HOME | DD

Emberblue — Reasons For Faith

Published: 2013-10-25 19:00:57 +0000 UTC; Views: 3652; Favourites: 74; Downloads: 0
Redirect to original
Description This is a logo I designed for a Christian Apologetics Conference.  I highly recommend listening to the sessions, you can find them here:

www.revival.tv/sermons/reasons…


Apologetics: "speaking in defense" is the discipline of defending a position (often religious) through the systematic use of information. (quoted from Wikipedia)


Christianity is based on Biblical information, facts and reason.  It is not a "blind" faith as some people say. There is solid evidence supporting what we believe.  Personally I think that it is very important for each Christian to individually know why they believe in Jesus.  Don't believe just because someone told you to, look into it for yourself.  It just makes sense.



So, why do you believe what you believe?




I think that they will broadcast this conference live online at www.revival.tv but I don't know for sure. The event will be November 16 from 9am-4pm PST.


Speakers:

Dr. Norman Geisler

Dr. Joe Holden

Dr. Ron Rhodes


Topics:

Why do bad things happen if God is good

Why I believe in the resurrection (evidence proving Jesus rose from the dead)

The top 10 archeological discoveries proving the Bible is reliable

Reasons why Jesus (not other religions) is the only way to God

Related content
Comments: 85

Emberblue In reply to ??? [2013-10-28 17:16:40 +0000 UTC]

Thank you, I appreciate it.  What do you think could be done to make the image grab the viewer's attention more?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

VincenAngellis In reply to Emberblue [2013-10-28 18:38:50 +0000 UTC]

I've considered adding more vibrant colors but that may conflict with the type of message being conveyed. If some of the objects were accented (i.e. outlined) or possibly given a 3-d perspective, it may add to it.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

mcmog86 [2018-12-05 06:55:08 +0000 UTC]

This is great. Do you have any more apologetic designs you might sell. I am using it for my art business. Great job by the way. 

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to mcmog86 [2018-12-11 05:41:38 +0000 UTC]

Thank you for the kind words. I don't understand, can you clarify what you are looking for?

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

HeavenCalling [2014-08-02 16:11:17 +0000 UTC]

I love Theology and Apologetics, im doing my second series right now on Biblical Evidence! Was this event November 16th 2013 or 2014, and if it was 2013 will there be another conference in 2014 or 2015?  

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to HeavenCalling [2014-08-07 17:37:42 +0000 UTC]

It was 2013.  I don't know if they will have one in 2014, they might.  Even though the event is passed you can find links to the recordings in my description.

I love apologetics too!  What do you mean you are doing your "second series"?  Are you writing something?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

HeavenCalling In reply to Emberblue [2014-08-08 11:25:51 +0000 UTC]

On deviantart, I do writing series

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

PoppyCorn99 [2013-11-02 03:33:25 +0000 UTC]

Exactly. We should never rely on blind faith, and we should do our own studying to truly understand what exactly we believe and if it's in harmony with Scripture.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to PoppyCorn99 [2013-11-05 19:46:05 +0000 UTC]

Yes!  And in this case I'm encouraging people to study to understand why scripture is reliable.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

jasonleespruce [2013-10-31 20:45:36 +0000 UTC]

Very nice


👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to jasonleespruce [2013-11-01 16:17:43 +0000 UTC]

Thanks!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Tallieho [2013-10-30 07:24:54 +0000 UTC]

This is an awesome piece of art work! And ironically I have a homework assignment where I have to write an essay on what I believe, so seeing this just felt ironic in a good way.

Christian apologetics conference, aye? I love those things, they are very inspirational, and can be fun too. I've gone to this one that happens every year in the summer called Jesus University, although they have been calling it 5 words for some reason now.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to Tallieho [2013-11-01 16:20:06 +0000 UTC]

Cool how that worked out.  I hope your essay turns out well.  Maybe  you should post it on Deviantart when you are done.


I agree.  I'm so hungry for more information to solidify the foundation of my faith.  I've picked up lost of facts and information over the years, but I'm always hungry for more!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Tallieho In reply to Emberblue [2013-11-16 01:01:52 +0000 UTC]

Amen!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

ScurvySimon [2013-10-30 06:52:03 +0000 UTC]

I really like the design here!  The colours and shapes work wonderfully. I hope the conference goes well and gives people something to think about!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to ScurvySimon [2013-11-01 16:21:02 +0000 UTC]

Thank you so much for the encouragement.!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

SteamRailwayCompany [2013-10-28 22:42:46 +0000 UTC]

I believe in the Lord for He has always answered my every prayer. That is why I trust Him. He has never left me alone.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to SteamRailwayCompany [2013-10-29 16:00:09 +0000 UTC]

That is great to hear.  Truly, He never leaves us.


Just curious though...if God didn't answer your prayer would that shake your belief?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SteamRailwayCompany In reply to Emberblue [2013-10-29 19:57:22 +0000 UTC]

Many prayers God has answered for me a long time after I first asked. God has always gien me an answer, no matter how big or small, nor concrete or abstract, no matter in what form, sooner or later. God never ignores us. If He never said anything at all, I believe that would be His way of saying "What do you think? " or "Why not ask yourself that?" to point out to me oversights about my prayers that are my own mistakes. Sometimes when you want something in life you have to do it yourself. Sometimes we don't even know what we want, nor the consequences that come with them. Those are the times I believe God is at His most quiet. Sometimes also, we are too blind and compulsive to see His answers nor listen to them. His reasoning is always the wisest. God never ever makes mistakes.  

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to SteamRailwayCompany [2013-11-01 16:23:30 +0000 UTC]

Good answer.  I agree with you.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

SteamRailwayCompany In reply to Emberblue [2013-11-01 18:16:10 +0000 UTC]

I also wish to say one should never stop asking God nor about Himself. Some people who used to be Christians, primarily from the Catholic Church, have said they left God behind because they were told that they asked too many questions.

There are two kinds of questions one can ask; those questions that people ask simply out of curiosity and of want of knowledge and wisdom from God, and those that one might ask simply because they do not trust Him. I believe those people only questioned so as to seperate themselves from Him. I question God because I want to stay with Him for always.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to SteamRailwayCompany [2013-11-06 00:04:04 +0000 UTC]

That is sad.  People shouldn't be afraid to ask questions.  There are examples in the Bible where believer's asked questions and even doubted.  God doesn't want us to turn off our brains!

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

AndySimmons [2013-10-28 10:43:48 +0000 UTC]

Nice, this is what I thought you could make earlier, remember? Great illustration. Who's having the conference?

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to AndySimmons [2013-10-28 17:18:21 +0000 UTC]

I don't remember  Can you remind me?


You can find more info on the conference here:www.revival.tv/reasons-for-fai…  I hope that they have it available online, I'm sure it is going to be a very informative and fascinating conference.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

0Fenika [2013-10-27 18:40:51 +0000 UTC]

I'm a Christian because i believe in Christ who died for us. and i'm very happy to be one

when i was younger i knew very little about christianity, but later i learned more about the meaning(s)

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to 0Fenika [2013-10-28 17:21:01 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for sharing.  Me too.  At first I had the simple belief in the fact that I was a sinner and Jesus died to forgive my sins.  As the years have gone by I've had more questions and searched for the answers.  I'm happy to hear that about you. Many blessings in Jesus!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

0Fenika In reply to Emberblue [2013-11-08 20:11:59 +0000 UTC]

i'm very glad to share and listen to other people  

Thank you ! may you have a blessed life   

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Arkaryon [2013-10-26 18:13:20 +0000 UTC]

but christianity is a copied verison of older religions 
you should not only study christians texts 

and apologetics are known for their blind faith - you people don't know what evidence means

👍: 0 ⏩: 2

Emberblue In reply to Arkaryon [2013-10-28 17:35:37 +0000 UTC]

OK, lets see where you are going with this.  Which religions?


Would you mind elaborating more on why you think apologetics is blind faith?  From my understanding there is archeological evidence, scientific evidence, fulfilled prophecy, historical evidence, documentation etc. that supports the life and ministry of Jesus, that the Bible is reliable, etc.  So I'm curious what you are basing your opinion on.


Thanks!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Arkaryon In reply to Emberblue [2013-11-02 16:24:10 +0000 UTC]

several pagen traditions, egyptian aton cult, greek and roman mythology - they all have figures with jesus like characters which also could heal people, where born by a virgin mother, executed and raised from the dead - they all predated jesus - read the stories of krishna, odysseus, dionysus or horus

blind faith? because you think what your priest are telling you is evidence 
so what archeological evidence, scientific evidence, fulfilled prophecy, historical evidence, documentation
- I studied this subject so much but most times I get to hear the indirect stories of jacobus or tacitus or the story of flavinius (which was proven false)

the bible is not a reliable source - you can also read the several contradictions etc here -> bibviz.com/

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Emberblue In reply to Arkaryon [2013-11-04 18:33:10 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for that link, I've seen that site before.  It is very well put together and thought out.  They put a lot of attention to detail.  I've been confronted with these "contradictions" before. Most of them are not contradictions but a misunderstanding.  People who think they are contradictions don't understand what the Bible says or understand Christian theology.  For example, one of the contradictions listed on that site says "Who spoke to Moses from the burning bush?"  Then it goes on to list several Bible passages that say it was God, the Lord, the Angel of the Lord, an Angel.  Those are all names referring to the same person!  That isn't a contradiction!


A lot of the so called "contradictions" are actually just different Bible verses that are taken out of context.  For example, imagine that I wrote down every word that you said for the last 6 months.  Then I chose a few sentences here and there.  It would be easy for me to make it sound like you are contradicting yourself.  Would it be fair to say you are an unreliable person?  Of course not!  I was twisting your words to make it sound like you were contradicting yourself.


Have you looked into the "contradictions" yourself? Or do you just accept them without investigation?  I'm fairly confidant that I could explain most of them to you.


Now, lets look at the errors in the Bible.  I do acknowledge that there are some typos in the Bible.  Scribes were meticulous about making accurate copies of the writings. However, once in a while it is possible to accidentally put an extra "0" when you are writing "4000" or "40000".  Have you ever made that mistake before?  Lets look at the question "how many stalls of horses did Solomon have?"  1 Kings 4:26 says 40,000, but 2 Chronicles 9:25 says 4,000. CONTRADICTION!!! ERROR!!!  Does this make the Bible unreliable?  Certainly NOT!  A typo in the number of horses Solomon had does not change the Bible's message.  The Bible is about sinners being forgiven by God, how to find salvation through God's love and forgiveness. Even though there is a typo on the number of horse stalls, it does not interfere with the overall Bible message of redemption.  Additionally, there are enough copies of the old scriptures so we can cross reference and find out which copies have typos and which copies are accurate.  If you think that a typo is enough reason to say the Bible is unreliable, let me ask you have YOU ever made a typo? Does that make YOU an unreliable source?


Sure, I would love to show you the evidence.  There are many books on the topic.  Would you be interested in purchasing some books to read? Specifically the men who will be speaking at the "Reasons For Faith" conference have a book called  "The Popular Handbook of Archeology and the Bible" by Joseph Holden and Norman Geisler.  Actually, they have several books.  Dr. Norman Geisler has several articles that he wrote about the reliability of the Bible here:  www.normgeisler.com/articles/d… .   Here is an article by Ron Rhodes:  www.ronrhodes.addr.com/article…  I can probably find some more websites for you to read, but I'll need a little time to gather them for you.  I did a quick google search and this site seemed to have a lot of information: carm.org/evidence-and-answers


I listened to the following teaching by Dr. Norman Geisler, I think that he made a lot of great points, please listen to this: www.revival.tv/sermons/guest/c…


I really do think that you make good points and you are a good thinker.  Would you be interested in watching this "Reasons For Faith" conference?  Would you be willing to hear the arguments of Christian experts?  I am very curious to see what your response would be to what they have to say. They will discuss the top 10 archeological discoveries that prove the Bible is reliable, if God is real then why do bad things happen, evidence for the resurrection of Jesus, and reasons why Jesus (not other religions) is the only way to heaven.


 I think that they will be broadcasting the conference in the internet.  It will be November 16, 9am-4pm Pacific Standard Time.  The web address is www.revival.tv

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Arkaryon In reply to Emberblue [2013-11-04 20:24:19 +0000 UTC]

sorry but I have to correct you there are many contradictions which are not typos like and which are heavy contradictions not about some numbers but about the teachings etc

for example:
does Jesus judge people?
Yes:
John 9:39 

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

No:

John 12:47 

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

Does God work sundays?
No:

Genesis 2:2-3 

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Yes:

John 5:16-17 

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Is there an unforgivable sin?
Yes:

Matthew 12:31-32 

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.

No:

Acts 13:39 

And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.


Has god ever tempted anyone?
No:

James 1:13 

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Yes:

Genesis 22:1 

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

2 Samuel 24:1 

And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.


Also there are several other errors and inconsistencies

  • The Genesis 1 creation account conflicts with the order of events that are known to science. In Genesis, the earth is created before light and stars, birds and whales before reptiles and insects, and flowering plants before any animals. The order of events known from science is just the opposite. 1:1-2:3

  • God curses the serpent. From now on the serpent will crawl on his belly and eat dust. One wonders how he got around before -- by hopping on his tail, perhaps? But snakes don't eat dust, do they? 3:14
  • The Israelite population went from 70 (or 75) to several million in a few hundred years. 1:5,712:3738:26
  • God led the Israelites through the land of the Philistines, hundreds of years before the Philistines were established in Canaan. 13:17
  • God creates light and separates light from darkness, and day from night, on the first day. Yet he didn't make the light producing objects (the sun and the stars) until the fourth day (1:14-19 ). And how could there be "the evening and the morning" on the first day if there was no sun to mark them? 1:3-5
    5:26  And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly -> the world has a geographical end?
    Unicorns, dragons and satyrs are real?^^
    7:2  Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. - the flat earth has its four corners
  • also some other interesting things:

  • Elisha can do all the tricks of Jesus (raise the dead, heal the sick, etc.). Here he cures a leper, but only after the leper dips himself seven times in the Jordan. 5:14
  • The birth story of Moses is suspiciously similar to that of the birth of Sargon, an Akkadian monarch from the 3rd millennium BCE. (BBC: The tale of the basket2:3
  • and no I don't accept anything without evidence and proof


    to your sites:

    carm.org/non-biblical-accounts…

    their main example for evidence are flavius josephus -> "The general scholarly view is that while the Testimonium Flavianum is most likely not authentic in its entirety, it is broadly agreed upon that it originally consisted of an authentic nucleus with a reference to the execution of Jesus by Pilate which was then subject to Christian interpolation ."
    also he lived probably  37-101 AD - which is not in jesus life time
    also Tacitus A.D. c.55-A.D. c.117, 
    Thallus Circa AD 52,
    Pliny the Younger  AD 112.
    all of them after jesus potential death - they are not direct sources for that - and often talked only indirectly about it
    -mentioning something in text (and especially decades after someones death) IS NOT EVIDENCE

    the evidence about the biblical cities
    -first: just because a text refers to a real city - doesnt mean it's reliable - for example harry potter does mention london
    -second: sure when people write stories they include cities they know - but this doesn't take account for the supernatural things in the bible

    So many "evidences" base on the mentionings of josephus - which is not evidence like i said before - it is just an indication and in this case a really bad indication


    I would like to discuss this more with you but not through deviantart - it's not an optimal way to discuss things also I hate it to discuss thousand things at once but one by one
    If you want to discuss I will give you my skype name or something

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    Emberblue In reply to Arkaryon [2013-11-04 20:55:01 +0000 UTC]

    Ok, lets discuss them.  I appreciate the challenge.  Yes, just one at a time.


    Because of my internet availability, and because some of these will take a little time to gather information for a proper response, I don't think Skype will work for me.  I DO like having our responses on here for everyone to read and possibly benefit from.  But I'm ok with discussing this somewhere other than deviantart. Hmm...would you want to discuss via email?  Any other options?  Sorry, I don't want to be difficult, I do want to discuss this with you.


    I'm curious...IF I were able to convince you that the Bible is reliable, would you believe in Christianity?

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    Arkaryon In reply to Emberblue [2013-11-05 01:02:39 +0000 UTC]

    ok let's discuss that per email

    - Stories can't prove supernatural things ... so I don't think so

    👍: 0 ⏩: 0

    Citeron In reply to Arkaryon [2013-10-28 13:50:56 +0000 UTC]

    "you people don't know what evidence means"

    Amen to that.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 0

    pralinkova-princezna [2013-10-26 07:47:56 +0000 UTC]

    Good design.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    Emberblue In reply to pralinkova-princezna [2013-10-28 17:36:24 +0000 UTC]

    Thanks!!!  

    👍: 0 ⏩: 0

    VincenAngellis [2013-10-26 02:15:06 +0000 UTC]

    As you have so clearly insinuated, my faith is based upon analytical evaluations of my existence based upon all available sources of information. So I do not believe in blind faith. No one believes just for the sake of belief. In many cases, people accept an answer because it is the only one they can find or have been given, even if doubts abound. These doubts are what lead me to consider "blind faith" a fallacy. All faith requires some level of evidence, even if the source is questionable. To really "believe" something though requires more than just saying that you do. It should impact your life. That is why it is important for "Christians" to know the details of what and why they believe because it strengthens their faith.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 2

    Emberblue In reply to VincenAngellis [2013-10-28 18:46:53 +0000 UTC]

    Thank you so much for that. It is very encouraging to hear someone talk like you do.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    VincenAngellis In reply to Emberblue [2013-10-29 13:10:41 +0000 UTC]

    I try to be real and genuine about everything. There are too many with ulterior motives in this life. The key thing with art is that it is like ice cream (a common analogy). What one person likes, another may not. So to maintain an audience, it is necessary to find what appeals to the most people. You did a good job.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    Emberblue In reply to VincenAngellis [2013-10-29 16:03:55 +0000 UTC]

    That is the best way to be.  Real and genuine.


    Art is a powerful means of communication, so I do my best to utilize it.  Sometimes it may appeal to some and not others...it really is a challenge to make something everyone likes.  Actually, I think it is impossible, lol!  But it is possible to make something most people like.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    VincenAngellis In reply to Emberblue [2013-10-29 21:57:13 +0000 UTC]

    Personally, I do not pursue the popular route. It is difficult to constantly try and anticipate what will grab the most attention. Many times what gets the most attention is down a path I choose not to take. So I release my inspirations and if there are many who like them, then so much the better.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 0

    abellius In reply to VincenAngellis [2013-10-26 16:03:57 +0000 UTC]

    Just because you don't believe in blind faith doesn't mean others don't.  Not all faith revolves around analytical evaluations.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    VincenAngellis In reply to abellius [2013-10-27 04:12:12 +0000 UTC]

    As with all things, definition is the key. To believe in something that has no basis whatsoever for the sake of belief is unrealistic. People usually believe something because someone told them (whether credible or not), they found it in a source (whether credible or not) or came to that conclusion on their own from available information. If your definition differs, then you could come to a different concept. So by your definition, there could be blind faith, where with mine there is no such thing. What you probably refer to as blind faith is simply believing a source without anything credible to balance it against. This is in contrast to the definition I have given above. Because if you truly believe it, then you consider the source credible.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    abellius In reply to VincenAngellis [2013-10-27 05:08:52 +0000 UTC]

    "To believe in something that has no basis whatsoever for the sake of belief is unrealistic." Regardless if it is unrealistic or not, people do this all the time and all aspects of life including religion.

    You don't need to be told by someone else or have any available information to have faith in something. Again, not all faith revolves around analytical evaluations.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    VincenAngellis In reply to abellius [2013-10-27 07:25:02 +0000 UTC]

    I must disagree. People "believe" based on some form of input, whether it be from other people or another source. So their choice to "believe" has basis in something, therefore it is not totally blind.

    Available information includes your own existence in this reality of life and the perspectives you gain within it.

    I never said all faith revolves around analytical evaluations. Some choose to "believe" based on little information or unreliable resources. Regardless of that fact, it still goes back to my first note in this comment.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    abellius In reply to VincenAngellis [2013-10-27 17:35:10 +0000 UTC]

    "So their choice to "believe" has basis in something." Which can be blind faith. That is something.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    VincenAngellis In reply to abellius [2013-10-27 22:12:09 +0000 UTC]

    Blind faith does not have a basis in anything, that is why it is blind.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    abellius In reply to VincenAngellis [2013-10-28 03:05:25 +0000 UTC]

    Now, I'm not sure what your point is anymore for reading your last response it seems you do acknowledge that blind faith exists which was my initial response to your comment.

    What exactly do you mean blind faith doesn't have a basis in anything?

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1

    VincenAngellis In reply to abellius [2013-10-28 18:44:21 +0000 UTC]

    Blind faith does not use anything as a valid source or reference to uphold whatever the concept is that is being conveyed. The one who "believes" simply believes. There isn't any input that may sway or alter their perception or direct them in their view. That is why I can not see blind faith as realistic. Everyone gains input from some source that alters or sways their perception.

    👍: 0 ⏩: 1


    | Next =>