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Reasons to Believe

Can You Prove God Exists?

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“Come now, let us reason together.” Isaiah 1:18

This is a fair question. 

I have heard people say,

“No, I can’t prove He exists, but I believe He does.” 

Why would someone believe in something they can’t see?  The more important question is, “What if it could be shown without a doubt that He exists and that the Bible is His reliable source of truth? What would you do?”

Since this is all about questions and doubt, let’s start with a personal question:

What do you need to believe God exists?

What would it take for you to believe a Creator God exists? How could you become convinced or satisfied with God’s existence?  Maybe it’s direct physical evidence, like in a murder case where you have DNA, a weapon, a video, and witnesses.  That would be a slam-dunk case.  Wouldn’t it?    If God showed up at your house or office as would a flesh and blood friend and say to you,

“Hello, I am God, and I am here to answer all your questions.”  

Then, He proceeded to answer the “why?” questions about losing a loved one, or He let you in on the solutions to world troubles.  Would you believe He exists?    What if He could tell you the secrets of your life that only you knew? Would you become a believer, then?

Let’s imagine on a grander scale.  What if He showed up at the Super Bowl this February, hovering in clouds above the 50-yard line on international TV, and said,

“Listen up, everyone, I am God, there is no other like me, and I can prove it.  I will predict the game’s score and the exact time each team scores.  Further, I am giving you the final stats of the game before kick-off.”

Would that be enough proof for you to become a believer?  How would it affect your life?

Perhaps you are a highly educated Ph.D. scientist with an understanding of the details of the biology of life. What would satisfy you that God exists and He originated all life and knows more than you do?  What if He explained how He created the universe and life and gave you formulas you had never considered?

Would all of this be enough? 

What would you do with this knowledge if you could be totally satisfied with God’s existence and ability to create everything from nothing?  Sadly, most would probably say,

“That’s great!  Now I got to go back to work.”

If it could be proved to you, without a doubt, of God’s existence, would you become a believer and seeker of Him and truth? 

Most would say,

“No, I am too busy with my life.”

Is it possible that unbelief is not because of a so-called lack of evidence but of something else?  Many people do not want there to be a Creator God for various reasons, but mostly because they love their lives, as degraded as they may be.  Could it be that we feel God would restrict our joy in life?  Then, how about the big question of moral absoluteness and accountability for our actions?

I propose to you that belief is not so much about proof of His existence as is the perceived inconvenience it would cause in our daily lives.  But having said all this, let’s continue with the elements to prove either circumstantially or directly His existence.  Let me say from the start that I have empathy for the unbeliever, having once been one. 

There are many reasons why people chose to believe there is no God and that all of the earth’s events are random and unmanaged.  This is where we will start.  Let’s take a look at the reasons given for unbelief in a creator God.

Barriers to Belief

1.)   Unwillingness to Investigate

Evidence of God’s existence starts with a willing search. You can’t find or learn something if you don’t want to look.  Many don’t want to look at it either due to time or just not being interested.  The result is quick opinions about something they know very little.  They become subject to theories that fit their desire.

Not true is the popular unbiblical saying, “Faith is blind.” A biblical definition of faith is based on the wide-open eyes of substance (confidence) and evidence (tangible).  That great religious writer, Paul, who was on his way to persecute Christian believers, said to the Hebrews:

Now faith is the substance (*confidence) of things hoped for, the evidence (*circumstantial and real, tangible) of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV)

*Parenthetical additions from the  original Greek words for substance and evidence:  hypostasis (substance) and elegchos (evidence)

God evidently cares about you getting the evidence, but if you don’t want it, there will be no way for it to help.  Herein lies the problem with a believer trying to prove God exists.  It probably doesn’t matter much if the person does not want there to be a Creator God.  So, the substance and evidence are unimportant to them, and they may never start a journey to find the truth.  Why?  It could be many personal reasons related to lifestyle, perception of what it means to be a believer, peer pressure, etc. 

Probably the most significant barrier to belief in God centers on suffering in the world.  In all fairness to the unbelievers, there are many things in life on this planet that create unbelief in a Creator God.  Even full-blown believers think about these things, but unlike the unbeliever, they have read and understand the words of the prophets about the fall of mankind, sin, the love of God, redemption through Christ, and the path mankind has been on for thousands of years.

2.)   Suffering in the World

“If there is a God, why is there so much pain and death in the world?

Suffering and death result from many things other than simply wearing out from old age.  Here are some examples: chronic physical and mental pain, continuous wars, bad accidents, mental breakdowns, violent crimes, child and spouse abuse, poverty, and hunger; oppression and persecution of those who feel superior… the list of sufferings that precede death goes on and on. 

The death of a loved one, a small child, a toddler, or a young person affects most of us tremendously.  The pain is sometimes unbearable.  Some will turn to alcohol or drugs to ease the pain.

This typical objection to the existence of God almost always starts with an “If” followed by a “why.”  “If” there is a God, then “why” is there suffering in this world?  “If there is a God, “why” did He let my mother die?”  “If” there is a God, “why” do I struggle all the time?

The insinuation from this question is that “if” God is good and in control, then none of these things would be present on earth.  Therefore, everything that happens is by man’s doing or the evolution’s cycle of life, suffering, and death.  The unbeliever reasons,  “Everything is by chance or coincidence.” 

So, this type of thinking requires life on earth to be like heaven, where no one dies or suffers, and everyone is happy. 

It is not hard to see something terribly wrong on planet Earth.  We have come to expect death, dying, and suffering, but was this God’s plan?  What happened?  The Bible has the answer, but it is not what most people want to know.

3.) The Actions of Unconverted Believers

The unloving, critical, judgmental nature of people in church or in public can do more to convince an unbeliever that God doesn’t exist or, at the least, not want a part of it. So, they will retreat to friends and flock together in their community where love is expressed. The wars and death in the name of religion just add more fuel or reasons to conclude those Christians, Muslims, etc., are just nuts.

4.) Science

Scientists use systematic principles and procedures to solve problems or gain knowledge by collecting data through observation and experiment.  Then, their hypotheses are tested. Science has benefited society in many ways. It has made life easier, safer, more convenient, and extended life and its quality. 

But, when it comes to the study of origins, some data is skipped over or maligned.  The intelligence (Creator) factor is removed, and we wind up with supposed evidence that interprets life’s beginnings according to man’s desire to dismiss the miracle of creation, procreation, and God.  It is thought that God and science have nothing in common, even though some see evidence that God is the originator of all laws that science depends upon.   

Evolution has moved from interpretive science to exact science in the minds of many.  Mankind’s self-education through the study and observance of nature concludes something different from an intelligent Creator. 

What if scientists were willing to look for scientific proof of a creator? What would they find?  Fortunately, there are many who have done so, but their work is minimized. Here is a link to a list of real scientists who believe in Creation and God.

God can’t be put in a test tube, but his fingerprints and DNA can be found there.  Nevertheless, if a scientist does not want to believe, evidence will not convince them.  They will always lean towards theories that fit their worldview and justify their lifestyle/worldview.  And, to be honest, it works the same with the Creationist.  It is difficult to be purely objective.

5.)   Philosophers

It has been estimated that there are over 3,000 philosophers worldwide.  Among them are different teachings on life, its beginnings, and endings. Is everybody right? Can error and truth coexist?  Evidently, it does in the minds of some people.  But logically, the truth is no less true, and error is no less wrong.

Listening to other people who are, or seem to be, experts (pundits) in their field and their reasoning can lead us to form similar opinions that may be right or wrong about many things, including God and the Bible. There are “non-pundits” (famous people such as actors and musicians, etc.)  who are not necessarily learned but have opinions that carry weight with those who admire them.. 

6.)   Deception

If you have read the Bible, even casually, you know that deception (for humans) started in a garden, runs through history, and ends with worldwide deception.  Satan is called “the father of lies” (See John 8:44).  Satan enticed the first couple with a false promise of eternal life and becoming like God (See Genesis 3:4-5).  There are many (worldwide) who believe themselves to be God or have received some special revelation. They gather gullible followers without an anchor.  These self-proclaimed gods prey on those who have no confident answers and are looking for convenient, self-satisfying truths about life.

With the advent of the web, the number of self-proclaimed philosophers/gods/pundits has reached a staggering level of exposure. Instead of one serpent, there is a whole nest of them all over the world.

Substance and evidence by the false gods are missing.  In its place is charisma and power. Following is a very small list of so-called gods on earth; some are dead. No denomination or nationality is exempt from cultic offshoots.  (Source: www.monitor.co.ug). Note: the multitude of podcasts, YouTube, and web personalities could be included, but it would take too much time to list them.

  • Owobusobozi Bisaka– (former Catholic who received a “revelation” and started his own denomination).
  • Moon Sun Myung-(former Presbyterian. He also received a “revelation,” founded the Unification Church)Inri Christo-Looks a lot like the classic pictures of Jesus and uses some of His teachings.
  • Sergei Torop founded the Church of the Last Testament.  He is a former policeman who was fired after insisting he was Jesus and began to impersonate him with long hair and flowing robes.
  • Arrifin Mohammed started the sect called The Sky Kingdom.  A former Muslim, he claims to be Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Shiva, and the supreme deity of all religions.
  • Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda-Jose founded Creciendo Gracia (Spanish for Growing in Grace) church in the US. At first, Miranda, who is from Mexico, claimed to be Paul, a leading figure of the Bible.
  • David Koresh, a former member of an offshoot of Seventh-Day Adventists called Shepherd’s Rod, also known as Davidians. Shepherd’s Rod founder was Victor Houteff, whom the worldwide Seventh-Day Adventist Administration excommunicated in 1930.
  • Marshall Applewhite, founder of Heaven’s Gate, based his beliefs on a mixture of Christian Eschatology and mysticism. He convinced his 38 followers (and himself) that the comet Hale-Bobb was accompanied by a spaceship that would take them from this world, but to get aboard, they needed to leave the physical body through death. 

7.)   A Multitude of Religious Denominations

Numbers vary and go as high as 30,000 distinct denominations.  If you want your head to spin, see the details about the plethora of world religions and denominations on Wikipedia).  Most of these folks were born into their particular denomination.  Some convert, I am sure.  But most would feel they have the truth about God.  But how can everybody be right?  Solomon, the wise man of God, cautioned,

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Proverbs 14:12, 16:25

8.)   There is No Absolute Truth

This mass confusion has led many to say, “There is no absolute truth.”  But is that true, absolutely?  If “yes,” then that statement contradicts itself.  If the answer is “no,” then there must be absolute truth out there somewhere.

Some proclaim, “I have my truth, and you have your truth.”  Does this mean that everyone is right and nobody is wrong?  Is that even possible?  Do feelings determine truth?  I can feel that I can fly, but if I jump off a skyscraper, the truth about gravity will have people scrapping me off the sidewalk.

 9.)   Reliability of the Bible

This is an often-used excuse for unbelief.  It is usually stated by those who have only heard things and never researched or studied themselves.  This we will explore later.

Summary

There is a multitude of reasons for disbelief.  This planet is in chaos.  Wouldn’t you agree?  We could study each philosopher, each deity, and each denomination, but that would take more than a lifetime. The truth is out there. God is out there, too!  But what will it take to convince you?

Jesus is the most influential religious leader of all time.  He and his disciples made some fantastic claims.  Jesus Himself said, 

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,”  John 14:6

This exclusive claim is either true or it is false. If you believe it to be true, you will have reasons for the hope that is within you.  If you believe it is false, you, too, must have evidence.  But you won’t know until you search the Bible alone.  Deception awaits you if you research the web or read books that claim Jesus is false. You are also in danger listening to family and friends.   It is only in the writings of approximately 40 writers whom God inspired to write or were eyewitnesses of Jesus. The story of Jesus is not limited to one writer as it is with others who claim to be God.   The proof is in the Bible, which covers thousands of years from creation to destruction.   

Are you willing to give Jesus and the Bible a chance?  Do you want to follow the evidence and its conclusion?  If not, you have wasted your time reading all this.  But if you are willing and have an open mind, the truth will set you free from doubt and set you on a new, satisfying journey in life. 

We have looked at some barriers to belief.  Next time, we will look at sources for truth and belief in God.  These things put before me reasons to believe.  Hopefully, it will provide the same for you.  But it is your choice.

Please read the follow-up discussions of Can You Prove God Exists?-Part 2 and Part 3

For more information on the comparison of gods and philosophers, see Will the True God Please Stand Up-Part 1

Faith

FAILURE TO REST

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For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So, I swore in My wrath,

‘They shall not enter My rest,’”

Hebrews 4:3

The story of Israel’s failure to enter into rest was preserved for future generations…for you and me.  Modern man and especially God’s church has a lot yet to learn about the importance of the Lord’s rest. 

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

In that great book of Hebrews, Chapter 4, Paul gives believers momentous warnings and asks us to compare ourselves with ancient Israel to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes and fall short. Is the church in these last days repeating the same mistakes as Israel of not resting because of unbelief and therefore falling short?  Let us not spend a lot of time surmising that the experience of “belief” is to merely acknowledge doctrinal precepts about Jesus and going to church each week.  We are told that the devils believe (James 2:19).  Belief is more dynamic than we might think.

Failure to Believe

Paul outlines the deadly results of the Hebrews’ failure to enter into the rest God had provided. He then acknowledges to his readers that we “who have believed DO enter that rest.” So right away, we see a connection between belief and rest. But there is more.

The “belief” in Paul’s argument is not the kind of experience of the devils.  On the contrary, it is all about trusting God even when things look their bleakest, and we feel our weakness; or when we feel strong and confident!  It is trusting God against the influence of the world and traditions of people who appear as angels of light.    It is sad that a person can be a believer but still live outside God’s will.   Here is where Israel failed.  They believed in God’s existence, but they didn’t trust God’s promises to protect them from their enemies, and they became disobedient to God. 

The failure to trust God will always result in disobedience, excuses, and rationalization about sin, no matter how big or small the offense.

Author

  We live in a world where obedience and compliance are signs of weakness.  To the modern Christian obeying God’s law has been called legalism in some circles.  Somehow, we have been duped into thinking the Grace of God and faith is a license to disobey.  In our ignorance about God’s will and His requirement of obedience, we have gone so far as to say things like, “the law of God has been done away with.”  We can’t connect the dots between faith, belief, and obedience.

God’s Wrath and His Deadly Oath

Verse 3 of Hebrews 4 is an eye-opening statement.  Because of His wrath, God swears that the Israelites will not enter into His rest.  What has angered God so much that He makes an oath, a covenant, of prohibiting His people from entering into His rest?

Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them, but the word which they heard did not profit them.” Hebrews 4: 1,2

Did you catch that?  The good news (gospel) preached to you and me in 2022 was also preached to them (God’s people in the Old Testament)! The Good News of Jesus!  Image that!  How many of us think that the Old Testament did not contain the gospel about Jesus!  How wrong is that!  The sermons they received were not from notes of a preacher behind a podium, but it was taught through the experiences of great patriarchs of old AND daily from a School Master of priestly services.  This teacher was the ceremonial laws and services of types and ceremonies God instructed Moses to write down and then give to the people to follow.  If followed, it would teach them about Christ, God’s plan of salvation, and the experience of faith.  It was meant to change the heart and mind about the nature of God.  It was designed to build trust.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24

The death of an innocent lamb in the sanctuary services was probably the most explicit message of the substitutionary death of the sinless Son of God for our sins.  What great news of escape from the wages of sin and death for them and us at the expense of God the Father and Jesus Christ!

The daily services of the priest and sacrifices signified the earned work of Jesus on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary. It showed us his continual intermediation for all of us!

We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, Hebrews 8:1

Many other services had the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They all taught the good news of grace, forgiveness, atonement, and mercy.  Those services were “shadows” pointing forward to the nature of Christ and His coming as the sacrificial lamb of God (Hebrews 10:1).

But sadly, the gospel “did not profit them.”  It did them no good because they could not find in themselves the desire to trust and obey God.  Yes, they were somewhat faithful to follow the forms and ceremonies, but their heart was somewhere other than on the God who rescued them. 

They wanted to be like the other nations.  So, they began to break God’s eternal law of ten commandments willfully.  They had other Gods; they rationalized away others.  They put heavy burdens on the one law meant to give rest (The Sabbath commandment). This angered God, and as a result, they failed to enter into His rest.  What is this rest?  Why is it so important?  How does it apply to the modern believer?

Without Faith, God is Not Pleased

But without faith, it is impossible to please Him…Hebrews 11:6

Like the Hebrews of old, many people fail to enter into God’s rest because of unbelief or lack of faith (aka trust).  The people of God believed in the existence of their God, but they did not have faith or trust in Him.  Their actions proved they did not trust Him.  God had made many promises, but they simply did not trust God to perform what He said He would do. 

James understood the connection of works (actions) with faith.  These “works” are undeniable proof that absolute trust is in the believer’s heart and not merely lip service.

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:18

Often, we read this passage from James and think that “works” are good deeds.  But, in the context of the book of James, works are equated with belief (trust) and obedience to God’s will as found in the ten commandments.

Abraham’s Faith and Obedience.  

And the Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith only. James 2: 23, 24

How was Abraham’s belief signified?  It was not lip-service, but it contained action or obedience.  The writer of Hebrews tells us:

By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Hebrews 8:11

Here again, we see the connection between faith and obedience (works).

Now we can see the problem with Israel; They failed to grasp that faith and trust are the same things, and genuine faith will result in corresponding actions of obedience to God’s word.  Although they had plenty of proof that God would keep His promises, they let other things of disbelief rule their life.  This did not give them rest in their hearts nor from their enemies.  Here is the nature of their problem.  Their lack of faith led to disobedience, and they did not enter into the promised rest.

“…those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience.” 

Hebrews 4:6

Paul’s Argument for Rest

Paul begins to compare the works of God at creation.  And He compares His rest on the seventh day as a model for us.  Interestingly, the first 24 hours of Adam and Eve were spent in “rest.”  This could not be rest as we think of it, i.e., taking a nap. Why would Adam and Eve be physically tired?  God does not tire; He doesn’t sleep.  This “rest” of God was the rest of the relationship.  God set aside weekly time for his creation to have a date with Him.  To this day, it gives you an invitation of time for complete attention to a relationship with your creator.  “The Sabbath was made for man,” But the jews made it into something else…a religious requirement for God’s acceptance. To this day, many think about the Sabbath in legalistic terms like this, but the Sabbath is all amount relationship and faith if “remembered” correctly.

 Although the work of creation didn’t make God tired, it didn’t allow dedicated time for a relationship with His creation.  There may have been no need for the Sabbath had there been no humans made in His image.

“…although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.” Hebrews 4: 3-5

Paul partially quotes the “certain place” mentioned here and references the creation story and the seventh day in Genesis. Probably because his audience knew these passages well.  The entire wording is:

And on the seventh day, God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. Genesis 2:2,3

Then Paul quotes from another “place” or passage of Scripture.  This time it is from David in the Psalms.

“So, I swore in My wrath,

‘They shall not enter My rest.’” Psalm 95:11

Paul compares the “rest” God desires for the benefit of His people of ceasing from their labors on the seventh-day Sabbath.  Right away, we should notice three main points in Paul’s argument regarding rest.  

1.) Jesus, our Creator (See John 1), rested from His work. He is our example of rest. We don’t see Jesus taking naps on the Sabbath; we see Him going about the work of salvation.  If we follow his example, it is less about physical rest and more about focusing on a relationship with Him through service.  For it to become a “do nothing” day is not the spirit of the Sabbath.

2.) God blessed the seventh day for a reason. The seventh day is blessed and sanctified (set aside) by God Himself as a witness to His creative powers and the concept of spiritual rest.  Every Sabbath testifies that God made the heavens and earth.  This should have an impact on evolutionary thinking.  There is no reason for an astronomical-related seven-day week other than the fact that God made the cycle of six days of work and one day of rest.  The process always begins, as with the example of the creation week, with the first day and ends with the seventh day.  Therefore, the cycle of work and then rest is not a day of our choosing, reasoning, or convenience but the one God blessed and sanctified at the beginning for all mankind.

“…Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it…Genesis 2:3

3.)  Those who fail to enter His rest are because of unbelief and disobedience.  This Israel did when they disobeyed God and followed “strange gods.”

God desires to give His people rest that is physical, spiritual, and also a testimony.  The gift of the Sabbath rest, planted in the heart of the Ten Commandments, demonstrates that they trust God.  Keeping the Sabbath made no sense to the world because they didn’t acknowledge God as Creator. Since God is the Creator, He knows how crucial physical rest can be.  Why do Christians fail to believe that God desires His people to prosper and be in health even as the soul prospers? 3 John 1:2

Jesus is the rest we need, both physically, spiritually, and as a testimony.  Jesus used Sabbath language when he said,


Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

He can give both physical and spiritual rest because He was the one who claimed to be the Lord of the Sabbath.

And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” Luke 6:5

Israel’s Failure to Trust God

The literal and spiritual rest God wanted for Israel was to have their own land and to live peaceable lives. This rest was to testify to their loyalty to the true (and only) Creator God.  If they obeyed God, it would demonstrate the power of obedience and faith in the living God to the world.  By obedience to Him, they would be a stark contrast to the rest of the world. They would bring a knowledge of the only true God even to the Gentiles.

“Arise, shine, for your light, has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

See, darkness covers the earth.

 And thick darkness over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you,

 and his glory appears over you.

Nations will come to your light

and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60: 1-3

But Israel failed to enter into this rest!  God brought them to the borders of the promised land and desired to end their wandering in the desert; God was ready to give the land promised them and rest from their enemies:

See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and their descendants after them.” Deuteronomy 1:8

At God’s direction, the people left Horeb and reached the hill country at Kadesh Barnea.  Again, God tells them to take the land as He had promised and not be afraid or discouraged by what they see!

“See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 1:21

 But the people said, “hold on.  What is the hurry?”  Instead of believing God and moving forward as God directed, they wanted to spy out the land, so they came up with the idea to send spies to scope out the land. 

“Then all of you came to me and said, “Let us send men ahead to spy out the land for us and bring back a report about the route we are to take and the towns we will come to.” Deuteronomy 1:22

Like today, we think forming a committee to determine the “route we are to take” is very practical.  But, instead of moving forward at the Lord’s command by faith and what He has already assured us, we look for human ways to move forward. 

Moses sent spies into the land as they requested.  All but two spies (Joshua and Caleb) gave stories that created fear and doubt in the people’s minds. This should be a clear message to leaders in the church today.  Messages should be one of faith and trusting God.  If God says to move forward, spies are not needed.  Joshua’s message was the right one,

“…do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” Number 14:9

Here at Kadesh Barnea, the people rebelled against God because of a lack of trust in Him and His word.  They went so far as to accuse God of hating them and seeking a way to destroy them!

But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, “The Lord hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. Where can we go? Our brothers have made our hearts melt in fear. They say, ‘The people are stronger and taller than us; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.’” Deuteronomy 1: 26-28

Because of this rebellion, God took away the promised rest because they failed to trust and obey Him. 

When the Lord heard what you said, He was angry and solemnly swore: “No one from this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your ancestors, 

Deuteronomy 1:34, 35

But here is where they made another mistake.  When they heard that they were not going to “see the good land,” they decided to move forward as God had said originally.  But it was too late.  They moved without the blessing or command of God.

“We have sinned against the Lord. We will go up and fight, as the Lord our God commanded us.” So every one of you put on his weapons, thinking it easy to go up into the hill country. Deuteronomy 1:41

They assumed God would support their works, their fight, and be with them.  The Lord told them not to go and gave them a promise of defeat.  But they went anyway.

But the Lord said to me, “Tell them, ‘Do not go up and fight because I will not be with you. Your enemies will defeat you. You rebelled against the Lord’s command, and in your arrogance, you marched up into the hill country. The Amorites who lived in those hills came out against you; they chased you like a swarm of bees and beat you down Deuteronomy 1: 42-44

Israel had failed to hear and obey God.  They were fearful and afraid because they did not trust in the command and promises of God.  They didn’t believe God. Some of God’s people kept their faith and trusted God.  A list of these can be found in Hebrews 11.  But even those of faith could see further than just land on this earth.  They looked to the heavenly land.  They have not received this promise to this date because the ultimate promise is heaven, not a piece of land on earth.

 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them , and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth…. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11: 13,16

Looking back at this story, meant for us, what can we learn?  What is the rest we are to enter?  Is there a land promised to us to free us from our enemies…to be safe…to have a relationship with Jesus after all the work has been completed?  Yes! As mentioned above in Hebrews 11:13, it is a heavenly country

The promises of God were canceled by those who did not trust God…those with unbelief. They trusted in their own efforts and did not take God at His word. Paul brings us to a conclusion:

Israel and Us-Rest or Not?

Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, again He designates a particular day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,

Do not harden your hearts.”

For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. There remains, therefore, a rest for the people of God.  For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

Hebrews 4: 6-9

The conclusion of the story of Israel, who failed to enter into rest, is very perplexing to the modern follower of God.  These phrases confuse us because we don’t want to hear what we think we are hearing. 

“Since therefore it remains that some must enter it.” (Some of us have not entered God’s rest). Like Israel, our unbelief or lack of faith keeps us from rest.

Some will not enter into God’s rest from their enemies “because of disobedience.”

We can talk about grace, mercy, faith, and eternal security all day long, but if some of us disobey God, we will not enter into the land promised by God. 

He designates a particular day.  Paul connects this phrase with what David said in Psalm 95:8

We are asked to “not harden our hearts.” We are to” hear His voice”!

For if Joshua (Jesus) had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day.

Hebrews 4:8

Moses brought them to the borders of the promised land, but it took Joshua (Jesus) to lead a new generation into the promised land finally.  Moses represents the law that can bring conviction of sin, but faith in Jesus completes the trip into the promised land.   

We are confused because of our eerily similar failures.   We stand on the border looking at the land promised to us (heavenly).  We are much like Israel, which failed to move forward because of unbelief.  We don’t trust God.  We don’t have faith in His promises.  We don’t have a testimony to the world.

We think the Sabbath commandment is legalistic and only for the Jews, while the other nine do not fall into that category.  Why?  It is because resting in God is not convenient and misunderstood.  It cuts across the tradition of the church. It threatens the modern church.  God says, “Remember.”  The church says to forget.  The commandment says the seventh day; the church says the first day.  

Tradition, routine, and the works of our hands constrict our trust.  We say we trust God, but our actions speak otherwise.  When God tells us something in scripture that cuts across tradition and feelings, we balk.  We form committees to discuss the “route we should take” instead of listening to the simple command to “hear His voice.”  When God says go, and we wait, we miss the opportunity to be empowered by God’s Spirit and His promises of victory.

The story of God’s salvation, the gospel, and what Paul wants us to hear does not profit us if we fail to trust God and move forward at His command.  Our testimony is of no effect if we are like the other nations around us. 

But if we can find rest in Jesus both physically and spiritually, a testimony of our belief will shine.  “Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God Hebrews 4:9 NIV

What to Do With Doubt

Empathy for the Unbeliever-Part 1

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For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?

Romans 3: 3

Unbelief, doubt, mistrust are described throughout holy scripture.  It appears in Genesis and is the story of Abraham, Moses, Kings, Prophets, Disciples, and followers.

Doubt and unbelief starts early in scripture.  It takes only 3 chapters before they appear in very clear language.  Adam and Eve succumbed quickly and apparently easily when they believed Satan and disobeyed a clear command of God.

“Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;  but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

Genesis 2: 15-17

Notice that this message was heard only by Adam.  Eve was non-existent when God gave this command. The verses immediately after Genesis 2: 17 describe the creation of Eve.

It wasn’t long (at least in the order of the passages in scripture) that Satan had the woman alone.  He charmed her, contradicted the words of God, and planted the first seeds of doubt.

“Did God really tell you not to eat fruit from any tree in the garden?”

Genesis 3:1

Eve knew the restriction.  She either heard it from her husband Adam or God told her directly.  It makes sense that Adam told her, but regardless of the source of the communication, she knew what God had said.

“We may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden,” the woman answered, “except the tree in the middle of it. God told us not to eat the fruit of that tree or even touch it; if we do, we will die.”

The snake replied, “That’s not true; you will not die. God said that because he knows that when you eat it, you will be like God and know what is good and what is bad.”

Genesis 3:2-4

The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonderful it would be to become wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, and he also ate it.

Genesis 3:6

So Eve heard the first contradiction of God’s word and responded through disobedience.  She thought it would make her wise and that God was withholding from her something to make her even more happy.   Sadly, it  had the opposite effect as demonstrated in the characters of the Bible who were also infected with similar doubt, unbelief, and disobedience.

 If Adam had been with her, the story might have ended differently.  But, Adam loved Eve and did not want to lose her.  While she was deceived, he walked quickly into disobedience without doubt and unbelief as the motivator.  Adam, in effect, chose death rather than life because of his love for Eve.  Sound familiar?  Jesus died because of his love for us.

For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 

1 Timothy 2: 13-14

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

So doubt about God and the truthfulness of His word is in the genes of mankind from the beginning just as sin has been.  In fact, sin is unbelief, doubt, and mistrust:

“…for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”

Romans 14 : 3

“Indeed, I was born guilty.
    I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.”

Psalm 51: 5

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Doubt, unbelief, mistrust, and disobedience go together.  You might could say, “Doubt begets unbelief and unbelief begets mistrust, and mistrust begets disobedience.

There are basically two types of people that have doubt regarding  God.  First there is a follower of Jesus who has a weak experience and demonstrates doubt in his walk with God.  Then there is the one who has the basic doubt about the existence of God, Jesus, and his word.

With this basic framework, lets explore further the concept of doubt.

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If you doubt the existence of God, Ask yourself this question,  “What would it take for me to believe that God exists?”

Adam and Eve did not have this type of doubt.  They knew God, but doubted Him and what was truth about Him.

On the other hand, If you doubt God’s word and promises for the follower, your question would be “What would it take for me to believe God’s promises and His word?”

Before proceeding, answer these questions in your mind.  Think about it for at least 30 seconds.

Were your answers a one time event?  Maybe a Paul like experience where God appears and talks to you directly would make you a believer.  But, would one event be enough to convince you that there is a God ?  Would one event be enough to give you complete trust to believe His promises are sure and He is not a liar?

Anyone familiar with the journey of the children of Israel, would know that God gave them many such events and yet they still failed to believe.  Miracles were demonstrated daily around them.  But, their unbelief kept that generation from entering the Promised Land.

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

Hebrews 3:19

I propose to you that even if Christ appeared in your bedroom one night or at your door one morning, doubt would still raise its head after the experience wore off.  If God appeared at the Super Bowl and made the announcement, “I am God, there is none like me.  I am going to turn everyone purple for the duration of the game as a sign, Many, if not all, would still return to doubt after a period if not right away.

Jesus said of the Pharisees that even if someone were raised from the dead, they would not believe:

“If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”

Luke 16:31

On a more practical level, I have found that most people want something almost as spectacular before they will believe and put their trust in God.  They want God to stop all wars, stop disease, death, and destruction before they  believe.”  “Give me wealth and security so that I don’t have to worry about food and insecurity of loosing my job, then I will believe”  “Explain to me how you could speak the universe into existence.”  Satisfy every need in my life and others and I will believe.”

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Actually God promises to do these very things, but it is not to turn everyone into believers, but rather is the reward for those who do believe:

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

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You might ask how do I become a believer?  How does my weak experience with God become strong and real?

Once there was a man who had a  young son that would often have convulsions.  The son from his childhood would loose control and would put himself in dangerous situations.

The man brought his son to Jesus because his disciples could not help him.  Jesus told him this:

“If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

Mark 9:23

The man did not understand how to overcome unbelief so in his heart He asked Jesus to help him:

“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Mark 9:24

This is the cry of many people,  Lord help me to believe!

Sadly, many people do not ask to believe.  They are content with the life they have made for themselves.  Their vision is only for 70, 80, or 90 good years on the earth.

Jesus offers much more, but many do not believe Him.

I came to a point in my own life where I began to search for truth.  When I came to Jesus and begin to study the Scripture about Him and listen to his words, it left me with only two conclusions.  Jesus was either all He claimed to be or He was the biggest liar and deceiver that ever lived.

My unbelief did not go away easily.  It was a journey that continues to this day.

Unbelief is normal, but it is not what God asks of us.  He wants us to believe and trust in Him.  He will give us reasons to believe if we are willing to search.  It will not be a one time event, but rather a continuous journey. After all, it was mistrust of God that got us into trouble in the first place.  We have much to learn.

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

Searching and seeking is a continuous journey, but Jesus is at the end of the search.

 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Romans 10: 17

If you want more faith, hear or read more of God’s word.  If you want little faith then don’t ever read God’s word.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

The reasons to believe have substance and evidence.  Faith is not based on assumption or blindness.  Faith and trust and God can be real if:

1.) You are willing to dedicate some time to seeking God.

2.)  Seeking in His word is the best place to start

3.) Asking God to help you believe.

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Next week, we will talk in detail about the reasons why people have doubt and unbelief.

May the Lord bless you by bringing conviction to your heart and drawing you to himself.  Yield to the pull of God and your life will be better now and forever. Amen.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28