How to Evangelize Transgender Friends and Is the Bible Historical Fiction? Plus More Q&A
Apr 23, 2024
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Frank addresses listener questions on evangelizing transgender individuals, the historical reliability of the New Testament, and more. He discusses sparking faith conversations, understanding God's grace, and distinguishing historical documents from fiction. The episode also explores the authenticity and credibility of the Gospels, citing evidence for Jesus' existence and analyzing the spread of Christianity. Throughout, Frank offers valuable insights and responses to common objections about the Bible.
Eyewitness details in the New Testament suggest authenticity over historical fiction.
Approach sensitive topics with empathy and active listening for effective ministry and faith discussions.
Understanding the distinction between justification and sanctification emphasizes the role of free will in the faith journey.
Deep dives
Intriguing Questions on Eyewitness Details in the New Testament
The podcast episode delves into questions on the eyewitness details in the New Testament, specifically referencing the apparent eyewitness accounts detailed in the New Testament. The discussion centers on the fact that certain details, like geographical, political, and historical specifics, strongly suggest an eyewitness account rather than an historical novel. The speaker offers insights on the credibility of the New Testament by exploring the intricacies of the mentioned eyewitness details.
Engaging with a Sensitive Topic Concerning Ministry and Faith
A pivotal aspect of the podcast is the insightful reflection on engaging with sensitive topics regarding ministry and faith. It elucidates on a specific scenario involving a law enforcement officer navigating discussions about Christianity and Jesus with a person transitioning gender. The speaker offers strategic advice, encouraging active listening through asking questions, fostering understanding, and emphasizing empathy and care in approaching such conversations.
Critical Analysis of Calvinistic Views and Free Will in Faith
Another significant theme addressed in the podcast episode is the critical analysis of Calvinistic views and the concept of free will in matters of faith. The discussion delves into the distinction between justification and sanctification, highlighting the role of free will in the transformative journey of faith. The speaker engages with theological complexities, emphasizing the significance of yielding to the Holy Spirit in the journey of sanctification.
Historical Authenticity Versus Literary Fiction in Gospel Accounts
One of the key points explored in the podcast episode centers on the debate between historical authenticity and literary fiction in the gospel accounts. Drawing from literary history, the speaker refutes claims of the New Testament being historical novels or legends, underscoring the unique and non-fictional nature of the gospels through the absence of literary artifice and the presence of intricate eyewitness details. The discussion highlights the persuasiveness of the gospel narratives as eyewitness testimonies rather than fictional constructs.
Unveiling Undesigned Coincidences and Embedded Confirmations in New Testament Accounts
Furthermore, the podcast episode unveils the concept of undesigned coincidences and embedded confirmations in New Testament accounts. By shedding light on subtle yet corroborative details between different gospel narratives and external historical sources, the speaker accentuates the coherence and authenticity of the gospel testimonies. The emphasis lies on the organic nature of these confirmatory elements, serving as compelling evidence for the truthfulness and non-fictional essence of the New Testament accounts.
In this midweek podcast episode, Frank tackles a series of listener questions surrounding how to share your faith with transgender co-workers and how to understand God's grace in relation to our free will. He'll also respond to a common criticism about the historicity of the New Testament--is it just a work of historical fiction? During the episode, Frank will answer questions like:
How do you spark a faith conversation with a transitioning or LGTBQ+ co-worker?
If God wants all people to be saved, why will some people go to Hell?
What does the Bible mean when it says that we will receive a new heart?
What are some of the key distinctions between historical documents and historical fiction?
Are the ancient non-Christian sources for Jesus more reliable than the eyewitness accounts?
What is the consensus among New Testament scholars about the validity of the Gospels?
This episode will help you to respond to objections about the reliability of the New Testament as Frank shares helpful resources from various apologists like C.S. Lewis and offers a few questions that you can ask someone who's skeptical about whether or not the Bible is true. Do you have a question for Frank? Send it to Hello@CrossExamined.org and maybe it will make the next Q&A podcast!
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Frank's book: Correct, Not Politically Correct
Got Questions (article): What Does the Bible Mean When It Says That We Will Receive a New Heart?
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