Evangelicalism is a somewhat broad term used to describe a movement within Protestantism that is characterized by an emphasis on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This relationship begins when a person receives Christ’s forgiveness and is spiritually reborn. Those who ascribe to this belief are called Evangelicals.
The word evangelicalism is derived from the Greek words euangelion, which means “good news,” and euangelizomai, which means “to proclaim as good news.” This good news is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve” (1 Corinthians 15:3b-5). This good news, which is the Gospel of Christ, and the preaching of it are what Evangelicalism was based upon.
The roots of Evangelicalism go back to the Protestant Reformation, during which time the Bible was brought to the masses. Formerly neglected biblical truths were rediscovered and taught. It wasn’t until the great revivals of the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and America, though, that Evangelicalism truly began as a movement. As happened during the Reformation, the Evangelical movement and its focus on having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ brought a renewed vigor in accurately interpreting and applying God’s Word. This has carried through to this day, though the term has come to be misused and misapplied.
Traditionally, Evangelicalism has been theologically conservative. This has become less and less distinctive, however. Its current use is no longer limited to actual born-again Christians, nor to those considered to be conservatives or fundamentalists. In fact, some simply equate Evangelicalism with Protestantism itself, liberal or otherwise. Sadly, Evangelicalism is now most often equated with conservative politics. While an Evangelical Christian worldview will result in conservative political views, politics is definitely not the focus of true Evangelicalism.
So, the definition of Evangelicalism varies in the eyes of the world. The true heart of Evangelicalism, though, is in proclaiming the Gospel message in both word and deed. To an Evangelical Christian, there is no higher calling than to live out and share this message and the truth of God’s love.
If this message is so crucial why entrust it to faulty humans?
Why do you think your god does not impart/imprint this message personally?
Free will would still be intact and it would then be up to the individual to accept this personal message or reject it?
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I believe He has through the Bible…. which is, by the way, His spoken Word.
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Are you truly suggesting the Bible is divinely inspired and inherent?
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Yes.
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But surely you are aware that the Pentateuch is historical fiction; that the story of Moses and the Exodus for example is simply a geopolitical myth?
You must have examined at least some of the archaeological evidence, yes?
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Archaeology is very supportive of historical Moses in almost all respects. So, yes, I have seen much support for all of the Bible and related history.. Apparently you are one of those who would deny historical documentation and archaeological data relative to Judeo-Christian historical fact. Even in light of your strong belief in science… I find that a bit selective on your part, Arkenaten.
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Could you please provide a link to a recognised archaeological site or archaeologist that has verified evidence to support the biblical story.
In all seriousness I am very interested to reed this evidence, as I have yet to come across any and have studied this particular aspect of the bible story quite extensively.
Thanks.
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Again, Arkenaten, you are of intellectual means and fully capable of undertaking a legitimate search…. if you were willing to do so without bias towards none belief and then submit yourself to truth….. truth will find you, my friend.
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I have already stated that I have studied this particular subject for a good many years and have found not a single genuine archaeological site or archaeologists who is willing to state that the biblical narrative is historical.
Your refusal to even offer a single link can therefore only conclude that you are mistaken or a liar.
Sadly, I suspect the latter.
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@Arkenaten
You are missing a key point. altruistico is responsible for sharing the Gospel, but he has no right — in fact, he cannot — to make you believe. What you believe is up to you.
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@Tom
I never for a moment suggested he can make me believe. He writes in an open forum, as do most of us, and he has asserted there is evidence for his archaeological claim – re the evidence for a historical Moses.
All I am doing is politely asking him for a link to this evidence so I can read and evaluate it myself.
Why do you seem so afraid of evidence , Tom? Surely you would value truth above all else?
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Mr ark
In the words of the infamous Jim Mora, of previous New Orleans fame, (which non-Americans may not understand)
evidence? Evidence? EVIDENCE? Are you kidding me? Yeah, people are still looking for Abraham’s shoe latchet……………..in the meantime, since it’s not found………he doesn’t exist…………
If God’s word itself is not sufficient to prove Himself, NOTHING will be acceptable to a heart encased in stone. But God can soften the heart, and posts like these are a few of the many tools He uses. Just sayin.
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So, would you care to explain why a blood sacrifice was necessary, Colorstorm?
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Sorry, wrong thread. Would you care to help Altruisco out then and provide a link for the archaeological evidence he claims exists?
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Hmmm. You can always start with that piece of real estate known as Israel, or the relevance of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as demonstrated in scripture………….Does Eden ring a bell?
But for the most part, people ‘look for love’ in all the wrong places.
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Again, without being your usual jackass self, can you please offer a link that demonstrates the archaeological evidence pertaining to Moses etc that Altruisco is talking about. Thanks.
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Insert sigh here.
A link to prove to you Moses lived? Sighs again.
Read the last sentence of the post above and see if your ship is even in the water…….
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Now, now, CS, stop being a ginormous twit.. I am talking about archaeological evidence that clearly shows the biblical tale of the Exodus took place.
Surely even you are not that asinine to expect me to be demanding an autograph or a Polaroid of Mo?
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–Evangelicalism– let’s get back on track.
Do tell what ‘proof’ will be acceptable, so you will finally run from the claws of atheism…………
Do tell what ‘proof’ apart from scripture will satisfy a rebellious heart.
Do tell what ‘proof’ will confirm the words of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who spoke of Moses, the law, and the prophets as historical certainties.
Do tell what greater evidence there is than a man lay down down His life for His friends. (This is the root of the matter. It is not Moses. It is ultimately Christ Himself)
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Once more. NOt proof, just evidence.
So, will you please offfer a link that cleary backs Altruisco’s claim that Moses was an historical character vis a vis archaeological evidence for the Exodus.
Thanks.
Ark.
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Do I value Truth above all else? I strive to love God above all else. God is Truth. I believe the Bible is God’s Word. So I have the best evidence there is.
You? Well, you want archaeological evidence. Archaeological evidence is something “experts” retrieve from a hole in the ground. Often, those holes contain human remains. That is evidence of death. Those holes may say something about the problem, but they rarely have much to say about the solution.
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So you are suggesting there is a worldwide professional archaeological conspiracy, is this correct?
Or do you simply dismiss the lifelong work of the majority of the world’s top archaeologists,Tom?
Are you that highly qualified?
Do you not think that perhaps this is just a little arrogant?
However, if you have a link to a qualified archaeologist who will back your claims woth the relevant evidence i am more than willing to read what you have, no problem.
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