Sea of Voices

Most Excellent Theophilus,¹

­­­­­­_­­            Although I said this letter would concern the scriptures, and that discussion still will come. I have realized though, that it may be more appropriate to write to you concerning why you should even be interested in what I have to say. It may seem to you that my task, although noble, is a pointless endeavor which is not likely to edify the church. You may be right, however, still I find myself burdened with continuing this endeavor, even if it be in vain. Therefore, I shall try to make clear why you should make a careful consideration before labeling my letters useless or my work irrelevant. First, we shall take a look to the Holy Scriptures, and what they have to say regarding the Christian.

            Let us look then to the writings of the Apostle Peter, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”² I find this passage to be incredibly convicting to myself, and increasingly relevant in the technology and science-based culture in which the world finds itself. Peter, even in the times just after Christ, knew that Christianity would have to provide the best answers to difficult questions in order to be deemed worthy of consideration. This is true of all systems of thought, but more so for those which claim to be exclusively true, like Christianity. Therefore, Peter admonishes followers of Christ to always be prepared to give the reason for their hope. In the culture within which we live today, it is becoming increasingly important to do this. These letters will address some of the most pressing questions which Christianity faces, how they have been answered in the past, and why they are relevant today. Furthermore, these letters will provide evidence for the positive claims which Christianity makes. With the purpose of equipping you, O Theophilus³, that you might fulfill this Scriptural command.

            Now, let us look to the Apostle Paul. First to Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”⁴ This admonishment from Paul is echoed in Romans 8:5-6 “… those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”⁵ These Scriptural commands follow closely with that which Peter instructs us. Use your mind for the kingdom of God. Use your mind to its fullest ability in order that you might find “life and peace.”⁵

            To finish our discussion of Paul we look to the story of the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a forum, in ancient Athens, where ideas and philosophy could be openly discussed and considered. I encourage you to go read this story, which you will find starting in Acts 17:22. It was at this place that Paul gave a defense of Christianity to the “Men of Athens.”⁶ Paul acted boldly and won many of the Athenian intellectuals and philosophers to Christ on that day. Providing to them a philosophical defense of the faith, while also remaining culturally relevant, even citing popular Greek poems and literature. Therefore, we should strive, as Paul did, to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God” ⁷

            Lastly, we shall look to the instruction of our Lord himself regarding this subject. Christ, instructs Christians to “love the Lord your God …with all your mind,”⁸ This command from our Lord does not just necessitate that we acknowledge his existence or even that of his Lordship. Rather, it encompasses those things and much more. It is an admonishment, a plea even, for his followers to think about God, to study the scriptures, and to understand what we believe. For how can we be his follower if we know nothing of his teachings?

            You might ask what purpose this could possibly have for the average Christian. Clearly this has a place within Christendom, among intellectuals, pastors, and theologians. But, what purpose could this possibly serve for me? This is an intriguing question with a profoundly deep answer. You will increasingly find that you are confident in your faith, and, therefore, better able to share it with others. However, this is just the surface and outward change that will occur. You will also find that the more that you learn and discover about God the more you will want to learn and discover about him. It is in this process of discovering God that you can truly come to know God. You will begin to appreciate, “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”⁹ the complexity, glory, and awesomeness of God. This is the purpose of these commands for you, this is the purpose of these commands for all Christians, this is the purpose of life, “is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”¹⁰        

I hope to write to you again soon Friend of God. Perhaps I will begin our discussion on the scriptures if I do not find something more troubling and burdensome. Keep the faith and always direct the glory towards our Lord.

In Christ,

           

1.      Luke 1:3 - it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, (ESV)

2.      1 Peter 3:15 -   But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (NIV)

3.      Acts 1:1 - In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (ESV)

4.      Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (NIV)

5.      Romans 8:5-6 - 5Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (NIV)

6.      Acts 17:22 – So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. (ESV)

7.      2 Corinthians 10:5 - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)

8.      Luke 10:27 - And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

9.      Ephesians 3:18 - may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, (NIV)

10.  Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question, and Answer #1