Speaking Topics
Here is a selection (and only a selection) of topics on which I often lecture.
Worldviews
Whirled Views — I:
Discernment and Discipleship in a World of Confusion
We are in a battle! The bounty is the hearts, minds and souls of the old and young alike. In a world where the battle of ideas rages strong, both the devotion of discipleship and the skill of discernment are essential. In these seminars, a tried and true approach to introducing worldview analysis is presented and related to both discipleship and discernment.Note: This seminar series is often presented in a single-session self-contained format.
Whirled Views — II:
Discernment and Discipleship in a World of Confusion
See the explanation under part I. In addition, this second seminar will focus attention on our confrontation with other worldviews, including such topics as “overturning the iceberg,” “disarming apologetics” and “developing your Christian worldview.”
Thinking Clearly in a Confused Culture — I:
Christians and Critical Thinking Skills
The study of logic has largely fallen by the way, but it’s importance never will. Often the study of logic is dry and abstract, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this seminar we will experience the victory silencing discussion stoppers, thwarting intellectual laziness, and encouraging a deep and sustained intellectual life … for ourselves and others. Through a variety of illustrations we will encounter the ease of teaching critical thinking across the disciplines. Come and join us for some intellectual push-ups.Note: This seminar series is often presented in a single-session self-contained format.
Thinking Clearly in a Confused Culture — II:
Critical Thinking Across the Disciplines (a teacher seminar)
See explanation under part I. In addition, this second seminar will supply recommendations for critical thinking classroom activities in a number of disciplines.
Every Thought Captive — I:
Developing Critical-Biblical Discernment
Lies of the enemy come in a variety of seductive packages. But Christians are called to not be taken captive by false philosophies, and we are called to bring every thought captive to Christ. In this presentation Kevin urges believers to develop discernment based on God’s Word. Kevin also presents a very practical method to aid in developing biblical discernment.Every Thought Captive — II:
Illustrating Critical-Biblical Discernment
How should we assess arguments? The answer to this question is at the heart of this lecture. In this presentation, Kevin surveys a variety of logical fallacies so as to train Christians to not be held captive by hollow and deceptive arguments. Understanding fallacies is a primary step to developing a discerning mind.Every Thought Captive — III:
Applying Critical-Biblical Discernment
How should we think about such weird things as UFOs and crop circles, firewalking, and ESP? In this lecture Kevin tackles these and other questions that arise about strange phenomena as he shows you how to uncover the deception and distortion prevalent in so much of the propaganda of the religious fringe.
Biblical Spiritual Warfare:
On Not Giving the Devil More than He Is Due
(1 or 2 parts)
Spiritual warfare is a hot topic among Christians today, and rightly so! We are involved in a battle, not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness. What is the nature of this battle? What are our weapons and how can we use them? What are some of the unbiblical teachings in the Church today regarding spiritual warfare? These and other questions will be answered as Kevin takes you through this important and timely study of biblical spiritual warfare.Note: This seminar series is often presented in a single-session self-contained format.
Bible Study:
It Isn’t Just for Breakfast Anymore
How do you study the Bible? Have you been frustrated? Have to tried to read through the Bible, only to give up somewhere in Numbers? Well, these difficulties are common, but they need not be. Through a discussion of Paul’s letter to Titus, Kevin will illustrate a tried-and-true way of developing a deep desire to study the Bible.
The New Age Movement (Cosmic Humanism)
Where Gods May Dwell — I :
Basic Beliefs of the New Age Movement
The New Age movement has affected every area of American life, including our churches. Given this survey of New Age beliefs and practices, you will understand what New Agers believe and how these beliefs are manifest throughout our culture. (Note: If the history of the New Age movement is surveyed, this particular lecture will be expanded to two sessions.)Where Gods May Dwell — II:
Keep Yourselves from Idols
Alternative medicine, channeling, near-death experiences, etc.—Christians are purchasing (and ‘buying into’) a variety of New Age ideas and practices. In this lecture Kevin surveys common compromises, providing clear biblical guidelines for discernment in what may seem to be ‘gray areas.’Where Gods May Dwell — III:
Christian Witness to the New Age
How can Christians communicate the gospel of grace to those involved in the New Age movement? With biblical clarity and personal experience, Kevin reveals ten key areas—from spiritual warfare to reincarnation—on which Christians must focus when witnessing in this new age.Note: In the summer of 2003 Kevin presented a lengthy series on Cosmic Humanism (of which the New Age movement is a major participant) at the YWAM campus in Hawaii. The series ran a total of twelve hours (though it could have run an additional six hours as well).
Islam — I:
Understanding Islam
Islam is one of the major world religions. Where and when was it founded? Who was Mohammad? What does Islam teach? What do Muslims practice? Why does Islam grow? These are some of the questions answered in this introduction to Islam.Note: This seminar series is often presented in a single-session, self-contained format entitled, “Insights into Islam: A Brief Survey and Engagement.”
Islam — II:
Understanding Muslims
There is a great diversity among Muslims today. Most Muslims are non-Arabs. What are the differences? How does this diversity express itself? And how can this help us to reach Muslims with the gospel of Jesus Christ?Islam — III:
Engaging Muslims
Muslims challenge Christians with numerous questions and critiques. What can we expect? How can we respond? How might we see to persuade Muslims of the truth of Jesus and the Bible?
Pseudo-Christian Religions (a.k.a. Cults)
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing — I:
The Marks of the Cults
From Jonestown to David Koresh and the Branch Dividians, pseudo-Christian cults are making tremendous inroads into American society—even into our churches! The danger? These pseudo-Christian cults claim to believe and teach the Christian worldview! The need is clear: we must not only learn to distinguish worldviews, but to discern true Christianity from the false but attractive ideas propagated by the cults. In a memorable fashion, Kevin shows how to recognize the marks of a cult.Note: This seminar series is often presented in a single-session self-contained format.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing — II:
Christian Witness to the Cults
Christians have a mission field on their doorsteps: Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses. In this lecture, Kevin presents simple, straight-forward ways we can witness to those bound in the cults. Instead of simply slamming doors in their faces, we need to speak the truth in love.Note: while these presentations may be presented in only two sessions, having three or more sessions devoted to this topic is preferable to most groups.
Intensive Seminar Series on Mormonism (3 sessions)
Mormonism — I: The Church’s Founding and History
Mormonism — II: Mormon Doctrines and Practices
Mormonism — III: Communicating Christ to Mormons
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Mormon temples, Mormon missionaries, and television ads—we are exposed to them all the time. Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world today. Why? Why are so many people becoming Mormons? What do Mormons believe, and why? As a former fifth-generation Mormon, Kevin is able to relate what Mormons believe—from the inside! If you’ve ever wanted to know what Mormons believe, then this series is for you. As Mormonism is compared to Christianity, this seminar series will provide you with more than mere facts. Kevin also presents effective ways you can communicate the Gospel of Christ to Mormons.Intensive Seminar Series on Jehovah’s Witnesses (3 sessions)
Jehovah’s Witnesses — I: The Watchtower’s Founding and History
Jehovah’s Witnesses — II: Their Doctrines and Practices
Jehovah’s Witnesses — III: Communicating Christ to Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society publishes more literature in one month than all North American Christian missionary groups do in one year—put together! If you have ever met a JW on your doorstep, then you know how they can use their Bible. In this seminar series Kevin will provide you with a clear overview of the history and central teachings of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. As JW beliefs are compared to Christianity you will be provided with more than mere facts. Kevin will provide you with effective techniques you can use to communicate Christ to those bound by the Watchtower.Note: While only Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witnesses are listed as intensive seminars, Kevin has also researched, and lectured on, among other groups, Scientology, the Unification Church, Christian Science, the Reorganized Church of Latter-day Saints (now known as “Christ Community”), and other groups and movements.If you are interested in any of these groups, or have others in mind, please inquire of Kevin.
The Historical Jesus — I:
The Legend Continues
Maybe you’ve heard of the famous trilemma: “Is Jesus Christ a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord?” But there is a fourth alternative: Legend-and many so-called scholars believe Jesus to be just that. In this presentation, Kevin explains the nature of the debate, exposes the presuppositions of the critics, and calls for a firm commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord of all.Note: This seminar series is often presented in a single-session self-contained format.
The Historical Jesus — II:
The Gospels and History
It is often claimed today that the Gospel writers were biased and untrustworthy. It is also claimed that the New Testament writings date long after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. These claims, and others, are addressed as Kevin presents a strong and persuasive case for the historical reliability of the Gospels and their portrait of Jesus.Contradictions, Mistranslations and Missing Books: Answering Critics of the Bible
(1 or more sessions)
In this series we will examine a number of criticisms leveled against the Bible. It is often charged with having contradictions, with missing books, with being mistranslated, with containing duplicate accounts that don’t cohere, and on and on. Basic principles of harmonization will be discussed and specific examples of criticisms will be addressed. Note: This seminar series may be presented in a single-session self-contained format.Evil and the Christian Faith:
A Response to the So-Called ‘Problem of Evil’
The so-called problem of evil is probably the most often repeated objection to the Christian faith. But as Kevin will show, the logical problem of evil is no real problem for the Christian – though the non-Christian may have a terrible time with this dilemma.Atheism and The Problem of the Good
If Christians have a “problem of evil,” then what about the atheist’s “problem of good?” How can an atheist account for good in the world? On what basis can an atheist make any moral claim or determination? Can man be “good” without God? In this lecture, Kevin reveals one of the “Achilles’ heals” of atheism.Why I Am a Christian
Bertrand Russell, formerly a world-famous atheist, wrote a well-known essay entitled, “Why I Am Not a Christian.” In this essay Russell attempted to supply good reasons for his position in rejecting the God of the Christian faith. In this lecture, Kevin shows that Russell indeed had no good reason for either his rejection of Christ or his reception of atheism. (College students will most likely come into contact with either Russell’s material or someone who has. Therefore, it is important that these students be shown that Christians really do have answers for such claims as Russell’s and others. This lecture could be expanded to cover two 50-minute segments, if you believe a more thorough refutation of Russell’s claims would be appropriate and helpful to your audience. It would be appropriate that participants read Russell’s essay prior to the seminar(s).)Religious Pluralism:
Is God Silent or Are We Just Not Listening?
Many people would have us believe that the Christian’s claim to know the truth is simply closed-minded. After all, we live in a pluralistic world: different people, different cultures, different beliefs. Therefore, how can Christians claim to have the truth? In this presentation, Kevin surveys the presuppositions of such a position, as well as presenting
Responding to Relativism:
Effectively Engaging Our Relativistic Culture
In this presentation, Kevin surveys three kinds of relativism: cultural, ethical, and philosophical (“all truth is relative”). He shows how Christians have been influenced, and how we can respond to the loss of the good, the true and the beautiful in our world today.Abortion:
The Heart of the Debate
While surveying the biblical, scientific and philosophical aspects of the abortion debate, Kevin shows how the pro-abortion arguments simply don’t hold up to close scrutiny. He also surveys several ways we can get involved in the battle for the unborn.
Environmentalism — I:
Refuting the Rhetoric of the Radicals
Are we facing the breakdown and destruction of the global environment? Is it true that we must dramatically change our ways or else we are facing extinction? These and other questions will be tackled as Kevin discusses the current state of the environment, and the current state of radical environmentalist rhetoric, with reference to logic, economics and science.Environmentalism — II:
Environmentalism vs. Stewardship
Following a critique of radical environmentalist rhetoric, it is vital to discover what the Scriptures say about our environment and how Christians are to live. What is the Christian responsibility to creation? How are we to live? These are among the key questions answered in the second part of “Radical Environmentalism.”Environmentalism — III:
Native American and Christian Worldviews —
Comparisons, Contrasts, Considerations
It is often asserted that the biblical perspective of the environment has lead to untold damage to our world, but that the Native American worldview was in harmony with it. We’ll examine the case, expose the propaganda, and get to the heart of the matter.
The Grandeur of the Great Commission
Based on Matthew 28:18f., Kevin shows upon Whom we base our trust as we go forth with the Gospel of grace. There is no need to worry, fear or be dismayed. What should we expect concerning the advance of the Gospel? Will the gates of hell prevail? If God is for us. . .Evangelism and Redemptive History
There are a number of ways to present the gospel, but not all recommendations are as effective as they might be. We live in a postmodern age where even the basics of the biblical worldview are seldom understood and often misconstrued. In this presentation, Kevin provides a method of evangelism that will present the gospel in light of the biblical worldview – must the same as the apostle Paul did in Acts 17.