Defending Cristianity

A teenage boy, playing a computer game, heard a knock on the front door.  He chose to ignore it.  Soon his mother came downstairs and asked, ‘Did you answer the door?’
Not taking his eyes from the game, the boy replied, ‘I didn’t want to – someone may have been there.’

We often deny God’s existence for many reasons.  Sometimes, it’s simply because we don’t want Him to exist.  We can be so preoccupied acquiring material things or fulfilling personal ambitions that we think our plans will be upset if we concede that there is a God.  Alternatively, we have accepted theories of evolution for so long we now consider them established facts – and nothing will move us from our faith in those atheistic beliefs.
God reveals Himself in so many ways – through Creation, His Word, our conscience and various other agents.  Every person, without exception, hears God knocking.  But many of us don’t want to answer just in case someone is there and we have to stop what we are doing and adjust our thinking.  (Romans 1:20)
God is a Gentleman!  He will not force entry into our lives.  It is up to us to answer the door and let Him in.  Understandably, no one wants to be disturbed by an unwelcome guest, but God is the Creator of the Universe and He comes bearing a great gift (eternal salvation).  We have so much to lose by ignoring God.  Furthermore, change that may occur in our life by answering God’s call will only be a change for the better.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelations 3:20.

Some refuse to believe in God and put all their faith in scientific theories.  They feel rational people should reject the Bible’s fanciful version that man and the universe suddenly appeared from nothing.  So they accept the alternative: the theory of evolution.  But just because people believe that life evolved, does it shield them from the inevitable conclusion that original life appeared from nothing?

Evolutionary thinking endeavors to answer the question of origins by linking one life form with another over millions of years.  When faced with the enormous improbabilities of many biological designs evolving in stages, evolutionists will say: ‘Given enough time, anything can happen.’
However, on this theoretical journey to link all life, the question must still be asked: How did the first life originate on our lifeless planet?  Did it miraculously pop up from nothing, or did it arrive on some cosmic taxi?
If it is suggested first life arrived from another planet, the question then arises: Where did life on that planet originate?  Continued questioning will reach the point of asking: Where did the first source of life originate?  There are only two conclusions: (1) it has always been there without beginning, or (2) there was nothing and suddenly there was something.  This is the dilemma of the origin of the universe.  It either does not have a start (infinity past), or there was nothing and suddenly there was something (the Big Bang theory).
Atheists reject: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1), yet they demonstrate unprecedented faith in their belief that: in the beginning there was nothing – the nothing exploded and gradually created everything.
Isn’t it odd that some cannot believe in an infinite God who created the universe from nothing; but, instead, would rather accept that our infinitely complex universe (which the human finite mind cannot possibly comprehend), designed itself from a Big Bang (0=1).  We should question putting faith in scientific theories which refuse to accept that something may originate from nothing – yet ironically start their founding premise with a Big Bang.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1)

Computers operate via a series of coded instructions called programs.  Although few of us ever meet the originators responsible for these programs, we don’t delude ourselves thinking computers programmed themselves without an original programmer.

How do birds know how to build a nest? How do bees know how to make honey?  How do beavers know how to dam a river?  How do spiders know how to design a web?  How can certain fish and birds migrate thousands of kilometres then return each year with satellite accuracy?  How do blind, miniscule, newly born kangaroos know how to wriggle their way from the birth canal all the way to the mother’s pouch to suckle milk? There are so many inexplicable natural phenomena swept under the carpet with the word, ‘INSTINCT’.  Do we delude ourselves thinking everything in nature has programmed itself?
In fields such as engineering, academic minds continue to learn complex lessons from nature.  Shouldn’t we be asking where nature learnt these lessons, or will we casually say – given time they happen by themselves?  The Bible declares that in nature, everything is created by God.  Therefore, He is the Original Programmer who wrote the coded instructions we call instinct.
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.  Romans 1:20

Two bushmen, who lived in the remote outback, went for a long walk and stumbled upon a city.
‘Wow!  How do you think that got there?’ one asked the other.
The second bushman, who considered himself quite scientific, replied: ‘Well, there are two theories.  First, there is the “Big-Prang Theory” where two mountains collided and all the rocks accidentally fell into place, forming what you see before you.  The second theory which most educated people accept is known as the “Ever-Popular-Solution” or “Evolution” for short.  This is where, given the right circumstances and enough time, rocks and minerals arrange themselves into complex mathematical shapes, complete with flashing lights and strange vehicles whizzing around them.’
The first bushman scratched his head, saying: ‘I don’t know, mate – it seems as if someone designed it.’
‘Don’t be stupid,’ laughed the second. ‘You’ve gotta be pretty simple-minded to believe that.’

It is just as unlikely for a city to accidentally form itself as a DNA molecule (the most efficient information storage system in the known universe) is to form accidentally.  Or, to use another example, frayed dinosaur scales transforming into symmetrical bird feathers is as likely as a frayed t-shirt transforming into an Armani suit.
Many eminent scientists, who see the enormous problems in outdated and unproven theories, are re-examining the scientific facts and concluding that everything in creation has intelligent design.   So if there is intelligent design to creation, wouldn’t that indicate there is an Intelligent Designer?
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20.

There are many sounds we hear constantly, but when they become familiar we cease to heed them.

Many people say, ‘If God exists, why doesn’t He reveal Himself with a big, booming voice from Heaven?’
God purposely created us with volition.  He is a Gentleman and will not coerce our free-will.  While it’s true His voice can topple mountains (1 Kings 19:11-13), a big booming voice from Heaven would scare us all into submission.
God does not want us to worship Him because of fear but because of love.  That is not to say He is always silent.  He actually talks to us all the time in a whisper-still voice so as not to intrude on our free-will.  We often call the ‘Voice of God’ our conscience.  He speaks to us constantly, but we either tell Him to be quiet or, sadly, we have ceased to listen to Him altogether.
God speaks to us in so many ways: through Creation, through our conscience, through the Godly actions and words of others, and through the Bible.  All of these means are non-evasive and require the use of our free-will to listen.
“So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  Acts 20:32

A good tracker soon finds where someone or something has been by following various signs of progression.  If no evidence is found, the tracker quickly concludes he is on the wrong track.

Charles Darwin (father of the theory of evolution) argued that accumulated small changes eventually lead to new species.  If this were so we would be able to track these changes to their origin.  However, no fossils have been found to link one species with another – the missing links still remain missing.
Darwin also stated (in Origin of Species, 6th edition, New York University Press, 1988. P. 154), that if it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which ‘could not’ possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, his theory would break down.
As science has developed, we learn that many organs are too complex to be reduced by numerous, successive, slight modifications.  Dr Michael J Behe, professor of biochemistry at Lehigh University concludes ‘no one … can give a detailed account of how the cilium, or vision, or blood clotting, or any complex biochemical process might have developed in a Darwinian fashion.’(Behe p. 187).
However, supporters of evolution claim that it’s not impossible but merely improbable that organs, such as the eyeball, have evolved.  The honest evolutionist will admit their theories are extremely improbable, but conversely they believe the existence of God is more improbable than evolution, so they conclude one belief is fact while the other is fiction based on their gamble of improbabilities.
So what should we think? Since science has come to so many dead ends tracking evolution, maybe it’s time to admit it’s on the wrong track.  We should take Darwin’s own advice and bin his theories, then start considering the complex design behind nature and the One who designed it.
“You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelations 4:11

A rich artist decided to create something special for the city he loved.  For many years he quietly worked on various masterpieces.  He then built a wondrous gallery and filled it with his art.  Finally, he opened his gallery free to the public and sat back to watch their reaction.
Soon word spread and people came in droves.  They toured the collection and exclaimed the wonder of the artworks within.  However, the artist was quite disappointed!  You see, none of the public wondered about the artist or gave him any credit.  For some strange reason they thought the wondrous gallery had come into existence by itself and the artworks had just randomly appeared.

There are a lot of foolish-smart people examining the wonders in nature and making fabulous theories that stubbornly deny a Creator.  They document their findings with words like: ‘nature’s design’, ‘programed’, ‘order’ and ‘purpose’.  Yet then proceed to state all complex systems and coding in creation originally appeared from nothing – that all living things evolved over long periods of punctuated time, guided precisely by random chaos.
Ironically, many atheists belittle those who have faith in God – thinking themselves wise for not believing in an unseen Creator.  However, the foundation theories of evolution are based on missing links and debatable evidence – thus it is called a theory. It takes great faith to be an evolutionist. Those who believe everything in creation originally appeared from nothing and created itself truly demonstrate the greatest faith the world has ever witnessed.
Psalms 19:1 states: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Two ladies were lost deep underground in the dark.  After waiting many hours, one lady said: ‘I believe we should head this way.’
The other lady rolled her eyes and sighed: ‘You’re just as lost as me – why should I blindly follow you?  How can you possibly believe your way is the right direction?
‘I can’t be certain, but the tunnel slopes upwards and there’s a slight breeze coming from that direction.  Also, it’s less dim indicating that there may be light further up.

The truth is: in life we are all stumbling along in the darkness.  How do you answer the following questions: Is there a God? Is there meaning to life? Is there life after death?  Whether you believe: ‘yes’ or ‘no’, it requires faith.
No one can prove how the universe originated and no one has proven evolution – it remains a theory with many missing links.  Still, many atheist laugh at Christians stating their religious belief is simply blind-faith while their belief is based on science.
To the contrary, many Christians base their faith on science and the evidence gathered around them.  They see that all scientific laws are ordered, consistent and governed – which points them to a Governor. They have witnessed science redefine the simple cell as anything but simple.  They marvel at the complexity of the DNA molecule (the most efficient information storage system in the known universe), and wonder at the intricate designs in creation and come to the conclusion: there is a Designer.
Many Christians also consider self-awareness, that invisible and defining sense within each of us that is often called a soul? Some explain it as simply the perfect balance of chemicals, ions and memory-association cells, but others rationally conclude that our self-aware spirit is infinitely more complex and is something that empirical science has had no success in examining or duplicating (no matter how many Hollywood movies have been made to the contrary).
Many Christians have weighed up the scientific evidence and used critical thinking to determine there is a Creator behind creation.  Their faith is not delusionary or blind but evidence-based and this leads them to God.
To the atheist that thinks their core beliefs are not faith but proven facts, remember your foundation rests on a Big Bang theory where ‘nothing’ exploded and chaotically formed an ordered universe with unfathomable complex designs.
Romans 1:20 states: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

If someone said he had a theory that elephants evolved from prehistoric flying pigs, we might want to see their evidence before accepting it as fact.  If they said they’d found no evidence or the evidence was missing, it would take a great step of faith to believe their theory.

Evolution is a belief that in the beginning there was nothing – the nothing exploded and gradually created everything.
It would seem the world’s greatest faith is placed in evolution and its ever-changing theories. Yet generally unbeknown to the believing public, no palaeontologist has presented any supportable evidence of the problematic transition from one species to another, especially when considering more than 250 000 different fossil species have been found to date.  The link between man and ape remains missing.  All supposed links between dinosaurs and birds have been refuted by experts in the field as unfit candidates.
To date, no one has witnessed any lifeless chemicals arranging themselves into complex information-bearing bio-molecules needed for life.  The odds of just one single protein molecule (in all its mathematical complexity) being arranged by chance has been calculated at 1 in 100 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000.  However, 239 protein molecules are needed for the smallest theoretical life.
It is ironic that many people refute beliefs of Christianity on the basis of lack of supportable evidence, but happily turn to ‘theories’ of evolution, never once questioning – where is the evidence?
Still, many people object to the idea of God, thinking that such a belief is not scientific.  You may be surprised how many well-known, respected scientists (both past and present) conclude that there is an ingenious Creator behind creation and have strong Christian views.  Have a quick look at Wikipedia’s ‘List of Christian Thinkers in Science.’  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_thinkers_in_science
Romans 1:20 states: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. NIV

Each night, the universe stares down and challenges us to understand it.  However, the infinite universe is something far beyond our finite minds to comprehend.  It is something that may not have a beginning or an end.  If it does – what is beyond?  Heaven!  Then what is beyond Heaven?  Nothing!  Then what is beyond Nothing?
The finite mind can easily state what infinity is (academically), yet it cannot possibly grasp something which has no beginning, no middle and no end.  Now, just because the infinite universe is beyond our complete understanding, it would be silly to state it does not exist.

Similarly, an infinite God is far beyond human understanding.  Our finite minds cannot possibly comprehend a Being who has no beginning or end, is all-powerful, all-knowing and is everywhere at the same time.  It is impossible for our finite minds to academically grasp Him, (Isaiah 40:12-14).
Consequently, many are quick to state ‘God does not exist’.  However, we cannot reject God (and still remain objective) because He doesn’t conveniently fit within our limited range of understanding.  If we do, we should equally state, ‘The universe does not exist’.
“God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.”  Acts 17:24-25

A book requires an author – like a program requires a programmer – like a poem requires a poet – like a design requires a designer – like an invention requires an inventor – like creation requires a Creator.

When we see an artwork, do we believe that the artwork created itself or is it self evident that an artist created it?
Animals are programmed for survival (zoologists call it instinct). Who is the programmer?
Science acknowledges that all scientific laws are constant and governed. If this is so, who is the governor?
Science also acknowledges a design to all of creation. Who is the designer?
There is much talk of the Laws of Nature. Who is the one upholding these Laws?
One could argue, it would be easier for the most intricate micro-chip to intelligently form itself from raw matter, than a DNA molecule (the most efficient information storage system in the known universe) to do the same.
Did creation really create itself? There is the option of believing in Darwin’s clever ‘Evolution’ which if given enough time can theoretically create (from nothing) all intricately designed creatures and then program them with a moral sense and instinct. Or, we can believe that behind all things in creation is an incredible Creator.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His Handiwork. Psalms 19:1

When we dive into the ocean with our eyes open but without a diving mask, our vision is blurred and we can’t clearly identify the objects surrounding us.  However, when we put on our goggles, the sea world suddenly comes into focus.  We can now appreciate the ocean’s beauty in a way we couldn’t before and can quickly identify what is friendly and what is not. 

Life can seem pretty vague.  For many of us, we journey aimlessly through our lives trying to find sense and purpose to something that seems pointless. When we accept theories of evolution and atheism, our worldview becomes a Godless universe.  We have accepted that our existence is a random accident and if there is a purpose to our life, it’s simply to breed and then expire.  Everything becomes relative – right and wrong becomes blurred and we lose the ability to properly identify what is good or bad.
Today, many people are in a funk.  Depression is an ever-present shadow.  Life is endured not embraced.  People have lost their focus and their way, but sadly few will change because they are wise in their own understanding.
Yet, if we look at life through the Word of God (the Bible), everything takes on a completely different appearance.  We will see things with a clarity that could never be attained relying on our own sight.  Suddenly, there is understanding as to why certain things happen.  We can discern beauty in a way we could never appreciate before. We can identify right from wrong thus avoiding many snares. We can also see a purpose and meaning to our existence.
God never intended us to travel through life disorientated and vulnerable to every danger.  He gave us His Word to see clearly.  The choice is up to us: we can either go through life relying on our own understanding or put on God-goggles and observe things through His eyes.  When we start seeing our circumstances and other people from God’s perspective, we quickly develop patience and grace; things cease to bother us; we are more relaxed and life becomes so much better.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3: 5-6.

A psychologist said to his patient: ‘Most crazy people think they are sane.’
The woman replied: ‘But I think I’m sane.’
‘Ah-ha,’ said the psychologist, ‘that only proves you’re crazy.’

The world regards people who believe in God as crazy.  As Christians, what can we say to those who assume their evolutionary world-view is proven fact?  Sadly, very little – any view which differs to theirs is simply seen as foolish ignorance?
However, investigative science can neither prove nor disprove God’s existence.  Still, many prominent scientists declare God is fiction purely on the basis of improbability.  Ironically, at the same time they argue that the seemingly impossible hurdles in their ‘theories of evolution’ should not be labelled impossible, but merely improbable (not objective science).
The fact is: all origin theories are based on unproven foundations and personal belief.  In the end, no matter what people say, hypothesize or believe, there can be only one immutable and absolute truth which will not bend for any clever theories in science, psychology or religion.
The issue facing all creatures with free-will is: ‘What will we choose to believe?’  Most people will run with the herd, not questioning the popular view in case they are labelled ignorant / bigoted / crazy.  However, if life teaches us anything, we are all accountable for our beliefs and the choices we make or don’t make – no matter what people think of us.
He who believes in the Son (Jesus Christ) has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.  John 3:36.

We label a person as either an imbecile or a genius based on the results of an IQ test – which in turn depend simply on the number of questions answered correctly in a given time. 

There is another IQ test which eternally classifies us as genius or imbecile.  God has given us a certain amount of time (life on earth) to answer one simple question – what do you think of Christ?  Our answer will determine whether we are an eternal genius or an eternal imbecile.
Isn’t it amazing that the IQ test that really matters has only one question – Do you believe Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your wrongdoings and died on your behalf so you may have everlasting life?  One correct answer can make a foolish believer wiser than the most brilliant unbeliever.
Let no one deceive himself.  If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.  For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”, 1 Corinthians 3: 18-19.

Sir Isaac Newton recognised that the laws of the physical world are constant when he coined the phrase, ‘For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.’ – A handy thing to remember before stepping off a great height.

God set many scientific laws in motion and decreed that they remain constant.  I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Isaiah 46:11b.
God also created mankind with volition and decreed that it remain free.  The laws of ‘free-will’ are as constant as any scientific law in the physical world.  For every decision there will be consequences.  We are free to succeed and free to fail.  This explains most of our suffering in life – we bring it upon ourselves (individually and nationally).
We may point our finger accusingly at God and ask: ‘How can You allow suffering?’  But God rarely intervenes when it comes to the repercussions caused by our own stupid decisions.  We may earnestly pray for God to miraculously remove bad repercussions (never do we ask Him to remove good repercussions), but God would sooner suspend the ‘laws of gravity’, than tamper with the ‘laws of free-will’.
Through many choices we determine our attitude when facing life’s rotten apples.  And, it is our attitude that often determines whether we have dug ourselves out of a hole or dug ourselves deeper. This is not to say God leaves us alone to deal with life’s problems.  He has promised to deliver us THROUGH adversity – not OUT of adversity (Romans 8:28).
God provides the necessary strength to overcome any suffering brought upon by ourselves or others, but it is up to us whether we CHOOSE to utilise His provision. God created us with volition, so life’s central issue will always be about choice and the combined repercussions of freewill.
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourself this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15

A word only has meaning when defined.  Without definition a word is simply a meaningless sound.

Our life only has meaning when it is defined, and we define ourselves by what we believe.  If we believe in unproven ‘theories’ of evolution, we believe our life is merely the result of many miraculous mishaps.  We define ourselves and our children as cosmic accidents with no high purpose – born simply to reproduce and then to die.  If we believe in ‘nothing’, sadly we are defined by our belief (ironically, evolutionists spend their lives trying to prove that life is meaningless).  As a word is a meaningless sound without definition, so, too, a life defined by ‘nothing’ is sadly a meaningless existence.
On the flip side, as God has stated in the Bible, we are not ‘nothings’.  We are actually so important that the Creator of the universe took on the form of a man (Jesus Christ) and paid the complete penalty for all transgressions (sins) that any who believe on Him (Christ) will have everlasting life.  God defines us as His sons and daughters, much beloved by Him.
Furthermore, God has given us a higher purpose in life with which to define ourselves.  When we identify with His purpose, our life is filled with meaning and we become motivated to run the race that God has set before us.

In the Old Testament, before the Judges of Israel could bring their people back to God they had to knock down the idols that were being worshiped.

Before our friends and neighbours give the Gospel a hearing, we sometimes need to knock down the idols they are worshipping.  Today, the idol is evolutionary thinking.  Sadly, most people don’t believe evolution is a theory but an established fact.
It is handy for Christians to have an understanding of “evolution versus creation” to give rational answers when people question.  There are plenty of examples in nature and science that illuminate the design in creation and points to the Designer behind it, (Google the many eminent Christian professors and doctors that have written excellent scientific defences for God and Christianity).
However, there is an occupational hazard to Christian apologetics. We can become so caught up arguing evolution that we neglect to mention the Gospel.  Many educated Christians have won academic debates, but without the Gospel no one has been won to Christ.  We must remember that: The Word of God is alive and powerful… (Hebrews 4:12). God honours His Word, not our clever arguments.  When His Gospel is spoken, God will rattle the hearer to its importance and will haunt them with its message time and time again.
There is certainly a place for Christian apologetics in toppling evolutionary idols, but without the Gospel it’s simply an academic argument.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

A man that was honest, dynamic and hardworking was rejected at every job interview he attended.  It wasn’t because of his qualifications – his resume was impeccable.  He was rejected because of his twin brother’s criminal reputation and was judged untrustworthy by association.

Many people reject Christianity on the basis of the horrible things done in the name of religion.  However, we forget that Jesus Christ was not impressed with religion either.  In fact, it was religious people that conspired to nail Him to the cross.
The Bible states that Jesus Christ is the Son of God – the manifestation of God in human flesh (John 10:30).  We can see through Christ’s life that God is very much against crusades, inquisitions, terrorist attacks, suicide bombings, human sacrifice, suppression of women and abuse of children.
When Christ was alive, He took a firm stand against hypocritical religious leaders; He tossed spiritual-swindlers out of the temple who were fleecing the public; He courageously stood between religious zealots ready to execute a woman charged with adultery.
Sadly, religion has given Christianity a reputation it doesn’t deserve.  God is no fan of religion.  If we reject Christianity on the basis of the despicable things done and said by religious people, we have judged Christianity and God unfairly.
Religion may wrong you, condemn you, malign you or nail you to a cross – but God certainly doesn’t want this.  He desires to have an eternal, loving relationship with each of us no matter who we are or how we have failed Him.
Christianity is not about a set of meaningless rituals, feeling guilty and trying to be good.  Christianity is a restoration of a family relationship with our Heavenly Father through the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross.  God greatly desires we accept His gift of Salvation so we can be reconciled with Him for eternity.  The choice is now individually up to us if we wish to be reconciled with Him.
John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus Christ), that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

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