Gary DeLashmutt and Dennis McCallum

A step-by-step process to interpret difficult passages of Scripture.

Dennis McCallum

Before we can develop a comprehensive approach to apologetics, we should determine how we will respond to the biblical teaching on the noetic effects of sin. To what extent can fallen man use his reason to understand the things of the Spirit? Should we use an approach that employs reason, or simply rely on a declaration of the truth, in the belief that God will quicken those who are "appointed unto eternal life"?

Jim Leffel

If alcoholism is a disease, then it is one of the greatest epidemics of modern times. While no real consensus exists among experts in the field concerning how alcoholism should be defined, recent statistics indicate that 10 million Americans are classified as alcoholics (i.e., those with chronic, problematic drinking patterns). According to a recent Gallup Poll, one out of three persons reported that alcohol abuse had caused trouble in their families. Heavy drinking is involved in 60% of violent crimes, 30% of suicides, and 80% of fire and drowning accidents. Every 22 minutes a drunk driver kills someone. Alcoholism is involved in a quarter of all admissions to general hospitals, and its abuse years estimated to cost our society 50 billion dollars per year.

Gary DeLashmutt and Dennis McCallum

When helping someone investigate Christianity, there are important things to keep in mind to communicate effectively and lovingly.

Dennis McCallum and Gary DeLashmutt

When handling Scripture, application must follow interpretation. The following restrictions on applications should prevent "steer-wrestling." Steer-wrestling is when we don't let the passage say what it wants to, but wrestle it over to our intended meaning.