Is faith worth living and dying for?
71What is your faith based on?
Since I started writing on hubpages, I've found myself being led on a journey. A journey to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ. A journey to bring glory to my Father in Heaven and His one and only begotten son Jesus Christ. And a journey to Discovery. Discovery of reason which leads to a deeper faith.
This is the fourth hub in a series that focusses on the subject of random chance or intelligent design. My inspiration for this writing is a comment made by a dear brother and highly respected hubber, James Watkins. He stated his struggles with the same issues of living and dying for faith as I have found myself struggling with.
If faith is based on anything that can bring question, it will never be the kind of faith one would die for. If there is any uncertainty, the whole thing could easily come crashing down. For example, if I believe what I believe simply because someone told me that this is the truth, this kind of faith would not stand in the face of death. I would begin to question the credibility of the information that led me to this "weak" foundation for faith. If we are not CONVINCED of the validity of our belief, how could it possibly stand in the face of death?
There are many who are convinced without any other reason than "He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me whose I am" Lord bless this childlike faith. This is the kind of faith my wife has. This is the kind of faith many reading this have. I started out this way. God led me to go even deeper. There are so many who look for "reason" to believe. "He walks with me and He talks with me" will not satisfy their need for reason. I knew there were dangers of abandoning this type of childlike faith in search of "reason". God assured me that He could stand the test so off I went. What I have found has served to inspire an even deeper faith that is still childlike in the aspect of "I have NOTHING to fear, my Daddy is REAL and He loves me!" I felt that way before this journey to discovery of reason, but now with the addition of reason, any and all doubt has been eroded.
"If you seek Me, you will find Me" God
For years, I thought seeking God meant reading my bible, praying, and gathereing together with other beilevers to hear the word preached. He has shown me it also includes wieghing the evidence, both metaphysical, and scientific. With the advent and advances of science, we have a far greater understanding of our world, life and the origins of both. For me to share all I have learned in one hub would make for a very lengthy writing. Because of this, I feel compelled to break it into smaller "bites". To keep it simple I will put what I learned into my own words.
As I pondered the mystery of existence my first resource was my own mind. Starting with "I think, therefore I am" my question became, "How did I get here?" How did any of us get here? How did ANYTHING get here? Questions like these can consume the mind and challenge faith. I was led to challeng faith, so I found myself willing to ask the tough questions. I wanted to examine the evidence and make a conclusion based on where the evidence led, no matter where it led. The conclusions that I reached using only my own reasoning as a resource are published in my other intelligent design hubs. These were conclusions that I reached as God led me to question His existence. Then came time to go further, into researching what science has uncovered concerning naturalism vs Intelligent design. My fear was that science was biased toward Darwinism. What I learned is that this is no longer the case. I also found that there is OVERWHELMING evidence that supports a beginning to the universe. One of the key hingepoints in support of naturalism is that matter is eternal and without cause. If it had a beginning, there would have to be a cause that brought it into existence. I went into this in an earlier hub about infinite regression. It was about cause and effect. Summed up quickly, it goes like this.
If "B" caused "A" what caused "B"? Answer is "C". Well what caused "C"? Answer is "D". Which would continue infinitely until an uncaused first cause is introduced. The conclusion reached is that there would HAVE to be an uncaused first cause, and that would leave only 2 choices... God or matter. Either matter is eternal, or God caused it into existence.
What does science say?
I promised to keep it simple and I will. I am not a scientist, nor could I pull off even sounding like one. I fancy myself to have more the heart of a poet, than that of a scientist. But in my search for understanding, I was forced to delve into the scientific realm. There are many different fields of scientific study, the ones that prove most helpful in the study of origins of existence include cosmology, (a metaphysical study of the origins and nature of the universe) astronomy (study of space and the matter that exists in space) and physics (natural science and it's study of matter and motion through spacetime). In a future hub I will adress things such as origins of life and also the human consciousness as it relates to random chance or intelligent design.
What does science say concerning the origin of the universe?
The universe is expanding at an astounding rate of speed. What this would indicate is if we were able to "turn the clock backwards" and put the process of expansion in reverse, all existing matter would converge in one location. Which means it all started in one place. This turns naturalist thinking on it's core belief, that the universe is eternal and without beginning.
Some naturalists would contend that the universe expands, then is pulled back through gravitational forces to converge, explode and begin the process again. What would contradict this theory is the speed at which the universe is expanding. Is there enough speed for matter to escape this pull? Nearly ALL of the research I have found on this subject strongly suggest yes. In this case matter will break free of gravitational pull to finally drift eternally. Stars will eventually burn out and light would cease to be. Sounds pretty grim right? Not when you add God to the equation. If the universe is expanding AND eventually contracting, natural causes could possibly account for life, given the eternity it would have to bring about it's existence. BUT, if like the bible tells us, this was a one time event, natural causes would have a very small window of time to randomly cause the emergence of life. And it would have only one shot because without the eventual reconvergence of matter and the process starting over, stars would drift and die and all hope for life would die with them.
Let there be light!
Illumination is not only the process where light makes things visible. It is also the process by which we are made to understand. God led me on this journey to discovery so I could see His fingerprint on His creation, and understand that it could be NO OTHER way. This is only one of many proofs that point to God. I would be happy to share many more if there is interest. If this journey was just for me, I would still consider it more than worthwhile. If however there are many like myself that would seek "reason" for belief, more will follow.
I titled this hub "Is faith worth living and dying for?". It's inspiration was stated in the second paragraph. We are called by God to surrender our lives to a higher purpose. Even to the point of death. Would He want us to do that on a faith that does not hold up against the contention of different explanations for our existence? NO! He is not afraid of scientific discoveries. He has given us the ability to discover evidence that leads to Him. He is not hiding. He wants us to KNOW our faith is not in vain. When we become CERTAIN, we become inspired. We would become willing to face any and all challenges to show the REALITY of our faith. We would become willing to go to any and all lengths to share our hope with those who are lost. We would have all doubt removed as to our purpose in this life. To know God and serve Him in His high calling to share His love.
God fills that which cannot be filled, boundless space! He IS boundless! His power has no limits! He has called us by name, and promised to be with us through ALL eternity. He whispers His love to us in our ear. He shouted it on the cross. Will we go with Him there? CERTAIN faith is a faith that IS worth living and dying for!
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p.s. your videos match your hubs perfectly.
We always convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, than another. Then we are frustrated that the kids are not old enough and well be more content when they are. After that were frustrated that we have teenagers to deal with. We will certainly be happy when they are out of that stage. We always tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together. When we get a nice a car, and are able to go on a nice vocation when we retire. The truth is, there's no better time than right now. if not now, when? Our life will always be filled with challenges. It's best to admit this to ourselves and decide to be happy anyway.
exacly what the women told me of whom i study the bible with very inspiring great info and well put togeather i think alot of peoople are going to benifit greatly in reading your work thanks
Thanks again, Brother. You always leave me wanting more.
Excellent hub Fred!
God took me on that same journey! When I left the JW's, they convince those who leave that 'they' get custody of God. So, I figured if I can't have a relationship with Him, I will--at least--learn all there is to know "about' Him.
I became quite interested in studying quantum physics, and understanding the magnificence of God in so many other ways. I wanted to "know" Him, but I never had a relationship with Him, until He drew me to Christ! So while I truly believed in Him, and from a scientific standpoint, 'knew' it was true--I felt such a "lacking" in my soul.
I appreciated this hub about your journey, and feel so much joy over your "illumination"! God Bless you brother--thanks for sharing!
Tamarajo- Thanks for being the first to comment. I appreciate that you took the time to listen to the song. I believe God gives me exactly the one He wants to complete my hubs.
It is true that He wants us to be absolutely certain that He is in fact real. This is why He not only confirms His reality in our hearts through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but has also made Himself known through His creation. This has been a very enlightening experience for me.
Thank you for your kind words!
"be anxious for nothing..." and "...Except you be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of God." I'm glad I don't have to add anything to this simplicity. Only Trust Him
blessings...
Xiaoshu- I'm so glad you have found me here and decided to comment and follow me on hubpages.
I tell my children that the key to happiness is to love and live for God. This is what gives our lives purpose. I also tell them to enjoy the moment. God is in control. We can enjoy His presence wherever we are and whatever we are doing. You are wise for pointing that out.
I look forward to checking out your page later today.
Thanks again!
Jasper- Thank you so much. As I mentioned, if I did this only for my benefit, it was still more than wothwhile. I'm glad that there are others that are helped as a result. Thank you for your vote of confidence. Your support and kind words are a blessing to me.
lifegate- Thank you so much! More is coming. I am amazed at what I have learned. Science points to God!!!
Fred, well said, but I'm taking the path of him walking and talking with me, and the times he told me I was his and he was mine as long as I stay near he will as well.
I suppose that proves for every action there is an equal action, not an equal opposite reaction, 50
Laurie- Your journey has inspired me. God led you out of the place that kept you from the full experience of His love in a relationship with Him through the shed blood of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You are a light shining for His glory!
samsons1- Your heartfelt hubs express the same sentiment as your comment here. Thank God that there are many who need no scientific proof for His existence. Thank God that for those who do, there is an abundance! God bless you my brother!
50- Hello again my friend and brother! What I wrote for samsons1 is also for you. Your faith is strong. I know you are always aware that you are NEVER alone!
FA,
What a wonderfully interesting and thought provoking exposition that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Thank you for sharing and the work put into making this a meaningful hub.
Love, peace and joy in Him,
Forever His!
I truly believe a knowing is within us all and yet the world beats this knowing down, it can easily be reborn, the key, reborn, loved, nutured and once more given life. It is far harded not to believe in anything and be without faith in my humble opinion. How is it one can live without their heart? It's not just worth living and dying for it's the engine that takes us there. Love and Peace :)
Fred Allen my brother: I am a spirit, sent by Almighty God to learn about sin and asked to do it in human form to experience all that sin brings. As I learn, I am asked by God to serve Him as a human and perform certain tasks, and as I do so I learn more about sin and its harm. Eventually I will be called back to my heavenly life to serve God yet once again and to stand by Jesus if asked on the day of His return. I will obey without question.
Brother Dave.
Revlady- Thank you so much for your feedback and support. You are a shining light to a crooked and depraved world.
katiem- I agree. God has placed eternity in the hearts of men. It is only in turning away that this glory fades. Those who have chosen this path have no real peace and most wish to drag believers into the same meaningless life. For me it would be like living without my heart. You are wise in seeing this. Thanks for your comment. Peace and hugs!
Brother Dave- You are an inspiration warrior of God! Thanks for stopping by and adding to this hub.
Psalm 19:1
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice isn't heard."
Fred,
What a blessing you are. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I wholeheartedly agree. Ours is a reasonable faith. Many agnostic and even atheistic scientists admit to a feeling of awe at the thought of the complex and beautiful universe in which God has placed us. We have nothing to fear from science. It can only shed light on the details of God's masterpiece.
Great hub which presents deep thoughts to ponder about. But as christians we are not to walk by sight but by faith, and the righteous shall live by faith. One of the greatest evidence of the reality of God is the work of regeneration in a believer's life. It is not sufficient to prove God's existence with the physical matters for God is Spirit. The miracle of the new birth is one of God's greatest spiritual work. Thank you for sharing these deep thought-provoking insights. Blessings to you. Best regards.
One of the most thought provoking "sermons" I have heard. This reminds me of one of my favorite pastor, who challanged me every Sunday morning, with simple truths.
Nice Hub!
Temi- Thank you for your kind words. The more I learn, the more powerfully I can present the truth. That has been my goal from the beginning.
cristina- I agree with you from my personal perspective. What I learned is that there is an abundance of scientific discovery that point directly to a creator. Armed with this information it becomes a weapon for the breaking down of strongholds holding many dearly loved souls captive.
CMerritt- So nice to meet you here! Sorry it took so long to respond to your comment. I spend 2 days a week away from hubpages. Don't give up on me, I ALWAYS respond to comments. I feel if someone takes the time to read and comment, it's the least I can do to show appreciation. Your words are very Kind. I intend to read your page today.
You mean I've missed all this. Great stuff. If G*d is the author of all good things and and the fountain of knowledge, wisdom, truth then one can only find that on the pursuit of those things you will find him at the center.
I think this is really important to talk about because oftentimes we think faith is based on what is not reasonable, but something other when it is actually called faith because we act on the fact that what we learn is true and we trust the source, but only G*d is worthy of faith because he is the author of truth.
Sorry to ramble. Great hub.
Thank you fred for a remarkable and awesome hub, it left me speechless. greatinformation. Godspeed.
SaMcNutt- So good to see you here again. The more I learn the more I realize that we can use sound reasoning to lead the lost to a life of faith. So many people are stuck in their thinking that all we can do is appeal to the lost on the basis of emotion. This is not true. God has given us the ability to make an appeal on the basis of sound reasoning. Those who won't respond to an emotional appeal may very well respond to a reasoned one. How many in the church today would be effective in this approach? I fear not many. Why would so many keep their heads in the sand and not develop the ability to use sound reason to win the lost? Can they not hear the call of God to win the lost by any and all means? This has proven to be the most important journey of my life. I can't get enough! Great to see you again Stephanie!
creativeone- Hello dear sister. I will have more very soon. Thank you for your kind words!
This is fantastic and as a believer I do not believe in 'coincidences' my brother recently turned me on to a Dr. Kent Hovind a creationist if you haven't seen him he's on youtube just search his name or The Hovind Theory it's science confirming creation. Also I recently watched a movie but it is a book that I would love to read called The Case for Christ. Thanks for sharing looking forward to more!
CameoT- Thank you for supporting me here on hubpages. I will check out your site in the morning.
It's interesting that you mention "The case for a Creator" After writing the first 3 hubs in this series, I decided that it would benefit me and those I wish to reach if my foundation for reasoning went beyond what my own mind could rationally conclude. The book I found was "The case for a Creator" By Lee Strobel. In it He interviews some of the top minds in science. The case for a Creator is stronger than beyond reasonable doubt. I also found it more than coincidental that after I finished that book I was going to go to Lifeway Christian bookstore to buy "The case for faith" by the same author, but before I could, my son came out of Sunday school and handed me a brand new copy. Turns out that this is the topic of study for his class for the next 8 weeks. I have 2 sons in the same class and they could get by sharing 1 copy while I read the other. It gets better, I was at the gym a few days ago and a lady that knows I am a Christian (can't be around me for 10 minutes without knowing that), presented me with a copy of "The case for Christ" She said that she has been carrying it around for a week waiting to see me so she could give it to me. God is certainly engaged!
Your comment is a blessing!
I love reading your Hubs, they come from your heart! Like your video too!!! Be Blessed!!!
drpastor- That's one of the nicest things anyone could say to me! What a way to start my 48th bday!
Fred,
That is really remarkable! As you well know yes that is the same guy Lee Strobel I watched the 'movie' which is actually a documentary but I thought it was a christian based film I was pleasantly surprised at what it really was. I'm very happy to find out there are now three books for me to read! Thanks for sharing that!
That Sunday school sounds great! That's what we need to be teaching our children! I feel the same about your response very much a blessing and confirmation from God that as I've found myself digging deeper into 'reasoning' that it is truely 'ok' I love how you said "God assured me that He could stand the test" I've found this to be very true.
God Bless!
Cameo T- So glad you stopped by again! There are times when I "think" God is speaking to me and there are times when i "know" He is speaking to me. He led me on this journey for a reason. I am seeing the fruit of His work as I become much more effective in being able to reason the lost to a life of faith. It has also removed all doubt from my own walk. As soon as I get time I plan to write a hub that talks about the complexity of a single celled organism and how even the simplest forms of life could NEVER arise from naturalist causes.
God bless you my friend!
My friend, you are right. The evidence is there, people just wish to remain in the dark. In order to bring people to the light, we must demonstrate the God of love in our lives. The reason I came to the light was because someone was willing to demonstrate that love, and I couldn't help but realize they had something real I didn't have.
Ray- You described the way most people are brought to a life of faith. It is a beautiful thing to see the life of a believer have a profound impact on the lives of the lost. It is undeniably the most effective witness. Where I have been led is to be able to add reason to a (what I hope) is a life that is itself a witness. There are many that will not be swayed by emotion. They need reason. There are many questions that I would not have had an effective response to before that I now can answer. This is a result of having been led to confront the tough questions concerning faith. My research is now leading me to confront questions such as "how can God be a loving God when there is so much suffering?" and "If God is loving, how can there be a Hell?" I could give a brief unsatisfying answer for these questions before, but through greater understanding comes more satisfying answers.
God bless you my brother!
Heb 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Math 18:2-4
Jesus called a little child to come to him. Jesus stood the child before the followers. Then Jesus said, "I tell you the truth. You must change and become like little children {in your hearts}. If you don't do this, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. The greatest (most important) person in the kingdom of heaven is the person that makes himself humble like this child."
I think it is wonderful to give people tangible or visual and what you write many people need but like your wife I believe unconditionally and I need no proof, I cannot understand anyone who doesn't believe. If Jesus is in your heart you need nothing more in my opinion, I have lived with Jesus since I can remember but I had Him move in at around age 12 when I accepted Him and was baptized and he has never left me. Of course we grow reading and learning His word, showing ourselves approved. Even with Jesus not mentioned I have stuck my neck out here many times for things I never dreamed to. He puts in my heart a cause and I go with it even if it means no friend comes around. I have been lead to many things that are not me I know God put on my heart to speak about. Maybe your wife is not wrong, maybe she has her personal relationship which we all have and may very well differ from yours, not meaning at all she is wrong. I think your work is important though for the many who do need proof. Even proof won't convince many, but once he moves in the heart, few turn away I am sure. Why would they? We love from our heart, not our mind. If teaching facts reach certain ones that need proof then perhaps they will allow Him in. Good luck in your journey. I have been following James a year now and think highly of him and I would think an excellent model for you.
I think it a beautiful thing that there are so many who need no other proof beside "He lives in my heart" This is how simple God has made it to become one of His beloved children. Neither my wife, nor you nor the multitude who believe without the need for proof or reason are wrong. I would say you all are blessed beyond measure. The need for reason could be considered a curse. I have found in my own life that in spite of the strongest arguements against faith, faith held strong. It was reason that gave me the power to help those that otherwise would remain outside a life of faith. As I said earlier, it was God who led me on this journey. I simply went where I was led. I didn't expect to have my faith challenged, but it was...sorely. God gave me the assurance that He could stand this test. He did! I don't know why He chose me to walk this path, but I'm glad He did. It has been a wild ride, but in the end I am better equipped for ministry. Great to see you Polly!
Great to be here and I do really understand, I have seen others who needed more and it is as hard to understand as we are to you and I have seen some who even start looking at satan and reading about him to see if he really deserves the bad reputation he has,,,an atheist here tried to get me to, I would advise anyone not to do that. I think we have him in our lives enough as it is and probably all know him pretty good and we know we can't get by with "the Devil made me to it!" lol
Great topic and writing. Thanks for sharing.
Polly- ;-D I know that satanism is a trap that few escape. It's humanist views make sense on the surface. As a matter of fact, most people live those principles without even realizing it.
Smiles and hugs dear sister!
Sky- great to see you again! Glad you stoppped by!
Fred, I am glad that I stopped by, appreciate the hub, very well written.
tina- Thank you so much. Your support does not go unnoticed nor unappreciated.
fred allen, a LOT to chew on here.
Yes, I am CONVINCED, but have questions and decisions as you have stated here also.
Thank you very much for a thoughtful and encouraging hub!
frogyfish- So glad you stopped by! God does not fear questions. He welcomes them. What would concern Him is if you had questions and didn't bring them to Him but relied on less reputable sources. You WILL hear His voice and KNOW that He is true. You were meant for faith. You were made for glory. Learn as much as you can to reach as many as you can. To this you were called. You are noble as is your purpose!
Wow! Very good hub Fred, I really love reading your hubs, and I'm so glad you share your heart with us all here on HP. I just kept thinking as I was reading this, that if you haven't you should consider writing a book.
I do understand your concept here though, as while we all may start with that child like faith I know personally we sometimes need to delve deeper into the evidence, and that mainly due to the constant trying of our faith. And also the enemy of our souls, constant questioning of that faith, I would say it kind of goes along with Paul's writing on how he died daily!
But again thank you for sharing this Fred, and I do hope you will continue it further. And I will be looking forward to it.
If I don't read ya before then, have a Blessed Christmas Brother!
Robert- I have to tell you that you are very special to me. I am someone who acts first and thinks about it later. Sometimes I find that I was wrong. When I do I want nothing more than to make it right. I misjudged you. I see that you are really my brother and I love you. I suffer from the inability to hold back my rage until it is tempered with reason. Sometimes it is a blessing, other times a curse. I won't stand by while I percieve injustice. When it is actually injustice it is a blessing. When it is not... it's a curse. God used you to show me that I need to look at the heart before I ACT. You will always be special to me and I feel a bond that I will forever be grateful for. If you are ever at the beach, I would consider it an honor to prepare and serve you dinner. I would feel honored if you would consider me a true friend from this day forward.
I believe we will have contact before Christmas, but in the event we don't, have a blessed Christmas. I will pray for that very thing right now.
I had been reading with interest but it was Polly's comments that persuaded me to respond. Some people have a 'living' faith. Some people have the HEAD KNOWLEDGE without the appropriate HEART AWARENESS. Some people are swayed by reason and logic, some by emotion. But where is the real FAITH that will not be shaken?
Why do some pastors become atheists?
There are something like 2 million people leaving the churches of Europe and North America every year - WHY?
I am now 75 and I've been a 'committed' Christian for more than 50 years. We are all on a journey and we are all at different stages of that journey. Over the last 7-8 years I have been learning so much about why people believe what they believe, often as a result of divisive, DENOMINATIONAL theology.
Logic and reason can be a stepping stone for some people. It can also be a stepping stone to atheism from Christian leadership - I have such a story on my blog that I'm thinking of moving to a new hub.
Some may find it hard to comprehend that there are committed Christians who no longer 'attend church'.
After creating my own hubs this is the first time I have been inspired to open up like this. If you do look at my profile be prepared for a few surprises.
Pete- You ask some hard and relevant questions and I am honored you graced this hub with your comment. I will give you what I believe God is giving me to address them all.
Where is the real faith that will not be shaken?
It is in those who have a made up mind. Those who have no doubt as to the reality of Gods existence and His call on their life. Some find this type of faith seemingly naturally. God has gifted them with a childlike faith that is completely satisfied with "He walks with me and He talks with me and tells me I am His own." Others have need of reason, when their need for this is satisfied, they become great and mighty warriors for the Kingdom of God and His dear Son. It all comes down to having a made up mind.
Why do some pastors become athiests?
The enemy of our souls is very powerful and knows which buttons to push. As pastors who devote their lives to faith, begin to question their beliefs, they find themselves facing some very hard questions. Questions such as "why does God allow suffering?" or "Would a loving God create Hell?" or "is there a naturalistic cause for existence that does not require a God?" These are topics of some of my other hubs, but there are many questions that if not answered satisfactorily, would lead people away from a life of faith. The questions aren't what is killing faith, it's the lack of a satisfacory answer. That is exactly why I have addressed some of these hard questions. There are satisfactory answers. Answers that protect and strengthen faith. I would consider it an honor if you would check out some of my hubs that deal with these hard questions. I would greatly value your input.Your years of experience can benifit all who read.
Thank you again for gracing this hub. You are an honored guest here.
Fred - I have been reading some of your hubs and I'm aware of the importance that you place on reason and logic. I would suggest that the Christian faith is anything but logical. I can't see anything logical or rational in the death and resurrection of Jesus - but that doesn't stop me believing!
I have a bit of a reputation for asking the awkward questions to which there are no easy answers. I really didn't expect anyone to attempt to answer what for me were rhetorical questions - sorry about that - it's just the way I write.
You have suggested that there are many questions that if not answered satisfactorily, would lead people away from a life of faith - and that I suggest is exactly what is happening. There are around 35,000 different registered churches. Where should we go to find satisfactory answers?
I have been led to recognise that there is an enormous difference between the Christian RELIGION and the Christian FAITH. It's only in the last 5-6 years that I have really begun to understand the difference between HEAD KNOWLEDGE and HEART AWARENESS - the difference between knowing ABOUT God and developing a relationship WITH God. I'm very happy to share something of that journey and encouraging people to THINK FOR THEMSELVES if they are ready to venture outside their own comfort zone - see the link on my profile for more of my story and some of those significant questions.
Pete- I look forward to cheking out your link. You are not one of the cookie cutter Christians I've become accustomed to.
Sorry, I've no idea what a cookie cutter Christian is.
Hi Fred,
As you may be aware bt my hubs, questions and comments I post. I am always searching to strengthen my faith through tough questions, most times spoken aloud and then written. I have had the commentary with chrsitians, atheists and agnostics here on HP, FB and in person.
We all will die one day and I would rather have the hope of something more maybe that might be deemed as selfish to some, but I feel this is in line with the inheritance we are promised. My mom says she will be highly upset that when she dies, she would find that was all there was.
My mom, I love her.
The universe I don't believe expands. I believe it was already created as an eternity like our souls without end.I find it more plausible that parts of the universe, perhaps galaxies, go through change as do stars, planets and along those same lines our souls undergo change as well, reborn, then physical death that begins everlasting life when He is ready for us. I'm not sure exactly what that will be like and truthfully I'm not in a hurry to find out, but I know the physical death is inevitable and I know nothing remains the same, so just as in theory that the death of a star begets the birth of a blackhole and possibly the gateway to another dimension, I expect the physical death of my body will give birth to my eternal soul and manifest itself in some form that now knows the Light which confuses the darkness and renders the impossible, possible.
Robert
noturningback- So nice to see you here. Sorry for the delay in my response. The expanding universe is supported by science. It is evidence that this is a one time event. What you believe about this is not near as important as what you believe about the Creator of the universe. You are strong in that the foundation of your faith is the shed blood of Jesus. You are blessed beyond measure and a blessing to others.
Without Faith ... one is dead, anyway ... so why not Believe, and be amongst the Living.
I agree what Tamarajo said, ""He has given us the ability to discover evidence that leads to Him. He is not hiding. He wants us to KNOW our faith is not in vain." Thank you God! Great Hub, Voted-Up!
Faith is worth dying for,d faith our early father's sacrifce for the gospel is d structure of the church today.tnx God bless you rapturable sir may ur life impact lifes for is coming.
Tamarajo Level 5 Commenter 18 months ago
I never thought of it that way... "He has given us the ability to discover evidence that leads to Him. He is not hiding. He wants us to KNOW our faith is not in vain."
It seems as if the evidence coming in is in favor of a creator despite what pop culture keeps trying report.
Comprehending His greatness and immensity does seem to make the idea of dying for the one in whom we believe seem not so unreasonable.
lovely hub