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Information and opinions expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the collective beliefs and doctrines of the Church of God International, its members, ministry, or leadership.

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The Dunning-Kruger Effect
Jeff Reed
The Dunning-Kruger Effect
Jeff Reed

On April 19, 1995, a seemingly crazy thing happened in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A very confident man robbed two different banks without using a disguise. He was so sure of his invisibility that he looked directly at the security cameras. His picture circulated on local television, and he was quickly arrested. McArthur Wheeler believed that using lemon juice would keep his face unseen to security cameras. He reasoned that since lemon juice is used to write invisible ink messages on paper, it would also hide his face. He was thoroughly shocked that he was caught and was observed saying, “But I wore the juice!” McArthur was very wrong in that belief. Local news reported that he even tested his theory earlier with a Polaroid camera. It appears that he was not skilled in the use of it either.

“Wise people are careful and avoid trouble; fools are too confident and careless” (Proverb 14:16, ERV). The story of this strange incident of foolish confidence led researchers David Dunning and Justin Kruger to study this phenomenon.

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Jeff Reed
Witnesses of These Things
Jeff Reed
Witnesses of These Things
Jeff Reed

One of the strongest reasons I believe the Gospel accounts are reliable is something we often take for granted: they read like real eyewitness testimony.

After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples: “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46–48).

Peter would later write: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Peter 1:16).

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Jeff Reed
Historical Support for the New Testament
Mike James
Historical Support for the New Testament
Mike James

One of the reasons atheists and agnostics give for not believing in God is that they don't believe the Bible is true. I can't help these people develop faith and belief, but I can provide some historical information in this blog that could impact someone in giving the Bible a chance.

If someone does not want to be convinced by the Word of God, perhaps secular historians could provide a pathway for further investigation.

Tacitus was a first-century Roman historian who lived from about AD 56 to AD 120. His life coincided with the development of the Christian Church in the Roman world. In his book, Annals, written around AD 116, Tacitus mentions "Christus" (Jesus) and says that he was put to death under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Emperor Tiberius.

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Mike James
Avoiding Conspiracy Thinking
Jeff Reed
Avoiding Conspiracy Thinking
Jeff Reed

The Apostle Paul once offered some great advice to Timothy that is urgently relative to our world today. “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4, ESV). These speculative myths, Timothy was told to call out, have a modern equivalent.

Contemporary conspiracy theories are unproven speculations that lead individuals away from the fundamentals of faith in Jesus. Mainstream Christian conspiracy theorists will often combine their theories with biblical prophecies to promote imaginary fears. This behavior makes these teachers biblically unfit stewards spreading paranoia and fear to those who listen to them, and it is the opposite of what Jesus wants for His Church.

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Jeff Reed

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