Postmodern Realities Episode 106 - Internal Testimony of the Holy Spirit

01/17/19 • 38 min

This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author James N. Anderson about his article The Internal Testimony of the Holy Spirit How Do You Know That the Bible Is Gods Word? Topics covered in this episode include what is meant by the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit? Why is it important to know that the Bible is Gods Word, and isnt it enough to just to have faith? Is there any biblical basis for the idea of the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit? Is the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit purely subjective, and does it imply a subjectivist view of knowledge? Is the idea of the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit similar to the Mormon idea of the burning bosom, or are there are important differences? If we know the Bible is Gods Word by the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit, then it seems that arguments and evidences become redundant. Are we putting Christian apologists out of a job?

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Postmodern Realities Episode 105 - Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty-First Century

Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty First Century For many years, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mormons have practiced what they call friendshipping. This coined word describes the attitude that Mormons are told to have in their relationships with less active members or those who have no connection whatsoever to the LDS Church. By going out of their way to do kind gestures, Mormons hope to present a positive image of their church and possibly entice friends and neighbors to enter into the missionary lessons. In addition, many Christians are pressured to join the LDS Church when they become involved in romantic relationships with Mormons. While Mormons apparently can date outside their faith as long as their partners are pure and wholesome, they are not supposed to marry nonmembers. Thus, the Christian boyfriend or girlfriend is typically required to join the LDS Church before the relationship can head to the next step, which could be a Mormon temple wedding ceremony. While Christians certainly can and should have friendships with those from other religions, including Mormons, they also need to understand the potential pitfalls when others are trying to convert them to their faith. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Eric Johnson about his CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL article Converting Them Softly with Their Words: Mormon Evangelism in the Twenty-First Century.

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Postmodern Realities Episode 107 - Sharing the Gospel with Those Living with Intellectual Disability

We live in a world broken by sin. One manifestation of brokenness is found in those living with disabilities. God shows great affection for the lost, including those who live with brokenness the blind, lame, crippled, etc. It behooves us to ask how we can more effectively respond to this vast and often forgotten population. We ask, How can the church share the Good News with people whose intellectual capacities are affected by disability ? First we affirm that all people are fallen and need redemption in Christ. People who live with disability are no different. We cannot assume they are automatically accepted by God apart from faith in Christ. But we must understand that the range of intellectual disability includes some who can express faith, and others who cannot. Second, for those whose developmental disability allows them to understand, we must contextualize the Good News in ways they can grasp. If they can express faith, however simply, we must help them do so. Romans 10:9 models this simplicity. Gods people must work carefully to communicate essential aspects of faith in Christ in easily understandable terms for those with mental disability. But another difficult question arises concerning those whose intellectual capacity does not allow them to express faith in a verbal manner. Jesus teaching John 15 and Pauls 1 Corinthians 7 offer a way for including in Gods community those whose brokenness is more severe and limiting. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Michael S. Beates about his coauthored CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL article Retelling the Old, Old Story Sharing the Gospel with Those Living with Disability.