God is not Dead

God is not Dead

Tidewater College 1986

“You cannot use the Bible in this Philosophy class.  The Bible teaches absolutes, and there is no such thing as absolutes.”  These words were confidently spoken by the professor of the class I was taking at Tidewater College (in Va. Beach, Virginia) in 1986 as I was taking a few elective credits to finish up my degree from the Baptist University of America.

I remember it well.  The professor, walking in with shorts and a golf shirt, strutted into the packed classroom, plopped his briefcase on the desk and proceeded to begin his class with the statement above. After making the statement he asked if anyone had a question.  Without hesitation I raised my hand, allowing the professor to notice it hanging in the air amongst the overflowing classroom.  After a few seconds the professor acknowledged my outstretched hand and I said, “Are you absolutely sure about the statement you just made that there are no absolutes?  And if you aren’t absolutely sure, would it be possible for individuals to use their Bible’s for support of their beliefs?” 

A slight quirk formed on his lips as he replied, “Ok … I see your point.  You can use your Bible; however, I would ask you to take into account that not everyone holds your view, and since there are no absolutes, have an open mind during our discussions and debates as to what forms the basis of truth.”  To that I agreed, while other students look my way with slight nods of approval.

During the course of that semester many statements were made by the professor as to what constituted truth.  Of those statements, the one that stood out to me the most was when he espoused that truth is determined by the majority rule.  Truth becomes truth when more that 50% of the people of a given populace believe something to be true.  As I reflect back on the class that was I participated in more than 28 years ago, I can’t help but realize how true (in to society’s way of thinking) what he said has become.  This fact directly relates to how poorly the church, in general, has been in fulfilling its mandate to disciple those we bring into new life in Christ properly.

As I watch and participate in debates and discussions online, I reflect back on that class and realize how much ground Christians have lost.  We are, indeed, a post-Christian culture.  Anyone that seeks to engage in convincing the gainsayers must realize that fact.  If we approach a discussion with those outside (and with many … inside) the church we must not approach the subject from a Biblical point of view … else … we will lose them.  We must utilize the approach that Paul used on Mars Hill, when he pointed to the things that God made to reveal truth.

That brings us to a current debate spreading across our country as to the definition of marriage.  I see very clearly that the unsaved, and many professing Christians, are not using the Bible as their basis for making their case.  Indeed, we are living in the culture that my professor was talking about 28 years ago.  Truth is being determined by the majority rule.  The unseen (to those who have bought into this philosophy) danger to that way of thinking is anarchy.  Truth, in our culture, is not absolute as taught by the Bible in John 17:17, and because of this fact things will continue to morally deteriorate as mankind continues its journey through life.  The Bible did prophesy this in that things will “wax worse and worse” before the coming of our Lord.

Pe 3:3  Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

2Pe 3:4  And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.

2Pe 3:5  For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

2Pe 3:6  Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:

2Pe 3:7  But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

2Pe 3:8  But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2Pe 3:10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

2Pe 3:11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

2Pe 3:12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

2Pe 3:13  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

2Pe 3:14  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

We must “occupy until He comes.”  We must “reconcile the Word of God to the world.”  We must be “ambassadors for Christ.”  We must “convince the gainsayers.”  We must engage our culture in a way they can understand.  We have the truth; it will impact them whether they choose to believe it or not.  We must give the people in our worlds of influence an opportunity to at least say no to the free gift of life and living offered by Jesus to all those who would believe.

1Ti 1:15  This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1Ti 1:16  Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

1Ti 1:17  Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

We all have our “God is not Dead” opportunities to share the truth with those in our worlds of influence.  Let us Get FIT (Faith Influencing Today) and Stay FIT beginning today!

Live OUT LOUD!

Mark Harrell – Habakkuk 2:2