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| Volume 17 Number 8 August 2015 | Page 12 |
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| Volume 17 Number 8 August 2015 | Page 12 |
George Jensen
Humanists would say, “Religion is a crutch for the weak mind.” Some religionists say, “Take the leap of faith.” Yet, God does not desire mankind to be gullible. Quite the opposite. The Creator has provided mankind with two basic forms of evidence: (1) Physical, and (2) Special.
The observable, tangible creation silently testifies to a Designer and Builder. “For every house is builded by someone; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). About 1,000 years B.C. David wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Why do we have the word “universe” and not “multi-verse”? Even the ancient Greeks recognized the meticulous order all around and used the word “cosmos,” meaning “harmonious arrangement, order.” Arrangement for intricate working is the opposite of randomness. “For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse” (Romans 1:20). The world around us can cause us to know there must be a Powerful Orderer. Yet, by gazing at His handiwork, we cannot learn what He wants us to do.
Special revelation is provided by the Word of God. The Bible is not the words of men, but “men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Included are eyewitness accounts of miracles performed as proof for us to believe. “Many other signs therefore did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31). Yet, someone might say, “If I saw a miracle with my own eyes, I’d believe!” One former rich man thought that his living brothers would be convinced to repent if they saw someone return from the dead. However, Abraham responded, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). At the time that was spoken, the brothers had access to the Old Testament Bible. Today, we have the New Testament of Jesus. These days, if you will not be convinced by the Scriptures, you cannot be convinced. God “speaks” visually with His creation, and He speaks also in His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2). Have you examined the evidence?
Paul Clements
This is not an article promoting a particular party or candidate. It is an article promoting Christian values. There is definitely a lot being said about politics lately. Regrettably, many politicians are not influenced by morality or the Bible much anymore. They want to do and say the politically correct thing. They don’t want to offend anyone. They try to determine from the polls and focus groups what positions are popular and what they think will get them elected or reelected.
While some say “religion and politics don’t mix,” we better hope there is some religion mixed in with the politics of today! Christian principles were the center and core of all that was said and done in the founding of our country. If our leaders do not live according to Christian ethics, the nation and especially the righteous will suffer for it. There are a number of issues that directly affect the morality of our nation and the lives of godly individuals. Christians had better be concerned about these things.
Who will get your vote? Would you want to vote for someone who favors higher taxes and bigger government? Can you conscientiously support a candidate or party that wants to give away more of your hard-earned tax dollars? Could you vote for a person who supports keeping prayer and God out of every aspect of American life? What about those who favor abortion? Christians certainly cannot support the politician who approves of “same-sex” marriage. Sin is still sin whether a politician approves of it or not!
This may seem a bit idealistic. At the same time, I think we have the right to expect candidates to stand for what is right and good. We may never find the perfect candidate in any race, but some are obviously more apt to promote ideas that are compatible with the Christian way. In any race, we would be wise to support the candidate who is more inclined to stand for morality and Christian principles. “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).