Last week I spoke to the youth about the influence of Augustine. In his book, The Consequences of Ideas, R.C. Sproul includes Augustine in his list of influential thinkers. Below is a segment from his book.

THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

Wrestling with the problem of evil, Augustine sought to define evil in purely negative terms. Evil is a lack, privation, negation of the good. Only that which was first good can become evil. Evil is defined against the backdrop of the prior concept of the good. Evil depends on the good for its very definition. We speak of evil in terms of unrighteousness, injustice, and lawlessness. The Antichrist depends on Christ for his very identity. As a parasite depends on its host for its existence, so evil depends on the good for its existence. Anything that participates in being, so far that it exists, is good. Nonexistence is evil. If anything were purely or totally evil, it could not exist. Evil is not a substance or a thing. It is a lack or privation of the good.

At this level Augustine seems to be defining evil in purely ontological terms. If this were the case, Augustine would have to say that evil is a necessary consequence of finitude. God cannot create an ontologically "perfect" being. To do so would be to create another God. Even God cannot create another God, because the second God would be, by definition a creature.

To avoid the ontological necessity of evil, Augustine turned to free will. God created man with a free will, in which he also enjoyed perfect liberty. Man had the ability of choosing what he wanted. He had the ability to sin and the ability not to sin. He freely chose to sin out of his concupiscence (an inclination that leans to sin but is not sin).

As a result of the first sin, man lost his liberty but not his free will. He was plunged, as a divine punishment, into a corrupt state known as original sin, losing the ability to incline himself to things of God. This resulted in man's absolute dependence on a work of divine grace in his soul if he were ever to move toward God. Fallen man is in bondage to sin. He still has the faculty of choosing, a will free from coercion, but he now is free only to sin, because his desires are inclined only toward sin and away from God. Now posse non peccare, "the ability not to sin," is lost and in its place is non posse non peccare, "the inability not to sin." With this view Augustine combated the heretic Pelagius, who denied original sin. Pelagius argued that Adam's sin affected Adam alone and that all people have the ability to live perfect lives.

Sproul, R.C. Augustine: Doctor of Grace. The Consequences of Ideas. Wheaton: Crossway Books. 2000. 62-63

"Quote" of the Week

(Augustine) was the greatest Christian philosopher-theologian of the first millennium and arguably of the entire Christian era. -R.C. Sproul

Lesson 16: THE ADVANCE OF ISLAM

The advance of Islam in the 7th century is one of the most significant developments in Christian History to date. The statistics below demonstrate why this is the case. This outline can be found in Dr. Stan May’s (Professor of Missions at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary) notes on The World Religions.

FAST FACTS ABOUT ISLAM
*Today, Islam boasts of having 1.2 billion followers.
*20 percent of the world’s population is composed of Muslims.
*There are Muslims on every inhabited continent; most living outside of the Middle East.
*Islam is the world’s second largest religion, behind Christianity.
*In the last 50 years, Islam has grown by about 500%.
*Muslims have built over 1,000 mosques in the United States. 80% of these have been constructed in the last 15 years.
*Muslims desire Islam to be a mainstream American religion, influencing American life and culture.

BRIEF HISTORY
Ubu’l-Kassim, who later became know as Muhammad, “The Praised One.” Was born in Mecca in A.D. 570.

In A.D. 595—Muhammad marries Khadija (who was 40) and they had four daughters together. Marriage makes him financially independent and he spends a lot of his day in the caves meditating.

A.D. 610—He receives the first of many revelations; the angel Gabriel appears to him and gives him revelations to recite. At first Muhammad thought he might be possessed by an evil spirit, but his wife reassured him that the source of the revelations was divine. His early messages include--the uselessness of idols, submission (Islam), the greatness of God (Allah), and the Judgment Day.

Key among the revelations he received was that Allah is the one true God, and that Muhammad had been appointed by Allah to be his messenger.

A.D. 622—On 16 of July, an attempt is made to assassinate him. He then flees and this flight is celebrated as the beginning of modern Islam.

A.D. 624—Small Muslim force defeats a large Meccan army at Badr. Muhammad then reacts against Jewish rejections and changes the day of worship and has his followers face toward Mecca to pray instead of Jerusalem.

A.D. 630—Muhammad marched on Mecca with a force of 10,000 men and was victorious. The Muslims were now back in Mecca to stay.

The ancient shrine in Mecca—the Ka’bah—was then made a center for religious pilgrimage after Muhammad destroyed all the idols within its walls.

A.D. 631—Muhammad’s followers institute holy war by raiding caravans for funds. He promises instant entry into Paradise for fighters killed in battle. His men conquer all of Arabia by A.D. 631, including Mecca.

A.D. 632—Muhammad dies and the community is led by four caliphs. These caliphs exercise military, political, judicial, and religious authority in the community.

THE DOCTRINES OF ISLAM

1) GOD. There is only one true God, whose name is Allah. The term Allah is probably derived from al illah, which means “the god.” Allah is said to have seven primary characteristics: He has absolute unity (God can have no son or partner), and is all-seeing, all-hearing, all-speaking, all-knowing, all-willing, and all-powerful.

2) ANGELS. There is a hierarchy of angels between Allah and humankind. Each human being is said to have two recording angels who list all of his or her deeds, good or bad. These recorded deeds will be brought forth at the coming judgment.

3) HOLY BOOKS. There are four inspired books: The Torah of Moses, the Psalms (Zabin) of David, the Gospel (Injil) of Jesus Christ and the Quran which is the most important and is considered miraculous and perfect. The Quran contains Allah’s final message to humankind, and supersedes all previous revelation. The Quran abrogates any conflicting truth claims. Only the Quran has been preserved in an uncorrupted state.

4) PROPHETS. There are allegedly over 100,000 prophets who have been sent to human beings throughout history. The most important ones number less than 30—the greatest of whom is Muhammad. Other prominent prophets include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus. Each prophet brought truth for his particular age, but Muhammad is a prophet for all time.

5) A FUTURE JUDGEMENT. There will be a Day of Judgment and a resurrection. Allah will be the judge. Depending on how one fares as his or her deeds are weighed, one will end up either in heaven (a place of pleasure) or in hell (a place of torment). Muslims have no assurance of salvation since it is based on a works system.

PILLARS OF ISLAM

1) CREEDAL RECITATION. Muslims are expected to publicly recite the Shahadah (literally, “to bear witness”): “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah.” This confession, with conviction, makes one a believer.

2) PRAYERS. Muslims are expected to perform salat, or offer prayers, five times a day: at dawn, noon, afternoon, evening, and night. These prayers involve a series of postures (standing, kneeling, hands and face on the ground, and so forth) while facing Mecca, the holy city.

3) GIVE ALMS. Muslims are expected to give alms (zakat) to the Muslim community that amount to one-fortieth (or 2 ½ percent) of one’s income. This offering benefits widows, orphans, and the sick, or it can be used toward furthering Islam (for example, building mosques and religious schools.)

4) FAST. Muslims are expected to fast during the month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim lunar year). During this month Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations during the daylight hours. At sundown they are allowed to partake of these things again until sunrise the next morning.

5) PILGRIMAGE. Muslims are expected to make an official pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) at least once in their life. If one is unable to make the trip because of financial or health reasons, that person is permitted to have another make the Hajj in their place.

SECTS OF ISLAM

Two largest are the Sunnis and the Shi’ites.

The Sunnis
*Make up 80% of all Muslims
*Predominate in such countries as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan
*Closely follow the traditions of Islam
*Follow example set by Muhammad

The Shi’ites
*Predominate in countries like Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and parts of Africa
*Broke with the main body of Muslim’s because they believed the successor should come through Muhammad’s bloodline

*Be a friend
As is true in witnessing to others, Muslims do not care about how much you know until they know how much you care.

*Be Humble
Do not have a spiritual chip on your shoulder and speak down to them. If you do you will erect an unnecessary barrier if you approach the Muslim with an implied superiority.

*Be Prayerful
Pray that a Muslim would see the futility of trying to live a life good enough to earn God’s favor. Talk about the wonderful grace of God and how God has offered salvation as a free gift for those who are trusting in Christ for their salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)

*Don’t Create Unnecessary Barriers
Refrain from saying disdainful things about Muhammad and the Quran. Focus instead on the good things about Jesus, what He did at the cross, and the Bible.

*Use the Bible Extensively
They might try and argue that the Bible has been corrupted. Be ready to demonstrate why you trust the Bible’s accuracy. Knowing God’s Word goes along way with some Muslims.

*Use the Quran
Show them that the God they know distantly in the Quran they can know more fully in Jesus Christ. The Quran enjoins every true Muslim to believe in and honor all the prophets of God. Therefore, urge the Muslim to consider the truth-claims of Jesus Christ.

*Emphasize Jesus
Respectfully mention the Quran’s affirmation that Jesus was sinless and all-righteous (Surahs 3:45, 49; 4:158), whereas Muhammad was exhorted in the Quran to seek forgiveness for his faults (Surahs 16:61; 40:55; 42:5, 30; 47:19, 48:1-2.) Use that as a launch-pad to talk about how Jesus was our sinless substitute who died on the cross on our behalf (2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

*Emphasize Submission
“Islam” means “Submission.” Emphasize that Jesus submitted in going to the cross for the sins of humankind, making possible a free gift of salvation for those who believe in Him.

*Emphasize Relationships
Help your Muslim friend understand that Christianity is not just a religion but in fact hinges entirely on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3). Be sure to give your testimony regarding how Jesus Christ has changed your life forever. Be aware that if your Muslim friend turns to Christ, he will face pressure from Muslim friends and family members. He or she will need your support.

"Quote" of the Week

"Since both orthodox Islam and Christianity claim to be the true religion, it is incumbent upon thinking persons to examine carefully the evidence offered by both and to make their own decision in view of the evidence." -Norman Geisler, Answering Islam.

A MISSIONARY TO THE IRISH

Brought up a Christian, St. Patrick was captured by Irish pirates at the age of 15 and sold into slavery. Seeking ordination, he escaped Ireland to train in Britain, returning to Ireland as a bishop in about 432. Ireland was the only place in western Europe besides Caledonia (modern Scotland) that had never been conquered by the Romans. It had therefore preserved its pagan gods, its particular law system, its own economy, and its own language. Patrick's mission there was not the first time Christians had worked to spread the gospel, but for 30 years he established local churches and monasteries as centers of the new Christian faith, which the Irish were swift to embrace.
Price, Matthew and Michael Collins. The Story of Christianity: 2000 Years of Faith. Wheaton: Tyndale House Publishers. 1999. 79

Lesson 15: LESSONS LEARNED FROM MISSION WORK IN THE EARLY CHURCH

BARBARIAN INVASION

At the close of the fourth century the Roman Empire was on the verge of collapse due to the repeated attacks along its boarders by warring groups known by the Romans as barbarians. These repeated and unrelenting attacks eventually led to the downfall of the Roman Empire. Many thought of the barbarians as looters with their minds set on destruction, but many were ambitious wanting to settle within the borders of the Empire in hopes of repeating the success of Rome.

MINISTRY TO THE BARBARIANS

Even though the Roman Empire fell, the church remained strong in the midst of trying circumstances. Many Christians believed that God used the barbarians to punish the sins of the Roman Empire. They also saw this invasion as an opportunity to advance the Christian faith. For the next few centuries, missionaries traveled to areas in eastern and western Europe to spread the Gospel.

NOTABLE MISSIONARIES IN THE EARLY CHURCH

St. Patrick was a notable missionary in the 5th century who traveled to Ireland. He was considered “the apostle to the Irish,” and for 30 years spread the Gospel and started churches throughout this country. Many Celtic tribes in northern Europe were converted as a result of his ministry.

Boniface was another notable missionary who ministered to the pagans in Germany during the 8th century. Historians Matthew Price and Michael Collins explain, “Boniface and his fellow missionaries also attempted to teach a Christian way of life to the pagan people: The importance of differentiating right from wrong, the coming judgment, the need to fast, and the giving of money to the poor” (86).

MISTAKES OF THE EARLY MISSIONARIES

What many Christians of the early church failed to understand was the need to shape the message of Scripture in such a way that it is understood by people with differing worldviews. Because many Christians were not knowledgeable of the beliefs and practices of these people groups, they allowed them to embrace the Christian faith while still keeping their pagan beliefs and practices. What resulted was a belief system that was unbiblical. Another mistake made by some was that they shaped the message too much. As a result, they altered or eliminated aspects of the Gospel that was necessary.

Pope Gregory, who sent a missionary monk named Augustine to England during the 7th Century, gave the missionary good advice when sharing the Gospel with pagan Anglo-Saxons from eastern Europe. He told him to only accept the practices that he felt to be compatible with Christianity—citing the Apostle Paul who said, “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21).

CONCLUSION

Although their efforts were flawed, the missionaries during these centuries were correct in their thinking that God wants to be known by all people no matter their dress, customs or language. God has made it clear in His word that He does not show partiality, but wants to be known by all people. After the conversion of Cornelius the Gentile, Peter affirmed, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (Acts 10:34-35).

"Quote" of the Week

"The 'children of God' will be found as widely scattered as there are peoples of the earth. The missionary task is to reach them in every tribe, language, people, and nation." -John Piper, Let The Nations Be Glad, p. 182

Lesson 14: A TRUE CHAMPION OF ORTHODOXY

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO

Augustine is one of the greatest theologians in Christian history. His influence goes far beyond his generation and is unrivaled by most. His story is proof that God is at work in His world and that He delights in using flawed individuals for His eternal purposes.

Before conversion, Augustine was a professor of rhetoric. Although he was a skilled philosopher, he continually struggled with finding adequate answers to important questions like “the origin of evil.” He frequently questioned the Christian faith of his mother-- asking, “If God is good and in control, why is there evil in the world?”

Before converting to Christianity, Augustine became a Manichean. This was a heretical group that did not believe God to be “all powerful.” They taught that there was an even battle taking place between good and evil. Although Augustine embraced Manicheanism for a time, he would soon become dissatisfied with this system of belief.

Augustine's life soon changed after he gave in to his mothers request to go and hear from a popular preacher named Ambrose. After hearing him preach, Augustine was convinced that God’s word was true. He was at first hesitant to become a Christian because he knew the decision to be life changing. Because of sins conviction and the clear call of God on his life, however, Augustine eventually relented and surrendered his life to the Lord.

A CHAMPION OF ORTHODOXY

Augustine’s works deal primarily with issues concerning the authority of Scripture, the origin of evil and free will. According to historian Justo Gonzalez,

“Augustine insisted that there is only one God, whose goodness is infinite. He simply affirm(ed) that the will is created by God, and is therefore good; but that the will is capable of making its own decisions. It is good for the will to be free, even though this means that such a free will can produce evil. The origin of evil, then, is to be found in the bad decisions made by both human and angelic wills—those of the demons, who are fallen angels. Thus, Augustine was able to affirm both the reality of evil and the creation of all things by a good God” (213).

His beliefs made him popular with orthodox Christians, but put him at odds with many rival belief systems—one being the Manicheans. Of all the debates that took place between Augustine and false teachers, none was more significant than his debate with Pelagius.

DEBATE WITH PELAGIUS

Pelagius was a monk from Britain who agreed with Augustine that God had given us a free will, but concluded that man had the ability to overcome sin by his own power. He believed that man has the ability to sin or not to sin. This doctrine, when carried out consistently, leads to what many call sinless perfection, which is the belief that one can live a sinless life by his own power.

Augustine reasoned that although man is free, he always freely chooses sin. After salvation, however, Augustine believed that one becomes a new creature and again has the ability to sin or not to sin.

He also taught that there would come a time when sin would be removed. When this occurs, God’s people will always freely refrain from sin. Augustine also believed that none of this happens apart from God. He frequently taught that we are in need of God's grace. We need it to be made right with God and for growth in godliness.

Pelagius' view was rejected as heretical and Augustine's was accepted as orthodox.

CONCLUSION

There are several lessons learned from Augustine’s life and ministry. The first lesson learned is that unbelief is primarily a moral issue. Augustine's early rejection of the Christian faith was not simply a matter of honest skepticism. Even after being convinced of its truthfulness, Augustine did not want to embrace the Christian faith because he did not want to abandon his sinful lifestyle.

Second is that the Christian faith is reasonable. Augustine came to faith in Christ because he was convinced of its truthfulness. We should not ultimately embrace the Christian faith because it makes us feel good or because we believe it might help our status in this life, but because we believe it to be true.

The Christian faith settled Augustine’s restless spirit because it provided him answers to troubling questions--the main one being the problem of evil. Augustine rightly realized that the Scriptures teach both the goodness of God and the existence of evil. He also understood that although man is responsible for the evils in the world, he is also incapable of living a life that is pleasing to God by his own power. This truth is what led Augustine to conclude that all people are in need of God’s grace.

Gonzalez, Justo. The Story of Christianity: The Early Church and the Dawn of the Reformation. San Fransico: Harper Collins. 1984. 213.

"Quote" of the Week

"'I can do all things,' (Paul) said, 'through [Him] which strengthened me' (Phil. 4:13). Strengthen me so that I can do all things. Give what You commanded, and command what You will." -Augustine, Confessions p. 282.

Last night during our small group time, we discussed the importance of reading about God in the Old Testament from a New Testament perspective. What this means is that when we think of God we should think of Him as the one who has revealed Himself to us in the person of Jesus. Paul says in Colossians 1:15, “(Jesus) is the image of the invisible God.”

Many might read this verse and say, “Big deal—Scripture also says that I am created in the image of God.” The issue with us, however, is that we are imperfect images of God. We are like God in that we have the ability to think, feel and choose, but are dislike Him in many other ways. For example, we are not like Him morally. There are also many attributes that we do not share with Him. For example, we are not “all present,” “all knowing,” “all powerful,” “unchanging” etc.

The point Paul is making in reference to Christ is that God is perfectly revealed in Him. This is what Paul means in Phil. 2:6 when he says, “He is in the very form of God.” This is also why Jesus could say “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9).

Thinking rightly about Christ is essential for God-honoring worship. Only with a New Testament perspective can one think of and worship God as the God who has revealed himself in the person of Jesus. I am fearful that we often think of Christ as being too much like us and as a result fail to exalt Him in a manner that is worthy of Him. Although Christ “took on flesh and dwelt among us,” He is also distinct from us because He is divine.

"Quote" of the Week

"Christ is called the image of God on this ground — that he makes God in a manner visible to us...The sum is this — that God...is revealed to us in Christ alone, that we may behold him as in a mirror. For in Christ he shews us his righteousness, goodness, wisdom, power, in short, his entire self. We must, therefore, beware of seeking him elsewhere, for everything that would set itself off as a representation of God, apart from Christ, will be an idol." -John Calvin