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NASB | 1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy--acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect. [Is 8:12, 13] |
Subject: How do we respond to Sam Harris? |
Bible Note: Hi Parable, This last post helps me tremendously to understand what is being said. This first paragraph contains a presupposition which I do not agree with. This presupposes that the objects of all faiths are harmful. While that is true in many cases, it is not true in all cases. I would also take exception with your pastor's message. Hating to be wrong, and certainty of being right, do not automatically lead to hating those we disagree with. The problem with this is that, while it may be true in many instances, the Bible tells us to love others. This love, "agape", is "love which causes us to devote ourselves to the wellbeing of the object of that love." So tell me, how does that love lead us to kill the unsaved simply for being unsaved? (I am excluding the topic of capital punishment.) The terrorist "suicide/murderer" is not showing agape love towards others. And this proves that they are not living according to the Christian faith. Those who live according to the Christian faith are spending their lives helping others. The one who is growing in hatred is not growing in Christ. The one who is completely correct in Biblical doctrine knows that condemnation and vengeance are not for them to exact. The primary benefit of Christian Faith is only available through that faith - the salvation of our souls. We can only be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus - a mystical, supernatural faith that will not stand still for scrutiny in the lab. As far as "surrendering our right to be right" - I hardly know what to say to this! The Bible is true, and I will live and die on that belief. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except by Him. And if someone feels they must kill me because I believe that, and they have the power to do so, I will likely die, because I will not step down from that truth. We are not here to be at peace at the expense of truth. The truth MUST be proclaimed. And make no mistake, darkness will try to destroy the truth, although, ultimately, it can't. Christ didn't kill His enemies, but rather He died that they could have life. We are to do the same. So if Harris must disagree, let him disagree with a true Christian, who would not kill him for his disbelief, and let him not disagree with those who would. Because we are different. We serve a true and living God. Love in Christ, Mark |