Logical Reasons To Believe

    (In July 2009, I had an opportunity to speak at a church back home on the 50th anniversary of my dad's first sermon there.  I stubbornly refuse to accept the idea of blind faith in anyone or anything; moreover I believe it is a dangerous concept.  Therefore, I decided that my central theme when speaking would be "logical reasons to believe".  It turned out to be a bit longer than I expected, but hopefully you will find reading it to be time well spent.)

    Good morning.  It is so good to be here today.  Let me begin by saying what a great speaker we had at homecoming this year.  He obviously has a gift for it.  As for me, I have to write everything down, because I'm much better at writing than speaking.  In fact, if you knew how hard I work at avoiding public speaking, you would be surprised to know that I volunteered to do this.  Please bear with me then if I stumble or stutter at times.  I hope my words are of some benefit to everyone here today.

    If you had never known my parents & my dad had never preached here, when I asked to speak today the reaction would have been "Who are you?"  But because you knew my parents and the kind of people they were, you welcome me gladly.  That is a testament to them and a blessing to me.  It shows that their lives still have impact in this world, even though they have passed on to the next.

    My dad started preaching here in July of 1959, shortly after we moved to town.  Can I get a show of hands from anyone who was here when my dad started preaching here?  That was 50 years ago this month, which means I'm 50 years old, since I was 6 months old when we moved.  Some days I think I've learned a lot in the last 50 years, other days I realize how little I really do know.  Some of the best things I know are things I learned growing up here.  For instance, how you treat others is more important than your career or your bank account.  The time you spend with friends and family is worth more than all the gold in the world.  Normal, everyday people are the most special.  Of the few things I do know, these are some of the most important.

I also know that things have changed a lot in the last 50 years.  For example, Vietnam, Watergate, Chernobyl, the first and second Gulf Wars, German reunification, and the personal computer.  On a local level, many places and businesses no longer exist.  However, there is one unchanging constant in the last 50 years and since the foundation of the world.  He is the reason we are here today.  He is the reason my parents were such good people, because they believed "that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him".  He is the God who created us, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who "so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".  Now there are those who think God is nothing more than a myth, a superstition, and anyone who believes in God is an idiot.   So why do we believe in God?  Is it a blind faith?  Some would say you should just blindly accept what the Bible says without question.  I couldn't disagree more.  The German people had a blind faith in Adolf Hitler and it led to terrible consequences for them and for the world.  You don't have to blindly believe in God or the Bible.  I believe a careful examination of the Bible reveals that it speaks the truth from beginning to end.

First, we note what Paul says in Romans 1:20: For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.  Paul is saying that if you look at the world around you and you don't see that God exists, you're not looking very hard.  The wonders of nature, the miracle of life in its many forms, all point to the one who created it.  Those who believe in evolution think everything around us is the result of random events over millions of years.  If you think about the billions and billions of coincidences that would have to happen exactly right for things to end up as we now know them, evolution is a much bigger stretch of the imagination than a belief in God.  The earth orbits the sun at just the right distance for life to exist, the earth rotates on its axis at just the right speed so it doesn't get too hot in the day or too cold at night, plants make oxygen for animals and animals make carbon dioxide for plants, gravity exists so the whole thing doesn't just fly apart, and I could go on and on.  I have never understood why some scientists don't believe in God.  When you look at the universe and the underlying scientific principles and mathematics that are its foundation, it's amazing that there are people who don't believe in God.

    Let's look at a more specific example of the miracle of creation: vultures (more commonly known as buzzards).  You're probably thinking: "Vultures?  They're nasty.  What's so miraculous about vultures?"  Bear with me.  There's a country road near my house where a group of black vultures roost in a bare tree right next to the road.  I started wondering, "How do vultures eat dead animals without getting sick?  You or I would die from eating what they eat."  I read up on the subject, and it turns out that a vulture's digestive system is so strong, so acidic, it kills all the bacteria in anything it eats.  The end result is vultures act to rid the environment of bacteria that might otherwise be spread to other animals or humans.  To me, that's just another example of God's amazing handiwork.  Remember what God said to Pharaoh in Exodus 9:16?  But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.  God created everything for a purpose, even the lowly vulture, and everything in creation proclaims his existence.

Now that we understand that God exists, how do we know that the Bible is really his inspired word?  How do we know that Jesus was and is who he claimed to be, the Son of God?  If Jesus was who he claimed to be, then the truth of the Bible is clearly evident.  That statement is worth repeating.  If Jesus was who he claimed to be, the son of God, then the truth of the Bible is clearly evident.  Again, I believe a careful examination of the Bible will reveal the answer.

First, does he fulfill the prophecies concerning the Messiah, some of which were made hundreds of years before his birth?  Let's review a few of them.  Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.  Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!  Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!  See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.  From Psalm 22: Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet.  I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me.  They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.  One last prophecy, four of the most tragic and yet beautiful verses in the Bible, Isaiah 53:3-6: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.  Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.  We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

    Even someone with a casual knowledge of the Bible can see that Jesus does fulfill these prophecies.  It makes you wonder why the Scribes & Pharisees couldn't see who he was, because they knew the Law & the Prophets better than anyone else of their time.  I think it had to do with their attitude and their closed hearts.

    Next, let's consider the miracles he performed.  How do we know they are real?  There are many we could look at, but let's concentrate on one.  This miracle is from John Chapter 9, the healing of a man born blind, one of my favorite parts of the Bible.  After Jesus heals him, he is brought in for questioning by the Pharisees, not once, but twice.  Perhaps the most telling part of the story is the wisdom of the blind man when questioned by the Pharisees. A second time they (the Pharisees) summoned the man who had been blind. "Give glory to God," they said. "We know this man is a sinner."  He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!"  Then they asked him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"  He answered, "I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?"  Then they hurled insults at him and said, "You are this fellow's disciple! We are disciples of Moses!  We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don't even know where he comes from."  The man answered, "Now that is remarkable! You don't know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes.  We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will.  Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind.  If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."  To this they replied, "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" And they threw him out. Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"  "Who is he, sir?" the man asked. "Tell me so that I may believe in him."  Jesus said, "You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you."  Then the man said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.  Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."  Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, "What? Are we blind too?"  Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." 

    I find it interesting that a man who had been blind for so long saw things more clearly than the Pharisees.  So how do we know that Jesus came from God?  The man who had been blind says it simply and clearly: If this man were not from God, he could do nothing. 

Next, let's look at the things Jesus taught.  Are these teachings from God or just one man's opinion of what is right?  Let me read a few of his teachings from Matthew Chapters 5, 6, & 7, the Sermon on the Mount.

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

    "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'  But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

    You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'  But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

To me, the truth of these teachings is so self-evident it is obvious they come from God.  No explanation is necessary.  But if you're not sure, look at it this way.  These things are so contrary to selfish human nature it is obvious no man would ever think this way.  Where else would they come from?  They must come from God.

Now imagine you're a Jew in the crowd of people who are listening to Jesus as he says these things.  Before his sermon, you probably felt pretty good about yourself when it comes to the law.  You're thinking, "I never murdered anyone, I never committed adultery, etc."  Once Jesus finishes speaking, you realize it's not just about the letter of the law, it's about the spirit of the law, as well.  Not only is murder unacceptable, but so is anger.  Not only is adultery unacceptable, but so are lustful thoughts.  You realize the bar is set much higher than you thought.  In fact, the bar is set so high that no human being can reach it and you wonder if anyone can ever be saved from God's wrath.  The answer is in Matthew 19:24-26, where Jesus says: "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"  His answer: "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  He is speaking of course about the opportunity of salvation that will come from his death on the cross.  This is the only way anyone can ever be saved from God's wrath. 

Death on the cross: after all the teaching and the miracles, this was the final task for Jesus.  This was the worst form of execution in the world at the time, so cruel and inhuman that it was reserved for only the worst offenders.  Those who were crucified suffered so badly that their legs were often broken to bring death more quickly.  Why would he endure such terrible suffering, suffering so bad that he (God's only son) cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  It was all for you and me.  Without the sins of the world, none of his suffering would have been necessary.  Hebrews 12:2 tells us "for the joy set before him (he) endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God".  To us, it doesn't make sense to use the words joy and the cross in the same sentence, but Jesus did not look at it from a human perspective.  For him, the cross was a small price to pay for the joy of the world's salvation.  In this final act, he paid the price for our sins and showed us the depth of God's love at the same time.  When God raised him from the dead the following Sunday, he showed the world convincingly that Jesus was his son and that there is life beyond this life.  As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22: For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

    One final question: how do we know that the miracles, the teachings, and the resurrection are real and they're not just fairy tales?  Because of the reliable witnesses who testify to these things.  And why are they reliable?  I look at it this way: when someone tells you an unusual story, and you're not sure if it's true, you always ask yourself: what does this person have to gain by lying to me?  What would be his motivation for lying to me?  In this particular case, what did the apostles have to gain by spreading the gospel?  Was it money or fame or honor?  No, their reward for spreading the gospel was persecution and death.  So why would they make up such a fantastic story if it caused them so much misery?  The answer is obvious: they didn't make it up.  Here's another point: After Jesus was crucified, the apostles went into hiding (John 20:19 tells us "the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews").  But then, a few days later, they're preaching the gospel openly in Jerusalem.  They saw what happened to Jesus; they had to know they were risking their lives by proclaiming the gospel.  What could have caused such a change?  Was it because they had seen the risen Lord?  I think you know the answer.

Now that we have examined these things and found them to be true, what next?  What should we do?  First of all, spread the good news about Jesus: his death, burial, and resurrection.  No one has a chance to believe in something they have never heard, and how will they hear it if no one tells them?  As Jesus himself said: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."  Also, remember that Jesus will return someday.  It could be today, or it could be a thousand years from now.  As Jesus himself said in Matthew 24:36, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."  The point is, he will return.  Even in Peter's day, there were those who doubted his return.  This was his response in 2 Peter 3:

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.  They will say, "Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."  But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.  By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.  By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

Since Jesus could return at any time (or for that matter, we could die at any time), we should live our lives accordingly.  Be a friend to those who have none, because the Lord was deserted and friendless the day he died for you.  Tell your friends and family how much you love them, and show them with your actions.  We have been greatly blessed in this country with material things, so share with those in need.  Be aware of your shortcomings, so you will be patient with other people's shortcomings.  One thing I pray for every day is more patience, because I regret as much as anything in this life the times I was impatient with others for no reason, especially my sons.  Some would say it just shows that I'm human; my response is that still doesn't make it right. 

Also be aware that everyone is struggling with some burden in life.  A guy I knew at work passed away a few years ago.  I didn't work with him very often, but when I did, I noticed he rarely ever smiled.  Some people thought he was a grouch and didn't care much for him.  I always got along with him OK, but he did seem distant to me.  Then, I ran into him at a concert at the Ryman.  It turned out that we liked the same kind of music and that gave us something to talk about when I would see him at work.  We became friends at that point.  After he died, I found out that his wife was in a coma and had been for over 20 years, and he blamed himself for the accident that caused her coma, even though there was nothing he could have done to prevent it.  Suddenly I understood why he rarely smiled and why he came off as a grouch to some people.  I understood the saying "be nicer than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle".  I am glad that I was a friend to him, but I also wonder how many times in the past I should have been nicer than necessary and failed to do so.  You never know when your kindness to someone else may be like a life preserver to a drowning man.

How we should live our lives can therefore be summed up in the response Jesus gave when he was asked, "What is the greatest commandment?"  From Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."  Notice that he didn't say the second one is, he said the second one is like it.  In other words, these two commandments are two sides of the same coin.  How can someone love God and yet hate their fellow man that God created in his own image?  As the Lord's brother tells us in James 3:9-10: With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

One thing we should also remember: Jesus fulfilled a promise God had made hundreds of years before.  He made this promise to Abram (later Abraham): "Look up at the heavens and count the stars - if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And how did Abram respond?  The scriptures tell us Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.  Paul tells us in Romans that we are heirs to this righteousness that comes by faith.  From Romans 4:16-25: Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring - not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.  As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations."  He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed - the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.  Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."  Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead - since he was about a hundred years old - and that Sarah's womb was also dead.  Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.  This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."  The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 

    Now I would imagine when God promised Abraham that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars, Abraham only thought of it in biological terms.  Could he have possibly imagined how many offspring he would have in spiritual terms, i.e. those who are of the faith of Abraham?  Maybe - I don't know.  What I do know is this: God took the seed (his simple act of faith) and caused it to grow beyond measure.  I am completely convinced that he can do the same with our simple acts of faith - visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, treating your neighbor as you want to be treated.  I know this because I saw my parents doing these things every day.  I am always running into someone whose life was better because they knew my parents, so I see that the seeds they planted are still growing, because God has made them grow.  As Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 3:7, "neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow".  You're not here today because I'm the world's most eloquent speaker, you are here because you knew my parents, you knew the kind of people they were, and you saw how they planted.  I know it's easy to get discouraged when you see all the evil in this world.  You wonder, "How will anything I do possibly make a difference?"  My advice: plant the seed with simple acts of faith, and watch God make it grow a thousand fold. 

Some final thoughts: If there is any wisdom in what I've said here today, it didn't come from me.  It came from the Bible.  Despite the best attempts of kings & queens, politicians & charlatans to twist its words to their own selfish ends, the Bible still speaks the truth now and forever.  No man can destroy it or change it, because it comes from God.  As Peter notes in 1 Peter 1, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever."  And with that, I thank you for your time and thank you for the honor you show my parents by allowing me to speak today.