This year is the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth. Whatever our views of Darwin's theory, it is fair to say that he was a remarkable man. His ideas separate the very beliefs that humanity holds.
Some believe that he has discovered the truth about man’s existence and with it destroyed the idea that there is a God. Others believe that he has deluded the world with a theory that is false and as a result has taken the eyes of the world from the real creator of the universe.

If there is no God? Then humanists and atheists are right in their assumptions, that we should live for today as today is all that we have; with this view there is no future outside of our three score and ten yearsBut they are completely wrong in their idea that no God leads to happiness. In our civilized 21st century world, with all its latest technology, development and embracing of evolutionary theory, we don’t enjoy our lives and we are never satisfied? Suicide, drug abuse, alcoholism, family breakdowns, crime are all on the increase in the UK and have been since we accepted these humanistic teachings. Despair, loneliness, stress, pain and anxiety amongst many other emotions, fill the lives of our nation. The sad truth is, that if there is no God then we should be more concerned and worried because mankind has no hope of rising above the despair that he has got himself into. The other debate about this first view is what actually is enjoyment? Is enjoying life, drunkenness and revelry, spending until debt consumes our life? Is it doing whatever we want as long as it’s alright for me? Sadly this is the way the morality of our country is going.
If there is a God? Then there is another way. Worry, fear, pain and emptiness that eats away at so many of us has an answer. That answer is found in God, the giver of life. Evolution teaches that life is here by chance, without purpose, without reason and without help for our problems. Belief in a Creator God teaches us that there is one that cares, one that made us out of love. Everything he made has a purpose, a reason and a hope.
The answer to most of the whys that we ask ourselves are found in having a relationship with God. It is only when we know God personally that life and the ability to live it, as the Creator intended us to, makes any sense.

“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires.” Romans 1

We are what we are, because we have rejected God.
If denying God and living without God has bought about our separation from him, then believing God and worshipping him brings us back into a relationship with him.
This is true but not so simple. Our separation from God made us at enmity with him. There is a barrier that divides man from an eternal, holy God. The bible teaches that God sent Christ (Jesus) as a mediator between us and the Father.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” The Bible

He sent Christ to set you free to be the person he made you to be and through faith has given you freedom to live, the right way. No God means we are on our own, we die, that’s it. With God means life, future, hope, living, it also means judgement if we reject him.
Don’t fall for the lies of this present age, but look to God and see him in creation, his Word and in the lives of millions across the world, know him for yourself, just ask him, call upon him and he will answer.

Labels: Creation, Evolution, Reality, Truth

Thought for the week— “How to share our faith to Secular Europeans”

Contemporary or secular European’s would describe themselves as-

1. Looking for a truth that works for me
2. I only see my life from
my own perspective
3. Have a group where I can share common
values
4. I believe in being accepting and tolerant of other religions
and beliefs
5. I do not believe in ONE truth or ONE
religion
6. I do not like it when different groups argue over their
religion/faith
7. I want practical answers to life, not simple answers
to difficult questions
8. I don’t like institutional religion
They
see that the west are processing well in economy, education and technology. They
feel they have more freedom to experiment with the big issues (i.e.
Abortion, Homosexuality, Marriage and Medicine. with openness and tolerance
being the main thrust. There is no ultimate god, to tell them what to do.
Therefore do what you think is best.

The main way we as believers can witness to this group is through the reality of your faith, the way God has changed you, helped your family, given you strength and peace. Do not underestimate the power of the personal testimony. Each of us who are born again, have one and each one is powerful.

The way you speak and work alongside them, the way you look at their interests as well as your own, are ways to reach this group. Jesus did exactly this with the secular people in the bible.

As they see the fruit in you, they will ask questions of you, will read the bible with less pressure and see that the bible actually does have answers to their everyday needs and longings.
The challenge for the believer is that your neighbors, friends, family, work colleagues and college guys will be watching you and seeing if what you claim to be true and life changing, really has an impact on your everyday life.

The church, full of love within and without is perhaps the greatest witnesses there is today.

Labels: Fruit, Secular. Religion, Truth