We want to thank everyone who entered this important contest. There were some excellent entries and judging was not easy. These posts will remain on the internet for years drawing people to the evidence. Everyone is a winner in this contest. Especially the kids your post will ultimately impact.
1st Place, $100 cash prize and posting on 100 Christian Blogs.
A Christian Parent's Worst Nightmare
by Linda Berg
"Mom, I have something to tell you." I was in the kitchen doing dishes after dinner. Our sophomore daughter was home for college for the weekend and her dad, brother and I, had just enjoyed our first meal together in months.
She had pulled up the counter stool, was sitting on it, visiting with me as I stood at the sink washing dishes. Something in her tone indicated this was going to be serious. An alarm went off in my head.
I quickly grabbed a towel to dry my hands and said, "Let's move over to the sofa so we can talk." The casual carefree way she chatted with us during dinner had disappeared in a matter of minutes.
We sat down and she began, "Mom, umm... I don't know how to say this. I'm sorry. I know this will upset you and dad, but, umm...I don't believe in God anymore.”
Incredulously I looked at her and said, "What? Did I hear you right? You said you don't believe in God?”
The tears began to roll down her cheeks.
I continued, my panic unrestrained. "How can this be? You are at a Christian College?"
Honestly, I'm not sure I heard her initial reply. This was all too unbelievable.
Since her birth, she had never missed Sunday school, Sunday worship, Wednesday Bible study. She had made a decision for Christ at 14. She cared about others, especially the lost. All through High School she had shared Christ with her friends. She was once crushed when a friend did not accept her beliefs about Christianity for himself. Her grandfather was a preacher. Us, her parents, were missionaries in Mexico. All of these thoughts swirled in my head for some time before I was even aware…. she was sitting there, turmoil all over her face, trying to explain it to me.
It’s not an uncommon story. The statistics are grim. Three out of four children raised in the church, when they go away to college, will walk away from church and their faith.
There are a myriad of reasons:
· The church is often guilty of entertaining our children and youth into Christianity.
· They don’t see the same Christianity they are taught lived out in their parent’s lives.
· We have not taught them truth with its scientific and historical evidence.
· They are sent out into the world and universities where religious belief among intellectual educators is Atheism.
I Timothy 4:16, “Watch your doctrine and your life closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”
As parents and church leaders, we have not prepared our youth to defend their doctrine or to have the will to do so by helping them understand their identity in Christ.
Youth leader request a speaker: http://www.crossexamined.org/
Parents pass on this info: http://www.god-evidence-truth.com/
Our daughter? She is faithfully loving and serving God after three years of turmoil in her search for truth.
This article also posted at these locations:
http://coachlindaberg.blogspot.com/
http://www.faithwriters.com
http://attheendofthesceptre.wordpress.c ... -a-mother/
Linda Berg
61604
Gold
2nd Place and a $75 cash prize.
by iRoswell » Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:57 pm
Are You Prepared To Lose Your Kids?
Around the country, teens are drifting away from the church at an alarming rate. In fact, over seventy-five percent leave the church as soon as they leave the home!
So what's the issue, why are teens abandoning their faith?
In today's culture, the Church is under assault. The schools and media are fighting against the Church from all fronts and we are sending our kids into battle unarmed and unprepared. We've been asking them to believe, but not giving them a reason to believe. They are assaulted with arguments and lies, which can easily be disputed, but because they're not equipped, they're easy prey to their attacks.
Well, I say, enough's enough! The enemy has put our youth in their crosshairs and I don't want to stand idly by and watch it happen.
The time's come to equip them for battle!
1 Peter 3:15 tells us to, "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you."(NKJV)
The Bible shows us that we are to be equipped to defend our faith. It also tells us to, "Train up a child in the way he should go..." Proverbs 22:6a (ESV)
The evidence for the existence of God is out there.
Our youth have real and honest questions that need to be answered. Too many times, we give them the run around because we ourselves don't know the answers. The most common mistake is telling someone with doubt, "you just have to have faith." While it's true, faith is the way to salvation, blind faith is choosing to remain ignorant of the evidence that exists. God is the great architect of the universe and He has placed His signature all over it. Psalms 19:1 says, "The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship." (NLT)
So where do we find this evidence?
CrossExamined has set up a program geared specifically for equipping our youth. This program answers questions like;
1. Does Truth Exist?
2. Does God Exist?
3. Are Miracles Possible?
4. Is The New Testament True?
They are turning the tides on atheism and giving our youth what they want most; solid answers to Biblical objections.
Present the evidence at my church. You will not be disappointed.
To learn more, visit CrossExamined at http://www.crossexamined.org/
Be sure to also check out this great book called Gravity - True For You But Not For Me. Read the facts for free and pass them on. http://share.snacktools.com/58EEC9D9E8C/fznszl89
This is also posted at;
http://2thefather.blogspot.com/2013/02/ ... s.html?m=1
and
http://www.faithwriters.com/article-det ... ?id=157099
Joseph Veseli
61655
Gold Member
3rd Place and $25 cash prize.
Fact or Fairy Tale?
by Paula Titus
“[The God of the Old Testament] is a vindictive bloodthirsty ethnic cleanser, a misogynistic, homophobic racist, an infanticidal, genocidal, capriciously malevolent bully.” Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion
Richard Dawkins - professor, scientist, author, atheist, and avid Christian mocker. Unlike the average atheist who condemns Christianity privately, Dawkins’ goal is to rid the world of religion using any form of communication available. Dawkins has been teaching young adults since 1967 as well as writing books with the purpose of persuading youth to leave their faith. In 2008 Dawkins retired and announced plans to “write a book aimed at youngsters in whom he will warn them against believing in 'anti-scientific' fairy-tales.”
Dawkins is just one of thousands of the intellectual elite who believe anyone who has faith in something which can’t be “proven,” is nothing more than “delusional.” As a matter of fact, Dawkins may be best known for his 2006 book, The God Delusion, which sold over 2 million copies and is still being devoured by young people everywhere.
Christians must ask themselves why people like Dawkins are making tremendous advancements in converting the minds of youth. Is it because we, as parents, teachers, church leaders have not equipped them to be able to answer tough theological questions? Not every Christian need be a scholar, and no Christian can understand everything about the “hows and whys” of God, but every Christian ought to be able to follow the Apostle Peter’s instruction:
“always [in every situation] being ready [prepared] to make a defense [argument, explanation] to everyone who asks you to give an account [reason, report] for the hope [sure and confidant expectation] that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15 nasb).
The point is not to equip our children with the useless ability to win an argument. By proving that a biblical worldview is the only logical worldview, their faith will be strengthened. Youth will discover why Christianity is not a belief in “fairy-tales”, but a cogent, legitimate certainty with rational and relevant truth and they will be confidant in sharing that truth with others. We must instruct, encourage, and prepare youth for the moment they come face to face with people like Dawkins, who asks questions like this:
“Do you really mean to tell me the only reason you try to be good is to gain God's approval and reward, or to avoid his disapproval and punishment? That's not morality, that's just sucking up.” Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion
Our youth are being bombarded with rabid skepticism and immoral illustrations on every side- television, movies, books, internet, and universities. If we become diligent in our efforts to instruct our children how to effectively communicate their beliefs, they won’t have to stutter and stammer when faced with questions like the one above. They will be able to say, “I am not obedient to my Father because of what He might do to me, I am obedient because of what He has already done for me.”
Check out more facts here: http://www.crossexamined.org/ and here: http://share.snacktools.com/58EEC9D9E8C/fznszl89
Paula Titus
Member #30900 Platinum
This article also posted here:
http://www.faithwriters.com/article-det ... ?id=156798
http://mywritefulplace.blogspot.com/201 ... -tale.html
Best Silver and a One Year Gold membership
The Agenda
by Vince Martella
It was an auspicious meeting, consisting of the brightest and best in their fields. They had come to assess their progress and hammer out their objectives for another year. The meeting, chaired by Dr Cosmos came to order.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is wonderful to see you all. I’m thrilled you were all able to make it. Before we begin, let us take reports from our various departments on our progress this past year.”
Dr Charles Xavier was the first to speak.
“I am happy to report that we have had great success this year through our independent thinking initiative. We have been able to suppress truth in favour of free thinking across nearly all campuses across the nation. These students may come in with their outdated moral beliefs, but they leave with our ideology, proud of their newfound ‘critical thinking’.”
“Well, I’d like to think we had a hand in that,” said Dr Pridemore, professor of philosophy.
“Of course,” said Dr Xavier with a humble nod.
A hand shot up on the right.
“The chair recognizes Professor Theorem.”
“Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve gone to great lengths to elevate science and technology in our curriculums. Our students have embraced these with religious fervour. Our students finally realize that the answers to all the world’s problems are truly within their own grasp.”
“If I may….Professor Fraude, department of Psychology. We have worked tirelessly this year to instil upon our students that life and light are resident within every human mind, and with the proper application of knowledge, every human being can express their divine spark. We have no need for god. Mankind is god.”
“Thank you, doctor,” said the chairman, gesturing to his left.
“Reverend Sanctum, head of Contemporary Religion. With all due respect, Dr Fraude, not every student is able to accept such radical views. Many students who attend our schools still need to connect with a higher power, and we allow them to do so with a deity that is much more widely accepted…”
He was cut off by Miss Tolerance Goodbody, Director of Diversity.
“Yes, well, let’s not forget that our department paved the way for that. Since we’ve launched our ‘Diverse Lifestyles and Acceptable Practices‘campaign, you guys have had it easy. We have all but erased the term sin from modern society.”
The room began to erupt with simultaneous discussion.
“Here, Here,” shouted chairman Cosmos, as he banged his gavel to return order.
“You have all done an outstanding job this year; however let’s not lose focus. There is much more work to be done.”
“Let’s get down to business………..”
While the above story is fictitious, there’s no arguing with the facts: the ideological agenda of education seems bent on undermining traditional Christianity. And the fact is American teenagers are not properly equipped to defend their faith – 75% leave the church after high school.
We’ve got to reverse that trend.
Crossexamined is committed to equipping young Christians to defend their faith.
Youth leader request a speaker: http://www.crossexamined.org/problem.asp
Parents pass on this info: http://www.god-evidence-truth.com/
Original Contest below this point.
We are going to do a bit of testing with this article/blog contest. We need to improve our number of entrants and our effect we have on the traffic of our sponsors. We are keeping it close to home so we are able to accurately track responses to your links in this contest. We will be making a few changes in future contests. Here are a couple starting now.
1. We will be changing the title from blog contest to a monthly article/blog writing contest. In essence it is the same thing but we are finding that many of our older members are unfamiliar with the term blog.
2. We are going to keep the instructions brief and simple starting with this contest.
Februarys Contest - Why this promotion?
1 Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
Equip our kids while improving these contests.
Seventy five percent of the kids that go off to college walk away from the faith. This is because they are talked out of it in college. They want to fit in and not appear odd and they honestly do not have a clue about the evidence. Many simply keep their belief quiet. Seventy five percent leave the faith. Gods existence and the Bible and Jesus being the truth, are the most reasonable belief anyone can hold based on the facts. The problem is very few Christians know the facts. They often turn away from the faith because of personal feelings and emotions that have no bearing on the truth of Christianity.
Christianity has always been based on actual events that took place. It has never been based on feelings. Paul correctly states that if the resurrection did not happen our faith is in vain.That is because all of the faith in the world cannot change history. Either the facts say Jesus rose and it is true, or they do not. If Jesus had not risen, our faith would not change this fact.
Here is a short video from Dr. Frank Turek a friend of mine. Frank speaks at major colleges across the country presenting the evidence for our faith. He also wrote the book "I do not have enough Faith to be and Atheist" with Dr. Norman Geisler, a renowned defender of the faith. It is an excellent book.
http://www.crossexamined.org/problem.asp
The video tells you the problem. This contest will be promoting this specific aspect of his ministry, the solution. Equip the kids.
The contest will also be promoting a Free Online Video Linked Flip Book that address's the problem of equipping Christians to defend their faith. I have just converted an apologetics book that I wrote into a free video linked flip page ebook. Gravity True For You But Not For Me - can be emailed or embedded in a website for free. It is filled with supporting links to short videos from some of the best defenders of the faith. If gone through completely, including watching the short videos. Video linked Gravity is a basic apologetics course. It is like a tool chest for believers to aid them in defending their faith. It is great for teens, college age or anyone. Cross Examined and Impact Apologetics will be embedding the Gravity video book on their website as will other apologetics ministries. You can view the book here.
http://snack.to/fznszl89 I have found that the best way to read it and have the built in links function right is to set your zoom on your computer at 225%. There are many linked videos that support each subject at hand. They are indicated by START buttons. You must be online to view these short videos.
Your Assignment
Promote these tools for equipping our kids. Utilize scripture like 1 Peter 3:15.
Review Cross Examined .org and grasp Franks mission. http://www.crossexamined.org/problem.asp
View the video linked copy of Gravity http://snack.to/fznszl89 Watch several short video links in the book to get a feel for it. Reviews of the text only version may be of help here http://www.god-evidence-truth.com and on Amazon here http://www.amazon.com/Gravity-True-For-You-ebook/dp/B006XG0ID4
Next write an interesting 500 word or less promotional piece for the solution, equipping our kids and us. Write the piece from any angle God leads you too.
You do not need to embed links in your article. Just write an interesting article.
Within a few days, I will be listing a linked paragraph in this forum that you will add on to the end of your article. The 500 word limit does not include this additional paragraph so feel free to use the full 500 words if needed.
The article must have a title.
When complete you will post the article here in this forum, the regular articles and one other location.
Deadline is no earlier than 10 am 3-1-13. However the deadline will be extended beyond 3-1-13 if needed, until we have reached a minimum of 25 entries.
1st place $100 cash prize and posting on 100 Christian Blogs.
2nd place $75 cash prize.
3rd place $25 cash prize.
Best Silver - One year free Gold membership.
Now just write a 500 word or less article using your God given talent. Help us equip our kids and build your treasure in heaven where it will be waiting for you.
LINKS
No Link Building is Required. Just add these two simple links or one banner to the bottom of your article. It is not necessary to add links in this forum.
You can use these two simple links at the bottom of your article in our regular articles and any post that takes html.
<a href="http://www.crossexamined.org/">Present the evidence at my church.</a>
<a href="http://share.snacktools.com/58EEC9D9E8C/fznszl89">Read the facts for free and pass them on.</a>
Here are some banner choices you can add below your article. This is for our regular articles and will work in Google Blogger and other blogs where html is accepted.
Here is what they look like http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=156403
Here is the html for the banner links above. Simply add it at the bottom of your article before you post it. Copy and paste the entire code that is in red. The numerals correspond to the numerals next to the ad in the banners ads in the regular articles.
#1
<br><br><center><iframe src="http://files.bannersnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=buiqr0qa&wmode=transparent&t=1360174793" width="435" height="150" seamless="seamless" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
#2
<br><br><center><iframe src="http://files.bannersnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=bz9sgjmj&wmode=transparent&t=1360437079" width="435" height="150" seamless="seamless" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
#3
<br><br><center><iframe src="http://files.bannersnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=bzu94pjp&wmode=transparent&t=1360529776" width="435" height="150" seamless="seamless" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
#4
<br><br><center><iframe src="http://files.bannersnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=bzuna1h1&wmode=transparent&t=1360598041" width="435" height="150" seamless="seamless" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe>
YOU DO NOT NEED TO ADD THE URL LINKS IN THIS FORUM. THEY WILL NOT WORK.
Please make sure your name, member number, level (Silver, Gold, Platinum) and the urls for your other postings are listed at the bottom of your forum post.
Here is a sample of what you could do.
This is not a formal entry. This is an idea of what you could do.
Praying to an invisible man in the sky
“Come on Tommy, we’re going out for a party. Put that thing away in your bottom drawer. I’ll remind you to take it out when your mom visits.”
Tommy looked up from his Bible at his friend Ron, standing in the doorway. “I promised my parents I would take time to read it. You know my dad is a pastor and I grew up in the church. They believe this stuff is true.”
“What do they really know about truth? Truth is whatever you believe is true, right? So if they want to believe it, let them. But you don’t need to, just because they do. You have your own mind don’t you?
“Yeah…”
“Let me ask you a question.”
Tommy set the Bible down on his desk and looked at Ron. “Okay.”
“Why are you in college?”
“To learn the truth.”
“But if your parents know so much, why not just stay home instead of coming to Iowa State University?”
Tommy shrugged and leaned back in his chair. “Well…I didn’t say they know everything. But they are pretty smart.”
Ron's eyebrows arched. “Smarter than the head of the religious studies department at this very University?”
Tommy laughed. “Okay, maybe not that smart. I mean Professor Avalos must know a lot to be the head of the department.’
“Did you know he is a vocal atheist?”
“No way. This is solid Midwest ground, not California.” Tommy leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.
Ron leaned against the door frame and crossed his arms. “Seriously. He really is a very vocal atheist, as many of the professors are—here at this University and many Colleges across the country. That’s why you see all of your church buddies ditching that religion stuff. It is a joke, Tom.”
Tommy’s brow creased. “No, I don’t think it’s a joke.”
Ron shook his head and sighed. “Okay, give me one shred of evidence that God does exist and I will leave you alone.”
Tommy thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Well, the Bible says so. That’s good enough for me.”
Ron rolled his eyes. “’The Bible says so and that is good enough for me.’ Sounds like they programmed you pretty good. Who wrote the Bible? Why is it filled with so many contradictions?”
“Well, people wrote the Bible, but God inspired their words. So basically, God wrote it. I just know it’s true in my heart.”
“That foreign exchange student, Mohammad, says the same thing about the Quran. So you’re right and he’s wrong?”
“I wouldn’t say he’s wrong.” Tommy leaned back in his chair and ran a hand through his hair. “I mean, I don’t know. He has his God, I have mine. We’re all okay, I guess.”
“What about me? I don’t claim a God at all anymore. I just believe in one less God than you.”
“That’s funny, Ron.”
“So do you honestly think I am going to hell when I die?”
Tommy laughed. “Okay, okay, maybe I don’t believe all of what the Bible teaches. I’m not that stupid, you know.”
“Come on, man. You just need get rid of that one God like me, and have some fun. The ladies don’t like guys who are members of the fun police. You do want a girlfriend one day, don’t you?”
“You know I do. And this college sure does have some pretty ladies.” Tommy stood. “Maybe you’re right. My pastor and my parents just told me it was true and to believe. They never showed me anything solid, never gave me any evidence. They always said I just needed faith.” He picked up the Bible. “Where did you say I should stash this?”
Ron smiled. “Now you’re talking, dude. Let’s go to that party.”
Christianity is really true, but that truth is based on facts. In our story, Tom did not know the facts, so he walked away. Do you know the facts? Can you defend your faith?
Request a speaker for your school or church. http://www.crossexamined.org
Read the facts for free and pass them on. http://share.snacktools.com/58EEC9D9E8C/fznszl89
Michael Edwards
Platinum Member #57246
Article also posted here -
http://www.faithwriters.com/article-details.php?id=156784
[url]This entry was a sample only. I would add the URL for the third location I posted the article here[/url]
Below here is for submissions only. Please ask questions in the question forum for the blogs.
