Always Be Ready: A Conference Defending Biblical Truth

By Brian Nixon
Special to ASSIST News Service

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO (ANS) -- Calvary of Albuquerque recently hosted Veritas Evangelical Seminary’s Always Be Ready Conference. With a stellar lineup of some of the leading evangelical scholars in their respected fields, the conference attracted 1800 people from the Albuquerque metro area.

Pastor Skip Heitzig interviewing Dr. Ron Rhodes during the Always be Ready Conference

Speakers included Dr. Norman Geisler, Dr. William Dembski, Dr. Ron Rhodes, Dr. Randall Price, Dr. Ergun Caner, Dr. Thomas Ice, and Dr. David Geisler. Hosting the conference was Dr. Skip Heitzig and Dr. Joseph Holden.

The word veritas is Latin for truth. And the conference was clear in its intent: the Bible is God’s truth—in science, philosophy, politics, theology, and all matters of faith and practice.

Dr. Norman Geisler lectured twice. Once on the problem of evil, entitled “If God, Why Evil,” and second on the reliability of the Bible, assessing Bart Ehrman’s (a leading scholar critical of biblical reliability) book Misquoting Jesus.

Dr. Geisler was a joy to meet. As a young Christian seeking to find answers for what I thought were tough questions, Dr. Geisler’s books were like smooth waters in rough seas, bringing clarity and poignant answers to an inquiring mind. After 70 books, you would think Geisler would be slowing down; but he informed me that he is currently working on a two-volume tome on the history of philosophy.

Dr. Dembski gave an insightful look at the intricacies of the cell and the nature of the ongoing science versus religion debate.

Dr. William Dembski speaking

Prior to his lecture, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Dembski about his thoughts concerning several topics surrounding science and the Bible, particularly Natural Theology. Not only was Dembski clear with his answers, he was also a gentleman in his disposition, encouraging further dialogue and insight among Christians seeking to bridge the gap between science and the Christian faith.

Dr. Ron Rhodes spoke twice: first, on the uniqueness of Christ and second, on how to answer cults. Rhodes was also the guest speaker for all four weekend services hosted by Calvary of Albuquerque. Pastor Skip Heitzig interviewed Rhodes on a variety of subjects.

Dr. Randall Price spoke on the search for Noah’s Ark, complete with pictures, slides, and updated information on one of the Old Testament’s hidden treasures.

Dr. Thomas Ice spoke on “Why We Support Israel,” giving insight to the biblical, historical, and legal backgrounds on the ongoing issues within the Middle East.

Dr. David Geisler, founder of Meekness and Truth Ministries, discussed Conversational Evangelism, giving concrete examples regarding how to share your faith with an assortment of individuals, infusing apologetics and life stories while sharing the truth of Christ.

Dr. Ergun Caner delivered a powerful message entitled “Why I am Not a Muslim,” taking a penetrating look at the unique place Christianity holds among other faith positions.

Dr. Norman Geisler speaking at the Always Be Ready Conference

In all, a conference like this deserves further thought and attention, causing one to contemplate biblical truth playing out in various fields of thought. Fortunately, each speaker is also a prolific author, with a smorgasbord of books to choose from.

So what is a Christian to do with information like this? Dr. Dembski, in his book, The End of Christianity, provides a tantalizing answer:

“As Christians, we must not confuse making our faith credible to the world with seeking its approval… Notwithstanding, Christianity refuses to abandon the world to itself but seeks instead to restore it to God. Now, such restoration, minimally, means changing the way people think. And changing the way people think means entering and reshaping their mental environment.”

For more information regarding the Veritas Conference, click here: http://veritasseminary.com

To listen to Pastor Skip Heitzig’s interview with Dr. Ron Rhodes, click here:www.calvaryabq.org/services_detail.asp?ServiceID=980 

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Brian Nixon is a writer, musician, minister, and family man. You may contact him atwww.briannixon.com

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