Where Are You?

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This has become an obvious point of debate among the world of science and theology. But perhaps when the reader goes beyond the date of when it all began to the place of where it all began to fall apart we see the essence of correct theology from a Christian perspective.

Let's just assume that the narrative of the Bible is true (Gen 1-2). Not to debate times and places based on writings or artifacts. But that maybe it really did happen the way it was written.

Adam and Eve were walking around in the Garden of Eden. Minding their own business, enjoying one another's company, eating the vegetation produced among the earth, mingling with the creatures, and responsibly displaying a deep appreciation of all that they were given.

And then one day...

There was a creature with an incredible ability not only to speak, but to cunningly and deceitfully convince these two humans to act irresponsibly by disobeying the one command given to them in the garden.

And the consequences...

They were naked and ashamed. They were already undressed yet perfectly content, but now there came a sense of shame for their deeds before ever encountering the Person whose law they had disobeyed (Gen 3).

What is so stunning is how God initiates the dialogue with Adam and Eve. "Where are you?" Consider that question as opposed to "What have you done?" I think the question God asks sets the tone of His intentions.

God's primary objective is not to question our acts of disobedience. His primary objective is to pinpoint our location. Why? Because His primary objective is not condemnation rather reconciliation (Rom 8:1).

 

How Do I Know God Exists?

     In recent weeks there has been dialogue and debate of the existence of God. Does God exist? Is Jesus really God's Son? Does the Bible produce viable evidence for science? The debate between Ken Hamm and Bill Nye on the subject of creation vs. evolution produced much social media attention. And the "Son of God" movie produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey is beckoning the attention of many movie critics to its historical accuracy and supernatural claims.

     I admit that I'm no scientist, scholar, or theologian so I suppose my perspective will be elementary at best. However, I like Peter and John, cannot deny what I have seen and heard to be true (Acts 4:20). Much, in fact all, that I claim to be true is on the basis of faith and personal experience. However, what we must all come to grips with is that truth does exist whether we accept it or not.

     So, how do I know or why do I believe that God exists? Here are five reasons I believe God exists and why I believe God's Word to be true:

Creation - He made. (Gen 1:1; Rom 8:28)
Because I believe God made all things and He is making all things to work for good I have reason to worship a sovereign God.

Covenant - He promises. (Gen 6:18; Jer 31:31; Heb 7:22-25)
Because I believe God keeps His promises I have reason to worship a faithful God.

Revelation - He came. (John 1:1, 14: Col 2:9)
Because I believe God came in the form of flesh through Jesus Christ I have reason to worship a personal God.

Salvation - He saves. (John 3:17; Acts 4:12; Rom 1:16)
Because I believe God has the power to save me from my sin I have reason to worship a loving God.

Elevation - He will return. (John 14:3; 1 Thess 4:16; Rev 19:11-16)
Because I believe God through Christ will return I have reason to worship an eternal God.

     Do you believe God exists? Are you living as if God exists? Craig Groeschel says that a Christian atheist is one "who says he believes in God but lives as if He doesn't exist." For the unbeliever, may the Spirit of God draw you to the truth of God's existence where you may find forgiveness and the need for repentance (2 Peter 3:9). For the believer, may the Spirit of God keep you close to the truth that your light may shine to the world around you (Matt 5:16).