CARM Newsletter 03-27-08

The Great Commission Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations," (Matt. 28:18-19). 

On the radio this week I spontaneously spoke about the great commission.  A point came to mind that I focused on it is worth mentioning here.  Notice that in Christ's words he says that he has all authority in heaven and on earth.  THEREFORE go and make disciples of all nations.  The therefore is crucial.  We Are able to make disciples ofworld all nations because we are sent by Christ and commissioned by Christ.  In addition, because Jesus has all authority he is able to exercise that authority and send us.  This means that though we may face difficulties when carrying out that commission, we will be successful overall.

Jesus is not going to send us out into the world for no reason.  His plan is that disciples be made and that we, the Christian church, accomplish his purpose.  We also know that Christ has gifted of people in different ways.  This means that you have gifts that can be used for the Great Commission.  It does not mean that you have to be out on the mission field, or on the radio, or on the Internet.  But it does mean that in whatever capacity God has gifted you, you are too use those gifts accordingly.  This could mean that you could pray for others, support missionaries, witness when the opportunity arises, and/or raise godly children, etc.  The options are wide open.

So, what are your gifts?  Where are you call to minister in the proclamation of making disciples of all nations?
Atheist Conference Lowdown From March 21 to 23 I was in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the 34th annual atheist convention.  It was very enlightening.  I had hoped that there would be an improvement over the previous year's conference that was held in Seattle.  The only thing different was that there were twice as many people in attendance.  But, the most prevalent aspect of the conference was not intellectual challenges to the Christian faith.  Instead, the conference was dominated by ridicule, over-generalizations, misrepresentations, and sarcasm.  I wasn't impressed in the slightest.
The atheist mindset is one of absolute certainty.  They presuppose that science trumps "superstition" as they like to call the Christian faith.  Evolution was presented as an absolute, unquestionable fact, and anyone who questioned it is basically considered an ignorant fool.  Atheists came off as intellectually superior and they presented Christians as ignorant and irrational.  Nothing new.
So, I was rather encouraged.  After all, if ridicule, misrepresentation, sarcasm, and insults are what the atheists have to offer us, then atheism is of no real intellectual challenge.  People will see through it as I did.
Still, I must admit that there was one lecture that I thought was of substance.  An atheist presented an argument that the town of Nazareth, where Jesus was raised, was not around at the time of Christ.  Therefore, Christ could not have been in Nazareth and Jesus is a mythical figure invented by the early church.  Of course, his challenge to the Christian faith needs to be cross examined by competent archaeologists and experts.  But at least he tried to present a rational and intelligent argument based upon archaeological research.  It was a refreshing change.
I had not planned on attending anymore atheist conferences.  But, I found out that the next one will be in Long Beach, California.  Southern California is my old stomping grounds and since I have Christian friends who will be attending, I guess I'll be going to that one as well.
Please Support CARM As summer approaches support usually dwindles.  I just wanted to remind you that if you're not already supporting CARM financially, which please consider doing so?  All we ask is a commitment of five dollars a month.  If you are interested in giving up a large Latee once a month for this ministry, please go to http://www.carm.org/goods/donationscarm.htm. Thanks

Also, the Online Schools are great way to get something for supporting CARM.
The Garden

So far, the response to my book The Garden has been very positive. I'm going to continue to submit itgarden to publishers as it usually takes several attempts before one picks up on it. In the meantime you can obtain a copy by going to http://www.carm.org/index/garden.htm. Here's what one person said: 
"Your book flows. The main thrust IMO was the forces that we must contend with every day and need to put on the full armor of God to be protected and defend the faith and how the Lord reaches out because of his great love for everyone. Because it was written in "story form", it talks to the heart of a non-believer or someone on the edge. When I say it flows I mean, The story starts with our being introduced to demons, it goes to the main character and describes him, his family and where each is in their walk with the Lord. It is organized in the sense that each character is touched on and knitted together in what is happening to them and what the Lord is doing in their lives by using the first two angels to explain. Because you are not preaching IMO, it gives understanding to a person that doesn't believe, a new Christian and a person that has been a Christian for different lengths of time. It doesn't show judgment but it pulls no punches and gently explains how important that reasoning is, not just blind faith. You didn't have the main character hop up and say, wow, I believe. Instead he professed the same doubts that many of your readers must have. I wanted to cry when the main character reasoned that what he was hearing was true but, later, realized that even though he believed he still was a sinner and only saved by grace. The description of how filthy he was, and he recognized it speaks to the heart of any reader I believe and brings to light the same situations we may all find ourselves in. It shows how much impact one person may have on many others and how important prayer is in leading others to the Lord by strengthening them. Because of that your other characters were strengthened. The Lord is truly using you as an author. I know of only one, Francine Rivers, that follows Scripture and has the same Lord given gift that you have. Karen Kingsbury is another author and even though she follows Scripture, she doesn't have the touch that you and Rivers have."
Atheist Debate
April 17 2008		 I am set to go to Pensacola Florida on April 17th, to participate in a debate with an atheist.  The topic is "Does God exist?"  Please pray for me that I will represent the Lord properly and bring glory to his name.
Biblical Worldview Conference From April 10-12 here in Boise, Idaho, there will be a Biblical Worldview Conference.  I will be speaking on three topics.  They are not yet narrowed down, but they will be, of course, dealing with apologetics, Christianity, etc.  If you are interested in information on the conference, please go to http://www.biblicalview.com.
Online Schools I'd like to remind you that CARM offers three online schools.  A lot of people sign up formouse them and they are one of the ways we use to support this ministry.  If you are interested in learning your theology, learning about false religious systems, and learning about critical thinking all in a logically arranged, self-paced, systematic manner, then please check out the schools.  It is a great way to get something for your support of this ministry. http://www.carm.org/online.htm
CARM Needs Staff CARM needs staff.  In June of next year Ryan Turner will be joining me for full-time ministry.  He's twenty-three and will be graduating with a Masters in Apologetics.  He came out here in June of this year and spent 10 days with me.  He's a great guy and he understands how much CARM can do, and how much help is needed.  I praise God for this young man. 

Are you interested in a ministry opportunity?  I am Looking for people who don't mind working hard, who will have cultists praying against them, who don't mind facing spiritual difficulties, who will have to raise their own support, who can do research, write, don't mind learning the ins and outs of CARM, and are willing to move here to Boise, Idaho.  Glamorous, huh?

I wish I had enough money to hire three people right now.  I need a programmer Web person, an administrator, researchers, writers, video editors, audio editors, etc.  The goals are to produce teaching materials in writing, audio, and video formats.  There is so much to do and I'm absolutely buried.

I know that you might be wondering why we can't do this over the Internet.  Some things can be done that way, but not everything.  I need people on site.  I need people to interact with, to brainstorm with, to sit with for long periods of time and train, to have them do video shoots with me, answer emails, maybe help with radio, etc.  In short, I need to disciple people on how to be better apologists, how to write, and how to do everything necessary to continue this ministry and/or produce their own.

You can be male or female.  You have to agree to the CARM statement of faith, and I prefer people who are educated and/or experienced in their field of expertise.  But I must reiterate; this is not an easy ministry.  It is time-consuming, often unrewarding, frustrating, etc.  But, there are rewards.  You get to know that what you produce will affect thousands of people for years to come.  This ministry is a challenge and it is not for the fainthearted.   Interested?  If so, contact me at [email protected]

Love and Hate Mail

  • Hate Mail
    • All any religion is is a cult and there really is no denying that.  You can have morals and not believe in a god.  How could you believe that we have not evolved as we see things evolve every day.  Your non-profit organization (as with anything that has to do with any god or religion) is a joke.  Kidd yourselves but leave everyone out of it especially your children,  let them choose for themselves instead of pushing it on them (which IS what is happening).  No one thinks for themselves anymore, not even you hypocritical christians!!!
    • The difference between mainstream Christianity is that Mormons believe that Christ restored his Church in its fullness to the earth in our time because doctrines became corrupted, organization and preisthood was lost. He is the same Christ who estabished his Church nearly 2000 years ago. Its either true or not. What if it was? But most likely that wouldnt mean anything to you, would it?  Because you already have your minds made up its a fraud. However, I know it is true. You tell others they are going to hell if they join the LDS church. If the LDS church wasnt true then it has the same amont of authority that your church has which is none. But your more content on leading others away from enjoying the blessings that Christ Church has to offer.
    • There is so much violence in the world today, and so much of it is done in the name of God or some kind of religious intolerance.  I think Christians should stop looking at how faiths are different, and concentrate on working on the things Christ thought were important (things like Charity, Love for one another, Virtue etc)
  • Love Mail
    • I've been making good use of the resources on your website and I just thought I'd send you a word of thanks. Keep up the good work :) I'll be praying for you, your family, and your ministry! If you can remember to say a little prayer for me sometime, I'd be most appreciative.
    • Brother, do not become weary in well-doing!  You are not alone!
    • I know you are quite busy, so I will try to make this brief.  A friend in the ministry referred us to your website and resources, and we want to let you know that a few things:  1.  Your work is vital-"Do not grow weary in doing what is good."  2.  We appreciate what you are doing to defend the truth.
    • I've been using CARM for several years and cannot express my gratitude enough.  You have been a mentor to me in my life (and I don't let anyone be that) and I just want to say "thank you" Mr. Slick for picking up your cross and following faithfully after Christ.  You don't know it, but God has used your ministry to light my path in times of darkness and to clear my way in times of confusion.  I thank our Lord and Redeemer for men like you.  I rejoice to see the day that you are crowned amongst the saints in our Father's Kingdom.  I love you my brother.

Matt Slick
CARM President

 

 

 

 
 
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