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A Biblical Defense of the Faith by Jason Hauser
Have you ever considered how biblical your approach is to handling objections when you witness for Christ? It doesn't help that a great majority of apologetical resources encourage unbiblical methods. Whether the individual you engage is a skeptic or a false convert, they need to be confronted with the depravity of their sin, the authority of God's Word and the exclusivity of Christ. This is because their positions are the same and their objections are similar. They are both without Christ and they both appeal to their own authority to justify how they live.
Do such individuals need to be given better evidences to refute their objections? Do they simply lack a few key proofs that Jesus is Lord and Savior? Or does such an approach perpetuate a false notion that they are the judge and God is on trial? Nowhere in Scripture do we find Jesus or His disciples giving more evidence for what skeptics reject. The biblical model begins with the fact that man is "without excuse" because "what can be known about God is plain to him, because God has shown it to them" in His creation (Rom. 1:19-20). Despite man having this inherent truth about God, he suppresses it (Rom.1:18). For this reason, it is not wise to spend time arguing over evolution, the existence of God, or for that matter, anything opposed to the Bible. If God's Word says it, then it is true. If one rejects His Word, the problem is not a lack of evidence, but an unwillingness to submit to the authority of God and His Word. For this reason we must defend the faith, not with extra-biblical evidences, but with the Bible alone. This is the best approach because God's infallible Word never returns void (Isa. 55:11). Some Christians compromise and seek a neutral source for truth when someone doesn't respect the Bible. Yet, there is no such thing as neutrality, for each person has their own presuppositions. They are drawn either from submitting to God's authority or an authority of their own choosing. When someone rejects the supreme authority of God's Word, how can appealing to a lesser authority be of any help (Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 4:12)? If an unbeliever wins an argument using an extra-biblical source, they will still need to surrender to Christ's authority for salvation.
Proverbs 26:4-5 provides a wonderful model for answering objections. It states, "Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." Verse 4 reveals the importance of responding with truth while verse 5 explains the importance of exposing untruth. In other words, don't answer a skeptic by using his faulty worldview, but rather stay centered on biblical truth. Show the futility of clinging to anything opposed to God's Word. Also, do not allow the unbeliever to steal components from your biblical worldview such as logic, reason, certainty, or morality, none of which can exist apart from God. Read entire article here.
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Another "Miracle" Approved for Sainthood
The Vatican has reportedly "approved" a second miracle that can be attributed to the memory of Pope John Paul II, thus opening the door for him to become a saint faster than anyone in recent history. The miracle allegedly has to do with the "extraordinary healing" of a woman in Costa Rica, who recovered from a brain injury after praying to the deceased pope. The Pope needed to reach a quota of two miracles before he could become a saint.
In Catholicism there are other phenomena that can help a Catholic become a saint besides miraculous healings. One is "incorruptibility" when a body is found to be free of decay when exhumed from the grave. The Church considers St. Catherine of Siena to be an example. She died in 1380, and 600 years later, without any embalming, her flesh allegedly hasn't decomposed. Another is "liquefaction" when the dried blood of the saint miraculously liquefies on the feast day. The patron saint of Naples is said to be an example of this miracle because a vial of his dried blood allegedly liquefies every year on September 19. Another phenomena is the "odor of sanctity" when the body of a saint allegedly exudes a sweet aroma, like roses, rather than the usual stench of decay. The Church believes the grave of St. Teresa of Avila exuded a sweet fragrance for nine months after her death.
The process to become a saint in Catholicism also includes inquiries into the person's life, reputation and activities and an examination of the person's written and spoken works.
Mike's Response: This should have disqualified John Paul II when you consider that he publicly declared Allah to be the one true God and praised Mohammed as a true prophet. He declared that Jesus is not necessary for salvation when he said, "All who seek God with a sincere heart, including those who do not know Christ will enter God's kingdom." He also embraced evolution and kissed the Koran, an act that would be considered either a sacrilege or blasphemy. Regarding his moral character, he ordered bishops and cardinals to conceal and protect priests who raped and sexually molested young boys.
Some bishops even facilitated bribes to the victims on the condition they keep the allegations secret. Clearly, he should be named a false prophet, not a saint. Read more of Mike's response here.
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Catholics and Evangelicals United Again
Highly influential Evangelicals are once again proclaiming a common faith in Jesus Christ with Roman Catholics. In a letter defending the biblical position of marriage between one man and one woman, the Catholic and Evangelical signatories acknowledged that "we are united in our common faith in Jesus Christ." Evangelicals who signed the letter include: Dr. Erwin Lutzer of the Moody Bible Church, James Dobson, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Center, Dr. Page Patterson, President of Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Franklin Graham, Jack Hayford and Dr. Tony Evans. Not only are these men yoking with Catholics who preach a false and fatal gospel, they have also united in one faith with false teachers such as "Prophet" Cindy Jacobs, "Prophet" Rick Joyner and Che Ahn who installed Todd Bently as a "Prophet." Read the letter here.
Mike's Response: One of the key strategies of the Roman Catholic Church is to reverse the Reformation by persuading evangelicals to unite with Catholics to fight the cultural battles. Their strategy has been a huge success since 1994 when they drafted the very first unity accord, Evangelicals and Catholics Together with the late Chuck Colson. While the social and moral issues of our culture are important, we must engage them using the spiritual weapons that Paul revealed in Eph. 6:11-19. The spiritual battles cannot be won with weapons of the flesh. We must put on the armor of God and proclaim the purity of the Gospel. Nothing can be gained by compromising the Gospel. For the life of me, I cannot understand why evangelicals are not standing together for the Gospel instead of uniting with enemies of the Gospel. |
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Catholics and Lutherans to Unite for Reformation
A document released June 17, From Conflict to Communion, by the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity and the Lutheran World Federation, outlined ideas for joint commemorations of the publication of Martin Luther's "95 Theses." "Joint Catholic-Lutheran commemorations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation must recognize the harm caused by the split in Western Christianity, the polemics that exacerbated differences and the progress made through 50 years of ecumenical dialogue", a new document said. Read more. |
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Letters from Around the World
Dear PTG, I was impressed to get almost halfway through your last newsletter and not see a word of Catholic Bashing. But then true to form, there came a landslide of anti-Catholicism. Do you believe that the only way you can gain membership to your brand of Christianity, is to bash another religion. Shouldn't your version be so obviously the truth, that it need not be necessary to drag others through the mud? I must take issue with your comment "It is estimated by credible historians that more than 50,000,000, men and women were slaughtered for the unjust crime of heresy charged against them by Papal Rome." 50 million? Really! You seemed to skip over the fact, that unless the Catholic church fought back against the Ottoman Empire, the one authentic representation of Christs' Church, would have ceased to exist. I hope someday peace between Christian religions is your goal. Phil R.
Hi Phil, We are not "anti-Catholic," our ministry was founded based on our concern and love for Catholics. We do however contend against false gospels and that is why we regularly address where Catholicism sets itself against the Gospel. How is your intolerance of our position any different than our intolerance of Rome's position related to God's Word? Both positions are forced to make judgements based on an authority. Our authority is that we see God's perfect Holy Word clearly stating gospel truths while Rome says just the opposite. What are you basing your authority on in your judgment of us since you are clearly not on board with biblical teaching? True peace among Christians must be centered on God's truth. Finally, the authentic representation of Christ's Church is protected by the power of God, not by military weapons.Please consider reading Romans. For God's Glory, Jason
I would like to thank you for your continue faithfulness and steadfastness in the Word. I personally have been blessed by your ministry as I minister in a very traditional Roman Catholic town. You have been a great resource! Recently, I started linking yours and Jason's blog posts onto my twitter, which is connected to my Facebook. Over time, I started to get some very negative feedback from someone who I had once served alongside with in a church in Southern California. He has since converted to Eastern Orthodox. He constantly attacked me saying that I was ignorant of the early church writings. Through it all, your ministry has been a wonderful resource, Once again thank you for your uncompromising stand for the truth, showing that you truly love the lost! You have helped me tremendously and I will continue to hold you, your wife & Jason in prayer! Because of Him, G.C., Trinidad, Colorado
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Christians Churches Now Reading the Quran
The National Cathedral in Washington D.C. and approximately 50 other churches in 26 U.S. states publicly read from the Quran during their Sunday worship services on June 26th. A one world religion is getting closer than ever. "Interfaith" conferences and meetings are being held with increasing frequency all over the globe. Major global religious leaders are urging all of us to focus on our "shared" religious traditions. The belief that all religions are equally valid paths to the same destination is being taught in houses of worship and at religious institutions all over the globe. Read more.
In November the 3,000 member Northwood Church of Keller, TX is holding a "Global Faith Forum" which will include officials from the Muslim Brotherhood. Pastor Bob Roberts is known for his efforts to build-bridges with Muslims. Read more.
Mike's Response: One of the greatest dangers to Christianity today is the deliberate suppression of biblical truth for the sake of unity. The danger intensifies as many highly visible and influential Christians are jumping on the Vatican's ecumenical bandwagon. Instead of warning believers that this false unity is the emergence of the "last days" apostate church, evangelicals are embracing and applauding those who are engineering it. Instead of obeying biblical exhortations and examples to keep the gospel pure, they are tolerating those who preach another gospel. It is because of this growing trend of tolerance that our most popular DVD continues to be The Coming One World Religion.
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Pope's Pontificate Consecrated to Mary
At the pope's personal request, Cardinal Jose Polycarp, consecrated the pontificate of Pope Francis to Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day. The consecration took place at the Portuguese shrine dedicated to Our Lady, with thousands of the faithful present. The cardinal said, "From here, at this altar of the world, he will be able to bless humanity, to make the world of today feel that God loves all men and women of our time, that the Church loves them and that you, Mother of the Redeemer, lead them with tenderness on the paths of salvation." Read more. |
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Preparing for Eternity is Available on Kindle
Mike's book Preparing for Eternity is now available on Kindle through Amazon. The book is an excellent resource to give to Catholics so they can learn more about life's most critical issue, the salvation of their souls. Hundreds of questions are answered by the power and authority of God's Word. It is also an excellent resource for Christians to learn more about the world's largest and most neglected mission field and how they can become more effective witnesses and contend earnestly for the faith. Order the Kindle version here. Order the hard copy here. |
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Rick Warren Says Gays Who "Accept" Jesus Go to Heaven Without a Doubt
Controversy is stirring over recent comments made by Rick Warren, who stated that homosexual behavior "might be" sinful, and that he homosexuals who "accept" Jesus go to Heaven. He joins another mega church "pastor" Joel Osteen who said the same thing in an interview with Oprah. Read more. |
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Catholics Are Now Into Street Evangelism?
The Catholic Faith is going to the streets. A report from their agency, St. Paul Street Evangelism, a group of ladies from the Legion of Mary and Donald Hartley (aka "The Catholic Defender") offered handmade rosaries that were blessed in Iraq to people on the streets of Dallas. The team handed out over one hundred rosaries. They also had conversations with Baptists and a group of young people from a non-denominational community. Topics included the Papacy, Eucharist, and Confession. Read more.
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Home Schooling Skyrockets in the U.S.
The number of home-schooled children in the United States has increased by 75 percent since 1999, according to a new report published in Education News. This is proof that a growing number of parents are rejecting public schools. "Recent studies laud home-schoolers' academic success, noting their significantly higher ACT-Composite scores as high schoolers and higher grade point averages as college students," the report said. The report also stated, the number of primary-aged home school kids is growing seven times faster than public school kids. Read more. |
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May God be glorified as we share His Gospel of grace! Let us know how we can serve you.
Mike Gendron and Jason Hauser (972) 495-0485 PO Box 940871, Plano, TX 75094 www.ProclaimingTheGospel.org |
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Mike's and Jason's Speaking Schedule
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The Barn Fellowship
Green Bay, WI
July 13-14
Mike will teach an Evangelism Conference at
The Barn Fellowship,
4229 Reforestation Rd, Suamico (Green Bay), WI
on Saturday, July 13 9:30 am until 3:30 pm and Sunday morning, July 14 at 10 am. Call 920-434-0767 for more information.
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Informal Debate with Catholic Apologist
Shiner, TX
July 19-20
A Roman Catholic apologist and Mike Gendron will each make 3 formal presentations to a mixed audience of Catholics and Protestants. Jason Hauser will also participate in the informal debate which will take place Friday evening, 6 pm until 10:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am until 10 pm. Presentations on the topics of authority, salvation and justification will be followed by Q&A and an informal discussion. Call 972-495-0485 for more information.
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Believers Fellowship San Antonio, TX
Sept. 6th and 7th
Join us for this important conference that will be held at Believer's Fellowship, 13714 Lookout Rd in San Antonio. Jason Hauser and Mike Gendron will encourage you to be effective witnesses to Roman Catholics. For more information call (210) 656-2000 or
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Steeling the Mind Bible Conference
Denver, CO
October 5
This year's conference will focus on Bible Prophecy and will be held at Calvary Chapel South Denver . Mike will speak on Mystery Babylon, followed by Andy Woods, Paul Van Noy, JB Hixson, Shahram Hadian, Jack Kelly and David Hocking. To register
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Parker Bible Church
Parker, CO
Oct. 6
Mike will preach the Sunday morning message at
Parker Bible Church,
4391 E Main St, Parker, CO
at 10:45.
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The Master's College
Santa Clarita, CA
October 28
Mike will speak at The Master's College Monday morning at 9 am. For more information click here.
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The Master's Seminary Chapel
Sun Valley, CA
October 29 and 31
Mike will be speaking at The Master's Seminary Chapel in Sun Valley, CA on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, October 29 and 31. For more information click here. |
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McIntyre Fellowship
Duluth, GA
Nov. 8-9
Mike will conduct a two-day seminar on evangelism and discernment. More information to follow.
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Proclaiming the Gospel Is Now Broadcasting
 Mike Gendron and Jason Hauser are now doing a weekly broadcast that is available in both video and audio. The broadcasts will include discussions on current events, contrasting theologies and questions from Catholics. For more information
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Introductory Starter Kit
The kit includes the book Preparing for Eternity, the DVD with two PowerPoint messages Where Will You Spend Eternity? and Why Should Anyone Believe the Bible?, another DVD with two PowerPoint messages: Reversing the Reformation and Which Gospel Do You Believe?, 1 set of Gospel Cards, 5 different Gospel tracts, and one bookmark . Order here.
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Archived Monthly Newsletters
If you missed any of our previous monthly newsletters, they are all archived on our web site. Click here. |
This DVD is available at a 45% discount during the month of July. Order here. |
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Visit Us On Facebook
Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry has an active Facebook page. Join our discussions with people lost in religion. Help us sow the imperishable seed of God's Word. 
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To schedule Evangelists Mike Gendron or Jason Hauser to speak at your church or event contact us at 972-495-0485 |
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Our mission
is to glorify Jesus Christ by encouraging the saints to
sow the
imperishable seed
of God's Word
and call sinners
to repent and
believe the Gospel.
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Have You Visited Our Dynamic Web Site?
We are now adding new articles every week.
Let us know how we can continue to improve the
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The Evangelism Conference Messages Are Now Available
The five messages from the recent Evangelism Conference at Grace Life Church of Dallas are now available for your edification and encouragement. The topics included: The Gospel Message; Man-centered vs. God-Centered Evangelism; Making Christ's Last Command our First Concern; Witnessing to Muslims, Catholics and False Converts and The Sovereignty of God in Evangelism. Click here. |
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