Philosophical Arguments for God's Existence

Many folk (surprisingly to themselves) ask the big questions of philosophy.  For example, How did everything come into existence?  What is the purpose for everything?  What happens when I die?  Today, I just want to focus on one question I get asked more often than most (especially in the past couple of months) by Christians and non-Christians, alike...

What Proof is there for the Existence of God?

I will outline the three main ones that convict me, being "intelligent design" [especially communication], the "First Cause", and history/archæology.  These are not the only "simple" arguments, but they provide food for thought for discussion.


1.  Intelligent Design

Thought experiment -

Say you go to Mars.  You look in a crater and observe 3 000 000 boulders all perfectly aligned as an equilateral triangle.  Would you assume they were aligned by an intelligent entity?  It is not inconceivable that it is a natural phenomon (albeit, extremely unlikely).

Now, assume the exact same environment and you saw those boulders arranged as an exact letter to you, perfectly formed and grammatically correct in a particular language.  Would you consider that a natural occurence (even allowing for millions and billions of years)?

This is a trivial inanimate example of not only sentience, but intelligence.  

Have you ever considered that DNA is a language consisting of only 4 letters that tells cells in every living biological entity how to make new cells, and then tell the cells how to operate every single function (literally millions of operations).

This is an extreme oversimplification of irreducible complexity, but it conveys a point.


2.  First Cause

Most philosophers agree that anything's existence is not in itself.  All things exist from something prior to itself [despite Hawking's argument regarding a "Brief History of Time"].

3.  History and Archæology

A. The Holy Bible

The final and most compelling argument I believe philosophically, is that no other deity or religion contains an historic narrative that was written down as detailed prophecy (of a Messiah) in one volume hundreds of years earlier [the Old Testament] and fulfilled in detail (about Jesus the Christ) in second volume [the New Testament].

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Not only does it pass intense historic and archælogical scrutiny, but it is the world's first historic hypertext document linking in astonishing detail of 63,779 cross references over the ~1500 years it was written (visualised below).

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B.  Archæology

Biblical archæology has never been unsubstantiated.  In fact, much historic and archæological research is examined against the Bible, as even atheist and agnostic researchers utilise it's accuracy.

Many discoveries have been made based on the veracity of the Bible (eg. the existence of the Hittites).

C. History

There are more documented historical artefacts (especially records and documents) regarding the Bible than any other subject.

D.  Emmanuel - God with Us

This leads onto the final reason I want to share regarding history, being the direct evidence of Jesus Christ (as an historical figure) acknowledged by Christians and atheists alike.

There is only one concurrent document pertaining to Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon into Rome [by Suetonius], yet it is established as historic fact.  

There are several extra-biblical records that discuss Christ and thousands about Christianity.  This doesn't include the tens of thousands of documents ensuing from theological studies over the millenia.

Biblical References for Life at Conception

I have been recently asked to prove the statement that life begins at conception Biblically, as opposed to the philosophy that life doesn't begin until birth.  That is especially of interest with the forthcoming Sanctity of Life Sunday on May 24th 2020.

I offer up the following references from Scripture [ESV - English Standard Version]. 
(Please note this is not an exhaustive list.)

God knew us BEFORE we were born 


Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts. On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God.  Psalm 22:9-10

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.  Psalm 51:5

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.  Psalm 139:13-16

Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen.  Isaiah 44:2

Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, who formed you from the womb: “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself,  Isaiah 44:24

cf. Isaiah 49:1,  Isaiah 49:5

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.  Jeremiah 1:5

because he did not kill me in the womb; so my mother would have been my grave, and her womb forever great.  Why did I come out from the womb to see toil and sorrow, and spend my days in shame?  Jeremiah 20:17-18


Reactions of prenatal children


The foetal twins Jacob and Esau struggling in utero:

The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.”  ...


Jacob was born grasping Esau's heel:

When her days to give birth were completed, behold, there were twins in her womb.  The first came out red, all his body like a hairy cloak, so they called his name Esau. Afterward his brother came out with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.  Genesis 25:22-23, 24-26


The foetus of John the Baptist physically responded to the presence of the foetal Christ, moved by the Holy Spirit:

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit  ...

For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.  Luke 1:41, 44

Isaiah 53 - The Forbidden Chapter

I have written and preached previously on the Isaiah 53 because of its prophecy fulfilled, but it is one of the most significantly avoided passages in Judaism.  I've read it described as the "Rabbis' Torture Chamber".  It is referred by modern evangelistic scholars as the "Fifth Gospel".  Being written centuries before Christ and the New Testament period, I like to refer to it as the "Very First Gospel".  It teaches how to recognise the Messiah and His 'way of salvation'.

Isaiah Scroll

For centuries Rabbis acknowledged it was describing the Messiah.  They no longer teach it because it was fulfilled by Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth 2000 years ago.  That contributes to why so many Jews don't know Jesus and His atoning and vicarious work! 

Isaiah 53

This 10 minute Israeli video (captioned in English) shows evangelism in the Holy Land, but using the examination of the Hebrew Tanakh (our modern Old Testament) as it reveals the narrative of Jesus the Messiah.  Enjoy ... Isaiah 53 ~ The Forbidden Chapter.

Blessings in Christ,

~ John

Peace in Trials

Brothers and Sisters

I pray that you know the peace that passes all understanding that comes alone from Jesus Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Although it is more difficult that as a church (the collection of saints) to gather, it is exciting to know that the Lord is working His purposes to His glory.  It is in these times of adversity we can see God's hand at work.  How can we find comfort in the midst of adversity?  You know the answer - the Lord God Almighty is in the midst of thee (Zeph. 3:17).  Now is the time to get close to God (James 4:8).  Most (all?) of us know God has promised He will never leave us or forsake us (Dt. 31:6 and Heb. 13:5).  Let's consider how we have this assurance and relish the situation:   



Firstly, we have God's Word.  His Bible is ALL about the grace of God delivering His people throughout the entirety of history.  There is no part of Scripture that doesn't resonate with the saint, that God has their ultimate best interest in His heart (Rom. 8:28).  This "self-isolation" provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Scriptures.  I have used the time to read the 'minor' prophets.  The Psalms are so full of expressions for the entire range of emotions we are experiencing, be it joy, fear, exhaustion, guilt, shame, peace, depression, etc.  Not the least, we can study how our Saviour Jesus endured His experiences, calling on our Father for strength and endurance - and the hope it gives to us.  This leads us to the next 'means of grace', prayer.



We can cultivate the wonderful gift of prayer.  Make a study of the Lord's Prayer or other prayers in the Bible.  See how we express to God our adoration of Him as our Soveriegn and our Father.  Confessing our sins to the mercy seat for forgiveness and cleansing.  Think about and acknowledge what to thank Him, not the least that He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).  Finally, we can pray for the needs of others in this time - family, church family, friends, service providers, and especially medical staff.  Pretty soon we realise that we need to be prayer warriors.  My mind tends to stray sometimes - don't be distressed.  Prayer is intimately talking with the Lord, not a mindless task.  Just share what's on your heart throughout the day.  Better than just talking to myself 😉 





You can also enjoy any good books that build up or teach the faith.  CAREFULLY test the various TV ministries - you're ALWAYS welcome to contact Pastor David or myself for recommended viewing.  Beware there is much so-called 'Christian' rubbish programs on there.  The same may be said of the local FM radio stations: Salt 106.9 [Suncoast], 96five Family Radio 96.5 [Brisbane], and Cooloola Christian Radio 91.5 [Gympie].

Those who are blessed with access to the internet, there are a lot of wonderful and edifying Godly materials to teach and guide the saints.  May I recommend anything from Ligonier Ministries [R.C. Sproul] and Grace to You [John MacArthur]. You can also search for hymns, documentaries and Bible movies. (Though again, be careful, they may be from an unChristian perspective).

Of course, if anyone needs a chat or prayer, please feel welcome to ring another church family member.  I have been struggling with my own mental health and this isolation would normally be such a terrible impact, save for the grace of God!  We may not be able to fellowship 'in person', but we can still commune with one another.  





I look back through history and contemplate that even during the wars, we were not required to lock ourselves in for extended periods (days) with limited human contact, like we are asked currently.  And during periods of plague and pestilence, the church (individual believers together) actually got our hands dirty helping the sick and suffering.  But just as the Lord has carried us through droughts, floods, fires, cyclones, conflicts and other turmoils, we know from personal experience that He will carry us through this short trial.  This is still our time to be salt and light, to the glory of God our Father (Mt. 5:13-16).  

God bless you all.
Your brother in Christ.

~ John  0417 636 911

Messiah ... Antichrist Film? ~ Part 1

I have been restraining myself from analysing the Netflix® series, Messiah.  But I feel drawn to point out that it EXACTLY represents the description of the Antichrist as outlined in the Holy Bible.

I find it a brilliant teaching tool for apologetics and searching the Scriptures and Quran.

As an introduction, let me defer to Wikipedia's summary of the TV series.  

"The series focuses on the modern world's reaction to a man who first appears in the Middle East, whose followers claim him to be the eschatological return of 'Isa (Jesus). His sudden appearance and apparent miracles spark a growing international following, casting doubts around who he really is, a case investigated by a CIA officer." [1]

So starting at Series 1: Episode 1 [S1:E1] ("He That Hath an Ear", from Rev.2:7), this bearded bloke makes an appearance in Damascus to Syrian "Palestinians".

He is (mis?)quoting the Quran in the following time indices:

4:24   Al-Quran Surah 3. Al-i'Imran, Ayah 173
          Al-Quran Surah 3. Al-i'Imran, Ayah 51

Then the Bible is quoted:

6:20   Revelation 2:17

The speaker is soon identified as al-Masih (Arabic for Messiah), as the followers chant his name.  At this point, it is not known if he is the Christian Messiah (Yasu-al-Masih) or the Muslim Messiah ('Isa-al-Masih).

Background note:  According to Muslim theology, 'Isa will return at the end times with Mahdi to help defeat Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (the Muslim anti-christ/false messiah).

When Christ returns, according to the Bible, he shall return in glory in the sky (the same way He left 2000 years ago).  So clearly, this is the Christian version of the Anti-Christ (since he claims to have caused a miracle using a sandstorm from 30 days non-stop preaching to stop violence in the Middle-East).

Returning to the story, al-Masih leads 2000 followers into the desert, where that night he has a small discussion with a couple of clerics and an adolescent boy.  

15:00   he misquotes the "Christian" philosopher, C.S.Lewis.

15:38   he recalls a version of the Shahada (Muslim creed: There is no other deity except Allah).  This is the response to the question of His deity!  So that immediately denies his divinity, and therefore identifies him again as NOT being Jesus Christ.  (because Jesus proclaimed "I and the Father are one" [John 10:30], etc).

16:00   Al-Quran Surah 23. Al-Muminun, Ayah 115

al-Masih proceeds to tell the small gathering to "throw away what you know about God!  ... Cling to me [al-Masih]".  This is in direct contravention of Jesus Christ's teaching in Matthew 5:18.

22:28   it is revealed he is 'Isa-al-Masih - the Muslim messiah.

23:30   Then the young fellow asks 'Isa where his deceased mother is?  With Allah?  'Isa responds with the classic Muslim (non-Christian) answer, "Do you think he [Allah] would forsake a soul as good as hers?"  (compare Romans 3:10)

The next day, he proceeds to lead the 2000 Syrian "Palestinians" to Israel's borders (after abandoning their guns in the wilderness).

Being captured by the Israeli army, 'Isa is interrogated by a Mossad agent.

36:30  When asked to identify himself, his Hebrew reply was "The WORD", and identifies as originally being Jewish. 

This theologically brings up a whole range of tidbits, in that Jesus never refered to Himself as "the Word".  It is implied in the Psalms (eg. 33:6; 107:20; 119:89; 147:15-18) and referred after his ascension by the Apostle John (John 1).  In fact, most Jews in the day felt it an intrusion of Greek philosophy (although it actually wasn't).

40:08   The final few minutes of this episode culminate in 'Isa "magically" vanishing (without video footage of his cell for that time).  Prior to that, he was in a version of the lotus position silently performing Sa Ta Na Ma (Satan Ma???) meditation in his cell.


Share with me any interesting notes you found from this episode.



SOURCES:
1.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_(American_TV_series)

Is This of God?

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;
because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
By this you know the Spirit of God:
Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,
and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God.
And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming,
and is now already in the world.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them,
because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
They are of the world.
Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them.
We are of God. 

He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us.
By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; 

and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 

He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4:1-8 (ESV)

Jonathan Edwards, a theologian God used mightily in the Great Awakening, was once accused by others that the emotionalism and reactions were not of the Holy Spirit.  This prompted Edwards to respond with a means to "test the spirits" involved in a Christian movement.

This test is based on the above passage,1 John 4:1-8.  The Spirit gives assurance (3:24).  But how do the saints know it is God's Spirit and not a deceptive spirit giving a false assurance?  John recognises there a many spirits, so Christians need to be vigilant against any deceptions.  The Greek hermeneutics potentially reveal John was expressing a concern at the already prevalent spiritualist religions attracting Christians (cf. 2:19).  

1.  Does the work exalt the true Christ?

John's adversaries claimed to follow Christ, but they didn't accept that Jesus came in the flesh AND is also one with the Father.  The Gnostics (heretic groups) denied this, but John claims true believers will acknowledge that Christ did indeed come in the flesh.

Jesus Himself mentioned those who called Him "LORD" but were actually false followers (Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 6:46).  John claims the work of the false prophets (v.1) are directed by the spirit of antichrist (v.3).

The Holy Spirit's job is to promote Christ and impute God's graces to the saints - somewhat "under the radar".  It is not His desire to take from Christ's glory.


2.  Does it oppose worldliness?

The Holy Spirit indwells the saints; but Satan is the lord of his own followers (v.4).  Christ is greater than the spirit of darkness.  Satan's followers promote the things of this world in their teachings, which attract the followers of the world (v.5).

Does the message promote "health and wealth" in this life?  Or does it mention of the treasures in the next life, for the faithful?


3.  Does it point people to the Scriptures?

People who acknowledge the truth of the Apostle's doctrine (New Testament which aligns with the Old Testament), that witnesses the works of Christ, will recognise and conform to the Scriptures (v.6a,b). 

Be very wary of teachers who walk around carrying the Bible and even opening the Bible but never expounding the whole counsel of God!


4.  Does it elevate truth?

The saints are the people of truth.  Others who do not conform to God's Word are of the spirit of error (v.6c).  John warns his readers against this spirit by comparing their false views of Christ with the views that he (an apostle, a disciple and a personal witness of Christ) teaches.

Consider the importance of God's Word for convicting sinners before a holy God and later mature the saint to holiness.

5.  Does it produce love for God and others?

Finally, John summarises that everything culminates in love to God and man (v.7,8).  Is it possible that these false teachings were creating suspicion and friction in the fellowship?  John isn't saying non-Christians can't love.  What he is saying, is that a true knowledge of God requires the correct belief of Christ, and a correct response to God, which incorporates love for others.  Basic human love - without Christ's redeeming presence and motivation - will ultimately fail the fullness of a human response towards God's perfect and infinite mercy and grace (cf. 1 Cor. 13)!

John declared God is "light" (1:5) and "Spirit" (4:24).  In this passage, he has outlined that one of God's attributes is love, in conjunction with ALL His other attributes (such as holiness and justice). 

Personal Prayers

Prayer [1] is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit; with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

For whom are we to pray? [2]

We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; for magistrates, and ministers; for ourselves, our brethren, even our enemies; and for all kinds of people living now, or who may live in the future; but not for the dead, nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death.

For what things are we to pray? [3]

We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, the welfare of the church, our own or others good; but not for anything that is unlawful.  

How are we to pray? [4]

We are to pray with reverent recognition of the majesty of God, and deep sense of our own unworthiness, necessities, and sins; with penitent, thankful, and full hearts; with understanding, faith, sincerity, fervour, love, and perseverance, waiting expectantly upon him, with humble submission to his will.

TIPS for praying (acronym):

v
 A  adoration to Almighty God
C  confession of our sins and iniquities

T  thanksgiving for all His grace and mercies
S  supplications for our and others’ needs & God’s glory

Blessings

~ John

FOOTNOTES:

 1.  LC178 (Westminster Larger Catechism - modern English; Rowland Ward, 2007)

 2.  LC183

 3.  LC184

 4.  LC185

Daily Devotionals

The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that He only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence,  and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation,  application, self-denial, and prayer. [1]

TIPS for Bible study and “quiet time”:

1. Commit to a special time everyday [diligence & self-denial [2]].

2. Have a peaceful, quiet place to retreat [attention].

3. Pray for the Lord to speak to you through His Word [prayer].

4. Have a process to study His Word. Some examples are:

a) Our Daily Bread or similar devotional materials

b) Daily reading plan (found in the back of most Bibles)

c) Your own devised means of seeking Biblical answers

* many Bibles have Topical References of particular subjects or questions.  Google is a very fast Concordance. eg.   

** Follow the Cross References.  They compare with other Scripture references to show the uniformity of God’s decree throughout history (eg. prophecies fulfilled; teachings demonstrated; rewards, punishments and God’s clemency for commands, etc).

5. Think what the reading is about.  Is it exalting God?  Is it teaching you some lesson?  Does it answer your question, or do you need to look elsewhere in the Bible (cross references)? Do you need to ask God to change your life to be more holy like Christ? [meditation & application]

6. Use a journal to summarise what God has taught you in this time.  (This not only helps you remember, but when you look back later, you’re encouraged to see how God has answered your prayers & matured you). 

7. Pray about what you have studied, and ask the Lord to apply what you have learnt into your life [prayer & application].

Blessings
~ John


FOOTNOTES:
1.  LC157 (Westminster Larger Catechism - modern English; Rowland Ward, 2007)
2.  Can it really be called self-denial if you allocate time to enjoy with the Lord? 

The Meaning of the Header Image

The header image is based around the open Word of God, the Bible.  It represents how all special revelation about God (יהוה YHWH or  אֱלֹהִים ELOHIM), the creator God of the Old and New Testaments is recorded in these Scriptures. 

This verse represents some of the means of grace the Lord uses to sustain the saints.  This is the Apostles' Doctrine mentioned in the Scripture reference in Acts 4:42.  [It follows on from the previous verse mentioning Baptism, a once-and-for-all sacrament (external sign representing an internal act of grace).]

The verse continues to list Fellowship; communion with the brothers and sisters in Christ.  Community worship (including worship together at church) is an integral component of Christian discipleship.

The Breaking of Bread, a reference for the Lord's Supper, is not just a memorial.  It is a powerful reminder of so many blessings the Lord has given (and will give) to us.

Finally, Prayers are our intimate communion with the Lord.  We offer up Adoration, Confess our sins, Thank Him for ALL things (good and bad) and Supplications (specific matters we seek His help, aligned with His will and eternal decree).  You will note these features' acronym spell A.C.T.S. - a handy guide on how to pray 😉

Collectively, all these means of grace the Lord can use in a believer's life to make them more Christ-like.

Blessings,
J