Please consider giving through APOLOGIA!

Thank you for visiting our site! Please come back often and pray for our ministry. May the Lord bless you!


Please consider partnering with APOLOGIA as we bring the Gospel of salvation through God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone!


This makes it all mean so much!

>> Tuesday, December 28, 2010


We receive a lot of very encouraging emails all the time (also some "interesting" emails from the cults).  We wanted to post this brother's email so that you could see the incredible things God is doing through APOLOGIA and see the amazing reach this ministry has (we get emails from all over the world).  We are humbled and excited by emails like this and those of you who have given through APOLOGIA should be encouraged by the amazing things God has done through your prayers and gracious support!

I found your ministry quite honestly by accident. I have a co-worker who is a JW and for quite some time believed that JW and Mormons were just like Christians. However after talking to him for just a little bit I realized how wrong I was. I had never come across the teaching of a JW before in my 39 years of life and I needed to find out more about it, so I Googled JW and found your debate with two JW’s. I was amazed not at what was said but at how much I did not know. I didn’t have the foundation to even start to talk to my co-worker about Jesus. After listening to your debates I decided to actually do my own research and really read my Bible. I was amazed at how much closer I began to get to Jesus because of this. The person of Jesus all of the sudden became more real to me in those few days than ever before and I am very grateful for that. I have been witnessing to him for a few weeks now it is very hard because the only time I see him is at work and his entire family are JW’s also he is an elder in the kingdom hall. I pray for him every night to have his eyes open and to see Jesus as he really is. Thank you for the work you do and the videos you have put out. I hope you continue to do this and share your experiences with the rest of us out here.



Your brother in Christ,

Randy (Florida)

Please Remember:

We are just a couple of days away from the end of the year and would be grateful for any year-end tax-deductable giving you might give.  We are a very small ministry that God is doing crazy-great things with and would appreciate all of your gracious prayers and support!  Bless you all!


Jeff Durbin
APOLOGIA





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Upcoming public debate with Atheists announcement

>> Tuesday, December 21, 2010



We have very exciting news.  Plans are underway for a public debate where Vocab Malone (host of backpack radio) and I will debate two well-known local atheists in Tempe, AZ.  We will fill you in as soon as we can tie-up the loose-ends.  Please be praying for us and please consider helping us with some of the ministry's needs.  We put these before God's people because He has kept this ministry moving through the giving of people like you.  Here are the needs:

Financially:

We have been blessed with an abundance of fruitful ministry!  Our cup is overflowing with new-believers that have come to Christ and are madly in love with Him and laying their lives down in service to Him!  Just tonight a huddle of mostly brand-new believers gathered up a bunch of homeless people in Tempe and served and fed them!  Awesome!  On the flip-side we are hurting financially as a ministry.  We have a tremendous shortfall of funds and are currently seeking the Lord's provision for an immediate ministry need of $5,000 dollars to catch up before the end of the year.  If any of you felt led to give anything towards this we would greatly appreciate it and you would be instrumental in keeping the wheels of APOLOGIA spinning and allowing us to continue this amazing ministry.  I cannot express to you how much your giving is needed and is instrumental to keeping this ministry moving.  You can give right now at the tab at the top of our blog.  Or feel free to contact either Luke or I at luke@defendthefaith.org or jeff@defendthefaith.org.  Don't forget that your giving is also tax-deductible.


Also, our equipment and material needs:

We have put together a ministry list of some very vital needs we have at the moment.  Some of this is equipment needs for both church and outreach and some of it is materials I will need in preparation for the upcoming public debate.  Any items you purchase for the ministry will be shipped directly to us and will be put to use IMMEDIATELY!  Click here to go to our wishlist.  Bless you and thank your for giving to the Lord through this ministry.


Solus Christus!

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
APOLOGIA



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Mormon gospel is no gospel at all.

>> Friday, December 17, 2010



Here is a clip of Luke and I appearing as guest panelists on the Christian radio program "Backpack Radio" on KPKQ in Phoenix, Arizona.  We are discussing a biblical justification (as well as Mormon) to the evangelism we do at the temple in Mesa, Arizona.  We also discuss the nature of the false-gospel of Mormonism.



Jeff Durbin
APOLOGIA
Pastor/Elder

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Christian Teachings are an abomination?

>> Monday, December 13, 2010



Here is a clip with some actual audio from the evangelism we did at the Mormon temple in Mesa during Christmas lights.  We hope that God uses this to equip Christians to reach their LDS friends and also to show the Latter-day saints the tremendous inconsistencies in their current teachings compared with the classic teachings of the LDS church.




Soli Deo Gloria!

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
APOLOGIA

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New Videos Coming Soon!

>> Friday, December 10, 2010



We've been at the temple reaching the Mormons and things are going great!  We have handed out a bunch of tracts and gotten into some great conversations.  We were able to record 2-separate conversations that (Lord willing) we are going to make some new video out of.  Stay tuned!  Keep checking back and keep praying for us!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
APOLOGIA




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Really fun Backpack Radio Episode on Mormonism!

>> Monday, December 6, 2010



Here is the radio show we did for the show "Backpack Radio" on the local Christian radio station KPXQ.  The show centers around our outreach to the Mormon community.  It includes some funny and encouraging stories.  And Luke is on this one too!  We hope you enjoy the show and are encouraged to reach the Mormons near you!





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The Kingdom is advancing

>> Wednesday, December 1, 2010



We've got a fantastic week ahead of us!  This Saturday we will be at Arizona Community Church teaching and equipping believers to reach their Mormon friends and family.  Everyone is welcome to come.  And we have a surprise for everyone coming.  After the training (2pm to 5pm) we are going to head over to the Mormon temple in Mesa to hit the streets and reach the LDS that will be in attendance for the Christmas lights event!  Come and join us!  If you have any questions email us and we'll get back with you.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Also, God has used our supporters nationwide to help us stay in motion and make ends meet as a ministry. We are coming up to the end of the year and could really use the help and support of our brothers and sisters in Christ worldwide.  God has been providing for this ministry through believers just like you and we are so grateful!  If you have given before, I want to encourage you with this:

God has used your giving and prayers to change countless lives through this ministry.  And we all won't know the eternal effects of all that He has done until we go home to be with Him and rejoice with Him over this tremendous ministry that He has put together.


I could write a book about all the amazing things that God has done through this ministry just in the last 6-months alone.  People are coming to Christ, lives are being changed to the glory of God and we have been reaching the lost and equipping the body locally and worldwide!  Wow!  God is good.

We are experiencing a overflow of ministry fruit as well as a tremendous shortfall of funds.  We know He will provide for our needs so we are asking for your prayers and gracious giving.  Also, please note, if you have any giving you would like to do and also receive the benefit of a year end tax-deductable donation we will provide you with necessary information to do so.

YOU CAN GIVE RIGHT NOW BY CLICKING THE 'DONATE' BUTTON AT THE TOP RIGHT HAND-SIDE OF THE PAGE.

Blessings!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Jeff Durbin
APOLOGIA
Pastor/Elder

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Just for fun!

>> Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Final Fu (Week 3): "Who will become the next karate kid? Recap this week and watch fights between Jeff and Daniel, Geoff and Chris, Michelle and Lee, and Abe and Justin to see who moves on."


For those of you who don't know, I grew up practicing and competing in the martial arts. I spent most of my teenage years competing in national karate championships across the country. It was such a blessing and tons of fun. I won numerous national and world championship titles and even played Michaelangelo and Donatello in the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" T.V. stuff as well as Johnny Cage in "Mortal Kombat the live tour". There are even a handful of video game titles out there I was able to work in.

So just for fun, I thought I'd post a link to the video of a show I did for MTV some years ago called "The Final Fu". Enjoy! Just don't hold it against me.... :]



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Engaging Mormonism on Backpack Radio!

>> Monday, November 22, 2010



Check this out!  Luke and I were guests today on KPXQ's Backpack Radio.  We recorded a show on "Adventures in witnessing to Mormons".  Vocab Malone, Luke and I were really excited to record this show because we are passionate about reaching the lost around us locally.  The show centered around the ministry we have reaching the Mormon's specifically at the Temple during the Easter pageant and Christmas lights in Mesa.  We discussed some fun stories of our adventures out there and even answered some common objections.

We think you will really enjoy this episode and hope that it motivates you to reach the LDS with the Gospel of salvation by God's grace through faith in Christ Alone around you!  We will post the audio when it airs.  I think it will air on 2-Sundays from now @ 9pm on 1360AM KPXQ.

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
APOLOGIA


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This Sunday in Pahrump, Nevada

>> Friday, November 19, 2010




This Sunday I'll be speaking at Pahrump Community Church in Pahrump, Nevada.  By God's grace I'll be there to equip the Saints to reach out to their local community of Latter-day Saints.  I believe I am speaking twice on Sunday-- once in the morning and then in the afternoon (I'll update when I find out).  Please pray for the work APOLOGIA is doing in partnering with this local church.  Maybe we'll have audio available when I get back?

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
APOLOGIA

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Major conference on Mormonism in Arizona

>> Wednesday, November 17, 2010


I just received word today that there are plans for a conference on Mormonism in August 2011.  Concerned Christians is hosting the event and is planning on having some well-known Christian apologists as well as ex-Mormons (including Judy Robertson author of Out of Mormonism) in attendance.  Bob Betts booked me as a keynote speaker for the conference weekend.  We'll keep you posted as more details follow.  Here is a link.  Pray for it!

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
Apologia Church

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Apologia Newsletter - Fall 2010

>> Monday, November 15, 2010

*To view this Newsletter full size, please click on the picture.

**Please note that the links will only work if you receive this on our mailing list.  If you would like to be added, please let us know!

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Atheism discussion audio is up!

>> Tuesday, November 2, 2010



Here is the audio from the episode we did on Backpack Radio on the new-Atheists.  Peep it out!





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Tune-in to Backpack Radio: The New Atheists

>> Thursday, October 28, 2010




For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.  For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.--Romans 1:18-23


This Sunday night at 9pm I will be on Backpack Radio with the guys.  We did a special episode on the "new Atheists".  This Sunday's episode will have a particular focus on the speech given by fundamentalist Atheist Sam Harris (author of letter to a Christian nation) while at TED.  You can listen to the broadcast live by clicking here.

This is an important issue for Christians to become fluent in.  The new Atheists are simply not thoughtful enough to realize the darkness and bleakness inherent in their worldview (as the old Atheists DID realize).  The new Atheists are so zealous and so committed to their belief in Atheism that they are interested in nothing less than proselytizing their neighbors and communities.  Should there be any doubt about this I suggest you look here and here.  I know.  I know.  Odd isn't it?  Bags of chemicals that are desperate to convince other bags that the chemical reactions occurring in their brain matter are producing truth and that other bags should join their side.  If you are scratching your head about this one-- you are certainly not alone.  

God calls believers to be ready to give a reasoned defense to everyone who asks us for a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).  Our friends and family who are committed Atheists need the Good-news!  However, as Christians we cannot be satisfied with simply taking little nicks out of Atheism.  God is Sovereign: Yes!  They need God to open their eyes and grant them faith or they will never believe.  But, God is not glorified with poor arguments or professions of blind-faith in Jesus.  Christians love to point out when Atheists rely on poor arguments and blindly follow the high-priests of Atheism.  We can't be satisfied with the same type of behavior coming from us.  Atheists deserve far more from us than us saying "I'll pray for you".  Yes... pray.  Pray-lots, study-lots and think-lots.  Because, Atheists need to be shown that their worldview reduces to absurdity and that they do in fact know God.  All scientific method, reasoning, logic, evidence, facts and morality can only make sense within a Christian worldview.  From a purely philosophical standpoint, Christians stand on the high intellectual ground.  So don't be afraid!  Christians believe in objective truth and that truth matters!  We follow the One Who is the Truth (John 14:6).  We need to be prepared as Christians to put up a stiff fight for the faith (Jude 3) and to show (with love and grace) the utter futility and intellectual poverty of Atheism.  

Jesus said: 
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.--John 15:13

Sometimes, laying our life down for someone can begin by looking something like this:


1.  Spend time understanding them.  Study what they Bible says about them.  Listen to them.
2.  Create meaningful and genuine relationships with them.
3.  Pray for them.  
4.  Sacrifice time (give up a T.V. show, hobbies, etc...) to become prepared to reach them.
5.  Listen to debates, read books and hit the streets (start evangelizing them).


Here are some recommendations of some great stuff to equip you in your study:

  



Pastor Jeff Durbin
APOLOGIA

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APOLOGIA on the move...

>> Monday, October 25, 2010

We have an extremely busy and exciting next couple of months @ APOLOGIA.  Here is a listing of a few upcoming events.  If you would like to have APOLOGIA come to your church to equip and encourage your congregation feel free to contact us @ luke@defendthefaith.org.


We will be @ Pahrump Community Church in Pahrump, Nevada, on November 21st, 2010.


I will be the camp speaker for Wheaton Bible's Junior High/High School Winter Camps at the end of January in Wheaton, Illinois.

Also, I will be representing Calvary and equipping the Saints @ Wheaton on the issue of drug and alcohol addiction.


I will be the guest chapel speaker for about 900 students @ GCU on March 7th, 2011.

We have more stuff on the horizon.  But we wanted to give you some ideas of what we will be up to!  Pray for us!


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Backpack Radio Episode



Backpack Radio is a fantastic theologically driven and biblically sound program on a local Christian radio station (1360AM KPQX) in Phoenix.  It has a fresh and relevant slant and I highly recommend it (not just because I've been a guest :} ).  It is hosted by some really solid brothers in the Lord-- Vocab, Vermon and Bob.


If you missed last Sunday's episode-- here it is.





***Don't miss this coming Sunday's episode.  We dealt with the new-Atheist issue with a specific focus on the speech given by fundamentalist Atheist Sam Harris @ TED.  This is a really important issue and one that I am extremely passionate about.  You can listen to the next episode live on Sunday @ 9pm @ KPXQ.





Pastor Jeff Durbin
APOLOGIA

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Reaching Mormons in Pahrump, Nevada.

>> Friday, October 22, 2010


Just a quick note to let everyone know that Pahrump Community Church has asked us to return to their church to equip the Saints to reach their Mormon friends and neighbors.  We will give you all more details as they become available.  So far here are the details:

Sunday November 21st
Pahrump Community Church
2-sessions-- one morning and one afternoon.
Topic:  Mormonism

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Worldviews in Collision



APOLOGIA will be teaching at the Worldview Conference this weekend at Arizona Community Church.  We will deal with defining and defending the Christian Worldview as well as critiquing and equipping to refute a few Worldviews that are in conflict with Biblical Christianity (Islam, Mormonism and Atheism).  The sessions will be as follows:

Saturday:
10AM:  Christian Worldview Basics
11:15AM:  Mormonism and Islam
12:15:  Questions and Answers

Sunday:
10AM: Atheism vs. Christianity in the classroom

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Fools? Yes. But, not like Mr. T. :]

>> Tuesday, October 19, 2010




God says:

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”-- Psalm 14:1

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools-- Romans 1:21-22

God says that all people know Him.  So much so that they are without excuse before Him for their unbelief.  God says that people who deny His existence are... fools.  Obviously, this infinite, omnipotent God is not "hatin" on people and just trying to throw a jab at finite little creatures.  He is not simply calling people names.  God keeps it real (to use the modern vernacular).  God is describing someone.  He is describing a person who knows something but is working very hard at convincing themselves otherwise.  He is describing the person who is hard-hearted and will not admit to what they and everyone else knows clearly in their heart-of-hearts.  He is describing the person who cannot escape the FACTS of His existence and chooses impotent reasoning over proper reasoning.  This kind of person may profess to be wise but their reasoning becomes futile.  Their outlook on life will reduce to simple foolishness.  In apologetics/evangelism with our Atheist friends all we have to do is give the Atheist (made inescapably in the Imago Dei) enough time in the conversation to display these truths.  As Greg Bahnsen used to repeat:
"Give the unbeliever enough rope and he will hang himself".

Biblical Apologetics Applied:

My friends and brothers Pastor Dustin Segers and Sye Ten Bruggencate recently debated some Atheists during a public debate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  The futility of the Atheistic worldview couldn't be clearer and proper biblical methodology was on full display.  

Listen Closely.  Watch how Dustin and Sye do not abandon faithfulness to Christ (and proper reasoning) in their apologetic.  Watch how Dustin and Sye actually apply the Gospel (God, sin and the need to repent and believe in Christ for salvation) in their actual apologetic.  Very exciting!  Very educational!  

Big props to Dustin and Sye.  Although, all the glory goes to Jesus of course.... :]

Here is the link:

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Backpack Radio Tonight 10/17/2010

>> Saturday, October 16, 2010


Be sure to catch Backpack Radio on 1360 KPXQ in Phoenix at 9pm.  We did two-shows that will be airing over the next two-weeks on Sunday @ 9pm.  One of the shows is on the new-Atheist movement with a specific focus on the speech given by fundamentalist atheist Sam Harris at TED.  Here is the info again:

Time:  9pm
Place:  1360AM KPXQ
Website:  (in case you miss the show)  http://backpack.podbean.com/

UPDATE:  Oops!  Looks like I misunderstood the start date.  I guess the shows begin next week.  :] Check it out then.  You can catch the live stream here:

http://www.kpxq1360.com/

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Look what He has done!

>> Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Hello everyone!

Would you take a moment to hear about the great things that God is doing at APOLOGIA?

We are so humbled and honored by all of the amazing things God is doing at APOLOGIA!  Here is an update as to what is going on:

1.  God gave us a great location in Tempe, AZ to meet, fellowship, worship, equip and serve.
2.  Our REACH group "Redeemed Rebels" (addictions group) is growing tremendously.
3.  We are seeing lives changed every week through our discipleship group RENEW!
4.  Our Sunday services are going great while we go through an exposition of the book of Romans.
5.  Luke and I are doing 2-conferences in the next two-months to equip Christians to defend the faith in two-different states.
6.  I'm scheduled to be a guest on a local Christian radio show "backpack radio" this Sunday at 9pm (I think).
7.  We are starting preparation for our month-long outreach at the Mormon temple in Mesa, Arizona-- where we will minister to thousands of Mormons and non-Mormons visiting.
8.  Luke and Cheryl just had the most beautiful baby named Evangeline Grace Pierson!
9.  We are seeing people come to Christ weekly through the ministry at Calvary and Apologia.
10.  I'm more in love with my wife Candi than ever before!  :]

Thank you so much for your prayers and support!  We CANNOT do this without you!  Please prayerfully consider something on this list of needs we are presenting before the Lord and His people:

MINISTRY NEEDS:

1.)  Many of the people that God has brought to APOLOGIA CHURCH have come from very difficult backgrounds and are essentially unemployed and have very little to give (which is OK).  So, we are having a tremendous difficulty currently making ends meet.  We have a VERY serious need right now.  We have a current ministry need of $4,000 just to get current and be able to keep the space we meet in. You can give through our website (defendthefaith.org) on our blog. Or you can call us.

Would you prayerfully consider helping our ministry and church plant with a financial gift?  We are trusting the Lord to keep us running by giving through you guys.  We believe that He will take care of us through His people.  Thank you so much for your love for Him and us.

2.)  We need people to hit the streets with us as we do our outreach to the wonderful Mormon community during their Christmas lights event.  If you would like to join us please email or call!

3.)  We desperately need your prayers.

Thank you so much for your gracious love and support!  Again, we need your love, support and prayers!

Soli Deo Gloria!

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
APOLOGIA Christian Ministries

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Sister Wives

>> Monday, October 11, 2010



I must confess. I'm fascinated by TLC's new show "Sister Wives". No. I do not find the lifestyle at all acceptable. But, we get to take an inside look at a fundamentalist Mormon sect currently practicing polygamy in the state of Utah. It is utterly fascinating. And it is interesting to witness some of the psychological manipulation used by these types of men to further their desire to abandon God's design of one-man and one-woman marriage in order to satisfy their desire to be with more than one woman. The show is a telling example of why God's design is the way that it is.

Another interesting thing to point out is the common Mormon response I'm finding. Many Mormons that are part of the larger sect (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah) want very desperately to distance themselves from the practices of these people. Many are saying that these "aren't true Mormons" or that they don't reflect the true teachings of the church. Of course, one must recognize that the church distanced themselves from the practice of polygamy after being forced to do so by the United States government in the late 19th century. Apparently, the United States was able to convince God to change His mind. We must of course also recognize that there are many contradictory statements among Mormon leaders and Mormon doctrinal works that confuse the issue. Be that as it may, we must of course ask the question:

Does the lifestyle of the people in this show accurately reflect a faithful commitment to the principle of polygamy as taught by Joseph Smith Jr, Brigham Young and other early prophets and apostles in Mormonism?


In other words, who is actually closer and more faithful to the classic teachings of the founding Mormon prophets and apostles-- the modern Utah sect or these fundamentalist Mormons that still practice the principle? I believe that an honest look at a couple of references from early Mormon prophets should satisfy and convince any open-minded investigator:

"We are told that if we would give up polygamy—which we know to be a doctrine revealed from heaven, and it is of God and the world for it—but suppose this Church should give up this holy order of marriage, then would the devil, and all who are in league with him against the cause of God, rejoice that they had prevailed upon the Saints to refuse to obey one of the revelations and commandments of God to them … Will the Latter-day Saints do this? No; they will not to please anybody." (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 239)

"The only men who become Gods, even the sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy... I heard the revelation on polygamy, and I believed it with all my heart … ‘Do you think that we shall ever be admitted as a State into the Union without denying the principle of polygamy?’ If we are not admitted until then, we shall never be admitted." (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 11, page 269)

"Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned…" (Brigham Young, Deseret News, November 14, 1855)

"Though I go to prison, God will not change his law of celestial marriage. But the man, the people, the nation that oppose and fight against this doctrine and the Church of God, will be overthrown." (Lorenzo Snow, Historical Record, page 144)

See also Joseph Smith, Jr's revelation in D & C 132

I realize that this is a very touchy subject for my Mormon friends. I can appreciate that. So why would I write about this? Because the Mormon view of salvation/exaltation is based on a Mormon's obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel and faithfulness to the teachings of the church. It is only the most faithful Mormons that will be exalted to godhood (a damnable teaching). Exaltation is part of the story of salvation for the faithful Mormon. It is clear that Brigham Young undeniably taught plural marriage as necessary for salvation. Again, Brigham Young taught:

"Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned…" (Brigham Young, Deseret News, November 14, 1855)

So the questions surrounding the religious commitments and lifestyle of those cast in this show are important ones. Glib responses and sound-bites don't settle the issues. The determination must be made the same as any question of Christian practice for orthodox Christians--- EXEGESIS. We must dig-into the teachings of the early Mormon leaders and ask the honest question:

Are the fundamentalist Mormon sects closer to the original teachings and intentions of the early Mormon prophets concerning the principle of polygamy than the larger Utah sect?


Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
Apologia Church

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Backpack Radio is on!




Yes. Yes. I know. I haven't blogged in a LONG time. I apologize everyone! I've been so busy with so much amazing ministry and family stuff that I have a hard time finding where to fit a haircut into my schedule!

Just a quick note about a really great, theologically driven and apologetically focused radio show hosted by my friend Vocab Malone and the elders @ Roosevelt Community Church in downtown Phoenix. I filled the pulpit there this weekend and it is a tremendous church where God is doing great things! Check out the radio show. You'll love it and you just might learn some great stuff too!

Time: 9pm on Sunday nights
Channel: 1360 KPXQ in Arizona
Website: http://backpack.podbean.com/

Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
Apologia Church

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New Series @ APOLOGIA CHURCH

>> Thursday, August 26, 2010


This Sunday we will be starting a verse by verse exposition of the book of Romans. If you are not already plugged into a healthy church, please come and worship Him with us! Service begins at 5pm.

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Christians arrested in Dearborn!

>> Saturday, July 17, 2010



Recently, some of our brothers in Christ were arrested in Dearborn for doing nothing more than having a peaceful conversation with some Muslims at a public event. These brothers were loving, peaceful and respectful. And yet, even though they were legally allowed to do all that they were doing, they were arrested by the Dearborn police department! They are being brought up on charges and the Dearborn police and Mayor are actually lying about what took place.

The police made a mistake. They gave our brothers back the video of the actual events. Here is the video. Please join us in contacting the Dearborn police and mayor's office. Let them know that what they did was unconstitutional and that Americans are not going to stand for this kind of behavior. Our laws protect us from this kind of abuse of power. The video displays that the police are lying about the events that occurred. There was no riot, screaming or anything else that would have necessitated their being arrested.

Please, pray for our brothers that are being persecuted for their love and faith in the Savior.

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Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

>> Friday, July 16, 2010


Well. I'm not surprised that they discovered what God told us in Genesis all along. I'm sure they could've saved a bundle of money and time by just cracking open Genesis to find the answer to this one. Thanks to my friend Rob for showing me this!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy




*I absolutely love his last comment:

"No word from the U.K. as of yet as to where the chicken came from".

That statement is CLASSIC!

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APOLOGIA needs you!

>> Thursday, July 15, 2010


God is doing some very cool things with APOLOGIA! We are finalizing plans to move to our new location. God has blessed us with an opportunity to share space with a church in Tempe, AZ. We will have the opportunity to worship on Sundays in an incredible sanctuary that is fully equipped with seating, sound system, lights, etc. We will be able to do live musical worship! Finally. Also, we will be able to impact the community through our discipleship bible studies, food ministry, cult outreach as well as our outreach to the local community struggling with addictions. Please pray for us!

WE NEED YOUR HELP

We are requesting help from those of you who have been blessed by the ministry God has given us. God is expanding our reach and giving us the gift of more ministry opportunities. With this move we will have some upcoming ministry needs and expenses.

Would you consider donating to APOLOGIA to help us raise money to get into our new location and cover our costs to move forward and have an impact with the Gospel? We would be so grateful if you would. We would like to raise 5k. This would help to pay for ministry costs and costs associated with moving in and reaching the local community.

If you have ever been blessed by the work God has done through us, please, consider helping us with a gift of any amount. We are so grateful for your prayers and of course for every dollar that God has given to you that you give back to Him through us. We are so grateful. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at jeff@defendthefaith.org.

We will keep you updated on our status. You can donate directly and right now by using the Paypal button on this page. Or you can send us your donation to:

APOLOGIA
P.O. Box 1545
Chandler, AZ 85244


Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder

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But... Atheists believe in miracles!

>> Thursday, June 3, 2010

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The futility of Atheism

>> Monday, May 31, 2010


Here is an imaginary conversation between an Atheist and a Christian. Although imaginary, I'll base it on actual conversations that I've had or heard Atheists having.

Atheist: I'm actually amazed. I'm amazed that someone as intelligent as you could believe in the miracles that are claimed in the Bible. It seems absolutely foolish and unintelligent to buy in to such nonsense. I can't believe in God when it seems so illogical. Don't you agree that we should be past that sort of ancient mystical thinking?

Christian: Well, I certainly agree with you that we need to avoid foolishness and we need to commit to being intelligent. As a matter of fact, I'm a little confused (considering your view of reality) as to how we can be committed to being logical using your worldview. What I mean by that is if I held your view about the origin of the universe and about reality itself I would have a very difficult time reconciling what I am doing (using logic, reason and trying to be intelligent) with what I believed about the universe. If all that we are is simply bags of biological stuff then what is happening in your brain is not what is happening in my brain. And, you're not really thinking and making free decisions, you're just subject to electrochemical responses happening in your brain. In other words, a naturalistic, materialistic outlook on life can not make sense of or account for immaterial, abstract and invariant entities like laws of logic.

Atheist: Wait a minute! Just wait one minute. That is simply ridiculous. Everybody uses logic. You can't function in this world without it. That is just absurd to say that atheists can't appeal to logic if our worldview is true.

Christian: But, don't you see? That is exactly my point my friend. You are doing things and living in a way that simply clashes with what you are saying about the world. I'm not questioning your intelligence or your attempts to be logical. You are attempting to be logical. But you cannot account for what you are doing. We are dealing with the preconditions of intelligibility here. Let me put it this way-- Where do laws of logic grow?

Atheist: Hahaha! Laws of logic don't "grow" anywhere.

Christian: Have you ever smelled one? Tasted one? Touched one?

Atheist: Don't be silly. The entire idea of a law is totally abstract. Every thought and every idea is an abstraction.

Christian: Exactly. Now please explain to me how a materialistic view of reality allows for immaterial, invariant and universal laws like "laws of logic".

Atheist: As a society, we have collectively decided on these laws. They don't just exist out there in nature. They only exist in minds.

Christian: O.K., so what you are saying is that "laws of logic" are simply conventional? We just decide what is or isn't so?

Atheist: It's based on a lot of past experience in the world. But, yes, that is what I am saying. They are simply stipulated.

Christian: So it would be appropriate (using your assumptions) for a society to develop and just create their own brand of laws of logic? Maybe in some societies it will be seen as logical to say "This is my foot. But it is not the case that this is my foot"? What if a society sprang up that encouraged contradictions? Would that be an appropriate stipulation?

Atheist: No. You can't do that. Laws of logic can be tested and shown to be true.

Christian: So you admit that these "laws of logic" exist outside of the minds of the people who supposedly stipulated them?

Atheist: Erh... yes.

Christian: When you die, will laws of logic continue to exist?

Atheist: Of course.

Christian: So they exist outside of your mind and will continue to operate outside of a particular human beings existence? In other words they are universal?

Atheist: No question.

Christian: So you acknowledge the fact that you are utilizing and appealing to things that are universal and immaterial? How does your worldview allow for such things? I thought your basic metaphysical presupposition was naturalistic materialism?
You've already granted that you can't "touch" a law and yet you appeal to these laws everyday all the while denying the existence of immaterial things with your implicit materialist worldview. You can't have it both ways. You are living as though you held to Christian theistic presuppositions while denying the existence of God with your profession of Atheism.


To be continued.......


In the meantime, check out this video. I think it'll help put some of this into context.

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Defending the faith 101

>> Friday, May 28, 2010



How do I defend the faith? You'd be surprised at just how many answers you could get to this question. Since this is only a blog, I'll try and obey the rules of bloggin' and keep this simple-- and hopefully edifying! Here are some basic tips on Christian apologetics:

1. You're not neutral. Don't pretend to be. Don't worry. Neither is your opponent. One of the unfortunate and greatest weaknesses in modern-day Christian apologetics is the "myth of neutrality" error. What do I mean? Many Christians enter a discussion with say, an atheist, and give all the ground away by saying something like "Well, God almost certainly exists. I think the evidence is overwhelming. What do you think?" This is a philosophically bad approach and on top of that... it is wholly unbiblical too! Remember the charter verse of Christian apologetics? 1 Peter 3:15 right? What does the apostle Peter say? He says:

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

See that? Before Peter gives the command to give a defense of the faith to anyone who asks we are told to honor Christ the Lord as holy. It is dishonoring to Christ, in the beginning of our apologetic, to assume neutrality or give the impression that "maybe there's a god". The Bible says:

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?-- 1 Corinthians 1:20


This is the apostle Paul straight-up challenging the wisdom of this world and calling- out fallen men's philosophical and religious systems. He says the wisdom of this world is foolish. That is how God feels about philosophical/religious systems that are opposed to the knowledge of Him. We don't have to pretend neutrality to point the person to Christ. We must maintain an apologetic that does not create a divide between our evangelism. In other words, a biblical apologetic is inseparable from evangelism. If, evangelism consists of calling people to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus then our apologetic cannot be running backward from that (pretending that Jesus isn't Lord). Just take a look at the apologetic situations going on in the book of Acts. No neutrality. No separation of apologetics and evangelism. The unbeliever is not neutral... don't pretend that you are either. Otherwise, like Dr. Greg Bahnsen said, "You will be an enemy behind lines".

2. A really great tool on how to critique and dismantle any unbelieving worldview (Atheism, Mormonism, etc.) comes straight from the pages of Scripture itself (of course :] ). Greg Bahnsen referred to this as the "two-fold" apologetic method. In Proverbs 26:4 we read:

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.


How can this be applied to our apologetic situation? It can look something like this:

A.) Don't use the unbelievers starting points, foundations, presuppositions, etc.. Basically, don't reason in the way he does. Simply speaking, don't reason apart from biblical presuppositions with a commitment to Christ as Lord. Again, as an example with the atheist, don't assume neutrality. Don't reason according to his basic assumptions (which starts with a rejection of God). He is wrong from his starting point! He opposes himself! You need to demonstrate that his worldview reduces to absurdity. When you don't take his starting points and demonstrate to him that he is wrong from the start you will be in a position to refute even his underlying assumptions and call him to repentance and faith. It can look something like this:

Atheist: Where is your evidence for God? I don't believe in God because there is NO evidence.

Christian: First of all, there is so much evidence that ultimately you will be left without excuse before God for your unbelief. Secondly, you just stated that you already have disallowed any discussion of any evidence for His existence. So you began your argument disallowing me to even present such evidence. However, everything that you are doing even now, asking for evidence, reasoning, using logic and all the rest doesn't even make sense apart from the existence of God. You are demonstrating even in your profession of non-belief in God a subtle dependence on Him even to make your argument. If you were right and God didn't exist then you wouldn't have any reason to assume induction (that the future is like the past) allowing for you to examine evidence in the first place. Also, you can't make sense out of your appeal to logic and reason if you hold to your unbelieving presuppositions. You are essentially refuting your own position even reasoning against God.

B.) The second way that we can use this verse in Proverbs is to then do a further internal critique of the unbelievers system. We now want to jump into their worldview for a moment and demonstrate that if we reason in the way they are we will be reduced to foolishness. Here's an example:

Mormon: The bible has been corrupted. It is missing many plain and precious parts. You need a modern day prophet to tell you what God is saying and what He has said that is lost.

Christian: O.K., I understand what you are saying. Only there is a major flaw in your reasoning. You claim that you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord right?

Mormon: Absolutely! He is the Savior and Lord of the world!

Christian: Can He lie?

Mormon: No. Never. Not even a possibility.

Christian: Then I think we have an irreconcilable contradiction in your belief system. Because, you say that Jesus is Lord and that He cannot lie. You also claim that the Bible has been corrupted and is missing many plain and precious parts. However, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). If your claim about Scripture is true then Jesus is made to be a liar. Which both you and I agree is an impossibility. If His words were lost then His statement is not true. However, if He preserved His word and it is not missing many plain and precious parts then Joseph Smith is shown to be a liar. Which one are you more comfortable with?

So, using this "two-fold" apologetic method we can basically say:

1.) Don't reason like they do. Use Scripture as your starting point and maintain your commitment to Christ as Lord while you evangelize.

2.) Do an internal critique to show them that their views cannot work.

Dr. Bahnsen used to say "reduce the unbeliever's worldview to absurdity. If you have done this you have done your job as an apologist because you have left them in a position to repent".

Obviously, there is more that could be said. But, I hope this helps! I would highly recommend reading "Always Ready" by Dr. Greg Bahnsen if you want a primer on Christian Apologetics. Now lets get out there and reach people!


Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Jeff Durbin
Pastor/Elder
Apologia Church

*Thank you so much to all of you who are helping us with our ministry resources! We are very, very close to having the whole list taken care of! Thank you! Here is the list.

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