Why do I believe what I believe?

January 20, 2010

I was asked recently to write a “short” testimony, about WHY I believe what I believe, just wanted to share it here (Mainly since I haven’t updated all year!!)

First off I should state what I believe.  I believe in the God of the Bible. The God whom ”in the beginning” created man, beasts and everything on the earth, I believe He created the earth and everything on it in 6 literal days.  I believe man is inherently sinful, that only by God’s sheer irresistible grace, and through repentance, and faith can man be restored to a right relationship with God. I believe Christ, is God in the flesh, the second person of the Trinity, He came to earth for the main purpose of redeeming mankind’s relationship to God the Father. I believe he died on the cross, was resurrected, and forever defeated death and the grave. I believe through Christ alone is salvation… 

Now WHY? 

It’s easy to say “I believe” and we can say “I believe” and truly think we believe, until a test comes, then I think we’re shown that we really didn’t believe as we though we did. 

Look around; take a glance at the world around you…. The incredible chance that would have had to take place for the only other alternative to be true (evolution) is unimaginable. Way of the master sums it up best with “if there is a design, there is a designer” illustration. But mine goes a little deeper than that… I’ve taken what I consider a relatively in-depth look at evolution, I’ve seen how they think man came from a common ancestor of the monkey, and so on.. I’ve seen their supposed “proof” and I just can’t believe that this was all an accident, that time + chance = me.  But that doesn’t answer “Why?” 

I could say I was a bad person, and now I am not… but that’s not true. I am a wretch, saved by God’s grace. I could say I was “slain in the spirit”, “spoke in tongues”, or was healed from some disease,  and thus I believe… but that’s not 100% true, and could be easily faked.  I could say during worship “I Felt God”, but feelings are hardly a reason to accept anything!! I could claim prosperity, health, miracles, and the like… but NONE of that is WHY I believe. 

I could tell you “my story” and expect you to believe, however thats not “why” I believe, I could say “God did this or that, and thus I believe” however then you see a “prosperity” message, God did this or that, and thats not the point, nor the reason I believe. We should love God no matter whether He blesses us or not, our love and adoration should not hinge on His blessings of His children. Certainly our belief shouldn’t rest on it! Job is a great example of this.

I do not believe Christianity is a religion of blind faith, the evidence is overwhelming if you open your eyes to accept it. 

Why is the “oldest” tree on earth 4,000 yrs old? Because a flood wiped out all life on the planet 4 – 6 thousand years ago. Why when men thought the earth rode on a turtles back, did the Bible say “we were hung in space on nothing”(Job 26:7). Why do ALL fossils appear at roughly the same “age” of the earth? (Cambrian explosion) Why wasn’t erosion a factor? Why are single cell organisms found in layers ABOVE multi-cell organisms? Over billions of years wouldn’t billions of animals be found in virtually every different layer of the earths crust?  (Even Darwin stated that without excessive fossil evidence his theory would crumble)

We have extra biblical writings that confirmed a man named Jesus did mighty things written by His own enemies! We have texts from across the world that can account for the darkness of the days when Christ died. Roman Emperor’s wrote of “this man called Jesus who was himself called the Christ”

Lastly, why would the apostles, who walked with Jesus, talked with Jesus every single minute of every single day for the bulk of 3 years, die for a lie? These men knew Jesus, they knew Him intimately…The records of their deaths are documented, Paul, Peter, and so on… they would have known better than anyone that He was a fake… yet they died, horrible deaths for the belief that Jesus was the Christ. 

No, there is plenty of evidence for Christ. And that being the Case, the apostles dying for Him, and his “cause”, says a lot… it says Jesus was the real deal, and Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life.. no man comes to the Father but through me… I have to believe Him. 

(Mthw 11:27)Christ chose to reveal to me, the Father, the truth of His word, and my eternal state without Him… and I saw utter hopelessness, utter destruction, utter despair.. 

In light of the evidence, in light of the revelation… who could refuse the gracious, undeserved, unmerited gift? So in short, I believe because the Bible is a book of facts, the Bible is a book of an actual account, of God’s divine purpose and plan for us. The Bible is an inerrant account of God’s Love of mankind, God’s Hate towards iniquity, God’s Mercy on the undeserving, and God’s wrath against the unrepentant. In light of all the evidence the question isn’t “Why do I believe” it’s “How can I not?”


Cross Walk

November 20, 2009

 Tomorrow for the first time in a while I’ll be taking my cross out to Kimmswick “holiday” Parade. I am looking forward to conversations, and sharing the gospel with people. I do however ask for your prayers. I want to take the cross to places where it will start conversations,  however as most of you know who carry a cross, it’s “offensive” to many people – especially with words “Are you ready?” on it. It brings to mind their own mortality, and makes them realize they’re probably not. Needless to say I am a tad “nervous” 

Kimmswick is a VERY small town who’s only money comes from tourism, profiting from the history of the town Kimmswick’s streets are lined with small shops perfect for a Sunday getaway. Oddly the town has the appeal to draw more than 150,000 people every spring and fall during their annual festivals. We had participated in the fall festival this year, and while the first day was amazing, the second day they shut the preaching of the word down, and told us we were breaking the rules if we left our 10×10 space. With only a few hours left we stayed until the rain started, and headed home. That weekend we passed out literally thousands of tracts, and had hundreds of conversations. One of the chief complaints the city hall had when we spoke to them was the crosses. One man carried his around town, and I held mine near a busy street, they weren’t happy. 

 Tomorrow I am going to take it and stand along the parade route, in hopes of starting conversations about Christ. I am nervous, and a little hesitant. But it must be done. Lately I’ve been really convicted about all the pictures people take, and posting them, it could easily be seen as pride… a “look what I did” type thing. So if we take any pics, I’ll post them, but don’t expect a lot. I would actually like to get pics of my wife evangelizing, she is more than happy to take pics of me, but no one can ever return the favor. She does more than I do typically, especially in planning, photos, the “behind the scenes” stuff. She’s a blessing. 

old and new cross.

 I really would appreciate your prayers; Lord willing we should be heading out around 9:00 or 9:30 am. If anyone is in the St. Louis area and would like to join me please let me know. I honestly don’t expect a big crowd, but… ya never know.  :)

*and sorry if I stole the name of this article from someone… it is familiar, but seemed to fit.


Are YOU a “good person”?

October 4, 2009

Are you a good person? Please watch this video..

more about "Are YOU a “good person”? ", posted with vodpod


Are you a Christian?….. How many times have you “prayed the prayer”?

October 3, 2009

I BEG you please examine yourself! MAKE sure you’re right with God, it’s more important than your job, family, friends, or life… even moreso than your next breath! Cry out to Him, please. That’s my prayer, that the Lord would save you, and would give you that confidence that Paul mentions here. Then go and tell everyone you know… please. It’s of the utmost importance. Don’t let another second pass…


What are you waiting for?

May 9, 2009


The Coming Judgement

April 20, 2009

Revelation 20 12 – 15

12And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

13The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

14Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

15If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Who can escape this coming Judgment??

  • I saw the dead great and small… standing before the throne” – great and small… kings and peasants, rich and poor, good and bad… ALL WILL STAND BEFORE THAT THRONE
  • And books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books” Jesus sees you, everyone moment, he is watching you and I right now. He saw what you did last night… alone or with people Jesus sees your every action, hears your every though… everything thought and action is written down, and when the time comes you’ll be asked “Why?” why did you drink all night that night? Didn’t you hear me calling you? Or better yet, why did you just go through life, I called out to you so many times, I had such great plans for your life, if only you would have listened!? It breaks my heart that some of you hearing this, or reading this, will not accept the truth.
  • Hebrews 9:27 states and as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment – it’s appointed, some one once said there are two facts in life… death and taxes… I am not to sure about taxes, but everyone will die in this physical frail body. After that what can you do? It’s like doing a crime, or helping someone out, once it’s done you can not take it back… what will your record in the books say about you?
  • the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and hades gave up the dead that were in them. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” – How do you “get away” from the judgment? How do you hide your thoughts, actions, and works from a God that knows and sees all? An eternal God. Everlasting ever loving, ever trying to get His message to us. I asked someone once if you died tonight where would you go? They said “Heaven” I said why do you say that? “Because I am a good person” they replied. I am telling you, a lot of good people will not make the cut. Jesus says in John 3:3 “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” – but what does “born again” mean??? Nicodemus took it literal and stated “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” – another translation, would be “born from above” Born again in the spirit. Not a physical re-birth, but a spiritual rebirth, washed in the blood of Jesus. Giving your life completely up to Jesus, and living for Him.

OH NOT ME!!” you don’t know what I have done, I have broken every commandment – I have murdered, committed adultery.. etc.. everyone has, don’t ever think you’re alone in this world. Romans 3:23 says ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death…but Hebrews 7:25 – “ he is ABLE to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him; since he is always alive to make intercession for them” – I love this verse – it says Jesus is able to save. ABLE to save to the uttermost, completely, perfectly finally forever and for all eternity…. Since he is ALWAYS alive to make intercession for us, Jesus is there praying for us, eternally.. Jesus loves you so much he goes before the holy throne of GOD to say “Father, Joe needs help, strength, encouragement” to present our needs, no matter how trivial, Jesus is amazing! Because he is so involved in our lives, so in love with us, his creation he sees our needs, and takes them to God almighty before we even ask!

Jesus loves us, why else would he have given himself as a human sacrifice for us? Now it’s easy to look at if it’s a mass… “Bob jumped on a grenade to save 50 people in a bunker in WWII” thus Jesus died to save millions… No – Jesus died to save thousands, nope.. Hundreds? No, tens? NO! you… if it was a mass thing, then why would Jesus be present in a personal way? In a personal life? Jesus prays for each of us.. Stating our needs, our case to God almighty. Individually. He doesn’t stand before God almighty and simply say “Humanity needs you Father” he says “Tom needs you, Michele needs you, Jeff, Donna, Charles, Rene, and Ramona NEED YOU!!!!!” lets think about it…

My Wife wrote a compelling blog called “that is love” in it she quotes Isaiah 52 13- 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him, his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man….and his form marred beyond human likeness .. disfigured beyond that of any man, and his form marred beyond human likeness.. the passion showed pools of blood, sliced skin, brutality, and the critics claimed to violent – and Man…, it was more intense then that,… blood boiling over in peoples veins, wanting him dead. – punch him, beat him, hurt him more… How dare He rebuke the pharisees, how dare he claim to be the SON of God… and the ones beating him, as the whip cut through the air, whistling and stinging, as it stopped with a slap against his skin, tearing out chunks of flesh… to quote carman, he no doubt looked at those beating him, and said “This bloods for you” – as they forced him to carry his cross, and the wood dug into his back, as he fell and blood spattered – he no doubt thought, God forgive them… as they nailed him to the cross, as pain racked his human body, as the cross tore into his already split and bleeding skin, as he felt the pain of the spikes in his hands, and feet. He no doubt thought, “this is all for you” lifted up on that cross, bleeding, suffocating, dying… his last breaths and thoughts we of the love of you and I.

Tonight as I write this, I weep, because of what the Lord has done for all of us, and some are not hearing me… please if you’re hearing this, and you feel you need NEED Jesus is your life, I want to pray with you.. if this is on my website then please repeat this prayer with all your heart and soul and mean it, and please e-mail me so I can lift you in prayer… I want you to then find a good church, and become a member.

 

Dear Father,
I believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came to our earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins and the sins of this world. I believe that Jesus rose from the dead to give all of us eternal life.
Lord Jesus,
I confess to You all of the wrong and sinful things that I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive me and wash away all of my sins by the blood that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. I ask that You come into my life.

Thank You Lord!


A Christian Creed

April 9, 2009

Now I am not one for creeds normally, but having just begun working for the US Army, seeing the dedication, loyalty, etc they have.. it’s astounding, they know they are an elite group. Yes, it’s almost common to find someone who at one time was in the Armed forces, however – They respect officers, and rank, they are honest, truthful, and do what they say they will do… and I started thinking, how many in Church, how many “Christians” can say they have any of these qualities, a few can, but with supposedly something like 80% calling themselves “Christian” and we can’t even stop abortion. That’s sad, it means that somewhere along the lines there’s a WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE that don’t have what it takes to be in God’s Army. is it you?

Loyalty - Bear true faith and allegiance to God, the Holy Bible, the church, and fellow Christians (This isn’t a game were playing, you every minute is on trial, how dare you destroy a testimony of God because of a crude joke, or foul language- we’re all guilty of a slip or two, but do you stand out or blend in? if you don’t stand out there’s a problem, you can wear all the “Jesus Rocks” t-shirts you want, it wont matter if you’re blending in!!! Jewelry, T-hirts, Bracelets, etc do NOT make you a Christian)

Duty - fulfill your obligations (if you say you’re going to do it, THEN DO IT!!!)

Respect - Treat people as you would be treated (again, how many testimonies are obliterated by poor treatment, manners, or just plain rude people where is the love of Christ when you’re screaming “You’ll burn in hell for that!!!!” (yes we need to teach the law, and eternal punishment, but we don’t need to cast anyone there before God Himself judges)

Selfless Service - Philippians 2: 3 – 8 “

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!”

Honor - wow, Live up to biblical values as best you can, not because you have to to “get in to heaven” but because you’re a living testimony of Christ.. how are you portraying Him?

Integrity - Do what is right, it’s that simple…sadly enough this is where Christians fail the most I fear.

Personal Courage - in being a child of God you’ll face fear, danger, and adversity both physical, and mental…how do you respond? Do you remember that “Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world” or do you cower behind weak excuses, and fained ignorance?

LDRSHIP (Leader ship) every Christian should be one – if you’re not in some way, then you’re not doing it right. It’s not about being a “Billy Graham” or “Charles Spurgeon” but being a leader in your home, in your life, in your circle of influence… is that you?