Note: This is the combined articles of Dec. 4th (Part One) and of Dec. 11 (Part Two)

Understanding the Problem

Rewriting History

In his acclaimed work Nineteen Eighty-Four, George Orwell wrote “He who controls the past controls the future; he who controls the present controls the past.” These words, written to describe an oppressive dystopia have been proven by the propaganda efforts of several brutal regimes. The Nazis sought to rewrite German history as to control her future. Numerous efforts of agitprop within the Soviet Union sought to cover the atrocities of a very bloody past.

A Very Wicked Practice

In the 7th Century B.C., the people of the Kingdom of Judah committed deeds of abomination so despicable in the sight of God that He decided to destroy the nation a few short years after. Man had been well practiced at committing sin, and both Israel and Judah were no exception. However, none of the idolatry, injustice, immorality, or other behavior had matched what was encouraged by King Manasseh. He encouraged the people to engage in child sacrifice, causing his very own son to “pass through the fire” (2 Kings 21:6, NASU).

The Need to Be Knowledgeable

In a world full of false teaching it is incumbent upon the Christian to be as knowledgeable about the Word of God and as wise in its teaching and application as possible. One of the most frustrating areas of conflict with false teachers is over the necessity of baptism for conversion. While the New Testament is plain in its language and intent, many still seek to find exceptions to its teaching.

A Controversy

The death penalty is a perennial topic of controversy in the world today, as has been such a topic for some time. Individual States in America vacillate between instituting and removing the practice with various election cycles (such a proposition to remove the practice in the State of California was put before voters this year).

Transforming Language

One of the not often stated wonders of the New Testament the transformative ability it had over language itself. Written in Koine (Common) Greek of the 1^st^ Century, many of the powerful words and ideas we are familiar with (e.g. love, grace, peace, etc.) were not new words per se, but were given new meaning when placed within the context of the wonder of the Gospel of Christ.