If - then

We need to consider what is really being said.

 

If GOD did not make and number  the stars and call them each by name Genesis 1:16 Psalm 147:4 then looking at them will not reveal the power of GOD; if GOD did not design and make each animal after its kind Genesis 1:24 and each plant and tree after their kinds Genesis  1:11,12, then we cannot see the greatness and humor and artistic leanings of the designer in aspects of how they are put together that defy evolution; If GOD does not  design our unique DNA-knitting us together in our mother’s womb  Psalm 139:13-16, or preset the exact times Acts 1:7 and the exact  places  where we should live Acts 17:26; then we are not HIS workmanship with specific work to complete for HIM Ephesians 2:10; if GOD doesn’t know the number of hairs on our head Matthew 10:30; if HE doesn’t know when one of HIS little sparrows falls to the ground Matthew 10:29 then the Bible (GOD’s word) is a lie and there is not one promise in it that I can claim.  If that is the case then we Christians are of men most miserable I Corinthians 15:19. If GOD’s word is a lie, my whole world would crumble

But you see that fact is GOD did create each star and name them, HE did design each animal, plant and fish, HE did knit my DNA together in my mother’s womb according to the plans HE has for me Ephesians 2:10.

JESUS is the center of my world.  JESUS was sent from GOD my heavenly FATHER and testified to by the HOLY SPIRIT. There are many doctrines out there but if someone simply believes the truth  that the Bible is the Word of GOD-  and believes  that JESUS CHRIST (GOD the SON) was sent from heaven by GOD the FATHER to earth and became flesh and blood, then lived a sinless life then according to the predetermined plan of GOD was crucified by wicked hands on the cross  for the sins of all mankind (you and me), John 3:16 JESUS died and was buried then rose from the dead and seen by over 500 witnesses  I Corinthians 15:1-7.  Once a person believes in JESUS as the substitute for his sins and accepts for himself the gift of forgiveness by coming to JESUS, I can accept that one as a fellow believer.  We may disagree on how we see many things but as long as we share these basic foundational beliefs we can fellowship.

The Bible is not just a bunch of facts, it is in fact GOD speaking to me and to you.  It is essential  that the Bible is true,  for a person is only as good as his word.  If you cannot trust what someone says, you cannot trust him.

Many, many years ago I had this special friend who I dearly loved and thoroughly trusted.  Then something happened.  Several people told me that my friend had done something.  It wasn’t that big of a thing or one that affected me directly.  I asked him if what was said was true and  he denied it.  I believed him and I defended my friend over and over  when others refuted what he said.  Then a couple of years down the road, I overheard my friend tell another about that very situation and how he had fooled me.  They laughed about it but I was cut to the quick.  Though I have forgiven my friend, but I do not trust him for he believes in situational ethics.  In situational ethics, right and wrong depend upon the situation not on absolutes.  It was not comfortable for him to tell me the truth, so to him it seemed perfectly ok to lie.   

I on the other hand, believe in absolutes and in a GOD of absolutes.  The truth is truth and a lie is a lie.  Without absolutes I see no foundation for trust.

I believe the Bible is the word of GOD from Genesis to Revelation and I believe it is true.  It is my compass.  I don’t claim to understand all of it, but from the beginning to end of it GOD tells us that HE is the only wise GOD , an intimate Creator;  a personal GOD taking direct interest in the details of HIS creation.  GOD invites us to come talk everything over with HIM and promises that HE will guide us, provide for us and protect us.  Therefore, when I need direction, I go to HIM; promises from HIS word encourage me during times of struggle;  words from the Bible that come to mind during times of temptation are the very sword of the Spirit that cuts back the enemy and  enables me to overcome.   For it is in my intimate GOD alone that I find meaning and have hope. 

Hugs

Sharon