As I stated in my last post, as understanding of God is so important to our faith! Its also important to how we view the world and our surroundings! To begin, lets ask the question, "Is there a God"? Thats a legitimate question. As Christians, we will have to address that question at some point with someone. So, to answer that question I'll quickly use the concept of morality (or good and bad). Then I will address what the bible says about this question. If we understand that there is right and wrong (everyone will have to agree on this at some level if they are a reasonable person), then we have to ask how we know there is right and wrong. The answer to that is easy. We were all made in the image of our creator and it was He that stamped that image onto our hearts. To even understand the the difference between right vs. wrong, and justice vs. injustice proves that "someone" outside of ourselves must be present. This "someone" is the source of authority and the source of all that is right and good. That "someone" is God!
In Romans, Paul writes, "[19] For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." Romans 1:19-20 (ESV). In other words, every person that has ever lived can look out at creation and see that this had to be designed by a source of ultimate authority. They can see the stars at night, the trees, the rolling hills, the mountains, lakes, oceans, streams, animals, and people. Deep within they truly know that these things did not just "appear" from nothing. Nor did they "evolve" into something over time. After all, science proves the existence of God. It is science that states "from nothing, comes nothing"! There fore we know that something must have been before the nothing! And that something is God. So, Paul states that we can see evidence of God in His creation and we are without excuse! Those are tough words...But they are truth. When we die or Jesus comes back and we stand before God to give an account of our lives, no one can say, "I didn't have enough proof that you existed!" or "Why didn't you just reveal yourself to me". God's given proof for his existence. He has shown he exists to every person. Again, look outside. Look in the mirror! Creation is proof enough. The problem is not whether there is or there is not a God. The problem is some people do not want to ACKNOWLEDGE that there is a God. They do not want to admit that there is a supreme being of authority who reigns over their life. If they admit that, then they know that they can't be their own God. It was the serpent, Satan in the Garden they gave these false words to Eve, [4] .. “You will not surely die. [5] For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5. People who don't acknowledge God, want to be God. If They want total control of their own life. They want no authority over them. If they acknowledge there is a God, then people understand that one day they must answer to Him. I hope I have established that there is a God! So, in my next blog-otional, I will discuss what is God like. Take some time this week to think about who God is. Think about God our Creator. For further study read: Genesis 1 and Romans 1.
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I grew up in churches that emphasized emotional experiences over the truth of God's word. I usually heard that theology and doctrine were divisive and all that mattered was how we loved God with our heart. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that the Holy Spirit operates within people and has gifted them according to his will. I believe we must love God with ALL our heart, as well. I do feel that I was somewhat misguided by this understanding as I always longed for a move of God that made me feel a certain way. I would often read the Bible out of context and try to place scripture into my personal thoughts on God and my emotional experiences. Obviously, I did it wrongly! You see, God wants us to not only love Him with our heart, but also with our mind! It's very difficult to love someone you do not know. I would have never fell in love with my wife if I didn't get to "know" her. I got to know what she liked, how she thought, what she wanted from me. It's the knowledge of her and who she is that gave me a deeper love and understanding for my wife. God is no person, however, he does desire his creation do be in relationship with him. So, he wants us to know Him with our minds! He has given us His Word to teach us about Himself. To be properly grounded in our relationship with God, we need to know Him with our mind. We need to know who He really is, what he desires, what He hates, who we are in light of Him, and what He has done for us. That's really what theology is! My desire is for the students that I teach to love God with their heart, but in order to do so, they must have a right understanding of who he is. I want students (and myself!) to continually love God with their minds, as well. That means, we must open scripture and read diligently to find out who God really is and what he is saying to us! We continually pursue true knowledge and understanding, which is only found in scripture. That is why we study God's word and from our understanding of who God is, we can begin to understand his Word and our world more. I want students to LOVE theology! With my blog-otionals, I want you to think rightly and grow deeper in your understanding of the truth of God, which is found in His Word! So take some time and read through the following passages. Think about how God has called us to love theology (a proper knowledge of Him!).
-Romans 12:1-4 - Hosea 4 -2 Peter 3:18 - Phillippians 3:8-10 As we continue to look at Theology, I'll write more in a few days on the nature and character of God. Until then, keep studying' the word!!! |
AuthorJoe Burrows Archives
May 2017
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