The Power of the Bible, the Light of the World, and the Creation of the World
Welcome to The Think Institute’s weekly Newsletter. Every Friday, you get one idea from me, a quote from somebody else, and one thing to think about. This week we’re talking about why it’s perfectly acceptable to say “The Bible tells me so,” when you’re articulating why you believe. Really. It is. You’ll also get a quote from Charles Spurgeon about the importance of living out the Bible’s teachings. And finally, you’ll have the opportunity to answer a question that I myself was asked after a recent apologetics class I taught at Village Bible Church.
Hey, before we dive in, can I ask for your help? This summer I have been invited to debate two atheists. I’ve also been invited to debate an Eastern Orthodoxist and participate in an interfaith panel by a Hebrew Roots Unitarian. In addition to these opportunities, I am continuing to engage in live debate streams on Monday nights. There are many great opportunities coming down the pike, but these take time, energy, and resources to prepare for them, participate in them, and promote them.
That’s why we’re raising $5500 toward the Summer Debate Fund. We’ve already raised $1,675 of our $5,500 goal. That means we have just $2,625 to go! This campaign was kickstarted by an inspiring challenge gift of $1,000 from M. Brown Financial Advisors. Mark and his team, as well as others who have given to the Summer Debate Fund, want to see us raise the funds to fuel these debates. Will you help us reach the rest?
Now, let’s get into this week’s Newsletter.
AN IDEA FROM ME
Reason #2 to Believe in God: The Claims of the Bible
This one sounds too simple, but it is hugely important. Have you ever heard the song “Jesus Loves Me?” You know the words: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” That song is exactly right! As Christians, the Bible is our foundation for knowledge. The foundation of our worldview is not evidence, nor reasoning, nor our feelings. Remember, we just saw that, if the Bible is not true, you could not make sense of the world at all. Christians build their whole view of the world upon the Bible, and the Bible says Christianity is true.
Just imagine if we said that the Bible was the foundation of our worldview, only to then discover that the Bible does not teach the Christian message. If the Bible taught that Islam, Mormonism, or some other religion, we would be in trouble. We would either have to find a new foundation (good luck!) or find a new religion. Happily, the Bible does teach Christianity. How do we know Christianity is true? "Because the Bible tells me so" is a perfectly acceptable answer.
—Hear me talk more about why Christianity is the only true religion on today’s livestream video! Link: Christians Were Just Divided Over Israel | Only Christianity Is True | and More
A QUOTE FROM SOMEBODY ELSE
The Bible is not the light of the world, it is the light of the Church. But the world does not read the Bible, the world reads Christians! “You are the light of the world.”
—Attributed to Charles Spurgeon
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Is it possible that the Bible’s creation story presents the creation week symbolically, and that each of the days are actually millions of years?
(I was asked this after my apologetics class on Wednesday). How would you respond?
P.S. What happens when unstoppable unbelief meets an unshakable faith?
Join us for a special edition of Cigars & Theology as we host a watch party of Collision—the documentary film featuring a series of spirited debates between Christopher Hitchens, one of the 21st century’s most articulate atheists, and Pastor Douglas Wilson, a bold and brilliant Christian apologist.
During the screening, we’ll light up pipes and cigars (BYO if desired) and enjoy beer, whiskey or whatever other beverages you want (BYO if desired). Afterward, we'll dive into a real, honest, and thought-provoking conversation. We’ll unpack the major arguments, explore how Christians and skeptics can engage with one another, and examine the relevance of such lengthy discussions in today's TikTok culture.
Schedule
7:00 PM – Arrival
7:15 PM – Collision Screening (~90 minutes)
8:45 PM – Discussion & Reflections, Hangout
9:15 PM – Event Ends
Who’s it for?
Men who want to grow in theological clarity and cultural courage
Curious skeptics and confident believers alike
Anyone who enjoys cigars, brotherly friendship, and serious truth-seeking