The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome that, “…what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them“. The world we live in, the people we love, the many good things in our lives are all evidences of God’s grace.

It is easy for us to recognize the beauty in creation. How often have you watched a beautiful sunset over the horizon or admired the majesty of the mountains? Are you fortunate enough to live in a region where fall turns the leaves to brilliant bright colors? What about the purity of a freshly fallen snow?

For the animal lovers among us, who hasn’t been blessed with the friendship and loyalty of a pet? And young families never seem to tire of the zoo and wondering at the variety and personalities of all the animals, both big and small.

For parents, how much more love can one have than when they first held their newborn child? Did you not marvel at this life you had a part in creating? Your life changed from that moment on. And who doesn’t want to come to the defense of an innocent child in need? We may be skeptical when an adult is “in need”, but it is rare for us to doubt a small child that is in need.

God has given us His creation to demonstrate His amazing power and glory. However, too often instead of thanking Him and worshiping Him, we instead “exchange the truth about God for a lie and worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator” as Paul warned the Romans nearly two thousand years ago.

Let us direct our admiration and honor where it belongs; to the Creator who is blessed forever!

The question of whether or not there is a god must be the most critical of all questions. The difference between yes and no leads us into vastly different lifestyles. More importantly, the difference has eternal consequences. Everyone has their answer. The question is, how have you developed your answer to this essential question?

There are certain observable things that are so unexplainable to the human mind, it should lead a logical and unbiased person to the conclusion that there must be a greater power behind it.

Size and Magnitude of the Universe

• Our solar system, is 1.87 light years across (~11 trillion miles).
• Our galaxy is 100,000 light years across and contains ~200 billion stars.
• There are at least another 100 billion galaxies.
• The known universe is 92 billion light years across.

Did all of this happen by accident? Is it sustained by chance?

The Complexity of Life

Multitudes of books have been written in the debate of evolution and intelligent design. We do not have space to adequately address these arguments, nor do I have the intellect to thoroughly discuss the topic. But, look at the beauty of nature, where many diverse forms of life exist and create a self sustaining system. Or, consider the human body and its ability to heal, adapt, and learn. Certainly we can all agree that life is a beautiful and complex thing. In our pursuit of answering our god question, we have to address this question regarding the origins of life.

Beginnings

No matter which side of the debate you are on, you have to ultimately come to the conclusion that something or someone has existed forever. Can we believe something came from nothing? Where did it all begin? How did it all begin?

For Further Reading on this topic

As we begin the new year, here is a reminder for us of the critical importance of reading Gods Word on a daily basis.

1. Gods Word is our source of truth (instruction manual for life)

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

2. It is our source of spiritual life (your starving without it)

Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

3. It is our guide book for life (tells us how to go)

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

4. We are to teach others about it (so we have to know it ourselves)

Deuteronomy 11:19

Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

5. Gods Word convicts (which we desperately need)

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

6. DOING is vital to our effectiveness – hear then do!

James 1:22-25

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

A true friend and disciple of Christ, is one who is willing to encourage and correct. For most of us, encouraging others comes easy. But, correcting, rebuking, or holding others accountable does not. This is a matter of pride. We don’t want to be seen in a bad light. We don’t want others to be angry with us. We care more about ourselves than the other.

If we truly care for someone, we will make the effort to correct them when we see the need. Wouldn’t a parent stop a toddler from sticking a fork in a light socket, even though it will result in an angry response from the child? Obviously.  The parent loves them too much to allow them hurt themselves.

2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching

Too often, we see people making decisions that will lead to pain and judgment, but chose not to correct them with love and patience. The easier path is to ignore it. We tell ourselves we shouldn’t judge; its not our responsibility to say something.  But scripture tells us something different. We are not the judge; God is. But, we are messengers of His Word. We are called to reprove, rebuke, and exhort according to scripture.

My greatest friendships are those with whom I know I can count on to be faithful to this call towards me. They are faithful to scripture, to the Lord, and they have my best interest in mind. It is a rare friend that will be authentic in this way.

Jesus once rebuked Peter and called him Satan! He loved Peter dearly and was willing to correct him.

I want to be rare and authentic for the glory of God –  don’t you?