The Truth: Absolute and Unchanging. Infinite and Incarnate.

Key verse(s)/quote(s):

“What was truth to Abraham is truth to us; what was truth to Paul is truth to us; what was truth to the martyrs is truth to us; what is truth to us will be truth to all generations of the world in all lands, and will be truth for ever. This fact, too, is a just foundation for universal praise…” - Albert Barnes

“The truth of the matter is that all truth is absolute  —  there are no relative truths. If something really is true, then it really is true everywhere and for everyone.” - Norman Geisler

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” - John 14:6

Key takeaway(s):

1. The nature of truth is absolute.
2. The nature of truth requires a decision.
3. We must apply the truth by: Living it, Defending it Without Fear, and Proclaiming it.

Overview:

Among the plethora of topics discussed on this site, Truth remains at the core of all that TiS stands for. The declaration of an absolute, unchanging, infinite and incarnate Truth is what TiS’ sole mission is founded upon (click here for details). Without an accurate and objective understanding of Truth as a philosophical concept, it is impossible to realize the need to seek Truth and understand that it demands exclusivity. For instance, if one were to…

Whose witness are you?

Key verse(s)/quote(s):

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.” - Usual Suspects (1995 move release)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”  - 1 Peter 2:9

“But in your hearts set apart 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” - 1 Peter 3:15-16

Key takeaway(s):

1. The church is in the business of disciple making.
2. Never let the primary cause of Christ become the secondary purpose of His church or His people.
3. Goal is not to bring people to “church” but rather to Christ.

Overview:

If one was to witness a crime, such as stealing, and yet did not come forward to provide their eye witness account in a court of law - what would we think of them? If we knew of someone who observed a heinous act such as rape and when asked to speak against the culprit in judicial proceedings they shirked their duties as a citizen in fear of retribution - what would we think of them? Even worse, what if…

Theodicy or Fallacy? Suffering in a world of a loving God.

Key verse(s)/quote(s):

“Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?” - Epicurus, as quoted in “2000 Years of Disbelief”

“Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.” - Job 38:1-4

“Then Job answered the LORD : “I am unworthy  —  how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” - Job 40:3-5

Key takeaway(s):

1. Humanity continually wishes to usurp God’s role as sole judge.
2. God’s sovereignty demonstrated by His role as Creator is a continual reminder that the created (humans) cannot have the same wisdom as the Creator.
   
3. Suffering can be used by God even if we can’t understand its purpose. His ways are higher than ours. (Isaiah 55:9)
   
4. Worrying or complaining or questioning God = epic logic fail = epic faith fail

Overview:

As the scale of calamity increases for any disastrous…

Is there any proof of God’s existence? If God does exist, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?

Question:

Is there any proof of God’s existence? If God does exist, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?

Answer:

I wanted to share a clip of a 100 Huntley St. episode featuring my good friend and Christian Apologist Rev. Tony Costa. It is a concise look at answering some deeper questions that perhaps you have pondered or been asked by others.

Tony does a great job at briefly highlighting the rationale for God’s existence by pointing to the intricacy of the universe, the concept of “Creatio ex nihilo” (creation out of nothing), and the implications of absolute morals. He goes on to discuss how the Christian worldview approaches the concept of suffering and how through suffering God can be glorified - most evident when we observe the convergence of suffering and pain on Jesus Christ. Lastly, Tony touches upon the uniqueness of Christianity in comparison to other religious worldviews.

This is me sharing about what is running through my mind…

God Bless,
-          Sumair

TiS Media:

• Video clip

Are Christians Obligated to Observe the Seventh-day Sabbath Today?

Key verse(s)/quote(s):

“One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.” - Romans 14:5-6

“Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” - Mark 2:27

“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” - Colossians 2:16-17

Historical background:

The origins of Seventh-day Adventism can be traced back to the “Great Second Advent Awakening” which took place in the middle of the 19^th century. It was a time where the religious climate had reached a heightened focus and sensitivity around the matter of Jesus’ Second Advent was at its pinnacle. At this time, many Bible scholars were primarily studying Daniel and Revelation and deducing prophetical interpretations as to the timing of Jesus’ return. Jesus’ return was calculated to be at a mark of 2,300 years based on Daniel’s 2,300 evenings (Daniel 8:13) and as such many had expected Jesus to return in 1843.…