Evangelism

The Significance and Incredible Legacy of Nicaea

This month, 1,700 years ago, was one of the most significant and consequential events in all of Church history. Across the Bosporus Straight from Constantinople, in Nicaea, a Council met to settle a question plaguing the Church: Who, precisely, is Jesus? Their work shaped the future of Christian theology. 

In the first few centuries after Christ’s resurrection, Jesus was understood in a variety of ways. Only the Gnostics doubted His humanity, arguing that Jesus was a purely spiritual being who only seemed human.  

Others suggested that Jesus was an angel or archangel, or specifically the Angel of the Lord mentioned in the Old Testament. By the third century, the church accepted the deity of Christ while seeing him as subordinate in some way to the Father.  

In 318 or 319 A.D., the nature of that subordination was the source of controversy between Arius, a priest in Alexandria, and Alexander I, the patriarch of Alexandria. Alexander argued that Christ was eternally begotten of the Father’s substance and thus equal to the Father and without a beginning. Arius countered, “If the Father begat the Son, then he who was begotten had a beginning in existence, and from this it follows there was a time when the Son was not.”  

According to Arius, the Son was not eternally begotten of the Father. Rather, He was made from nothing and thus not equal to the Father. Jesus, Arius taught, was the first created being through whom everything else was made. 

The quarrel between Arius and Alexander became a heated controversy across the Church, with incredible implications for theology and worship. In Rome, the task of mediating religious conflicts fell to the emperor. To settle this weighty matter, Emperor Constantine I called the bishops to Nicaea in 325.  

The Council sided with the position that reflected the longstanding understanding of the Church and Holy Scripture. Alexander’s position aligned with passages such as John 1:1, “the Word was God,” as well as Jesus’ claims in John 10, that “I and the Father are one,” and John 14:9, that “whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” 

The Council chose the word homoousios to describe who Jesus is in relationship with the Father and to emphasize His deity. Though they are of the same substance, the Council clarified that, as begotten of the Father, Jesus is not the same as the Father. The creed produced by the Council, which is recited in churches around the world to this day, described Christ as “begotten, not made, of one being (or of one substance) with the Father.”  

The Nicaean Creed is among the most consequential documents in Church history. It remains the articulation of orthodox Christology, though Arianism did not die out until the sixth century. The Council’s decisions also made significant contributions to theological clarity about the Trinity, another perplexity the Church had to define. Later councils would reflect on and refine the statements out of Nicaea. The First Council of Constantinople strengthened its statements on the Holy Spirit, and the Council of Chalcedon further worked out the relationship of the human and divine natures of Christ, united in a single person.  

While the doctrines articulated by these Councils are complex and nuanced, they have played the essential role of affirming and clarifying the many biblical claims about God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This clarity is just as important today because of the various groups and individuals who claim to be Christians but hold unorthodox and heretical views about Jesus. The Jehovah’s Witnesses embrace a form of Arianism, claiming Christ is the Archangel Michael and the first created being. Mormons reject the eternal generation of the Son and see Christ as one of many children of the Father, including Satan.  

In fact, Arianism remains alive and well among evangelicals. In 2022, a survey conducted by Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research found that 73% of evangelicals agreed with the statement, “Jesus is the first and greatest being created by God.” This widespread ignorance (and even outright rejection) of Church history and the Creeds among many Christians, and the lack of interest in theological seriousness and formation among many churches, has consequences. 

Thank God for Nicaea and for the courage and insight He gave those leaders to clarify the nature and work of Christ. What was accomplished by the Council continues to be of great importance for the Church. May we be as committed to knowing and teaching good theology in our churches today as they were then. 

Live Like Phil Robertson: Be as Bold as the Bible

Condolences and tributes have been pouring in since the death of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson was announced on Saturday night.

In a statement released on social media, Phil’s son Willie and daughter-in-law Korie wrote on behalf of the entire family:

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again.”

Nearly 12,000 friends of Focus on the Family commented on the ministry’s post from President Jim Daly lauding the founder of Duck Commander, the hunting supplier. 

“We mourn his passing but celebrate his liberation from this world and all its challenges, including his Alzheimer’s disease,” Daly wrote. “Phil helped build a sporting empire and ‘dynasty’ that seemed to focus on duck calls and other hunting products. In reality, Phil was more interested in calling all of us sinners to forge a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He saw the family of faith in the Lord as the one true dynasty that would never falter or fail.”

Fans and friends have reacted with sadness and reflection, but in a recently unearthed video clip, Phil Robertson made clear he didn’t want or expect tears over his passing.

“When I die, don’t cry. Dance, sing — but don’t cry when I die. When I die, you say, ‘He made it, because I watched him as he walked through the years’ — don’t cry.”

The affection and outpouring for Phil was driven by a variety of factors, including his steadfast faith and unapologetic profession of the Gospel, along with his willingness to speak truth in a woefully confused culture. 

Back in 2013, Phil was “suspended” by the A&E Network for remarks he made in an interview with GQ magazine. 

“What, in your mind, is sinful?” asked the reporter. Robertson replied:

“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men. Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

Of course, Phil was simply quoting the apostle Paul’s admonition to believers in Corinth.

A&E’s decision to shelve the reality television star was entirely symbolic. All of the show’s episodes for the season had already been filmed. It was the equivalent of suspending a Major League Baseball player for the month of December. Two weeks later, the network lifted the ceremonial ban after getting inundated with complaints and after Phil Robertson said what every Christian already knew.

“I don’t worry too much about people hating or insulting me,” he later said. “I’m a sinful man, and I’ve made a lot of mistakes. People have reason to hate me. All I did was quote a passage of Scripture from antiquity. They’re mad at me, but I’m really just quoting what God said, so He’s the one they have a problem with.”

Phil’s sustained popularity can be attributed to his willingness to speak up and not back down in the face of criticism. He didn’t care what other people thought of him, so long as he was living in a manner that pleased and brought honor and glory to God.

The weak and wobbly of culture put a lot of stock in what other people think of them. Some might even believe the Lord needs better public relations and so they set out to soften what they believe are His sharp edges. It’s unnecessary and a fool’s errand.

Phil Robertson’s bluntness and courage will be missed, but his witness can still teach long after his departure. Phil’s life demonstrated that change is possible. Addicted, unfaithful, and miserable, the founder of Duck Commander turned his life over to the Lord in his late 20s. Because he was willing to change, everything began changing for him.

The arc of Phil’s 79-year life also reminds us that Christians can be as bold as the Bible and as a courageous as Christ.

Joe Rogan: ‘Jesus Makes More Sense’

As the top-ranked and most listened to podcast in America, each episode of the “Joe Rogan Experience” reaches more than 11 million people.

The podcaster, comedian, actor and former UFC commentator appeals largely to young men. A recent demographic breakdown of his audience found a near-even range of political affiliation, too. Of those listening, 35% consider themselves independent, 32% are Republicans, and 27% are Democrats.

In short, in an otherwise-bifurcated world, Joe Rogan enjoys a tremendous influence in today’s culture – for good and bad.

Rogan, who regularly uses salty language and has previously declined to align or publicly subscribe to or proclaim any public faith, has recently lent his platform to a Christian apologist and has suggested that he believes in Jesus.

Earlier this month, Rogan was talking with TikTok personality Cody Tucker, and the conversation turned toward the origins of the earth and human life.

“People will be incredulous about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but yet they’re convinced that the entire universe was smaller than the head of a pin, and for no reason that anybody’s ever adequately explained to me… instantaneously became everything?” Rogan shared.

He then added, “I’m sticking with Jesus on that one. Jesus makes more sense.”

Rogan went on to question with incredulity the likelihood of the “Big Bang” – wondering how so much beauty and order could possibly come from such chaos and randomness.

Earlier this year, Wesley Huff, a 33-year-old Canadian Christian apologist and New Testament scholar, joined Rogan.

“The Bible is written for you, but it wasn’t written to you,” Huff told Rogan. “It had a completely different original audience. But you should do your best at figuring out who it was written to, and how that made a difference to them, because then the application is going to come out even clearer for you.”

Interviewing Robert James Ritchie, aka “Kid Rock,” Rogan confessed, “I think the concept of Jesus is absolutely amazing, and if Jesus came here and wanted to visit me, I would be psyched.”

The explosion of new media has provided a massive megaphone to evangelists like Wesley Huff – and a forum for the candid and honest faith exploration we’re seeing in people like Joe Rogan. In many ways, he seems to be publicly exploring and unashamedly wrestling with the profound truths that frame the foundation of the Christian faith.

Scripture highlights several high-profile conversions that led to countless other people coming to faith. Tops among them is the dramatic turn of Saul who would later become Paul. A feared pharisee and persecutor who imprisoned Christians and even participated in the killing of the first martyr, Stephen, Saul famously encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).

The scales fell from Saul’s eyes. Once blinded, he could suddenly see – both physically and spiritually. Could something similar happen with high-profile podcasters, Christian antagonists, and even the otherwise distracted who are tuning in to Joe Rogan?

Of course.

As Christians, we have an obligation and grand opportunity to share God’s truth whatever our sphere of influence. Headlines seem to suggest the world is getting darker – but the ease and access to evangelistic platforms is growing brighter.

According to Google’s AI, “Joe Rogan’s religious views are complex and evolving. He doesn’t currently identify as a Christian but is open to exploring different spiritual and religious perspectives.”

Let’s keep praying for the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – and for Joe Rogan who seems to be curious and hungry.

The Meaning Behind This Photo Hung Outside the Oval Office

Josh McPherson is lead pastor of preaching and vision at Grace City Church in Wenatchee, Washington. Josh and his wife, Sharon, along with nine other families, helped plant the congregation in 2008.

According to its website, Grace City “Exists to help more people meet, love, and follow Jesus … so that lives and legacies might be transformed as more people know God, live free, and do good in the world God made.”

On a recent episode of a podcast that Pastor McPherson cohosts with Pastor Josh Howerton of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, the two men were joined by two other pastors to discuss their recent visit to the White House for the National Day of Prayer.

Pastors who chose to accept President Donald Trump’s invitation to the May 1st event have been criticized by some of the predictable antagonists. On this “Resurge” podcast, the pastors spoke openly and candidly about why such critique was not only misplaced but also flat out wrong.

These ministers rightly believe that it’s not partisan to pray or support policies that are biblical. As they note, it’s not about aligning with a political party – it’s about aligning with God’s moral law.

Pastor McPherson said he wanted to share some of the behind-the-scenes observations of the day, and he specifically delved into the extensive evangelical presence and energy in this current administration.

After ceremonies in the Rose Garden, McPherson and several pastors were taken into the West Wing. They were shown a large photograph that hangs just outside the Oval Office, right by a couch where dignitaries sit before meeting with the president. In his own words, here is how Pastor McPherson described the experience:

We turn around and not 10 feet away was a huge picture of President Trump sitting at the Resolute Desk with about 30 pastors …

The pastors were told the president asked for the photo to be hung there because he wants guests who enter the Oval Office to know they’re not just dealing with a man. Pastor McPherson added:

That’s not a power trip. That’s a statement that says we are a Christian nation and we want to align ourselves with the principles of God. We’re going to seek the help of God, the power of God, the leading of God in all that we do.
And when you go in the Oval Office, the most powerful man in there is not the president. It’s God himself. And that just spoke to me deeply.

The pastors went on to discuss how the apostle Paul expended considerable effort engaging the political leaders of the day. He did this because he knew how culture works. If you can positively influence top leadership, if you can introduce the Savior of the world to those in significant positions of authority, those people downstream from the leaders will inevitably benefit in countless spiritual ways.

Wesley Huff is a Brilliant Christian Apologist You Must Know About

Wesley Huff is a 33-year-old Canadian Christian apologist and Ph.D. candidate in New Testament Studies that every believer should know about it.

He burst onto the scene in a big way in early January 2025 when mega-ton gorilla podcaster Joe Rogan had Huff on his show for over three hours to talk about the historicity of Jesus of Nazareth, his death and resurrection and the reliability of the biblical texts with an emphasis on the New Testament.

More recently he was featured on Easter weekend for a full hour on Piers Morgan “Uncensored.”

Not only is Huff one of the smartest and most articulate Christian apologists working today in defense of the faith, but he is genuinely one of the kindest and inviting, while still standing for uncompromising orthodoxy. For such a young man, still plowing his way through school, his breadth of knowledge and gift for explaining the depths of it all in a concise way are remarkable.

Huff, born in Multan, Pakistan, was miraculously restored at age 12 from a rare neurological condition that paralyzed him from the waist down. Doctors have no explanation for his recovery, but Huff explains that today, he is the walking result of a “true supernatural experience.”

In fact, he says his doctors were the first ones to use the m-word: miracle. But the experience shored up his faith and compelled him to start studying where truth can be found in various religions and worldview perspectives. He has settled on biblical Christianity and has risen as one of its most insightful and compelling defenders. Beyond his studies as a Ph.D. student and growing media sensation, Huff serves as the Central Canada Director for Apologetics Canada.

Piers Morgan asked Huff at the beginning of his interview, “Is it indisputable to you that Jesus Christ existed?”

Huff confidently responded, “Oh, definitely so” adding, “Even the most skeptical scholars grant, that if we know very little about Jesus, we know that he did exist and that he was crucified in and around the beginning of the first century under the overseeing of the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate.”

But what about the supernatural resurrection of the historic Jesus of Nazareth? Huff explained the textual evidence we possess, both biblical and extra-biblical, supports the conclusion that “if you could have a camera running on the tomb in or around 33 A.D., [it would show] that an actual Jesus would have walked out on the third day, after his crucifixion and burial.”

Piers Morgan followed up by admitting, “And that is the crux of this, isn’t it? Whether Jesus of Nazareth was resurrected really goes to the absolute essence and heart of Christianity because obviously, that is a miracle and everyone who believes in Christianity would feel validated.”

Huff’s conversations with both Piers Morgan and Joe Rogan are well worth watching and taking in the gifted and informed explanations for Christianity’s documented truth! (Due to some typical language from Rogan, the Morgan interview is the better to watch with your teen and pre-teen kids. They would greatly benefit from Huff’s insights and approach.)

Related Articles and Resources

The Church’s Lane is the Whole Cosmos

The Cultural Paradox of Following Jesus Christ

Why Believe in Christianity? Because it is True.

How Big is Your View of the Gospel?

Dear Christian, Have Hope in Jesus Christ Amid Our Cultural Chaos

Appreciating the Full Scope of the Lordship of Christ – and the Gospel Itself

Christianity is Both a Religion and a Relationship