In my view the three most important questions we can ask are: Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? Origin, purpose, and destiny.
If your belief in these three areas doesn’t match up with reality, then it is time to take a look at what the God of the Bible has said to us concerning reality. You know, reality is that thing you bump into when you discover you are wrong.
The truth about origin, purpose and destiny has eternal implications and is something you don’t want to get wrong. Ultimately truth is that which corresponds to reality, the way things really are, and we need to make sure our worldview is consistent and coherent.
If these three things have never been on your mind, or if you think you’ve already found the answer, check it here.
To help you explore the reality of origin, purpose and destiny I highly recommend Greg Koukl’s book: The Story of Reality, and his DVD curriculum called Bible Fast Forward. In his book Koukl identifies five major elements of the Christian Worldview that help us answer the question of origin, purpose and destiny. In the “Bible Fast Forward” Koukl covers the big picture of the Bible with the all important connections between the Old and New Testaments, and he teaches how to easily and correctly understand Scripture in context.
I am currently using Koukl’s curriculum in our Tuesday night Christian Apologetics’ class. I highly recommend both the book and this curriculum that can be purchased through his website at str.org.
If you choose to go on this adventure I recommend that you gather resources to make things easier as you study along. Koukl will use a lot of Biblical references as he teaches and it will help if you have some or all of the following:
- A good study Bible: I like the “Life Application Study Bible” in the NASB version (and you can get Bible apps like Bible Gateway).
- You can download Koukl’s notes when you purchase Bible Fast Forward and I suggest a binder for these notes and your own as you study and pray.
- Begin building a library of references from solid people who have spent their life doing research in this area (I have a resource page here on this website to assist you in that as well).
Greg Koukl, and his ministry Stand to Reason, is a definite “go to” in Christian Apologetics. Koukl is a Christian Apologist, radio talk show host, author, speaker, and the co-founder (along with Executive Director, Melinda Penner) of the Christian Apologetics Organization “Stand To Reason.” Koukl is a clear thinking Christian who’s central theme is that “Christianity can compete in the marketplace of ideas when it’s properly understood and properly articulated.” Greg has changed the way I think through tough questions.
From Koukl’s bio:
“Greg’s teaching has been featured on Focus on the Family radio, he’s been interviewed for CBN and the BBC, he’s debated atheist Michael Shermer on Hugh Hewitt’s national radio show, and did a one-hour national television debate with Deepak Chopra on Lee Strobel’s “Faith Under Fire.” Greg has been quoted in U.S. News & World Report and the L.A. Times. An award-winning author, Greg has written or contributed to 14 books, including “Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions;” “Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air” with Francis J. Beckwith, and “Precious Unborn Human Persons.” Greg has published nearly 200 articles and has spoken on over 70 college and university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad.”
“Greg received a Masters Degree in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and a Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University. He’s hosted his own radio talk show for over 25 years advocating clear-thinking Christianity and defending the Christian worldview.”
Watch Greg Koukl in an excellent 50 minute presentation that overviews his book “The Story of Reality:”
Join us next week as we continue building our case for Christianity!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com