That's His right. But I hope we will "wise up" before its too late and He will continue to have mercy on us.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Mr. Holding, I can't wait for the follow up!
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