The Provoked Apologist

 Y'know what nobody likes? End-times discussions. Y'know what I don't like? Bad Bible reading techniques. I've been putting off adding my two cents into the discussion regarding "the mark of the beast" or any kind of end-times-related things. However, after finding yet another article being used as a "support" to a specific understanding of the Mark of the Beast, I figured I might as well put my thoughts out there in hopes that a good discussion can be had. Then I could put the topic to bed so I can carry on with life and not have the topic nagging at my brain. What am I talking about? Here is the idea I'm responding to: The mark of the Beast is a microchip prophesied about in Revelation 13:16.  I'm going to do my best to represent this viewpoint fairly. But still, I'm open to discussion/correction of my representation of it. Here goes: The mark of the Beast is what the people are given to physically take. According to Revelation 13:16-17...

 Well, I had a random burst of inspiration to write some devotional content on this page. I had been plotting out a series in 1 Peter for a short while, then got busy. I don't think I'll ever stop using that excuse, but I won't go there. So, here we go.  1 Peter 1:1-2 "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,  To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for the sprinkling with his blood:  May grace and peace be multiplied to you." It's difficult to find a starting point with these verses. There is such a profound amount of trinitarian theology involved regarding salvation and the plan of God for the lives of His followers that we could spend weeks parsing each word/phrase and have a tough time running out of content.  Here is some small truth we can grab on to. In this strange season of pande...

  What is false teaching? In the world today, we have witnessed a strange year. Not only to start this one with the presidential election but many internet prophecies and strange teaching from fringe preachers. It has been a burden on my heart, but I didn't feel the need to dedicate the time to write a blog post about it. Then, unironically, after witnessing many false prophecies about the election, and reading through my Bible (particularly Matthew 23) I thought it fitting to write a post. I hope that this will edify and equip you in recognizing false teachers. Particularly, viewing one of the seven woes in Matthew 23 (specifically verses 1-7). Here is the text we will look at: Matthew 23:2-4 The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their ...

  Introduction Today was like any other day. I woke up, got dressed, sauntered into my kitchen. Having arrived at my destination, I then opened my pantry, pulled out a coffee filter, turned my coffee grinder on. I then checked every box in the "making coffee" to-do list. Then I hit the power button, moved over to my couch, about 6 steps, sat down, and waited.  I went about my usual routine, watch some cooking videos, check out my favorite youtube channels, then came the ever so delightful "beep-beep-beep." My coffee was perked and ready to drink. I got up off my couch and poured myself some of that coveted java, then went and sat in the same spot on my couch.  I then went about my next routine. I still looked at some youtube videos, then sauntered into my Bible reading. I've been reading through a Bible in a year plan, and I'm currently in Ezekiel. This was a great time; it felt as though scripture was jumping off the page. I was finding connections between ...

 Well, here we are, my first blog post in this series. Before we get into the issue at hand, I just want to say that this isn't my way of bashing any particular movement. This post is intended to correct an incorrect interpretation/application of scripture. So, without further explanation, here is the post: " “If you are a Christian, and can’t hear #BlackLivesMatter without feeling the need to respond with a criticism that “All Live Matter.” then crack open your Bible and hit up Luke 15. Don't have it handy? Let me summarize it for you. There are 100 sheep, but one goes missing. Jesus leaves the 99 and goes after the one. The 99: But… what about us? Don’t we matter? Of course the 99 still matter, but they’re not the ones in danger The one is.  I’ll say it again, #BlackLivesMatter (Jared Price) ” What is the claim of the OP? Jesus is speaking directly to racial inequality. And this text points out that Jesus cares for the one that is in danger. More specifically, an oppress...

What About My Blog? So, it has been a lot of time in between my blog posts. I don’t think that it was noticed. Up until this point, I’ve been reassessing the purpose of my blog and the amount of work that I committed to it. I think that I will be taking a more relaxed approach and survey popular topics. For example, the discussion surrounding COVID-19, Black lives matter, possibly Wayfair, and other things that may hit mainstream media.  I’ve been motivated to do this for a few reasons: Because it is easier for me to respond to things instead of producing brand new material The internet has been full of ad-hominem on many of these issues The church has slowly been going from spiritual justice and righteousness to social justice and unrighteousness. Now, numbers two and three are blanket statements but are true in most church cultures. These posts won’t be an attack on specific churches, doctrines, or secondary issues. I want my blog to transition into a fair assessment of arguments...