Proof

Proof, Part XVIII

2010-07-03T13:27:53Z

In ancient times there was a reality, in order to kill a God you must kill it's people. Although there is evidence of mixture of cultures and religious activities at times throughout history, another idea is certain. When empires took over and destroyed regions around them, they destroyed everything including their parchments, their statues, the images of their gods, their relics, synagogues, and temples. This was always a bold statement to the conquered people. It demoralized them and the victor not only boasted that he (as King) was more powerful but that his god or gods were more real and also more powerful. This was common place throughout history. The Egyptians had an empire, as did the Greeks, as did the Babylonians, as did the Assyrian's, and Romans, and so on. None of their empires stand today, nor do the religions or gods that they worshipped except Christianity which was adopted later in the Romans case. Paganism died as a major religion because their empires and people were conquered.

Yet, there was this small band of people called the Israelites and Judeans that believed in the one true God and even they were corrupted by pagan religions and served Asherah, Molech, and Ba'al at times. For this, God punished them as He prophesied and warned them that He would. When you look at history, something very interesting is noticed. Israel has been conquered from their land many times. They were always small, they were always surrounded by enemies, those enemies were always stronger with more weapons and resources. Israel was not only conquered many times, temples destroyed, writings burned, temple items melted down to pure gold, but they were also exiled from their land many times. More than any other people in recorded history.

Yet, every time they were conquered, it would not be long until they were back again. When you consider all of these events and the events of the holocaust, it is a wonder that this people still remain. They do not only remain but also still remain in their land that God gave them and thrive. The Muslims (who also suffered perseceution throughout history) broke off from Jewish decent and we as Christians are adopted members of God's family through Christ. Christians who were once just 100 people strong... killed and murdered daily by the Romans and Jews yet they continued to thrive and multiply their numbers even at the cost of their own life.

Though in modern times we have shamefully (ignoring God's teachings and in arrogance) perseceuted and been at war with our own. Yet, a small band of tribes has now become and makes up 65 percent of the worlds population. Persecueted, killed, abandoned, destroyed, bibles and scrolls burned, temples ruined, people exiled, crucified, impaled, burned at the stake, and banished from their land. Jews and Christians being the most destroyed people, the most persecueted of all time, now thrive and outnumber any other world view. Is it any wonder that little historical evidence remains? They can try to kill us, although they will try again and again... they will never kill or be rid of us and they will never kill our God. He, like us... is eternal!

In this, it is true, God chooses those that are weak, He chooses the small things, those that suffer, those that are poor, those that are humble and frail, those of a broken heart, to put to shame all other things and lift those He calls His (in due time), to greatness and to great riches. Is this not true in David's case, Christ's case, or Joshua's case, or in any other case? One day, I assure you, though we have been tried and suffered scorn, ridicule, pain, weakness, poverty, persecuetion, and death, we will be the greatest people that ever lived.

^{Judges 6:14-16}

¹⁴The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"

¹⁵"But Lord , " Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."

¹⁶The LORD answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."

Proof, Part XVII

2010-07-02T13:59:54Z

One of my favorite arguments to pick apart is that the Atheist thinks that if God were a God of love, He couldn’t possibly be just. Therefore, He does not exist. In other words, God has no right to send me to hell. If He does that, He’s just as evil. Since God is a God of love it contradicts His existence. Another whine moment for the Atheist. I know that they want to do as they please, and wallow in sin without consequence, but it just doesn’t work that way. God’s not sending people to hell, they are sending themselves and He has given them every opportunity (or will) to receive Jesus and believe. Yet, I also know that God is just and this means that He will judge, each of us, by the same standards. He will be equal and fair and I am sure He will take many things into consideration on a person by person basis. Yet, Jesus is the ultimate life giver as He paid the penalty of sin in our place. It is not for me to judge other people, because judgment belongs to God and no one else but it is evident in the bible that God does not want anyone to perish. I believe He will do everything He can to save us but then again, considering what Jesus did, seems to me that He already has.

As He states “I have set before you today blessing and cursing, life and death. Therefore, choose life.” In other words, don’t be foolish and choose death. Why would anyone do that? What sense does that possibly make? It is not for God to choose, (even though He has chosen us) the choice, and the consequences of making the wrong one, fall squarely on each individual.

This effectively goes back to my gravity story. Little Johnny and God are standing on top of the Empire State Building and God says, "I created Gravity to be balanced and perfect for life and to support life as you know it. Ya know, gravity is great and all and certainly necessary for you but there is a couple of things you must keep in mind. First, it will always benefit you if you live within the boundaries of the law of gravity BUT, secondly, if you decide to jump off this building… you will die. That’s the way the system works. So, listen here little Johnny, don’t be stupid and get all full of yourself and try to test that theory but instead trust in what I say because I understand things that you don’t. You must trust me little Johnny, ok?”

Johnny sticks his tongue out at God and says… “I don’t believe you!” “You are a liar!” “I am jumping off anyway, you stupid God can’t tell me what to do!” “I make the rules, you don’t!”

So, little Johnny jumps. God looks down shaking His head in panic and disbelief and says. “I LOVE YOU,.... BUT YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!” Johnny yells back at God, “Heeeeyyyyy! No fair.” SPLATT!!!!

^{Deuteronomy 32:39}

³⁹ "See now that I myself am He!
       There is no god besides me.
       I put to death and I bring to life,
       I have wounded and I will heal,
       and no one can deliver out of my hand.

Proof, Part XVI

2010-06-28T13:26:58Z

I once was a young Christian and then an Atheist. It happened so many years ago. I became a stout and arrogant skeptic. At the time I thought, no one (and no not anything) can be trusted. I tried God out for years and He just never showed for me. I was angry, felt lied to, and crushed. Answers to prayer did not come, and His word made no sense to me. That experience made me hate Him and everything associated with Him. Though I was an hardened Atheist, I spent the next few years in studying every major religion and even mystic thought (I guess I was still looking for something). Years later, He led me back to Him and after some time, in a quiet moment, while writing a journal entry on thankfulness, I all of the sudden stopped writing and then resumed to write these words.

“You were not ready. If I had shown myself to you then, you would’ve been forever lost; you would’ve messed it up to the point of no return. You needed that time. You needed the experience. I had to do it, in order to break you. I needed to show you your own weakness and frailty. You would have never understood the way you do now if I had not done it this way.

There were some places you needed to go to and some suffering you had to endure in order to see and understand the truth. You even needed the sin and to come face to face with those things. Remember that I told you, he who has little to be forgiven of; loves little but he that is forgiven of much; loves much.

I knew what you would become long before you ever were. I did not call you to be a healer, I did not call you to work great miracles, I called you to sow seed. It is an amazing thing to accept who you are and what I created you to be. You needed humility and to be broken in order to have the desire to seek me. For all men hope for me. I made you a skeptic to win the skeptic. I made you to know exactly how one feels and the questions one asks so that you would be a hard stone to them, but I never left your side. I was with you all along.”

I tried to keep writing, but I could not. The emotion was overwhelming. I realized this one thing, I just wasn't at the right place or in the right frame of mind to understand such things back then. I wanted it so bad but sometimes what we want can not be received. It is true that God has His own timing and trying to force His hand is not the answer but instead to seek Him out with faith and never stop. It dawns on me now that He is indeed close to those who are broken-hearted.

^{Psalm 10:1-4}

¹ Why, O LORD, do you stand far off?
       Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

² In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
       who are caught in the schemes he devises.

³ He boasts of the cravings of his heart;
       he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

⁴ In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
       in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Proof, Part XV

2010-06-13T10:13:22Z

The dragon (leviathan) has been a legend and myth spanning many centuries amongst many cultures. However, the dragon is no myth for God speaks of this creature in great detail in the book of Job. God speaks to Job out of the storm to humble him and make him understand that God is powerful and wrestling with God is like wrestling with one of His greatest works... the dragon. Attempts to tangle with or question God is like going toe to toe with a dragon. It is futile and senseless.

We know that the book of Job is extremely old. You can do research on this for yourself but I assure you that it is one of the older books of the Old Testament. Many biblical scholars presume it was written by Moses. As God speaks about this creature, it becomes apparent that the dragon was an animal that lived during Job's lifetime. Considering how fossils develop, fossils of any type are very rare. Despite this, I believe that Science may one day find fossils of this Leviathan creature which lived in the water but could also fly. The passage gives details of a fire breathing reptile-like creature that was extremely large and could fly. As mentioned before, this animal did not live in caves but water. After Job 41:10, He goes into even greater detail concerning His immense size, hide, fearsome teeth, and the fire that spews from His mouth. These verses help us to understand that the animal that God speaks of is directly linked to other verses where leviathan or dragon are used. In some cases, He uses this animal to discribe satan.

^{Job 41:1-10}

¹ "Can you pull in the leviathan with a fishhook
       or tie down his tongue with a rope?

² Can you put a cord through his nose
       or pierce his jaw with a hook?

³ Will he keep begging you for mercy?
       Will he speak to you with gentle words?

⁴ Will he make an agreement with you
       for you to take him as your slave for life?

⁵ Can you make a pet of him like a bird
       or put him on a leash for your girls?

⁶ Will traders barter for him?
       Will they divide him up among the merchants?

⁷ Can you fill his hide with harpoons
       or his head with fishing spears?

⁸ If you lay a hand on him,
       you will remember the struggle and never do it again!

⁹ Any hope of subduing him is false;
       the mere sight of him is overpowering.

¹⁰ No one is fierce enough to rouse him.
       Who then is able to stand against me?

Proof, Part XIV

2010-06-13T08:57:17Z

The book of Job was written (according to many scholars and historians) around the time of 400 BC and some claims are that Moses wrote it even earlier, but we can not be certain of that. Our most clear, physical evidence of it, is the Codex Sinaiticus which is a mostly complete bible dated the 4th century AD. That's the best we have. We know this because it was written in Kione Greek which was used only during this time period. We have other fragments that are older but that is not important.

It is interesting that as God goes on to talk to Job... He mentions two things. The behemoth and the Dragon. Here is the excerpt on the behemoth. It is clear to me, although my opinion, that He is referring to a dinosaur. Many, many centuries before the first dinosaur fossil was discovered in 1676. Of course, He didn't refer to it as a dinosaur because that name wasn't given until after 1842. He may have been speaking about Moschops, Bagaceratops, or Euoplacephalus. No one knows for sure but it is an interesting read. This would also indicate that a type of dinosaur lived during Job's time. One of God's first works.

(Job 40:15-24)

15 "Look at the behemoth,
which I made along with you
and which feeds on grass like an ox.

16 What strength he has in his loins,
what power in the muscles of his belly!

17 His tail sways like a cedar;
the sinews of his thighs are close-knit.

18 His bones are tubes of bronze,
his limbs like rods of iron.

19 He ranks first among the works of God,
yet his Maker can approach him with his sword.

20 The hills bring him their produce,
and all the wild animals play nearby.

21 Under the lotus plants he lies,
hidden among the reeds in the marsh.

22 The lotuses conceal him in their shadow;
the poplars by the stream surround him.

23 When the river rages, he is not alarmed;
he is secure, though the Jordan should surge against his mouth.

24 Can anyone capture him by the eyes,
or trap him and pierce his nose?

Proof, Part XIII

2010-06-05T13:55:31Z

Atheism is a religion. Clearly they have no proof of their beliefs. Macro evolution is not proof. The big bang is not proof. They weren't there and neither was I. They are just believing what they are told with conviction. They are just like us in many ways. Despite this, I may be no scientist (thank God for that) for I would rather be humble. I also know that most Atheists are also not scientists.

Yet I am smart enough to know that I have purpose and that this life is not by chance and circumstance (anyone who has common sense can see that). I am also smart enough to have hope. For without hope in God there is no purpose to life. As a matter of fact, Science is just proving how awesome God is. Our little minds try so hard to understand God and look for Him but God is not found in the physical but in the spiritual.

It is almost funny that Atheists claim that when Religion was in power, or just getting started, that they lied to us. Trying to control the masses with a book and code of morals. Yet, Science, politics, and the media are much of what shapes our cultural thought today. Do you think they are incapable of lying to us? Yes they are capable of lying, because as unbiased as they come off, Science is loaded with scientists that have such strong convictions that God does not exist, that they will use Science as a tool to prove they are right. They are just as passionate about Him not existing as we are about God. Using their so called proof and evidence as a means to scoff and hate and spread their arrogance.

Their theories are not falsifiable, nor are they testable, nor are they repeatable. They have stumbled at the stumbling stone. Where ever there is money, power, and influence... man will use it to suit his own purposes. We are little pawns... simpletons... believing what the smart people tell us to believe! The word of God rules. Once you have read it over and over again and prayed for His wisdom (seeking Him spiritually). He will reveal all things to you in time.

If there is a God, then there is also a satan. If salvation comes by way of faith and belief in His Son. What do you think satan is trying to convince the world of?

^{2 Peter 3:3-7}

³Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,
⁴And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

⁵For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

⁶Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

⁷But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

Proof, Part XII

2010-06-04T10:04:20Z

I have heard people tell me that once they discovered Santa Claus was not real that they were crushed. It seems that many people may even consider this a traumatic experience while growing up. This was also a time of great pain for me when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I felt lied to. At times, I hear many Atheists claim that believing in God is like believing in Santa Claus. They claim it is just as preposterous. About three years ago, I, all of a sudden knew by what seemed to be revelation, that Santa Claus served a real purpose in my life and it was no accident nor was it intended to be deceptive. I know it sounds silly, but just bear with me. I'm not sure why God drives me to write about this but there must be some purpose to it.

Did Santa Claus exist in history? Yes, he did. His name was Saint Nicholas of Myra. There are other figures in history (in various countries) that claim that Santa Claus was someone else but Saint Nick of Myra is the primary source for the legend. What did Saint Nicholas do? He was extremely generous in giving to the poor. Many parents, friends, and relatives give gifts to each other on Christmas. We Christians do so because it represents the birth of Jesus Christ. At His birth three wise men brought Him gifts. However, we also carry on the tradition of Saint Nicholas and give gifts to others in somewhat of a memorial to Saint Nicholas's great generosity. In other words, we carry on the spirit of his giving.

Is Christmas pagan? Many have claimed that it was mixed with paganism and that Jesus was not born on Christmas. However, the only thing that matters is how YOU view Christmas and what it means to you and how you respond to it. So now, let's ask this question. The ultimate question. Does Santa Claus exist? Yes, he does. He existed and died and WE carry on the spirit of his giving. This is related to Christ more than you could possibly realize because Christ also existed. Jesus also died and rose again but He doesn't appear physically in this world... or does he? If I carry on the spirit and essence of what he stood for, am I not a representation of Jesus? So does Jesus exist? Yes, he does. Does Santa Claus exist? Yes, he does. They both live on through us. Now, I'm not saying that Santa Claus should be considered exalted like Jesus. I am only giving you another way to look at things. I needed Santa Claus in order to establish belief in things I can not see. It was beneficial to me and necessary for me. It made me realize that if I want to see evidence of Jesus in the physical world, I need only look in the mirror.

John14:9-10

⁹Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? ¹⁰Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?

Proof, Part XI

2010-06-03T10:48:01Z

Many times I hear the argument that God can not be a God of love for there is so much evil and suffering in the world. Some think that this argument proves that God does not exist, for if He did, He would never allow such things to go on.

However, the ones who say such things are clearly ignorant of the word of God and void of His wisdom. God allows evil and satan to work in this world. He allows satan to cause destruction, pain, suffering and death. He does so to break our arrogance, bringing us to our knees, to make us understand that we are mortal, to shame us, to bring us to the end of ourselves. For it is only on our knees that we will accept, love, and honor Him and each other. Some will still call God evil but to those who say such things, He is an avenger of the weak, a sharp blade to the proud, a fierce King and punisher of evil. Yet to me, He is a just judge, a compassionate and merciful God, and lover of my soul.

The heathen rage against God to their own shame, not understanding that it is not HIS fault that things have to be this way, but instead it is clearly OUR fault. God is good and that is fact. He is NOT what is wrong with this world. WE are what is wrong with this world and Jesus IS the solution.

^{Job 13:26-28}

²⁶ For you write down bitter things against me
       and make me inherit the sins of my youth.

²⁷ You fasten my feet in shackles;
       you keep close watch on all my paths
       by putting marks on the soles of my feet.

²⁸ "So man wastes away like something rotten,
       like a garment eaten by moths.

Proof, Part X

2010-05-31T10:34:39Z

God is a Spirit. There is no way to prove Him through scientific study or to test the physical nature of God. You can not subject God to testing or put Him under a microscope or see Him through a high powered telescope. God created this physical world but He is clearly not physical, nor do the laws that govern this world apply to Him. He created laws of physics, gravity, matter, anti-matter, etc. for our lives in this physical world. We are subject to these laws but He is not subject to them. We try desperately to contain, explain, and reason what He might possibly be, through laws that He is not subject to.

Time is a constraint. Time is a real law that impacts each one of us. Yet, God is not subject to time. It is hard for us to understand this but God is not constrained by what He creates. He is there at your birth, there at your death, and every moment in-between at the same instant. God is not limited by time nor any of the other physical laws that seem to govern this universe.

This universe is vast and awesome and we are so small in comparision. Yet, on the inside of us is another universe of activity. We will never prove Him or disprove Him by means of scientific study. Although I have poked a little fun at belief and how you could relate it to the scientific method (See Proof, Part VIII and Part IX), proof only comes by way of experiencing Him and the only way to experience Him is to seek Him out. It is not His responsibility to prove or show Himself to us (as some arrogantly presume) but it is up to us to search for Him with our whole heart. When we find Jesus, and believe the testimony that God gives about His Son, then we find the "way" to God and the clear personal proof of Him staring us starkly in the face.

^{Matthew 12:38-40}

³⁸Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."

³⁹He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Proof, Part IX

2010-05-29T14:05:12Z

SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF A CHRISTIAN:

ASK THE QUESTION: I wonder if God actually exists?

PERFORM BACKGROUND RESEARCH: May or may not perform background research.

Believes because their parents do it or indoctrinates them to believe.

Hears the word preached and believes the Gospel message of Jesus Christ without questioning. (Leap of Faith).

Presented with the fact that God requires repentance for their sins, submission to His authority, and a change in lifestyle, they respond with faith; accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and His gift of eternal life.

DEVELOP HYPOTHESIS: God exists!!

TEST YOUR HYPOTHESIS: If God is real, then He is spiritual. If He is spiritual then there are no tests that can be performed in the physical world to prove or disprove the Hypothesis. There are no controls, no variables and as such, testing can not be performed in this physical world.

So they think, maybe I should start reading His word and start going to church or hang out with other Christians. Person feels a desire for a closer relationship with God and understands that experiencing God in this way can only be found in His word, in prayer, fellowship, worship, communion, and sometimes fasting.

After time goes by, prayers are answered, lifestyle changes, start seeing the good in their life and in God, evidence and awe of Him in His word, evidence of Him starts to show itself in Creation, life is better because they now have hope, sees miracles, has gifts of the spirit, observes what other Christians are experiencing from a spiritual and physical stand point, and sees major personal and positive changes in their personality and character, etc. Now the person has personal spiritual evidence (or proof) that God exists.

RESULTS OF TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS: God exists!!!

ANALYZE RESULTS OF TESTING HYPOTHESIS: Person now has both faith and established personal proof in the existence of God.

REPORT RESULTS OF TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS: God exists and I am a child of God by way of adoption through Jesus Christ. I am a Christian.

Conclusion: They decide to accept Him, repent, and believe and become a Christian. Mainly they are believing what they are told or believing the message of the gospel that is preached and basing their belief of off other people’s opinion or maybe just what they were told to believe or indoctrinated to believe. Yet, either at conversion or during the next couple of months or years of their lives they experience overwhelming personal evidence of His mercy, grace, love, and have spiritual experiences that they can not explain. They gradually start to see spiritual and in some cases physical evidence of Him.

Now they have personal proof of God’s existence which can rarely be explained to someone but must be experienced and can only be experienced by blindly taking a leap of faith! Blindly believing without questioning.