Believing in God

I firmly believe that God exists!  Everything I’ve read about Him in the Bible seems correct.  I find few conflicts in scripture and realize most to be only translation errors.  It is for me, comforting and reasonable to trust in the intelligent design argument.  The old adage that “a tornado in a brickyard doesn’t produce a building” is true and will always be true.  The random chance that everything we see, touch, taste, hear, and smell happened by accident requires even more faith than mine.  An incomprehensible  design requires an incomprehensible designer.

I could quote scripture for my argument but atheists and agnostics are repelled by it and only adds to their confusion.  They want theists to argue with both hands tied behind their backs and duct tape across their mouths.  It is easier for them to win their argument by shouting down the competition and pounding the table loud enough that no one can hear the truth.  If I were an atheist, that plan alone would be enough for me to explore the other side of the argument even quicker.  My question would be, “have I been misled by an argument that was flawed beyond belief and one which has eternal consequences?

The decision of whether God exists or not is the greatest question you will ever face.  It is a verdict that demands a correct answer because if God exists then He will expect honor and obedience from those He created.  If God does not exist, then there is no hope for mankind.  There would be no reason for goodness here on earth and no promise of a reward after death.  It’s an eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” kind of existence.

Much of western culture has gotten on the “godless train” and had their ticket punched to an unknown destination.  Promises of free food and great fun encouraged even some of the faithful to get on board.  Leaving the station, they all shout curses at Christians from their windows while we urge them to get off before it’s too late!  It’s actually just the opposite of what happened in the Book of Genesis.  Noah and his few faithful helpers built an ark as God planned to destroy mankind for wickedness.  Their belief in God’s faithfulness was rewarded with life and not death.  Only a few were saved in the worldwide flood that followed.  If scripture is correct, and it always is, the majority will perish believing in a lie.

In America, the main stream media, our educational institutions, corporations, and the government have had tremendous influence in reshaping us from a Christian nation.  I believe scripture teaches there will be degrees of reward after death and likewise, degrees of punishment.  Many will suffer greater damnation for teaching and leading people to believe the lie that God doesn’t exist.  If you are guilty of this heinous teaching, please repent.  If you want to disbelieve in God, so be it, but don’t deceive others as well.  If you are one of those who aren’t sure if you’re supposed to be on the atheist train, like the parable of the lost son in Luke 15:11-32, there is always opportunity to change ones path and come home to God!  Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that He rewards everyone who searches for Him.”  Then in Hebrews 11:1 we have the definition of faith, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen.”

If you’re a “prodigal son or daughter”, God loves you and knows that you really believe in Him.  You’re frightened by the reaction of your peers if you acknowledge your mistakes and turn away from them to Him.  Think about this, if your courage and change of heart saves others, they will thank you for an eternity!  Those who reject you were not worth following anyway.  God will take care of you.  Be strong and be brave!  Christians will be there to support and help you get back on the journey to Heaven.

Tearing Down Denominational Walls

Pardon me while I dip into my past for today’s blog.  I was part of the church of Christ for about forty years.  My parents and grandparents were members as well, hence my indoctrination of strict beliefs and Biblical interpretations.  The church of Christ is one of several groups who are under the false impression that heaven waits for members of their sect only.  I know that sounds harsh but it is true.  They see themselves as being on the spiritual ark with the door already shut.  God has protected them against the cultural waves of sin that are drowning the rest of humanity.

I believe I’ve always doubted that idea, but it would have been heresy and sudden expulsion if a verbal confession had been made.  So, to let everyone know where I stand today is important.  There will be souls in heaven who have given their lives to Jesus from many different religions.  Obviously some will be there who have gone against the wishes of the denomination they belong to.  That is, in reference to following manmade creeds established  by men either to hold onto power or oppress the masses by their power.

It is belief in Jesus that saves!  We are probably nearing the end of existence as we know it here.  The “last days” have been going on for a while now.  If Biblical prophesy is correct, and it always is, there are very dark days ahead for us all.  Christians will suffer as well as non-Christians but there will be rewards for the faithful.

Ephesians 4:3 says “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”  That verse has been used, quite often to keep dissenters in line with current church views.  I believe that verse should be applied along denominational lines.  It is time to tear down the walls that separate the family of God.  We need to look for things to unify us as Christians.  Lets face it, Biblical interpretations of first century writings have quite a few gray areas.  We were not eyewitnesses of the way everything was done, so drawing lines in the sand may not be appropriate when it comes to salvation.  For example, you may believe in the Lord’s Supper each Sunday, but don’t condemn another Christian who doesn’t.

In Acts chapter 15 there is great discussion about the burdens placed on people to be Christians.  Verses 10 & 11 say this, “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear?  No!  We believe it through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”  I especially like verse 19, “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”  I would say the same rule should apply today among churches.  Ease up on the requirements and focus on Jesus.  More emphasis should be placed on John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that WHOEVER believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” and less on church dogma.

Jesus said in Mark 3:23-30 that a house divided against itself cannot stand. and that “no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up.  Then he can plunder the strong man’s house.”  Our denominational differences have “tied us up” so much that the church is being raped and plundered by the culture we live in.  Christians are no longer even a force to be reckoned with by American politicians.  Islam seems to be the new driving force.

We have no one to blame but ourselves.  Our house is divided and beginning to crumble.  We need to repent and preach unity before it is too late to reach the masses for Jesus.  Please pray for eyes to be opened and hearts changed.  If I can be led to see the truth, anyone can!

I’ve written a long manuscript about my personal journey out of the church of Christ which is ready to be published.  I know God has directed my steps just as he will direct yours.  Change isn’t always easy and encouragement is usually hard to find.  I am encouraging you to meet your extended family of Christians.  They are everywhere.  Try visiting a different church nearby.  Preachers and Pastors, why not have a joint service with the Baptist or Methodist.  Be different for a change.  Lets preach unity that all may be saved!