Dumb Decisions of a Fired-Up Young Christian / Global Warming: Do Scientists Disagree?

Since last week’s newsletter, we’ve concluded the M.A. Christian evidences class of Mountain Theological Seminary, where I serve as Professor of Bible & Apologetics. This year’s class hails from Nigeria, Kenya, Burundi, Singapore, the United States, Uganda, South Africa, Madagascar, and the Philippines. Kudos to all the students!

In today’s bulletin, there are four offerings, and one request.

• The next installment in the series “Moments I Wish I Could Take Back.” (And there are so many!)

• A Q&A on global warming.

• The Early Christian Writings, part 16 (Irenaeus, 2nd century AD)

• The Merneptah Stele. (Never heard of it? Learn why it’s important.)

• Please consider supporting this ministry, if it’s not already in your budget. And thanks to all our regular supporters, without whose help our work would not be possible. Details at end of this newsletter.

DUMB DECISIONS OF A FIRED-UP YOUNG CHRISTIAN

This is the second installment of the series “Moments I Wish I Could Take Back.” Click HERE for the entire series.

As we think back on some of the mistakes we've made in our lives, wouldn't it be great to be able to go back (in time) and get a "redo"? Alas, that is not possible. Yet we can still learn from these moments.

In "Moments I Wish I Could Take Back," you’ll hear about dozens of decisions, words, and actions I wish I could take back—focusing on things done in the name of Christ (that is, thinking I was pleasing the Lord). The series (8-10 talks) will be complete by February 2025. All are placed on a single webpage, HERE.

GLOBAL WARMING: DO SCIENTISTS DISAGREE?

Q: I don't believe in the theory of Global Warming for one minute! I've been doing some online investigation, and found a good website. Scientists are arguing among themselves! If they don't believe it—and they're the experts—why should we?

EARLY CHRISTIAN WRITINGS (16)

Irenaeus, Against Heresies, Book II

• The Jews of Irenaeus’ day still put demons to flight (vi.2). This reminds us of Acts 19—the sons of Sceva.

• Simon Magus claimed to be god over all (ix.2).

• This passage seems to support infant baptism (xxii.4)—which would not become common until the 5th century, once Augustine formulated the doctrine of Original Sin as an apologetic for the practice.

• Jesus is in his 40s—as Irenaeus interprets John 8:56-57 (xxii.6).

• “… The entire Scriptures, the prophets, and the Gospels, can be clearly, unambiguously, and harmoniously understood by all…” (xxvii.2)!

• Irenaeus distinguishes paradise from the third heaven (xxx.7).

• Miracles appear to be alive and well! “This is also why those who are in truth his disciples, receiving grace from him, perform [miracles] in his name, so as to promote the welfare of other men, according to the gift each one has received from him. For some do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those wo have thus been cleansed from evil spirits both believe [in Christ] and join themselves to the church. Others have foreknowledge of things to come: they see visions, and utter prophetic expressions. Others still heal the sick by laying their hands on them, and they are made whole. Yes, moreover, as I have said, the dead even have been raised up, and remained among us for many years. And what more shall I say? It is not possible to name the number of gifts which the church, [scattered] throughout the whole world, has received from God, in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and which she exerts day by day for the benefit of the Gentiles, neither practicing deception on any, nor taking any reward from them. For as she has received freely, freely also does she minister [to others]” (xxxii.4).

• “Nor does she [the church] perform anything by means of angelic invocations, or by incantations, or by any other wicked curious art; but, directing her prayers to the Lord, who made all things, in a pure, sincere, and straightforward spirit, and calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, she has been accustomed to work miracles for the advantage of mankind, and not to lead them into error. If, therefore, the name of our Lord Jesus Christ even now confers benefits [upon men], and cures thoroughly and effectively all who anywhere believe on him…” (xxxii.5).

• Irenaeus argues against the absurdity of the transmigration of souls (xxxiii).

  “Souls continue to exist, that they do not pass from body to body…” (xxxiv.1).

Next week: Book III. (Irenaeus penned five books in Against Heresies).

ARTEFACT IN FOCUS: THE MERNEPTAH STELE