Clear evidence demands belief.

Is Faith in God Reasonable?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:06:02 -0400

Richard Dawkins, atheist and best-selling author, claims that religious faith is “conviction that doesn’t seem to owe anything to evidence or reason.” He thinks one who believes in God takes “a leap in the dark” because he chooses faith over evidence. Is this true? Is faith nothing more than a feeling or a guess? Is it a conclusion reached apart from reason or real evidence?

Strangely, many religious people describe faith exactly the way Mr. Dawkins does. When asked why they believe in God or any religious doctrine, many say they do because either: (1) their parents believe it, (2) their preacher, pastor, rabbi, or imam said so, (3) they had some religious “experience,” or (4) they just feel it is right. If any of these is the main reason you believe in God, then indeed your faith is based on something other than real evidence.

Surely we understand that because something has been believed for generations doesn’t automatically make it true. Likewise, relying mostly on what a preacher says is unwise since he may be mistaken. Not every religious teacher is right; in fact, most disagree on many things. Religious “experiences” also don’t substitute for evidence as they are entirely subjective. People from different world religions claim to have “experiences” and, obviously, they don’t all agree. Beware when you are asked to have faith in something without being provided sufficient proof.

The Bible gives us a true definition of faith: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). Notice that the Bible connects evidence to faith. Though we do not see certain things (such as God), the available evidence leads us to faith. To illustrate, a jury may not have seen a murder take place, but upon examining the evidence presented in the courtroom, the jurors are led to a reasonable conclusion that the defendant is guilty. The court then recognizes that as fact and acts on it. Despite what Mr. Dawkins or any other atheist says, ample evidence exists for God. We can come to a confident faith in God based on the reasonable examination of that evidence.

Scripture clearly encourages us to reason with our minds (Isaiah 1:18). The Bible never asks us to “leave our brains at the door.” Jesus Christ never told people to accept what He said without question. He didn’t use force. He used reason and provided proof of what He was saying. Likewise, the apostle Paul persuaded people to understand truth through logical argumentation (Acts 17:2-3; 18:4,19; 24:25; Ephesians 3:4). Is this how you examine the important question of God?

The Evidence for God

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:04:06 -0400

How do we know God exists? Some people dismiss the idea of God if He can’t be found under a microscope, through a telescope, in a test tube, or in some mathematical formula. Since God is a spiritual Being (John 4:24) who exists over and outside the universe (Acts 17:24), our trying to find the substance of His Person through observation and experimentation is an exercise in vanity. The key to proving God’s existence is examining the evidence of His influence on the universe.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead...” (Romans 1:20). To illustrate, an artist may produce a magnificent painting and display it in a gallery. Anyone examining the artwork will easily conclude that an artist created it. The painting didn’t happen on its own; someone made it. When we look at the world, we see a brilliant work of art. We are in awe of its beauty and functionality. Consider the scientific laws under which the earth and the entire universe are governed. What kind of power and intelligence would it take to design and implement it all and make it work together so well? The only logical answer is Someone much greater and more powerful than the universe itself.

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3). We need not see God personally with our eyes to know that He is. What He has already done speaks loudly for His existence (Psalm 19:1-6).

Likewise, the complexity of the human body shows a designer (Psalm 139:13-14). Consider the biological systems that exist and work within us: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, reproductive, urinary, muscular, lymphatic, integumentary, and endocrine. These systems are interdependent. Each of them could not have, by chance, “evolved” independently of the others. Someone designed and placed them there all at once. Someone coded all those genetic instructions into our DNA molecules. Who do you think that was?

The ecosystem of the earth (with its large variety of animals, insects, and plants) provides a perfectly balanced food chain and breathable atmosphere so that life is sustained. How could this have happened by chance? The more reasonable conclusion is that God “gives to all life, breath, and all things.” (Acts 17:25).

God’s influence in His Creation can also be proven by examining the evidence: (1) that the Bible is His revelation to mankind, and (2) that Jesus Christ of Nazareth was raised from the dead. (More on these in later articles.) Will you humbly acknowledge Him who created all life and showed us the way to eternal life?

The Inspiration of Scripture

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:02:52 -0400

Is the Bible from God, or is it man-made? No greater question can be asked. Everything depends on the answer. If Scripture is Divine in origin, then it contains absolute truth and we must respect it and submit to it with all our being. But if the Bible is human in origin, then we must reject it as a lie and a hoax. There is no middle ground.

What does the Bible claim for itself? It says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Greek word for “inspiration” here literally means “God-breathed.” In other words, God is the source of “all” Scripture. All of it is a product of the power of His breath or speech. Every part of Scripture is fully and completely inspired, down to the very words. Hence, it has tremendous value to the Christian who understands it is given to guide his life.

The Bible also says “that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20-21). This passage discusses how prophecy came. It never originated from man or from any human initiative. God’s prophets weren’t speaking their own human opinion in the recording of God-breathed Scripture. They spoke under the control of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit prompted them inwardly to say the things God wanted them to say at the time He wanted them said. In other words, God supplied His words directly to the prophet’s mouth for speaking. He said to Jeremiah, “Behold, I have put My words into your mouth.” (Jeremiah 1:9). To Moses He said, “I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12). David said, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.” (2 Samuel 23:2). Jesus told His apostles that their speech would likewise be used by God: “for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:20). Since these men spoke by the direction of God, their words are completely trustworthy.

Jesus said about Scripture, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). He affirmed that every word from God written down is the standard by which we are expected to live. Scripture is authoritative. We must heed it.

The prophets who recorded for us the words of God lived in different times and places, wrote in different languages and forms, and came from different backgrounds. Despite this, they, without reservation, quote from one another without contradiction, recognizing the parts they recorded are linked to and are dependent upon the whole. They all constantly and consistently reaffirm that the ultimate source of their writings (and those of their predecessors) is the Lord God of Heaven. What will you do with God’s Scripture? Since He is our judge, we pray you will live by it.

The Reliability of the Gospels

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:01:18 -0400

Evidence for the life of Jesus of Nazareth is presented in the Gospels: the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. How reliable are these written records? When we read them, are we getting an accurate account of what Jesus actually said and did?

These questions are important because the gospels are our main source of information about the earthly life of Jesus Christ. If they are unreliable or undependable, then our knowledge of Him is greatly limited. If they are precise historical records, then they serve a valuable purpose in educating us about the most incredible person in history.

It should be noted that historical evidence is sufficient in itself to prove something as fact. Empirical evidence (evidence based on experimentation) is only rarely available to those studying ancient history, and thus not usually essential in determining historical facts. To illustrate, the life of Genghis Khan cannot be established in the laboratory.

Historians collect data on people and events based on eyewitness accounts, written documents, public records, or archaeological finds. Using the materials available, one could determine the facts about persons such as George Washington or Julius Caesar, or find out what happened at the Battle of Waterloo. Public records are commonly used to prove when a person lived or died, or to verify that he graduated from a certain school, or to show that he was married. Some historical events are known only by eyewitness account, such as in courtroom cases when a person testifies to what he has personally seen in the past. Written testimony is admissible in a court of law.

The gospels present us with the written testimony of at least four eyewitnesses to Jesus Christ. These men claim to have lived in the same generation as Jesus with the opportunity to observe Him very closely: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life -- the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us -- that which we have seen and heard we declare to you...” (1 John 1:1-3a).

These men understood that their historical record serves an important purpose in revealing to mankind the miraculous deeds of Jesus: “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:30-31).

If their testimony is true, we have more information about Jesus Christ than any other person in ancient history. That evidence tells us Jesus was more than just a man; He is the Son of God.

The Testimony of Matthew

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:59:26 -0400

Matthew, the author of the gospel of Matthew, was also called “Levi.” (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27,29). He was a Jew who worked for the Roman government as a tax collector in Capernaum near the Sea of Galilee. That was his occupation until Jesus of Nazareth came to his office and said, “Follow me.” (Matthew 9:9). Matthew immediately became a disciple of Jesus and, soon afterwards, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles (10:2-4). For three years, Matthew witnessed the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, then recorded a history of His life in the first book of the New Testament.

In his gospel, Matthew didn’t identify himself as the author, but the early Christians knew it came from him. Papias of Hierapolis (A.D. 70 - 140) wrote that “Matthew compiled the words in the Hebrew speech, and everyone translated them as best he could.” (Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3:39:16). That Matthew’s original document was in Hebrew (or Aramaic, a form of Hebrew) and intended especially for a Jewish audience was also affirmed by Irenaeus (5:8:2) and Origen (6.25.4). The content of the gospel shows it: Special attention is given to the Jewish genealogy of Jesus from Abraham (Matthew 1:1-17), and Matthew quotes the Law and the Prophets over 35 times. Jewish customs are mentioned as though the reader is already familiar with them.

Early manuscripts of Matthew available to us are in the Greek language. As Papias implied, Matthew’s gospel was quickly translated into another language, which would have been Greek, the common language of the day. In analyzing the Greek documents, F.F. Bruce, a modern scholar, confirms that there is a Hebrew Aramaic substratum that underlies Matthew’s gospel. In other words, when the Greek words are translated back to Aramaic, “they are seen to be marked by regular poetical rhythm, and even at times, rhyme,” especially in the words of Jesus. (NT Documents, p.39).

It is not surprising that Matthew was chosen to compose one of the gospels. The amount of detail and scrutiny required of a first century tax collector in making precise records for the Roman government would have given Matthew the necessary skills to fulfill his task in accurately recording Jesus’ life.

Matthew’s emphasis is that Jesus of Nazareth is the obvious fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies, hence He is the Messiah. (The word “fulfilled” is used 16 times.) In addition, Jesus’ miracles, teaching, and resurrection from the dead, give additional proof that Deity came in the flesh to provide us salvation from our sins. Matthew ends with Christ’s Great Commission: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.” (28:18-20).

Matthew saw the Lord with his own eyes, and with other witnesses, gave us written historical evidence of the greatest Man that ever lived: Jesus, the Son of God.

The Testimony of Mark

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:19:37 -0400

John Mark, the writer of the Gospel of Mark, had connections to prominent people in the early church. He was a cousin to Barnabas, a zealous Christian who the apostles nicknamed, “the Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Mark’s mother’s house was a sanctuary for Christians when Herod Agrippa I began persecuting the apostles, killing James and imprisoning Peter. When Peter was freed, he went directly to her house, knowing brethren were there praying for him (Acts 12:12).

Mark frequently assisted the apostle Paul, including accompanying him and Barnabas on a preaching trip to Cyprus (Acts 12:25 - 13:13). Because Mark prematurely left them and returned home to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas disputed over whether to include him in further travels. This led the two men to work in different directions: Paul went with Silas north to Syria, and Barnabas took Mark again to Cyprus (Acts 15:36-41). Paul later overcame his hesitation about Mark and saw him as a valuable and necessary co-worker (Philemon 24; 2 Timothy 4:11).

Mark’s service also proved valuable to Peter as the apostle considered him “my son” (1 Peter 5:13). Mark’s connection with Peter gave birth to the Gospel of Mark. Papias of Hierapolis (A.D. 70 - 140) records an earlier source that, “Mark, having become the interpreter of Peter, wrote down accurately... whatever he remembered of the things said or done by Christ.” (Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3:39:14-15). Mark’s Gospel is a translation of Peter’s words from Galilean Aramaic into Greek, the common language of the day. F.F. Bruce, a modern scholar, comments: “There is no lack of evidence in his Gospel that much of the material originally existed in Aramaic; his Greek in places preserves the Aramaic idiom quite unmistakably.” (NT Documents, p.37). Second century sources, such as the writings of Irenaus (Heresies III 1:1) and a prologue in 38 Old Latin translations of Mark, confirm that Peter was the source for Mark’s writings.

Close examination of Mark’s Gospel reveals that it was written primarily for a Roman audience. Jewish customs are explained to the reader (Mark 7:2-4,11) as though he is unfamiliar with them. The narration is concise, fast moving, and full of action. The word “immediately” or “straightway” is used 40 times. The power of Jesus as the Son of God is emphasized in the recording of 18 of His miracles. A Roman audience would appreciate the strong, swift narrative.

When we open the Gospel of Mark, we have before us first-hand details of Jesus’ life as spoken by the lips of the apostle Peter. He was an eyewitness (Acts 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 1 Peter 5:1; 2 Peter 1:16) to the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord. He also heard Jesus say, “Go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16). Will we listen?