I would like to share with you a question that I was asked. Following the question is my answer.
Why does it appear that some men require less evidence of God or appear to have a deeper faith in God? Do those that have a better understanding or deeper faith in God work harder at understanding the evidence that God makes available?
The writer of Ecclesiastes says, See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes (Ecc.7:29). God made man with the capacity to know and relate to Him – it is what sets us apart from the animal kingdom.
For every person there is a unique mix of personal experiences (intellectual, physical, emotional) and habits of thought. But there is an issue below the surface of the evidential. Consider the Pharisees who witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus – an indisputable miracle – but they immediately set out to destroy Jesus. There was an agenda in their hearts and minds that did not even allow them to factor in the evidence. Human pride (self-preeminence) is at the core of unbelief. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
Below the surface of the evidential is the relational – “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). But as Paul tells the Romans, humans have become masters at suppressing truth – For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1:18, 21, 25).
Here’s a statement from a converted Harvard atheist: “If I wanted to continue forward in this investigation, I couldn’t let it be just an intellectual journey. Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ (John 8:31-32). I could know the truth only if I pursued obedience first.” This is why I like to use the word “surrender” when defining “faith.” This is far below the surface of working harder to understand the evidence.
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P.S. Remember that this Sunday, May 21st, is our first combined worship service with Vienna Baptist Church, 1831 Chickasha Dr, Pfafftown, 10:30 a.m.
No Sunday School or ABFs
There will be nursery and children’s church during worship.
Please take every opportunity to consolidate rides as parking space is limited.
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