ALEXANDRIA

Disciples make: 

3 Decisions that are very personal, and then they deal with
3 Distractions every day of their lives.

Let’s Review these Decisions:   
   Cube Side 1 of the Disciples Cube – Am I Willing to Follow?
   Cube Side 2 of the Disciples Cube – Am I Willing to Learn?
   Cube Side 3 of the Disciples Cube – Am I Willing to Fish?

Now – The Distractions of Athens, Alexandria, and Babylon

In Alexandria we deal with “The Flesh”
(Emotions, Secrets, Mystery Religions, Mystics, Gnostics)

City: Athens
Trap: The World – Ideas/Systems
Escape: Renew the Mind (Romans 12:2)

City: Babylon
Trap: The Devil – Deceptions / Power
Escape: Resist the Devil   (James 4:7) 

City:       Alexandria
Trap:      The Flesh – Emotions/Secrets
Escape:  Crucify the Flesh (Gal. 5:24)

On all six sides we learn “Apologetics” which means (R.E.A.D.)
Reasons, Evidences & Answers that Defend a Biblical Worldview. 

And Inside the Cube we find the core of Christianity – The 7 Claims that Jesus Made about himself.  We call these claims The 7 Blades ….  because His words like a sharp blade, divide our thinking  from His thinking. 

His Words TRANSFORM us as we struggle with the world, the flesh and the Devil. These struggles are explained in..

Ephesians 2 

“You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once
walked, following
the course of this world, following   (WORLD – ATHENS)
the prince of the power of the air,  (DEVIL –  BABYLON)
the spirit that is now at work in
the sons of disobedience among whom we all once lived in the passions
                 of our flesh, carrying out  (FLESH – ALEXANDER)
the desires of the body and  
the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”

Three cities surround Jerusalem.
(Home of God’s Written and living Revelation)

1. Many people “live” mainly influenced by Athens (The World System), 
2. Many people “live” mainly influenced by Alexandria  (The Flesh) 
3. Many people “live” mainly influenced by Babylon (The Devil) 

But all four “Cities of Thought” impact our lives. 

View this side of the Cube  – The Flesh

The City of Alexander  – Nine Points

1.  Alexander – Who?	2     What?	3     When?
4.    Where?	5 .    Why?	6 .   How?
7 .   Example 1	8    Example 2	7      Example 3

1. Who founded this city?

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great (~331 B.C.) and became a center of learning, culture, and philosophy. It attracted Jews, Greeks, and Romans—and later Christians. It is known for secret knowledge, mystery religions. 

Alexandria was a melting pot of Egyptian, Greek, Persian, and Near Eastern traditions. The Ptolemies, who ruled Egypt after Alexander the Great, actively merged Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs. This syncretism gave rise to deities like Serapis, a fusion of the Egyptian Osiris-Apis and Hellenistic Zeus-Hades figures, which became central to mystery cults.

2. What is it known for?

It became known for the Library of Alexandria, philosophical schools, and theological syncretism—merging biblical truth with pagan or human-centered ideas.

Only Jesus provides clarity. He asked over 300 questions designed to help seekers understand reality, truth and value.

His questions Reveal His Identity

• “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
• “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51)
• “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28)

His questions Probed our Hearts

• “Why are you so afraid?” (Matthew 8:26)
• “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)
• “Do you love Me?” (John 21:17)

His questions Confronted Behavior

• “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and not notice the log in your own?” (Matthew 7:3)
• “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
• “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27)

His questions Teach or Challenge Beliefs

• “Have you not read…?” (Matthew 12:3)
• “If you do not believe Moses’ writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:47)
• “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath or to do evil?” (Mark 3:4)

His questions Expose Hypocrisy

• “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?” (Matthew 22:18)
• “If I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46)
• “Can the blind lead the blind?” (Luke 6:39)

His questions point to Faith and Prayer

• “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
• “Could you not watch with Me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40)
• “Do you still not understand?” (Mark 8:21)

Designing good questions is vital in the Discipleship Process.

Because 

Everybody has a Worldview
Everyone defends their Worldview…, But do they have
Solid (Apologetics) ”R.E.A.D.’s” to support their Worldview?

3. When did the great theologian Augustine interact with Alexandrian thought?

From the 3rd century B.C. through early Christianity (~300 A.D.), Alexandria was a dominant intellectual and religious hub. 

In the late 4th century to early 5th century (c. 380s–430 AD) Augustine was especially influenced by Alexandrian thought after his conversion in 386 AD, when he began to study Scripture and theology more deeply. Here is a summary: 

Category	Alexandria	Augustine (from Hippo)
Major Figures	Origen, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria	Augustine of Hippo
Scripture Interpretation	Strong allegorical method (Origen)	Uses allegory but balances with literal and doctrinal concerns
Trinity	Athanasius: Emphasis on Son’s divinity vs. Arians	Augustine: Developed systematic Trinitarian theology (De Trinitate)
Christology	Cyril: Emphasis on unity of Christ’s nature (toward monophysitism)	Emphasizes full divinity and humanity of Christ, precursor to Chalcedonian view
Philosophical Influence	Neoplatonism from Plotinus (soul’s ascent, immaterial good)	Neoplatonism shaped his thinking, later corrected through Scripture
Role of the Church	Strong ecclesiology tied to apostolic succession	Views the Church as City of God, contrasted with City of Man
Language	Greek	Latin
Legacy	Shaped Eastern Orthodoxy and early Christological debates	Shaped Western Christianity, including Catholicism and Protestantism

4. Where was Alexandria?

Located in northern Egypt along the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria was a cosmopolitan city where East and West converged. 

5. Why is this mix of ideas important?

Alexandria’s goal was to unite knowledge—to harmonize Greek philosophy (Plato, Aristotle) with Jewish and Christian theology—often subordinating Scripture to human reason. Human Reasoning gave us the “great lie” Evolution  – “The Lie” 

We live in a culture that is influenced by the City of Alexandria. Today our “Feeling” “Magical” “Mystical” thinking has produced an anti-God culture pushing contagious, destructive philosophies. 

One lie is evolution that we will address in the third module. Ken Ham reveals how evolution and millions of years (Deep Time) have undermined belief in the Creator God with an eternally significant cost.

Addressing critical issues like gender, sexuality, abortion, racism, and the exodus from the church, this book is essential for Christians seeking to defend their faith. With biblical answers and practical advice, this book prepares parents and believers to boldly face a secular world…reject vain imaginations, and stand against the schemes of the one known as the father of lies.

Illustration: Sensual Imagery

Lyrics like “moonbeam ice cream, taking off your blue jeans, dancing at the movies” paint a picture of pleasure, fun, romance, and escape.

That’s classic Alexandria—life centered on immediate desire and the pleasures of the body.

Commercial Use

At the US Open, the song isn’t used to elevate thought or spirit, but as background for advertising.

This reinforces the idea: Alexandria takes what is beautiful (art, song) and turns it into a tool to stimulate consumption, attraction, and sell a feeling.

Why it’s Effective in Ad

The catchy chorus “Mystical, magical…” sticks in the ear.

It gives people a rush of delight right before a product pitch—exactly how Alexandria works: it stirs the flesh to make you more open to the world’s message.

The Benson Boone cut is a living example of how Alexandria thrives in culture:

• It doesn’t confront.
• It seduces.
• It offers a little “magical” pleasure so you’ll stay engaged and want more.

• Athens = the intellectual commentary about history, greatness, strategy.
• Babylon = the global spectacle, the money, the power dynamics.
• Alexandria = the music, lights, ads, desire—the flesh-driven vibe pulling people in.

6. How did the Mystical thinking of this city impact the world? 

The thinking of Alexandria, rooted in Gnostic (secret knowledge) and a blend of allegorical interpretations, laid intellectual groundwork that flowed into mystical thinking. Col. 2:8

When thinking is divorced from biblical truth, it can become demonic ideology. Hitler, Marx, Mao, and Marcuse were impacted… they denied 

• Concrete reality,
• Replaced truth with ideology,
• Elevated elite thinkers or revolutionaries as saviors,
• Promised utopia through destruction.

This thinking elevated the mind above the Word. The enemy is crafty. In a few generations because of lack of training, and distractions many Christians failed to be salt and light. We were silent: 

The old saying, how do we avoid criticism… say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”   We fell into a mindless trap. Currently, we are just waking up to “New Thought”

Satan has whispered into all generations the idea that we can be like God. Or, even the idea that “you can be God” 

Today New Thought leaders advance this lie.  

Melissa Dougherty – Happy Lies

Beckett Cook interviews Melissa Dougherty

Greg Koukl – Stand to Reason  – Good thinking and resources that help

Melissa Dougherty and others THINK about the “New Thought” in our times. 

Summary:  Emotions are good servants, but terrible masters.

Proverbs 3:5 — “Lean not on your own understanding”
John 8:32 — “The truth will set you free”
Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
Proverbs 4:23 — “For it is the wellspring of life”
Galatians 5:24 –  “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

7. Example # 1 – Emotional Thinking

Origen of Alexandria (3rd century) promoted allegorical interpretation, spiritualizing Scripture. Some Christians saw this as elevating intellect over the plain meaning of the Word. 

The Nazi leaders accepted the idea they were the super race.

• They felt that killing many great thinkers was proper
• They felt that their code machine were infallible
•  But great minds shortened the war. They solved the code. Check out: 

(Amazon Prime – Secrets of War Season 1 Episode 2 around meter number 48) 

The Dangers of Emotional Thinking

• Leads to distorted views of self, others, and God
• Makes you vulnerable to lies and manipulation 
• Undermines wise choices and spiritual stability 
• Turns feelings into false “truth”
• Example # 2 – Gnosticism – Are we really “a Divine Spark”?

Athanasius of Alexandria stood firm for biblical truth—defending the full deity of Christ at great personal cost, resisting Arianism which also took root in Alexandria. 

We learn much from history. Dr. James Lindsay has a PhD in Mathematics and yet has spent the last few years reading and speaking about the roots of our cultural problems.

He speaks about Egyptian Gnosticism. It teaches us much about the cultural Marxism in our times. The Gnostic Parasite Charlie Kirk’s non-Christian friend James Lindsay is committed to explaining the roots of the Woke movement 

9. Example # 3 – A Warning

Christians are warned not to let education or philosophy replace divine revelation      (1 Cor. 1:19–21; Col. 2:8). 

Alexandria represents “the flesh”—a place of intellectual pride, syncretism, and distortion of truth. The real city of Alexandria in Egypt historically became a symbol of human wisdom apart from divine revelation, influencing theology, philosophy, and Scripture interpretation in ways that often compromised the gospel.

• Represents the Flesh – The pride of intellect, the temptation to trust human wisdom over divine truth.
• Distorts the Word – Scripture is manipulated rather than obeyed.
• Cultural Elitism – The educated become arrogant rather than humble learners

Summary: 

Alexandria challenges us to ask:

• Am I trusting the mind of Christ or my own understanding?
• Am I interpreting Scripture faithfully or twisting it to fit the flesh?
• Am I crucifying the flesh or feeding it through pride and self-rule?

Misc things about the melting pot city of Alexandria – 

Hermeticism 

The Hermetic tradition, attributed to the mythical figure Hermes Trismegistus, emerged in Alexandria. It blended Egyptian mysticism, Greek philosophy (especially Platonism and Stoicism), and esoteric cosmology. Many early Gnostic sects also flourished there, incorporating mystery traditions into their belief systems.

Gnostic Thought

Egyptian Mysticism

Philosophers, priests, and scholars gathered there to exchange ideas, leading to the synthesis of esoteric teachings.

The Ptolemies and later the Romans encouraged mystery religions such as the cult of Isis, which spread throughout the Mediterranean. The Isis cult became one of the most widespread mystery religions in the Roman world, featuring secret initiations and promises of spiritual transformation.

The philosopher Plotinus (3rd century CE) and his followers developed Neoplatonism, which incorporated mystical and theurgical practices. This further cemented Alexandria’s reputation as a center of esoteric and mystical traditions.

As a major port city, Alexandria attracted merchants, travelers, and spiritual seekers from across the ancient world. It became a place where initiates could encounter and engage in secretive religious practices, often linked to distant traditions such as Zoroastrianism, Chaldean mysticism, and Orphic rites.

Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

1 Corinthians 1:25 – “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

People that accept this lie feel that they know more than other people. They become the standard of morality, justice, equality, etc. 

Disney World Adds Love Nests to The Magic 

$200 per hour anyone can have any kind of couple make “love” with a view of Cinderella’s Castle. The Kingdom is rooted in feelings. 

Magic, Wizards – Got Questions addresses many topics, like:

What is a medium? 

Familiar spirits – What are they? – Compelling Truth

What does the Bible say about witchcraft / witches? Should a …

How should a Christian view Harry Potter? – Compelling Truth

What does the Bible say about sorcery? 

What does the Bible say about magic, magicians, illusionists …

The Long War Against God by Henry Morris

Dr. Henry Morris presents the theory of evolution as one of Satan’s most devastating attacks against the Church. The Long War against God reveals the error of evolution and its aim to deny God, discredit His supernatural creation, and His sovereignty. Has Satan successfully led most Christians to give more credibility to the institution of science than the Bible? Today many Christians regard evolution as nothing more than God’s method of creation. In this Christian apologetic resource, Morris boldly challenges this anti-biblical and even anti-theistic philosophy; an imagination or high thing exalting itself against the true knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Within The Long War against God, Morris exposes evolution’s atheistic trail of destruction in movements such as Communism, Nazism, racism, and moral relativism. He explores evolutionary thinking as a belief system seeking to ultimately eliminate God.

Wokeism

corrupted the minds of those in the woke movement

It is clear.  The number one religion today is the religion of secularism. Secularism is the idea that you can live your life without God.

Secularism is like the tail wagging our culture. Many People have forgotten God and need to turn back to Him.