Defending Your Faith

Against whom do we defend our faith?
 

What are their reasons when non-believers attack Christianity?

How far should we isolate ourselves from the “pagan culture?"

Persecuted But Not Crushed!

How should Christians respond when persecutions come from other groups/religions? What about persecution from the government?

Are there different forms of persecution in today’s society?

John Wesley and Me

This week, we will read one of the entries to John Wesley's journal--describing that evening of his conversion.  Click on the link:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/wesley/journal.vi.ii.xvi.html

After reading the journal, I would like you to try to also recall that special time where you made the decision of the heart to follow Jesus.  Could you still remember that time when your heart, too, was strangely warmed?

Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi lived out his Christian life so seriously that it was said of him that even birds listened to him preach.  

His words have been quoted many times by many people.  If you google it, you'll find many in seconds.  For this week's forum, find a quote from St. Francis and write your thoughts about it.  Don't forget to cite the reference where you copied the quote.

Ambrose of Milan

Last week, we have learned about Ambrose of Milan.  How he was himself a defender of "salvation by faith alone."  Of the many things that he accomplished in his lifetime, we could probably say that the most significant would be when Augustine heard him preach that one sermon and got him converted.

I want you to think about your own ministry.  We might not be able to preach a sermon that could convert an 'Augustine' but we definitely can make a difference.  Does the way you live your life reflect God's calling for you?

In a few weeks, you will leave your current area of ministry--we don't know if the Lord would bring you back there.  How would you like to be remembered by the people your ministering to.

Must I Be Damned?

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree."

We have all been called to be agents of change and transformation.  How can the quote above (from Martin Luther) inspire us to make personal applications especially as we begin a new year.

Annulment?

Why should there be permanent separation between church and state?