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DOES GOD EXIST?

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hristianity, some may believe, is a “religion” of blind faith and that it is far removed from science (so-called) and reason. Yet, the God of the Bible has invited us to do just the opposite of that popular belief......”Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 1:18). Christianity has no fear of controversy, indeed, reason is very important to her very foundation.

Does God exist? We must reason about this concept and reason alone will tell us (aside from any Biblical arguments for God’s existence) that God does exist! How can we affirm this? There are four naturalistic arguments (these are arguments that have nothing to do with the Bible) for the existence of God.

1.      Cosmological (Greek word cosmos, “world”). The universe is an effect which requires an adequate cause, and only possible sufficient cause is God (Psalms 19:1, of course the Bible concurs).

2.      Teleological (Greek word telos, “end”). The universe not only proves a maker but tells of the existence of a master designer (Romans 1:18-20). We can observe in the universe and all of nature a distinct purpose for all things, this strongly argues that there is a God and great designer. Again, the Bible concurs.

3.      Anthropological (Greek word anthropos, “man”). Because man is a moral and intellectual being (certainly this greatly distinguishes humans from animals), he must have a maker who likewise is moral and intelligent (Acts 17:29). Man’s moral nature, religious instincts, conscience, and emotional nature, tell us....there is a God! Yes, the Bible agrees.

4.      Ontological (Greek word on, “being”). Man inherently harbors the notion of a Perfect Supreme Being. This notion includes the idea of existence, since a being, other- wise perfect, whom did not exist would not be as perfect as a perfect being who did exist. We conclude that, since the idea of existence contains the idea of the Most Perfect Being, logic and reason tells us that the Most Perfect Being must exist.

By Jeff Smith

 

DARWIN’S CHALLENGE

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harles Darwin stated in The Origin of Species, “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down” (emphasis mine). That was an amazing challenge from the father of modern evolution. Little did he realize that his challenge would be met head-on and vanquished. The amazing thing is that it came from the scientific community that so long has heralded Darwin’s theory as fact!

The academic and scientific world has recently been shaken by Lehigh University biochemist Michael Behe who has written Darwin’s Black Box: The Biochemical Challenge to Evolution. Though not necessarily promoting the Genesis record of creation, Behe has, according to his book, proven that these complex organs do exist. In the world of cells and molecular machinery there is evidence of “an intelligent designer.”

Behe responded to Darwin’s challenge by asking himself which biological system could not be formed by slight, successive, modifications over an extended period of time. He believed it would be a system which he explains as “irreducible complexity.” That is, “a system composed of several well-matched, interacting parts that contribute to the basic function, wherein the removal of any one of the parts causes the system to effectively cease functioning.” He illustrates this with a simple mousetrap. All five components of the trap have to be in place simultaneously in order to function. The trap could never have “evolved,” but had to have been “made” by a designer. So it is with the basic cell in the world of biochemistry. Hence, for such a design, there is of necessity ..... a master designer. We know Him to be God! Chance could never produce these complex “irreducible” systems.

Though the jury is still deliberating, is it possible that Behe’s book has dealt a death blow to evolution? Men and women of The Book have never doubted the veracity of the Genesis account. Such “proof’ is unnecessary, yet it is a shot in the arm to Bible believers in this age of skepticism and “scientific discovery and advancement.” The Bible, unlike Darwin’s theory, has withstood all challenges. Unlike theories which come and go, Jesus Christ stands as a powerful, steadfast citadel to those who are called by His name. He is that “Intelligent Designer.” He is the Creator God!

By Jeff Smith

ELECTION

ince time began, all generations of mankind have had one consistent, common denominator. That denominator is self-exaltation or egotism. Since the so-called enlightenment of the 19^th century, humanism has risen to new heights, exalting and placing man at the center of everything, relegating the glorious God of the universe to second place, subservient to man and all his needs. God has become a genie to satisfy man’s egotistical desires.

The Bible clearly teaches a doctrine that is diametrically opposed to such thinking. The doctrine of election implicitly, if not explicitly, argues most convincingly that the Scriptures are indeed the divinely inspired Word of God!

What human mind could have conceived an idea as election, which is contrary to human inclinations, desires, and behavior? Only the mind of an infinitely glorious and wise God would have conceived such a concept and implemented it in an eternal plan for His creation. It is practically inconceivable that a human would have written the Bible for this reason alone ... it is just too humbling for all mankind. It gives absolute glory to the God of the Bible and really relegates man to his truly low place before a glorious God.

The Scriptures teach election (commonly known as predestination) to eternal life of certain people by God. The Westminster Confessions says, “Those of mankind that are predestined unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, according to His eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of His will, has chosen in Christ, unto everlasting glory, out of His mere grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creatures, neither condition or cause has moved Him thereunto, and all to the praise of His glorious grace.”

No one doctrine so exalts God and puts man in his rightful place. No one doctrine so implies the divine origin of Scripture. Man exists to “glorify God, and enjoy Him forever!” That’s divine, that’s our God. (See Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29-30 for a few among many verses concerning election.)

By Jeff Smith

THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

ncredible as it may seem, some still struggle with the question of whether God exists or not. It seems quite apparent to me that God has amply proven Himself time and time again since the creation until now. Just the magnificent beauty, harmony, and complexity of His creation alone should convince even the most hardened skeptic that it couldn’t just happen, but necessitated a designer, a master craftsman. There are many other solid proofs of God’s existence, some of which are solely philosophical in nature, yet should stimulate any true thinker.

One such philosophy is the naturalistic argument for God’s existence called ontology. This thinking comes from the Greek word “being”. It states that man inherently harbors the notion of a Perfect Supreme Being. This notion includes the idea of existence, since a being, otherwise perfect, who did not exist would not be as perfect as a perfect being who did exist. We conclude that, since the idea of existence contains the idea of the Most Perfect Being, logic and reason tells us that the Most Perfect Being must exist. I’ll explain in terms that are perhaps more understandable. Man, like a computer can only work with what is fed (like data or programming) into him by an outside source. Man as well, is incapable of a creative act, that is, to create or invent something from absolutely nothing (ex nihilo). Man is imaginative indeed, but can only work with what he’s seen, experienced, or heard of. Therefore, man, the philosophy states, could not create or invent the existence of a supreme and perfect being, if in fact, that being did not really exist.

You’ll notice that even Steven Spielberg in his imaginative trilogy of Star Wars had many fascinating creatures, yet none of them were something that no one’s ever seen before. They were merely re-workings of existing creatures. Man can only think about or imagine something that truly exists, he cannot create out of nothing. He could not even imagine a perfect divine supreme being if He, i.e., God, did not indeed, exist. Try it! Try to create or imagine something that has never been seen or heard of in all human history. It cannot be done, you can only work with that data that you have received. God really does exist, He’s not just a figment of some fertile mind.           

By Jeff Smith

GOD’S WAYS

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he existence of God has been debated for centuries. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence of a Creator God, men continue to ignore Him, blinding themselves to the obvious, becoming intransigent in their thinking. God Himself has declared in His Word that “His ways are not our [man’s] ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts.” Indeed that is true concerning the narrative of His own story, the Bible. Upon close scrutiny, one can see that the Bible is unlike any other piece of literature. The Bible unabashedly tells God’s story of creation, the fall of man, and redemption. It follows no human line of reasoning, because it is divine. Just one detail of Scripture points us to the Author, a God of grace, mercy, love, truth, and justice. God has revealed His nature through the pages of holy writ. Consider the ­people He has chosen to accomplish His redemptive plan. Surely no man could imagine such a plan. God has chosen not many “wise, mighty, or noble,” but rather the “foolish, base, and despised” to bring Him glory.

The Bible is replete with examples that are contrary to human reasoning and imagination. The Bible tells us that the bloodline of the Savior would be preserved from Adam until Christ. The righteous Able, slain by Cain would be replaced with brother Seth. God chose a cursed gentile to be an ancestor of Jesus Christ (Ruth, the Moabitess). Jesus would be born of the tribe of Judah. Judah, the patriarch himself, produced this “righteous seed” through the illicit relationship with his daughter-in-law! Even the Caananite woman, Rahab (a harlot by profession) was counted in the lineage of Christ. Why? God’s ways are not our ways! His great attributes are clearly shown by this display of redemption, pardon, and mercy.  These are not attributes notable to normal human behavior, much less the foundation upon which an incredible story would be told. One must ask how these could be the “righteous seed?” These incidences point to divinity.

Someone has called them, “God things.” Indeed the entire Bible is a “God thing.” Questioning God’s existence is ignoring the facts. Look deeply into all the evidence. “Seek and you shall find.” God is True, His Word is True!

By Jeff Smith

GOD’S WORD IS TRUE

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an has no inherent ability to predict the future. He has no faculty for prescience (an ability to know the future). He can only make vague, generalized predictions, but without accuracy, precision, consistency, or details. Only God can! And He has done it in His Word many times. In fact, God’s Word is full of detailed prophecies, many of which have already come to pass with total accuracy.

This kind of detailed prophecy, with 100% accuracy in its fulfillment, constitutes a claim that the Bible is indeed, unique....the revelation of God. Among many major prophecies in the Bible, one stands out as an incredible revelation of God’s truth, power, and glory.....Babylon. The prophet Isaiah predicted that Babylon (see Isaiah 13:19-22) would be destroyed like Sodom and Gomorrah (total annihilation) never again to be inhabited. It would become a dwelling place for the beasts of the desert, and no one would ever again dwell there, no, not even pitch a tent on the site of glorious and great Babylon. God fulfilled this prophecy with astonishing precision. What a daring prediction for a man like Isaiah. What an end for glorious Babylon, the greatest and richest city on earth of that era. Babylon was unsurpassed in culture, riches, education, architecture, power, and importance. Surely such a place could never come to such an ignoble end!

Babylon, in fulfillment of the prophet’s words, was invaded and destroyed by the Chaldeans of Cyrus the Great. By 116 AD it was a heap of ruins infested by wild animals, an unfit habitat for man or domesticated beasts. Even the nomadic tribesmen dare not even pitch their tents there. Their superstitious beliefs keep them from even passing a night on the ancient site of mighty Babylon. There is no road going to the site of this ancient fortress. A large part of the city lies beneath a deep bed of silt below the water table. Until the nineteenth century, Babylon was so desolate it was thought that it had never even existed. God’s Word is true. Babylon “stands” even unto this very day as God has said.....a tribute to God’s power, righteousness, and justice. His Word is true!

By Jeff Smith

GRACE

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hat most distinguishes Christianity from any other religion or belief system? There are many concepts, beliefs, and teachings basic to Christianity that find similar ideas in other religions, such as the incarnation (God becoming a man), the virgin birth, even redemption through sacrifice. Though most are different in many ways, they share the basic concept. There is however, one doctrine (teaching) that no other religion shares with true Christianity. Indeed, even within so-called Christianity (recognized by many as Christianity, yet are found wanting in the light of the Scriptures), the biblical teaching of grace is greatly distorted and has fallen into disrepute even among those that supposedly believe in her.

Grace, the very heart of Christianity, is foreign, even held in disdain by the world and her “great religions.” True grace found only within Christianity, so foreign to human thinking and behavior, can only be attributed to divinity. The Bible teaches that God is full of grace. Grace, coupled with divine mercy has paved the way for the redemption of man. The Reformers, led by Martin Luther, saw this biblical teaching as the heart and soul of Christianity, proclaiming that man can be redeemed by “sola gratia” that is, grace alone, which excludes all works or merit on the part of man. This runs totally counter to humanistic thinking, where man does what he can to earn favor. Grace, defined simply, is unmerited favor. All history has been replete with man striving to please either his god or gods, to earn heaven or eternal reward. All religions promote this very concept, and even Christianity itself fell into unrecognizable disarray in the middle ages due to the erosion of this fundamental doctrine of salvation by grace alone.

According to the Bible, man, because of his sinfulness, deserves death and eternal separation from God. Because of man’s total depravity and alienation from the eternal Creator God, no one has the capacity to please God or merit God’s favor. Contrary to man’s inherent tendencies, God alone made the choice to grant favor upon lost sinners and save some. Undeserving, our only hope is God’s grace and mercy as, with the Reformers, we continue to proclaim the Bible’s hallmark teaching that “salvation is of the Lord.”  Grace is divine and probably no other concept so eloquently speaks of a great Redeemer God, the God of the Bible, the God of all grace!    

By Jeff Smith

IMAGO DEI

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t would be utter foolishness for a rational person to ignore the past. As someone once said, “He who ignores the past is condemned to repeat it.” These are words of wisdom. They have amply proven to be an unquestionable truth. Along this line of reasoning, one should observe and strive to understand the common denominators that link practically all cultures throughout all human history. These insights will give a pretty clear picture of the “why,” “how,” and “who” questions that everyone seems to wonder about concerning human nature, our origins, and our destiny whether collective or individual.

Basically, all cultures have had a deep belief in the existence of a Supreme Being and of the supernatural, that is, the “spirit world” and the “hereafter.” Why is this such a strong and obvious common denominator of all peoples and their cultures? Why would practically everyone have these same basic beliefs? It’s rare to find someone who does not believe in the hereafter, or life/existence after physical death. Interestingly, this notion has increased of late, contradicting the so-called trend of “science” and technology replacing superstition and religion. Why has this always been so? Why does this continue to be? The obvious explanation is at our fingertips. The Imago Dei! The Bible has declared that God made man in His own image (Latin for Image of God). This article is not an exposition of what all that means, but merely the observation of human nature compared with what the Word of God teaches. Without a creator God, these common beliefs intrinsic to all mankind, make no sense. There is no reason for

such facts if the universe is random and chaotic, void of a sovereign God.

Though the image of God has been marred by man’s rebellion and subsequent fall, none-the-less, it exists in all of God’s creatures born of women. Though terribly distorted and virtually unrecognizable, the image of God in all persons gives each and every one a void in their very being that only God can fill. The last vestiges of the Imago Dei, though twisted in the natural man, provide this belief in a Supreme Being and the supernatural. It is inherent and intrinsic in every individual born into this world of woe. Logic and sound reason would not allow such an overpowering common denominator to be ignored. These things just don’t happen. There is a reason, and that reason is…….   the Imago Dei! The question remains, how to restore the original Imago Dei?

Yes, that is the quest of all humanity, the haunting question that can only be answered by the One who, two thousand years ago, gave His life to restore the Imago Dei.

By Jeff Smith

JESUS OF NAZARETH

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t is amazing to me that anyone could overlook or ignore Jesus Christ. Surely any person who thinks seriously about life, its meaning, or the hereafter, must consider Jesus. Pure logic itself would make us look into His claims, the way He lived His life, and the myriads of followers who continue to promote His teachings to this very day. The Bible tells us (II Corinthians 4:4) that one’s mind can be blinded to spiritual truth. That surely can be the only explanation for not receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, for as I have often mentioned, sound reasoning and pure logic would lead us to categorically either receive Jesus or reject Him as a lunatic. There can be no in-between!

Historian Philip Schaff captured this thought simply, yet eloquently when he said, “This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon. Without science and learning, He has shed more light on things human and divine than all the philosophers combined. Without the eloquence of schools, He spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet. Without writing a single line, He has set more pens in motion and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.”

How can we ignore this man? I believe to do so is fatal. Look into His claims, don’t take someone else’s word for it, discover for yourself that He is everything He claims to be ... it will change your life.

By Jeff Smith

ONE GOD

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he theory of evolution proclaims that everything is the result of a long process of  development, even religion. The acknowledged highest form of religion today is monotheism, the belief in only one God. Evolutionists believe monotheism is a modern (in evolutionary terms) development. Monotheism is indeed, very “advanced,” when one considers all the implications and the philosophical intricacies of a Creator God. Among Academia some doubt whether simple cultures even held to the concept of God.

Missionary, Robert Moffat, believed that the Tswana people of South Africa had no word for God and no idea that only one God exists. Moffat came to that conclusion after living forty-nine years among those tribal people. He was mistaken! A scholar named Pater W. Schmidt, in the early part of the 20^th  century, began a colossal endeavor to study the simplest people he could find. He set out to discover how primitive people, such as Japan’s Ainus and the pygmies of the African rain forest viewed the concept of a single Creator God. After extensive research, Schmidt wrote twelve large volumes on the Origin of the Idea of God (circa 1926). He found that most of the simplest people had a clear concept of the one great God. It is generally agreed that Schmidt’s findings are correct.

How can this idea be so pervasive in almost every culture? Our conclusion is that this concept is not developed through evolution, but is knowledge given by the Creator Himself. The Bible explains in Romans 1: 19-23 “ … because that which may be known of God is manifest in them  for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.”

Though greatly perverted, man has a basic belief in a Creator God. This couldn’t be developmental, but is intrinsic to all, once again speaking eloquently of the God of the Bible!

By Jeff Smith