Micah Fries’ Post

Merry Christmas! Monday, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Did you know that "Christ" is a title, not a last name? (True!) Do you know the reasons why Jesus was "prosecuted" and then killed by crucifixion? What was so dangerous to those who misinterpreted his message? Was His message peaceful? Practical? Otherworldly? Radical? How did Christianity start? Who were the first Christians? What is the oldest, earliest Christian church? How many different Christian churches exist? What are the broad strokes of how they emerged throughout human history? Why are Roman Catholics called Roman? What's so Eastern about Eastern Orthodoxy? Why are there 1,000s of Protestant denominations? Do Christians read the entire Bible literally? Does Christian doctrine conflict with scientific findings like the Big Bang? These are all GREAT questions to explore during the Christmas season. For doubters, skeptics, the curious, and yes, followers of Christ, I wrote a book that answers 500+ of these Frequently Asked Questions, all in plain English, using the same direct, clear, concise style as my earlier three books, the bestselling Government Contracts in Plain English Series! Check it out on Amazon: Christianity in Plain English: Answers to 500+ FAQs about Jesus, Bible Translations, God, Creation, Theology, Catholicism, Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Heaven, Angels, and More #books #SmallBusiness #Christmas #Christianity #Apologetics

(BOOK CLUB) - "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis (5) key takeaways: 1. The Moral Law: Lewis argues that the existence of an objective moral law shared by all humans points to a divine source - a transcendent Mind or "Something" that implanted this sense of right and wrong in us. This forms the basis for his argument for God's existence. 2. The Trilemma: In examining the character of Jesus Christ, Lewis presents a famous "trilemma" - that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord he claimed to be. Lewis rejects the first two options and argues for the divinity of Christ. 3. Christian Virtues: Lewis discusses the cardinal virtues (prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude) and theological virtues (faith, hope, charity) that should characterize the Christian life. He emphasizes chastity, humility in confronting pride, and the need for charity towards others. 4. The Purpose of Life: According to Lewis, the central purpose of Christianity is to transform us into "sons of God" - to make us truly human in the way God intended. This involves death to our natural selves and rebirth into a new spiritual life in Christ. 5. Mere Christianity: Lewis aims to present the core, "mere" Christianity that unites all Christian denominations, avoiding divisive doctrinal disputes. His goal is to explain the faith in a clear, rational manner to skeptics and believers alike.

Congratulations to Peter Hooton for his recent publication, 𝘈 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘝𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, published by Lexington Books. 𝘈 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘋𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘝𝘶𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘓𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 understands confidence in the idea of God to rest largely on three claims. The first is that God is responsible in some quite fundamental way for the existence of the universe—for the fact that there is anything at all. The second is that God’s own existence, and essential goodness, are not vitiated by the presence of evil in the world. And the third is that God knows we are here and shares fully, somehow, in the joys and pains of transient life. Peter Hooton considers these claims on the whole sympathetically. He prefers—to traditional Christian views of God’s omnipotence—a more nuanced understanding of God’s power and draws on a rich plurality of voices to describe God as much more loving than wrathful, as persuasive rather than coercive, as more passible than impassible, and the Christian’s relationship with God as essentially a compassionate participation in the reality signified by the crucified and risen Christ. https://lnkd.in/gqURBPaN

Very little is known about the historical context of the 𝘌𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘪𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘶𝘴. The author is unknown, the background of Diognetus is unknown, and its location is unknown. The early church fathers do not mention this letter in their works. The original manuscript was discovered around 1436 A.D. Based upon some of the internal evidence, some have placed the date of this work around the second century. The letter does provide us with some clues regarding it background and intent. The introduction describes the “most excellent Diognetus” as the recipient of the letter. We learn that Diognetus is very interested in learning about what it is that Christians believe. The author of work contrasts Christianity with that of the Greeks and Jews. Interestingly, the author provides a Christian response without using the word Jesus or Christ once in the entire letter. The fact that this epistle has been considered a Christian apologetic has led some to argue that the dating of this letter would fit in well and consistently with that of the second century Apologists. After the initial prologue to Diognetus, the work begins with discussing the failings of the Greek religion which is followed by the failings of Judaism. In both cases, the author is critical of sacrifices that are being presented to God. The Greeks were sacrificing to images that lacked sense and the Jews were sacrificing to God as though he needed it. After presenting their polemic, the author puts forward the Christian faith. The author describes Christians as those who live moral and decent lives. A very interesting analogy is used that compares the Christians in the world in an analogous situation with that of the soul and the body. It is important theologically to note that the author stresses the importance of God’s revelation of Himself to His creation. That God also gave Himself to mankind at the proper time with gentleness and kindness (not with tyranny). Thus, describing God as compassionate towards humanity who is worthy of blessing. However, it is interesting to note that in Ch. 8 the author seems to suggest that prior to the coming of Christ it appeared that God neglected us and had no God over us. Yet, this was not the case as God was ultimately aware of “all things in His own mind.” #churchhistory #Christianity

An Overview of the Trinity Doctrine #swindonchurch The doctrine of the Trinity remains a central and defining element of Christian theology, reflecting the complexity and depth of the Christian understanding of God. Its development over centuries, theological significance, and scriptural foundations highlight the richness of the Christian faith. Despite its mystery, the Trinity offers a profound insight into the nature of God as a relational and loving being, inviting believers into a deeper relationship with the triune God. #swindonchurch #swindonchurches https://lnkd.in/ewYZhC6b

We need to re-study our Bibles (John Angell James, "The Church in Earnest") We need to re-study our Bibles, and learn what real Christianity is--how holy, how heavenly, how spiritual, how loving, how morally and socially excellent a matter it is. What separation from the world, what devoutness, what intense earnestness, what conscientiousness, what enlarged benevolence, what unselfishness, what zealous activity, what unearthliness, what seeds of celestial virtue--our profession of godliness implies. Having examined this, and obtained an impressive idea of it, let us survey our own state, and ask if we do not need, and ought not to seek, more of the prevalence of such a piety as this, which, in fact, is primitive Christianity. Is our spiritual condition what it ought to be, what it might be, what it must be--to fulfill our high commission as the salt of the earth and the light of the world? A Christian, acting up in some tolerable measure to his profession, walking in the holiness of the Gospel--is the strongest and most emphatic testimony for God to our dark revolted world, next to that of Christ Himself.

An Overview of the Trinity Doctrine #swindonchurch The doctrine of the Trinity remains a central and defining element of Christian theology, reflecting the complexity and depth of the Christian understanding of God. Its development over centuries, theological significance, and scriptural foundations highlight the richness of the Christian faith. Despite its mystery, the Trinity offers a profound insight into the nature of God as a relational and loving being, inviting believers into a deeper relationship with the triune God. #swindonchurch #swindonchurches https://lnkd.in/eME9PWfM

We need to re-study our Bibles (John Angell James, "The Church in Earnest") We need to re-study our Bibles, and learn what real Christianity is--how holy, how heavenly, how spiritual, how loving, how morally and socially excellent a matter it is. What separation from the world, what devoutness, what intense earnestness, what conscientiousness, what enlarged benevolence, what unselfishness, what zealous activity, what unearthliness, what seeds of celestial virtue--our profession of godliness implies. Having examined this, and obtained an impressive idea of it, let us survey our own state, and ask if we do not need, and ought not to seek, more of the prevalence of such a piety as this, which, in fact, is primitive Christianity. Is our spiritual condition what it ought to be, what it might be, what it must be--to fulfill our high commission as the salt of the earth and the light of the world? A Christian, acting up in some tolerable measure to his profession, walking in the holiness of the Gospel--is the strongest and most emphatic testimony for God to our dark revolted world, next

The Latter-day Saints (LDS) church, commonly known as Mormonism, was founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. This movement distinguishes itself from orthodox Christianity through its additional scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. Key doctrinal differences include the nature of God, the concept of exaltation, belief in modern prophets, and the idea of pre-mortal existence. These beliefs often lead to religious debate and controversy, as they diverge significantly from traditional Christian doctrine and scriptural authority. From a biblical perspective, orthodox Christianity views these doctrines as inconsistent with fundamental teachings about the nature of God and the closed canon of scripture. This comparison highlights the theological debate between Mormon beliefs and established Christian doctrine. #swindonchurch #brendonnaicker #theologyschool #LDS, #Mormonism, #Christianity, #ChurchHistory, #Doctrine, #BiblicalPerspective, #JosephSmith, #Mormon Beliefs, #ReligiousDebate, #Christian #swindon https://lnkd.in/eStqUism

IN MY FIRST POST TODAY I PRESENTED BIBLICAL PROOF OF WHY GODS RIGHTEOUS ONES ARE RIGHTEOUS BY FAITH ALONE IN THAT THESE DO NOT JUDGE AND STAY OUT OF WORLDLY AFFAIRS OF OTHERS KNOWING GOD WILL JUDGE. THE WARNING HERE ABOUT THE GREAT CITY OF REV.CHSP 17 WHICH VERSE 18 DESCRIBES AS "RULES OVER THE KINGS IF THE EARTH AND REV 18 SHOWS TO BE KINGS OR RULERS,MERCHANTS OR TRADERS AND BUSINESS,AND WORLD WIDE APOSTATE RELIGION.REV 17:2-6 THIS GREAT CITY THE BEAST OF THE BIBLE OR EMPIRES OR WORLD POWERS THAT GO BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS THAT ROSE OUT OF THE SEA.(GENTILE NATIONS) REV.18:The light of a lamp     will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride     will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people.     By your magic spell all the nations were led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people,     of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.” THIS IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND WHY WE DO NOT TRY TO IMPLEMENT LAWS THAT CIRCUMVENT GODS AUTHORITY. OVER TIME AND EVERY TIME GODS TRUTH HAS BEEN SPREAD EMPERORS AND KINGS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE TRUTH AND REPLACED IT WITH FALSE GODS OR MANMADE GODS AND IDEALISM. IN TODAYS WORLD WE ARE REPEATING THE VERY CYCLE OF THAT DESTRUCTION. OUR FOREFATHERS CAME HERE BECAUSE OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION.How many people were killed in the Roman Catholic Inquisition? A number of 100,000 to 9,000,000 executions was given, all of which was attributed to the Inquisition. https://en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki Roman Inquisition - Wikipedia