October 4, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 6
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Stephen Hawking once said that if aliens call, we may not want to answer. What in the world does this have to do with suffering?

Also, if there was a loving God, why are there starving children around the world?

Why doesn’t America help poor countries more?

Mark has some great points in response to all these questions:
1. What kind of God would exist to explain suffering?
2. What kind of a world exists to allow suffering?
3. What kind of humanity exists to tolerate suffering?

Mark will take the next three segments this week to explain each of these questions in relation to why suffering exists in this world.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

October 3, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 6
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Mark Lanier is back with his Sixth installment of “Why I Am Not an Agnostic”. He begins class with “show and tell”; you can check the video out on the Biblical Literacy class website (linked below).

Questions/Issues Discussed:

When you make a decision, do you weigh the evidence? Agnostics just aren’t sure if there is a God or not, so they weigh the evidence. Listen in as Mark uses a scale to explain this illustration.

Mark also reviews objective and subjective reasoning and why humans have such an innate idea of justice and fairness.

This week, Mark will continue on the subject of “why there is suffering”. For many agnostics, this is the decision-maker against their belief in God.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 23, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 5
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING? Part 1

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Does God really care about the poor and hopeless? If so, why doesn’t He do something about all the homeless people? Why doesn’t He feed the starving children?

Just because God is all-powerful doesn’t mean Christians get a free pass to do nothing. The reason God hasn’t healed all the sick or fed all the hungry is because it is our job to spread the love of Jesus to them first!

Points for Home:

1. All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.
2. Share God’s agenda on suffering.

Next week, we will have a special treat with Dr. David Fleming answering random questions from Mark Lanier’s class during the annual brunch during Life Group. Join us in two weeks as Mark gives his fifth lesson on “Why I am not an Agnostic”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 22, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 5
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING? Part 1

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What is your perception of God? Is He good or bad? Is He allowing evil things to occur?

Is God a puppeteer? Are we His puppets?

Why doesn’t He just stop bad things from happening?

Why does God allow us to make our own choices? (Mark will expand on this question in a few weeks, so stay tuned!)

Also, listen for this statement from Mark: “God is not a heavenly contraceptive!” Why on earth would he say that?!?! Mark has a great reason for saying that – trust me! He also gives an excellent response to the question: “Why doesn’t God just give everyone….?”

Make plans to join us tomorrow as Mark completes his fourth lesson on “Why I am not an Agnostic”. Next week, we will have a special treat with Dr. David Fleming answering random questions from Mark Lanier’s class during the annual brunch during Life Group.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 21, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 5
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING? Part 1

Questions/Issues Discussed:

Mark completes his story about Dr. Bart Ehrman, an atheist author. Why is there murder? Why are children kidnapped? Why are there so many horrible diseases? If God intervened to deliver the armies of Israel from its enemies, why doesn’t save people today? Well, God has intervened and helped millions upon millions people since the beginning of Creation and He continues to do so.

So…Why doesn’t God just “swoop down and end all the suffering”? Mark has an excellent answer to this question. Listen in!

Mark also brings up some authentic Hebrew words and translates them into English, breaking down the word omnipotent. Do you really know what it means?

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 20, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 5
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

WHY IS THERE SUFFERING? Part 1

Questions/Issues Discussed:

What does the Smithsonian website state about “human evolution”? After “millions or billions of years of evolution” why can’t we all have better self-control? Adam and Eve should have known better, right? What are God’s standards? Why are man’s standards so much lower? But…but…but why are there so many evil people?

Also, listen in as Mark tells “the rest of the story” about Dr. Bart Ehrman.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 19, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 5
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Mark Lanier is back with his series “Why I Am Not…An Agnostic” this week. He will be discussing the age-old question: “If God is so good, why does He allow suffering?”

First, Mark explains that God is not a “scientific” or “mathematical” equation to be proven. He is using real-life evidence which, in his opinion, proves the existence of God. Mark believes words matter; and the way words are expressed matter more because it can alter the outcome drastically. His profession as a lawyer aids in this decision.

In this first segment today, Mark picks up where he left off two weeks ago by breaking down some of the evidence in favor – and against – of the existence of God. Why is there objective right and wrong? Why is there beauty? Why is there justice? Why is there suffering? Why can’t we see God? Why are prayers “unanswered”? (You can listen to past segments to learn more on this.)

Mark recaps some of past lessons in order to move forward with his explanation of why there is suffering. He also touches on the issue of actions and reactions. In other words, why do our actions fail to meet our standards? Listen in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 9, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 4
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Today, Mark concludes his series on “Why I am Not…” Over the last few months, Mark has focused on Atheism, Buddhism (taught by Vicar Melvin Tinker), and Agnosticism. Too many people, unfortunately, do not believe in God, are not sure if there is a God, or worship a false god.

Why is there meaning and significance in life? Just like “not” valuing humanity (as discusses in Thursday’s segment), many Atheists and Agnostics do not believe humans have much significance. While humans can have accomplishments, there is no significance to being successful. Or so says Agnostics and Atheists.

However, Christians have every reason to live a meaningful and successful life. Mark uses Adam as an example to prove our significance over the animals and every other thing in creation. We are meant for more than just “existing”; we are meant to be in a relationship in Jesus and spread that love to every corner of the earth. He also offers a powerful quote from Blaise Pascal, an apologist who wrote “Pascal’s Wager”.

Points for Home:
1. The truth shall set you free!
 2. God has made everything and placed Eternity in man’s heart.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 8, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 4
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Regardless of what you personally believe about the beginning of creation – Big Bang or God breathed – God is still the cause. He still created the universe and all its inhabitants. And, unlike the rest of the God’s creation, humans can make their own choices because we are made in the image of God.

Are you going to use the opportunity God gave you to make positive or negative choices? Will you help others or will you do harm? The choice is yours. Agnostics cannot honestly say that they are making choices based on right and wrong. Why? Because all right and wrong are derived from God.

Next, Mark discusses the value of humanity. It may surprise you, but there are people who actually do not believe humans have any value. Mark uses grandma and a pig to demonstrate his point on this argument. Listen in!

The Judeo-Christian God offers a unique explanation of why we value humans. In Genesis, we learn that God made humanity uniquely in His image. Humans have a value that others don’t have. Tune in tomorrow as Mark completes his series on “Why I am Not an Agnostic”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 7, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 4
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

We live in a world of cause and effect – if you sin, you will be punished. In addition, everything in the universe was deliberately made by God. Remember, those who do not believe in God, actually think of themselves as “sacks of chemicals”. I, for one, do not want to live my life believing I have no purpose.

Today, Mark uses a volcano illustration and Harry Potter reference to explain his case against Agnosticism. And that's all the information you will receive today, because I love suspense.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 6, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 4
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Words matter. A lot. Most of us talk all day long. Work. School. Church. Hobbies. Home. What Christians say to Agnostics will make or break the case. We must use our words to express our belief in a way that an Agnostic will be able to relate to. Mark also warns, however, that we cannot prove God is real with science.

So what areas of evidence can Christians use to convince an Agnostic that God really does exist? Mark explains that we can use justice and fairness and objectivity of right and wrong. “Built in to each one of us is a respect and appreciation for the honor that is due someone like [God],” Mark states. We rightfully applaud and respect those who put their lives on the line to protect each of us every day. Shouldn’t we do the same for God?

Listen in as Mark discusses these two topics this week.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 5, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 4
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Mark is still focusing on the topic of “Why I Am not an Agnostic” this week (and maybe for several more). He says that so many people in today’s society are misguided about God, Heaven, and Hell. Too many people just “can’t determine that there is a God”.

Words matter. A lot. Most of us talk all day long. Work. School. Church. Hobbies. Home. What Christians say to Agnostics will make or break the case. He discusses another example from a court case in which he used water balloons to explain further. Listen in!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 2, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 3
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Mark continues with the topic of “justice” in this week’s final segment. Stephen Fry, English author and actor, likes to accuse God of being un-loving and unjust. Why do kids get bone cancer? Well, how much money have you, Stephen Fry, given to charities to help find a cure for bone cancer? Exactly…

Mark asks these questions: Why is justice important? When we, as humans, see someone being treated unfairly, how often do we intervene? Is God really just? Is He really fair?

Listen in as Mark gives his points for home. And tune in next week to hear one more lesson from Mark on “Why I am not an Agnostic”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

September 1, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 3
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

It’s easy to look at something and say “That’s the truth.” Everyone has an opinion about everything. And everyone believes their opinion is the best. So, how can Christians best share the love of Christ with non-believers?

Mark uses Stephen Fry, English author and actor, as an example in today’s segment. Stephen is a “smart dude” according to Mark who just happens to be an outspoken atheist. He was asked once what he would say when he died and stood at the pearly gates. Stephen, in turn, counters with asking why a loving God would create a world with diseases like bone cancer in innocent children. Valid question, yes. But what does “justice” really mean? Listen in as Mark gives the rest of the story and explains the true meaning of justice.

Tune in tomorrow as Mark finishes this lesson. Next week he will have more, so make sure you join us every weekday!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 31, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 3
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

Today, Mark will continue to explain his position on beauty proving the existence of God. (Note: If you missed Tuesday’s segment, click on the “Archives” link above.)

Another argument which people use while explaining the existence of God is that beauty is objective so there must be something that defines beauty. “Is there something really outside of humanity that is beauty itself?” Mark asks.

Imagine a sunset over the ocean. A baby. The Mona Lisa. Ballerinas. These are all examples of things which most people would agree are beautiful. But, why do we view things as beautiful at all? Listen in as Mark explains whether beauty is objective or subjective.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 30, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 3
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Why are you a Christian? Have you ever weighed the evidence? Why is there right and wrong? Is justice “fair”? Why is there beauty and evil? Why do some prayers seem “unanswered”?

Mark says, “I’m not a Bible-believing Christian because I put on a blindfold and decided to jump off a cliff! I’m a Christian because it makes more sense to me than anything else.” When Mark weighs all the evidence, there is no other objective than a loving God.

Mark will be looking at two of those questions this week: “Why is there beauty” and “Why is justice important”. First, Mark says that beauty is an argument which many people use to “prove” the existence of God. However, he does not believe this is a valid argument! Why not? Listen in to find out!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 29, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 3
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Mark continues this week with part 3 of “Why I Am Not an Agnostic”. If you missed the other two lessons, click on the “archives” link above and search “Why I Am Not an Agnostic” or go to Mark’s website listed below.

Do you know why you are a Christian? Mark wants to know if you really, truly know why you are a Christian. That is why he began this series. If you have friends or family who do not know Christ or do not believe that God exists, this series is perfect for them. Please feel free to share the segments with them.

Mark, by profession, is a trial attorney. Some people think this is impossible because he is a Christian. But, I believe the fact that he is a Christians just makes him a better trial attorney! Why? Well, first, he is honest to a fault and will not allow “shady” facts and figures cloud his judgment.

He explains in this segment today how jury members are the most important factor to a successful trial. They cannot allow prejudice or sympathy to play a part in their decision. They have to trust the evidence The same can be said of believing or not believing in God.

Tune in each day this week to hear evidence from Mark on why he is not an Agnostic.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 26, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 2
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

Humans are selfish by nature. When we help someone, is it for our own benefit or the person we are helping? Even an evolutionist doesn’t understand human’s willingness to give selflessly of themselves!

Listen in as Mark continues his explanation of this from yesterday’s segment, including an excerpt from an agnostic who truly believes that God is dead. His views on morality are truly astounding.

We also get to enjoy Phil Keggy’s song for this lesson. Don’t miss it!

Point for Home: We need to make sense of the world around us. Morality and reality are real and true. God is not dead. He is very, very real and Mark will continue with one more lesson on “Why I Am Not an Agnostic” next week.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 25, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 2
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Mark asks, “Is there objective morality? And if so, where does it come from?”

Agnostics, in reality, have no reality. They cannot believe in right and wrong because reality will not allow it. Objective reality can only come from God – period. But, what is the objective reality for Christians if God does not exist? That is a much tougher question to answer. Listen in as Mark uses one of his faithful attendees as an example, the beautiful Ms. Carolyn Bailey. (EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have never been to Mark’s class, you MUST come if only just to meet Ms. Carolyn. She is my favorite lady. – Sara Tracey)

Slavery has never been okay, even when society accepted it as “normal”. Killing Jews in Germany was deemed okay, but it really wasn’t. Now, people are saying that “this” or “that” is acceptable. Are they really? Are they truly acceptable in the eyes of God? This is what we, as Christians, need to ask ourselves. “If we find that our expectation is wrong…If we observe human behavior as truly altruistic, it can be selfless instead of selfish,” Mark states.

Mark discusses some other arguments from Agnostics in this segment and will conclude this lesson tomorrow. Plus, don’t forget we have that special new song by Phil Keggy!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 24, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 2
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

Yesterday, Mark explained the “subjective” side of Agnosticism. Today, he discusses the “objective” side. Plus, he throws in some more food analogies, so don’t listen on an empty stomach!

Does your view of reality reflect the view of the world? That is the question which Mark poses today. There is a real right and wrong which exists whether we agree or not. This is the objective point. “Outside of it (the cosmos) is a God who is moral himself,” Mark states. “There is something outside of all of us that can dictate what is good and evil.”

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 23, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 2
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

The problem with Agnosticism is that there is no reality. Mark says it’s like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. It can’t be done. Agnosticism cannot be explained. Christianity can be. Agnosticism is illogical, while Christianity makes perfect sense.

Mark received some interesting emails about last week’s lesson. He discusses one in particular from an Agnostic in today’s segment who argued that we cannot be “sacks of chemicals” because we all have individual thoughts and thought processes. Listen in as Mark reveals his response using “subjective” reasoning.

Tune in tomorrow as Mark explains the “objective” side of the story.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 22, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 2
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

As a review, an Agnostic is someone who is not ready to admit that there is a God, but they don’t necessarily believe that there isn’t one, either.

Mark begins the lesson this week with a story from C.S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia”. The queen is holding the prince captive and she has the people under spell in which they believe Underworld is the only world. Listen in as Mark recalls the story and shares how it is relevant to this week’s lesson on Agnosticism.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 19, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 1
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 5

There is only one reality. If there is no God, then Christians are not living in reality. But, if there is a God, then everyone lives in that reality and those who do not believe are going to have one heck of a surprise when they die. That is why Mark is laying the evidence out on the table. People need to know the truth. People need to accept the truth. People need to realize that God is, in fact, real and He did send His son to die in our place.

Mark has not found one person who has been able to consistently live their life as if there is no right or wrong – no objective – no higher being outside of us. It’s just common sense. Everyone must admit that murder and rape are wrong, but if there is no God, how can they be wrong? Shouldn’t those awful crimes just be considered a choice? Mark will be going into more detail on this issue next week, so make sure you tune in each day.

Bonus: Phil Keggy has a new song for Mark for this topic! Listen in as Mark gives a preview. We will hear the whole song in a segment next week.

Points for Home:

Psalm 97:6 – All people can see the wondrous works of God, but not all people realize it – not all people will admit it.

Psalm 101:2 – What is right and wrong? Do they have value in reality? Yes, of course! It’s hardwired into our DNA.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 18, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 1
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 4

Yesterday, Mark discussed the first of two competing worldviews – the worldview where there is no God. If you missed it, Mark called us “sacks of chemicals who have interactions with other sacks of chemicals”. That is, if you do not believe there is a God.

Mark writes in his lesson: “There is nothing that exists that objectively sets ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. Nothing in the universe dictates that some chemical/electrical interactions are inherently ‘“evil’.”

Today, he discusses the second worldview – the worldview where this is a Judeo/Christian God. First, outside of the universe is an infinite, personal, and moral God that is responsible for the universe’s existence. Second, humans are unique among living beings because we bear God’s image. Also, humans exist to be in a personal relationship with God. Finally, the lives of humans do not measure up to God’s morality, making a truly harmonious relationship impossible by itself.

If you compare the two views, there is only one reality. Tune in tomorrow as Mark concludes his first lesson on “Why I Am Not An Agnostic”. And don’t miss next week as he continues with this series!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 17, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 1
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 3

God is not “part” of nature; God is outside of nature. God is not science; God made science. Yesterday, Mark explained why the “science” argument is just not valid. Today, he discusses how “direct” evidence comes into play with science.

If an agnostic (or even an atheist) is trying to prove to you that God does not exist, ask them “Do you love so-and-so (insert spouse, child, dog)?” Of course they do! Ask them to prove it using science or direct evidence! This will stump them every time. Why? Because scientific evidence is circumstantial!

Mark has two competing views he wants to share this week. The first is a worldview where there is no God. If there is no God, humans are “sacks of chemicals – remains of cosmic stardust”. Parts of our sacks of chemicals have “electrical interactions we call thoughts”. The electrical interactions in “human chemical sacks differ from the electrical interactions of other chemical sacks”.

The other worldview where there is a Judeo/Christian God. Tune in tomorrow for more on this side of the aisle!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 16, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 1
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 2

Mark Lanier continues to tell his story about a trial where he caught an “expert witness” in an out-right lie.

“I have a problem with people who say they believe reality is one thing, but they live in a way that shows reality to be something altogether different,” Mark states. “Our view of reality should align perfectly with how we live and with what we see and observe.” This is the underlying reason why Mark Lanier is not an agnostic.

There are several different types of evidence which people use to support their case for or against the existence of God. First, there is scientific “proof”, which Mark discusses today. Tune in tomorrow for more “evidence”.

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].

August 15, 2016

Title: Why I Am Not an Agnostic - Part 1
Topic: Why I Am Not an Agnostic

Discussed by Mark Lanier
with Biblical Literacy (www.Biblical-Literacy.com)

Day 1

Agnostics are like Switzerland. They don’t necessarily “not” believe in God, but they aren’t ready to admit there is one, either. They’re on the intellectual fence. They don’t see the evidence in favor of God, yet they also don’t see enough evidence to support the opposite. Listen in as Mark explains a little further and why he thinks agnostics are harder to convince than atheists are.

Mark also tells a law story in this segment that reminds me of the Pelican Brief. He will continue the story tomorrow, so tune to hear the rest!

Mark is leading his 800+ member class into a deeper understanding of God’s Word.  Join him next Sunday at Champion Forest Baptist Church in NW Houston.

For more information about Mark’s Class, click [here].