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May 6, 2016
Title: The Evidence for Jesus Christ
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)
Part 1 of 4
On Sunday, May 1, Pastor David Fleming, Bible Scholar Mark Lanier, and God’s Not Dead 2 Actor and cold case detective Jim Wallace joined forces for a panel discussion to reinforce the evidence for Jesus Christ. In addition to being a cold case detective, Jim Wallace is an Adjunct Professor at
Biola University and a Christian apologist. He has written a book, “Cold Case Christianity”, which led to his role in
God’s Not Dead 2.
Jim offers some background about his past as a non-Christian in a family of non-Christians. In fact, Jim was an atheist. The only “Christians” he knew were cops or criminals. His future did not look promising. If it weren’t for his wife’s insistence about attending a new church in California, Jim would never have gotten the “itch” to learn more. Listen in as Jim explains how he used his experience as a detective to turn his life around.
Mark Lanier has a bit of a different background. He grew up in the church and felt a call to ministry early in his life. He has always been interested in science, which actually led to his career as a lawyer. He is a firm believer in telling the truth – always. Believe it or not, there aren’t a lot of Christian trial lawyers! So, Mark wrote his book, “Christianity of Trial”, as a way to introduce Christianity in a practical way.
So, what is Christian Apologetics? Mark offers a great response to those people who say “I just believe” when asked why they are Christians. He says, “Thank you for believing, but God doesn’t want to leave you there.” He uses Peter as a perfect example to explain why growing in faith is so important to the Christian walk.
Dr. Fleming asks Jim to offer a response to the people who accuse Christians of having a “blind faith”. His father married a Mormon woman and when Jim became a Christian he knew that was not the type of Christianity he wanted to practice. Jim shares the three responses he is often given concerning this issue:
1) I was raised in the church;
2) I’ve had some sort of ‘experience’; and
3) I was a jerk, now I’m not.
“All good answers, but those are the same answers my Mormon family gives me,” he sadly says. “Shouldn’t ours be somehow different?”
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 2 of 4 - The Evidence for Jesus Christ
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)
Pastor David Fleming begins this segment by making the following
statement: “What makes Christianity unique among all world religions is not how
we ‘feel’ about it or how strongly we believe in it. What makes
Christianity unique is that it is true.”
So, how do we present Christianity is a truthful and reasonable way? Mark first
discusses how we are tricked in school concerning science. “We get tricked
into thinking that proof is a scientific certainty,” he states. But even
science has a degree of uncertainty! He continues to explain how he uses
certainty and truth in the courtroom and how it can also be used to prove
Christianity “beyond a reasonable doubt”.
Jim Wallace jumps in with his opinion on this issue as well. He is in complete
agreement with Mark here. “It’s not ‘beyond a possible doubt’ or we’d never
convict anybody!” Jim declares. “There a lot of unanswered questions
for everyone.” No matter what you believe and why you believe it, your
conclusion is not perfect; you do not have all the information – atheists and
Christians alike!
BONUS: Listen in to find out why Jim Wallace calls Champion
Forest a “Unicorn!”
Jim Wallace goes on to discuss how parents can talk about this topic with teens
who are more than likely questioning their Christian upbringing because of
debates at school concerning the truth and possibility of an Almighty God. Jim
declares that the first apologist that children need to see is their parents.
Teens aren’t going to read a book about it; most college kids won’t, either.
Parents – can you give your kids a truthful answer?
Mark and Jim both discuss jury selection, comparing the process to providing the
proof for Christianity. Jim breaks it down into separate categories with a very
interesting and simple explanation, which he continues into the third segment.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 3 of 4 - The Evidence for Jesus Christ
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)
Pastor Fleming summarizes apologetics like this: “Apologetics is not
to argue someone or drag them kicking and screaming into the Kingdom.
Apologetics is simply the explanation which is reasonable to people who are
looking for reasonable answers and will be reasonable in their consideration.”
We cannot argue with them or beat the Bible into them. We just need to allow the
Holy Spirit to work through us. When it is time, it is time.
What is the most compelling evidence that Jim Wallace has discovered for the
existence of God? Jim says that the best evidence is that we can actually have
an argument about the proof or lack thereof. Listen closely as he offers some
science terms, like physicalism, to help explain his answer. It’s very simple
and intriguing and will probably help you in future conversations with
non-believers.
Pastor Fleming next asks Mark Lanier to describe the most compelling evidence
that he has discovered for the reliability of Scripture. Mark says, “I don’t
see how the Old Testament can make sense if you don’t have the New Testament to
help explain it.” He goes on to discuss the commandments from God for
people in the Old Testament and how they are in direct correlation to events in
the New Testament. They go hand-in-hand perfectly. Pastor Fleming will continue
to discuss this issue briefly in the final segment, so listen in.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 4 of 4 - The Evidence for Jesus Christ
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Pastor David Fleming
with Champion Forest Baptist Church (www.ChampionForest.org)
The final question for Mark revolves around the resurrection of
Jesus Christ. This is quite possibly the hardest concept of
Christianity for non-believers to accept and believe. After all, no one else in
history has been completely dead for three days and raised to life again. It’s
just not possible – or is it?
Mark illustrates his answer by using his work as a trial lawyer to compare the
resurrection. He often outlines the two sides of a case before going to trial.
Which is the greater weight? ‘This’ truth or ‘that’ truth? When it comes to the
resurrection, first you must realize that it shook the world to its core. The
resurrection destroyed the root of Judaism; we have eye witness accounts – it
doesn’t matter that they were believers themselves. There is real proof that
Jesus was resurrected.
What is on the flip side? There is only one argument for non-believers: People
just don’t raise again from the dead after three days. Mark believes that this
opinion actually belongs to BELIEVERS! That’s exactly the point!
Scripture from Pastor Fleming: 1 Peter 3:14-15 “But even if you should
suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be
frightened.” 15But in your hearts revere
Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to
give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and
respect.”
Pastor Fleming recently traveled to Washington to discuss the future of
Christianity in America with other pastors and a handful of Congressmen. Many
believe that the agenda of the left is to force the church into the four corners
of the church and to silence us completely. Things are getting bad, folks.
They’re getting really, really bad. “The days of casual Christianity are
gone,” he warns.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
December 22, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Part 1 of 4
Renowned attorney and Bible teacher, Mark Lanier, is here to talk
about his new book, “Christianity on Trial”. Mark is recognized as one of the top trial
attorneys in America. He also leads a Bible Study class over 800 people at
Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
In this first segment, Mark discusses the trial system in American and why he
used it as a basis for his book. He also explains why he decided to use both
direct and circumstantial evidence to put “Christianity on Trial”.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 2 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith is being put to the test everywhere – from the school room,
to the court room, to the work room, even in our own living rooms.
If you were asked to defend your faith in God, could you? Would you even know
where to begin?
How do explain the existence of God to someone? Are there “gods”, one “God”, or
nothing at all?
One excuse people give for why they do not believe in God: “If there was a God,
why is there so much evil in the world? Babies being murdered. Children being
sexually abused. Robberies. Economic crisis. War. If there was a God, we
wouldn’t have all that.”
How would you respond? Listen in as Mark weighs evidence from a skeptic’s
concern.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 3 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith rests on core beliefs about God, humanity,
truth, and reality. The Christian faith declares that we all have
the choice to choose or not choose to trust in an incarnate Christ, his death,
burial, and resurrection. The Christian faith has confidence that there will
come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is
Lord.
As Christians, we know who God is – He is loving. He is kind. He is merciful. He
is omnipresent.
But “Who is God NOT”? Mark explains why he included this in the book.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 4 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
In this final segment with Mark Lanier, he talks about why he chose
to “rewrite” the Bible. No, no, no! He didn’t really
“rewrite” the Bible!
Mark and others at Champion Forest Baptist Church have broken down the books of
John, Acts, and Revelation, really focusing on the meat of those three books,
while supplementing the rest of the Bible as support.
Listen in as Mark explains the “Context Bible” approach.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
August 1, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Part 1 of 4
Renowned attorney and Bible teacher, Mark Lanier, is here to talk
about his new book, “Christianity on Trial”. Mark is recognized as one of the top trial
attorneys in America. He also leads a Bible Study class over 800 people at
Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
In this first segment, Mark discusses the trial system in American and why he
used it as a basis for his book. He also explains why he decided to use both
direct and circumstantial evidence to put “Christianity on Trial”.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 2 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith is being put to the test everywhere – from the school room,
to the court room, to the work room, even in our own living rooms.
If you were asked to defend your faith in God, could you? Would you even know
where to begin?
How do explain the existence of God to someone? Are there “gods”, one “God”, or
nothing at all?
One excuse people give for why they do not believe in God: “If there was a God,
why is there so much evil in the world? Babies being murdered. Children being
sexually abused. Robberies. Economic crisis. War. If there was a God, we
wouldn’t have all that.”
How would you respond? Listen in as Mark weighs evidence from a skeptic’s
concern.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 3 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith rests on core beliefs about God, humanity,
truth, and reality. The Christian faith declares that we all have
the choice to choose or not choose to trust in an incarnate Christ, his death,
burial, and resurrection. The Christian faith has confidence that there will
come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is
Lord.
As Christians, we know who God is – He is loving. He is kind. He is merciful. He
is omnipresent.
But “Who is God NOT”? Mark explains why he included this in the book.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 4 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
In this final segment with Mark Lanier, he talks about why he chose
to “rewrite” the Bible. No, no, no! He didn’t really
“rewrite” the Bible!
Mark and others at Champion Forest Baptist Church have broken down the books of
John, Acts, and Revelation, really focusing on the meat of those three books,
while supplementing the rest of the Bible as support.
Listen in as Mark explains the “Context Bible” approach.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
July 7, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Part 1 of 4
Renowned attorney and Bible teacher, Mark Lanier, is here to talk
about his new book, “Christianity on Trial”. Mark is recognized as one of the top trial
attorneys in America. He also leads a Bible Study class over 800 people at
Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
In this first segment, Mark discusses the trial system in American and why he
used it as a basis for his book. He also explains why he decided to use both
direct and circumstantial evidence to put “Christianity on Trial”.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 2 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith is being put to the test everywhere – from the school room,
to the court room, to the work room, even in our own living rooms.
If you were asked to defend your faith in God, could you? Would you even know
where to begin?
How do explain the existence of God to someone? Are there “gods”, one “God”, or
nothing at all?
One excuse people give for why they do not believe in God: “If there was a God,
why is there so much evil in the world? Babies being murdered. Children being
sexually abused. Robberies. Economic crisis. War. If there was a God, we
wouldn’t have all that.”
How would you respond? Listen in as Mark weighs evidence from a skeptic’s
concern.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 3 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith rests on core beliefs about God, humanity,
truth, and reality. The Christian faith declares that we all have
the choice to choose or not choose to trust in an incarnate Christ, his death,
burial, and resurrection. The Christian faith has confidence that there will
come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is
Lord.
As Christians, we know who God is – He is loving. He is kind. He is merciful. He
is omnipresent.
But “Who is God NOT”? Mark explains why he included this in the book.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 4 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
In this final segment with Mark Lanier, he talks about why he chose
to “rewrite” the Bible. No, no, no! He didn’t really
“rewrite” the Bible!
Mark and others at Champion Forest Baptist Church have broken down the books of
John, Acts, and Revelation, really focusing on the meat of those three books,
while supplementing the rest of the Bible as support.
Listen in as Mark explains the “Context Bible” approach.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
July 1, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Part 1 of 4
Renowned attorney and Bible teacher, Mark Lanier, is here to talk
about his new book, “Christianity on Trial”. Mark is recognized as one of the top trial
attorneys in America. He also leads a Bible Study class over 800 people at
Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas.
In this first segment, Mark discusses the trial system in American and why he
used it as a basis for his book. He also explains why he decided to use both
direct and circumstantial evidence to put “Christianity on Trial”.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 2 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith is being put to the test everywhere – from the school room,
to the court room, to the work room, even in our own living rooms.
If you were asked to defend your faith in God, could you? Would you even know
where to begin?
How do explain the existence of God to someone? Are there “gods”, one “God”, or
nothing at all?
One excuse people give for why they do not believe in God: “If there was a God,
why is there so much evil in the world? Babies being murdered. Children being
sexually abused. Robberies. Economic crisis. War. If there was a God, we
wouldn’t have all that.”
How would you respond? Listen in as Mark weighs evidence from a skeptic’s
concern.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 3 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
The Christian faith rests on core beliefs about God, humanity,
truth, and reality. The Christian faith declares that we all have
the choice to choose or not choose to trust in an incarnate Christ, his death,
burial, and resurrection. The Christian faith has confidence that there will
come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is
Lord.
As Christians, we know who God is – He is loving. He is kind. He is merciful. He
is omnipresent.
But “Who is God NOT”? Mark explains why he included this in the book.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
Title: Part 4 of 4 - Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
In this final segment with Mark Lanier, he talks about why he chose
to “rewrite” the Bible. No, no, no! He didn’t really
“rewrite” the Bible!
Mark and others at Champion Forest Baptist Church have broken down the books of
John, Acts, and Revelation, really focusing on the meat of those three books,
while supplementing the rest of the Bible as support.
Listen in as Mark explains the “Context Bible” approach.
You can order a copy of his new book, “Christianity on Trial”, directly from the
publisher by clicking [here].
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
June 13, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Day 5
Today, Mark concludes his discussion on his new book: “Christianity on Trial”. Why did he write it? Who is the intended target?
Please consider buying a copy or two to give to your unsaved or religion-confused friends. ALL proceeds from the book go directly to the Lanier Theological Library. Mark isn’t making a dime of the sale of his books.
Listen in every day this week to hear part of Mark’s lesson.
You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
June 12, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Day 4
Mark Lanier has written an excellent book: “Christianity on Trial”. God is greater than everything you have ever learned and will learn. The Apostle Paul is a great example of someone who truly cherished and believed the Word of God. But, what if you know someone who is a “partial believer”? Mark references Chapter 7 (Reality and the Truth of God) from his new book. Mark says, “If we consider the cosmos and the world outside us, but also consider ourselves and where we sit in relation to it... The question becomes ‘What is real? What is true? What is actual? What story do we believe in?’ ”
Interesting thought: Will a computer be invented one day that will actually begin to think like a human? Listen in to find out who believes this!
Listen in every day this week to hear part of Mark’s lesson.
You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
June 11, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Day 3
Mark Lanier has written an excellent book: “Christianity on Trial”. God hard-wired us for language, not just to communicate with each other, but with Him, as well. Today, Mark talks a little bit about those “leaving the bubble”. Mark references a famous picture from TIME magazine to help explain what he means by that. Where are you comfortable? Are there certain places you won’t go because they are out of your comfort zone?
If you have a high school and college grad who will be experiencing new surroundings and new experiences, tell them to listen to this lesson from Mark. Better yet, give them a copy of Mark’s book!
Listen in every day this week to hear part of Mark’s lesson.
You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
June 10, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Day 2
Mark Lanier has written an excellent book: “Christianity on Trial”. Today, Mark talks about the idea behind his book, discussing the inquisitive believer, referencing Chapter 6. He gives real-life examples of why he does what he does, not only in his professional life, but specifically in his spiritual life.
Fun fact: There are 225 muscles activations each second you speak! That is God’s perfect design. We are wired for communication. Mark talks about the theory of how and why we communicate. It’s fascinating!
Listen in every day this week to hear part of Mark’s lesson.
You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization
June 9, 2014
Title: Christianity on Trial
Topic: Christianity on Trial
Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)
Day 1
Mark Lanier has written an excellent book: “Christianity on Trial”. Does the Christian faith hold up under scrutiny? What does science tell us about the plausibility of a “god”? Can we trust the alleged eyewitness testimony of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?
These questions are worth investigating in order to find an answer solidified in fact and evidence. Mark Lanier, one of America's top trial lawyers, uses his experienced legal eye to examine the plausibility of the Christian faith.
Listen in every day this week to hear part of Mark’s lesson.
You can order a copy of his new book on Amazon or direct from the publisher at www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3667.
More from this Guest More on this Topic More from this Organization