Prove the Existence of God

Prove the Existence of God

My oldest son was only four years old when he made an observation that has stuck with me for several years. We were visiting a church for evening worship on our way home from a weekend vacation. We quickly noticed that on Sunday nights the members would sit on one side of the auditorium in the last 6-7 pews. When a gentleman stood up to begin the service with a song, our wide-eyed son looked up and anxiously said, “He can’t start yet. Everybody is not here.” Melinda and I smiled and quietly reassured him that it was O.K. (because he was truly worried). But as I looked around that empty auditorium and glanced at the attendance figures displayed up front, I could not help but notice that less than half the congregation had returned for evening worship. I then “did the math” and realized that even with a “Sunday morning crowd,” more than ½ of the auditorium stood empty every Sunday morning. It was obvious that the church had, at one time, been a thriving beacon of light in the community. But now it was just a glowing ember—about to fade away without any fanfare. My son was right. “Everybody was not there.”

Must everything be proved using the scientific method.

Must everything be proved using the scientific method.

I doubt that there is any way to accurately gauge the number of pews that remain empty today because of worldly influences. The forces of atheism, humanism, and evolution have been extremely successful in convincing thousands of people that God is either dead, or He never existed in the first place. Web sites boldly declare that God does not exist, and encourage young people to “live free and responsible—debaptize yourself!” (I’ve often wondered, would this require a hair-dryer?) But seriously, our children are taught (sometimes not so subtly), to eat, drink, and be merry—and only be concerned with “self.”

One of the reasons atheists have been so successful in emptying out church pews is because they have convinced at least two generations that everything must be proved using the scientific method. From an early age, students are taught that if you cannot see, touch, taste, smell, or hear it, then “it” does not exist. Those who have stiffened their necks against God recognize that He exists beyond scientific measure—and thus, our young people feel that it is impossible to prove His existence. Many Christian parents find themselves dismayed when their child returns home from school, only to pronounce they no longer believe in a God. They become another statistic and another empty pew. However, the story does not have to end this way.

While it is true that God is a spirit (John 4:24), and we cannot prove His existence using the five senses, we can use other means to prove His existence. Consider how many church pews would be empty if every single child reared in a Christian home was diligently taught the following three proofs for God’s existence.

Three ways to prove the existence of God

1. The existence of the Universe (cosmological argument): It doesn’t take a special telescope to prove that the Universe exists. An upward glance on a clear night is a concrete reminder of this fact. The reasonable question remains: “From whence did the Universe originate?” In reality there are only three options: (1) it is eternal; (2) it created itself from nothing; (3) it was created.

Honest scientists today will admit that the Universe is not eternal. We know from the way that it is expanding that the Universe once had a beginning. Evolutionist Robert Jastrow once admitted: “The lingering decline predicted by astronomers for the end of the world differs from the explosive conditions they have calculated for its birth, but the impact is the same: modern science denies an eternal existence to the Universe, either in the past or the future” (1977, p. 30). Additionally, any sane, unbiased scientist will further admit the ludicrous notion that all of the matter in the Universe created itself from nothing. It is a well known reality that nothing produces nothing. These truths leave only one possibility—the Universe was created. An eight year old child can recognize that something now exists. As such, it must follow that something has existed forever. That “something” must therefore be responsible for creating the Universe. That something was God. (See Jon Gary Williams’ article in this issue regarding the eternality of the mind of God.)

In 1995, NASA astronomer John O’Keefe declared, “We are, by astronomical standards, a pampered, cos-seted, cherished group of creatures…. If the Universe had not been made with the most exacting precision we could never have come into existence. It is my view that these circumstances indicate the universe was created for man to live in.”

2. The existence of morals (anthropological argument): It is impossible for matter—by itself—to evolve a system of moral “right” and “wrong.” Yet, man recognizes right and wrong. The question then arises, from whence did morals originate?

One of the very first questions I routinely ask atheists whom I correspond is: “Would you have a problem is I came to your house, murdered your family, and robbed you blind?” Without fail, every single one has answered in the affirmative—that this behavior would be wrong. In 1967, George Gaylord Simpson admitted that “morals arise only in man.” However, in order for something to be “right” or “wrong” demands that there is an absolute standard for morality. What is that standard? There are really only two options that could adequately explain the existence of morals: (1) either they were conjured up and created by man; or (2) they originated from God.

Consider the plight of an atheist. They admit morals exist—otherwise they wouldn’t have a problem with you murdering their family members. However, they refuse to acknowledge a belief in God. As such, they must contend that morals arose from man. The question then becomes who gets to decide what behaviors are right and which are wrong? Isn’t evolution all about the “survival of the fittest?” So if I decide a certain behavior will allow me to survive better shouldn’t I participate in it—even if it hurts you? For instance, what would be the problem with slicing a coworker’s tires before an interview if both individuals were applying for the same job?

The only option that makes logical sense is that humans have adopted God’s standard for right and wrong. God’s unchanging nature allows our morals to be recognized as absolute standards for all situations. Only God is eternal (Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17). Only God isHoly (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8). Only God is just and righteous ((Psalm 89:14). And only God isforever consistent (Malachi 3:6). The existence of a world-wide system of morals is excellent proof that God exists.

3. The existence of design in nature (teleological argument): If design is found in nature, then by definition there must have been a designer. The design we observe today is one more proof that God exists.

Staunch atheist Richard Dawkins observed: “Thanks to Darwin, it is no longer true to say that nothing that we know looks designed unless it is designed. Evolution by natural selection produces an excellent simulacrum of design, mounting prodigious heights of complexity and elegance.” He goes on to refer to the “pseudo-design” of the nervous system. Then he painstakingly (with utter failure), tries to discount the design observed in unique structures like the wing and eye. While Richard Dawkins claims that small incremental steps—what he deems as climbing “Mount Improbable”—through natural selection, explains the design in the Universe, the truth is natural selection is not a “designer.”

Consider the design of the Earth. How can chance (or Dawkins “incremental steps”) explain the Earth’s position in the following: (1) the right type of galaxy; (2) the right location within that galaxy; (3) the odds of being near the right Sun; (4) being the right distance from the Sun; (5) having the right rotation rate and proper tilt; (6) possessing enough water; (7) having the right atmospheric conditions to sustain life? (And this is just the beginning!) For instance, in 1981 Science Digest reported that the Earth moves in its orbit around the Sun, departing from a straight line by only one-ninth of an inch every eighteen miles. If it departed by one-eighth of an inch, we would come so close to the Sun that we would be incinerated; if it departed by one-tenth of an inch, we would find ourselves so far from the Sun that we would all freeze to death. An honest evaluation of the Universe or the human body quickly reveals design. Design demands a designer.

For too many years Christians have been painted with a broad brush as ignorant or irrational for their belief in a God that is unseen. The time has come to refill the pews with your neighbors, coworkers, and family, by first teaching them that God does exist. A fact that we can prove!

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Sing in Your Worship to God

Make Melody Where?

Some have asked that if we are to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs then why would it not be right to sing with instruments of music since the Jews used them in their worship to God. It is obvious that the psalms (particularly Psalm 150) commanded the use of eight instruments—trumpet, lute, harp, timbrel, stringed instruments, flute, loud cymbals and clanging cymbals—so why would the way they worshiped be wrong for us to worship?

Why not instruments when we are asked to sing to God?

Why not instruments when we are asked to sing to God?

This question seems so valid but, while it might at first seem right, a closer examination shows that it is flawed reasoning. If it is true that because the psalms validate instrumental music, look at what else they validate. The psalms also speak of incense (Psa. 66:65; 141:2), but would this make them proper for worship in the Christian age? The psalms sanction burnt offerings (50:8; 51:19; 66:13) and the offering rams, bulls and goats (Psa. 66:15), but who would reason that because they are approved in the psalms they can be part of Christian worship? The psalms also talk about the Sabbath (heading of Psa. 92) and the rest God provides, but who would say that simply because they are mentioned in psalms they can become part of our worship. Yet, all of these stand or fall together. If the mention of instruments authorizes them, then it would also authorize the other aspects of Judaism.

A study of the music mentioned in the psalms and the music mentioned in the New Testament shows a remarkable contrast. The Jews were told to sing and to make music using instruments and also which instruments they were to use. Look at these words from the psalmist. “Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings” (Psalm 33:2). “Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm” (Psa. 98:5). The singing and melody of the Old Testament came from the harp.

Now look at the instructions about singing and the instruments involved in Christian worship. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19). The Old Testament instruction was to “make melody with an instrument of ten strings” but the New Testament instruction is to “make melody in your heart.”

Judaism often focused on the external aspects of worship and service. Christianity has its focus on the internal aspect of our worship. Let us worship Him in spirit and truth in the way He has given for all men in the New Testament, not in the way given to the Jews in an Old Covenant. Think about it.

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The Glory of God

The Glory of God

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

when we let others see Jesus in us, they see an extension of the glory of God in us because we are “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4).

When we let others see Jesus in us, they see an extension of the glory of God in us because we are “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4).

Hebrews 1:3

I’m reminded of when Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us,” to which Jesus replied, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?  Whoever has seen me has seen the Father…” (John 14:8-9).  No wonder the Hebrew writer called Jesus “the radiance of the glory of God!”  When we behold Jesus, we see the glory of God (John 1:14)!  Even more thought provoking, when we let others see Jesus in us, they see an extension of the glory of God in us because we are “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4).  This is why God wants us to grow in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Pet. 1:5-7).

Earlier in that same conversation, Jesus had said to Thomas, “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.  From now on you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:7).  This is why the Hebrew writer referred to Jesus as “the exact imprint” of the nature of God.  Paul said this about Jesus:  “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9).

Paul also said earlier in his letter to the Colossians, “…and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).  In like manner the Hebrew writer proclaimed that Jesus “upholds the universe by the word of his power.”  With such power and might as Jesus has, how foolish are we to deny him!

Thank God we have nothing to fear if we obey him, because he purified us from our sins through his sacrifice on the cross, something the Hebrew writer would allude to both here and later in his epistle (Heb. 2:17; 9:26, 28).  After doing so, he “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” when he ascended into heaven.  There he sits right now, our Lord and Savior and Mediator, reigning over his kingdom the church and all angels, authorities, and powers (Eph. 1:20-23; 1 Pet. 3:22).  There he will continue to reign until all enemies are under his feet (1 Cor. 15:25-26).

Have you submitted to him?

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EL MIERCOLES DE CENIZA

EL MIERCOLES DE CENIZA
Nicodemo, un maestro de la ley se aproximó a Jesús en Juan 3,  e hizo la pregunta más importante que el Ser humano puede hacerle a Dios: ¿Maestro, que puedo hacer para heredad la vida eterna?. La respuesta de Jesús a este hombre fue contundente, nacer del agua y del Espíritu. La vida eterna parte de esta mima declaración, sin embargo  el tema que tenemos por delante puede ser importante a tratar, para aclarar dudas.

Ash Wednesday is indeed a practice that corresponds almost in a unique way to the Roman Catholic Church with some exceptions in sectors of Methodism.

Ash Wednesday is indeed a practice that corresponds almost in a unique way to the Roman Catholic Church with some exceptions in sectors of Methodism.

El Miércoles de Ceniza es de hecho una práctica que corresponde casi de una manera única a la Iglesia católica Romana con algunas excepciones en sectores del Metodismo. La intención principal es marcar el inicio de la “Cuaresma”, esto es cuarenta días antes de la celebración de la semana santa o la semana mayor. Estas cenizas son el resultado de las palmas quemadas del año pasado del domingo de ramos, poniendo una marca de la cruz en la frente cada persona que está participando de esta tradición. Una búsqueda simple del origen de esta práctica revela que no es algo que inició en los tiempos del Nuevo Testamento y ni siquiera es una práctica que inicia en Israel o en el sector del Judaísmo. Wikipedia apunta a lo siguiente:  “Los ninivitas usaban la ceniza como gesto de arrepentimiento profundo. Los mensajeros de malas noticias solían cubrir de ceniza su cabeza.” Por supuesto que la practica especifica de la marca en la frente cobra vida como un acto religioso hasta después del 606 cuando  formalmente inicia el catolisísmo. 
  La Biblia, la palabra de Dios escrita siendo la fuente y la autoridad nuestra en todo, no menciona absolutamente nada en cuanto a el miércoles de Ceniza, ni Jesús, ni los apóstoles, ni los primeros cristianos ni siquiera la gente de las ciudad hizo esto o al menos que haya registro de ello. Sin embargo el asunto de la marca de la cruz  en la frente en un Miércoles lleva a otra causa más grande y lo es la semana santa. El sistema judío observada con mucho cuidado días especiales que para cuando se hace el cambio de ley y establece el Nuevo Pacto, Dios mismo decide no tomar en cuenta ya más ninguno de estos días o semanas o festividades de carácter especial (Col. 2:14-16)excepto uno… a saber el Domingo. No existe mandamiento alguno para reflexionar específicamente en el sacrificio de Jesús en un una sola semana en el año, contrario a eso el mismo Señor instituyó la cena en Mateo 26 para que la Iglesia pudiera hacer memoria de este sacrificio cada primer día de cada semana, esta es la instrucción de Pablo para con la Iglesia (1Co. 11:23-30). La semana santa y el Miércoles de ceniza no son más que una simple tradición humana que por tradiciones humanas semejantes a estas los liderez religiosos en los tiempos de Jesús invalidaban los mandamientos de Dios (Mt. 15:1-8). El Miércoles de ceniza, pintando una cruz en la frente de las personas es un símbolo de amargura, sufrimiento, vergüenza y todo lo peor que existe en este mundo, del cual trajo amargura al Señor Jesús ( Heb.5:7). Los verdaderos cristianos esperamos una marca en la frente, la que describe de una manera simbólica el apóstol Juan en Apocalipsis,  una marca que simplemente signifique posesión y pertenencia al Señor que nos amó , aquel día cuando estemos en la nueva Jerusalén para siempre  donde seguramente también Nicodemo estará presente con esta nombre, su nombre en nuestras frentes y no una simple marca de vergüenza. “Ellos verán su rostro, y su nombre estará en sus frentes”. (Ap. 22:4).
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Captivity

Captivity

[Years past], we watched as the nation of Iran took 15 British sailors into captivity in the waters of the Persian Gulf. Though controverted by England, Iran believed these hostages to have crossed into their territorial waters thus transgressing the borders of their nation. What is not in dispute is that they were precariously near the border and as a result of their being so near ended up being captured. While in captivity, the hostages each were paraded on television and coerced to speak out regarding their transgression of Iranian waters. They became instruments of the Iranian government. [Finally], those hostages were released and rejoiced as they returned to their home country. We’re very happy that they are back home.

Iranian military personnel captured 15 Royal Navy personnel and held them captive.

Iranian military personnel captured 15 Royal Navy personnel and held them captive.

Looking at captivity from a spiritual perspective, 2 Timothy 2:25b-26 (ESV) reads, “God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” This reflects the state or condition in which all are who transgress God’s will and fall into the hands of the devil; they are captured! And while they are captured by the devil, they are bound to do his will. What spiritual lessons can we draw from this analogy?

First, the proximity of those British sailors to the border increased their chances of being captured. Had those British hostages kept their distance from that line, they likely would not have been captured. Similarly, when we don’t take sin seriously and take chances by hanging out on the border between right and wrong, Satan has a much easier time capturing us. Several proverbs instruct the wise man not only to stay away from wickedness, but to stay far away from it. Proverbs 22:5 says plainly, “Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.” See also Proverbs 4:24, Proverbs 5:8, Proverbs 30:8. The wise man knows not to play along the border between right and wrong, but to stay far away from wickedness.

Second, when those British sailors were captured they became the instruments of the Iranian government. So also, being captured by Satan through sin means becoming his instrument as well. Romans 6:13 says, “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” Those who cross that line between right and wrong and enter Satan’s camp and become instruments to his desires.

Third, there is a way back home. Those British sailors were fortunate to be able to return to their home after the Iranian president allowed them to leave, though, they could have faced serious penalties. The Bible tells us that the penalty for the trespass of sin is death ( Romans 6:23). There is, however, a way out of that penalty through the grace of God. God sent Jesus, His Son, to die in the place of the sinner and to bear the guilt of man’s sin. Paul wrote, “For he [God] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” ( 2 Corinthians 5:21). Because Jesus took our place, He was able to redeem sinful man out of sin’s captivity and bring him back to God. Paul said to Titus, “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” ( Titus 2:14).

What a great blessing it is to know that God has provided a way out of the captivity of sin. To escape, we need to accept God’s plan for our release and follow His instructions to return. What must we do? Hear the gospel message ( Romans 10:17); believe that message ( Hebrews 11:6); repent of the sin that brought us into captivity in the first place ( Acts 17:30); confess Jesus as our new Lord ( Romans 10:10); and be baptized in water to show our obedience to our new master ( Mark 16:16, Hebrews 5:9). By so doing, our freedom is promised by God and by continuing to live faithfully to Him we will remain His for all eternity.

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