Testimonies

 I have heard people say that Christianity cannot be proven scientifically. Therefore, it cannot be true.

Science proves its assertions using the scientific method. The scientific method involves several steps.

• Observing something.
• Creating an explanation, or theory.
• Devising a test, or experiment, determine if the theory is correct.
• Completing the test, and evaluating whether it proves, or disproves, the theory.
• And making sure the test works the same all the time.

This is a valuable method for exploring many things. But there are number of things it does not work for. Try developing an experiment to determine if George Washington was the first president of the United States. Or if Abe Lincoln was president. Or Julius Caesar ruled the Roman Empire. Or there was an attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II.

For historic truths, the scientific method does not work. We need to evaluate historic truths based on testimony. Like a court of law. There is no experiment to prove if someone committed a crime. But if 20 people saw someone commit a crime, and they agree on when, how, and what, we can be pretty sure it is true. But if someone says the criminal was 6 feet tall, and wore a red shirt, and someone else says the criminal was 3 feet tall, and wore a green shirt, then maybe there is a problem.

The Bible has, at least, twelve people agreeing that Jesus performed miracles, died on the cross, and rose from the dead three days later. And then hung around for another 40 days. Not only were they in agreement, but they had to endure some pretty drastic circumstances, because of their testimony. And they refused to change, in spite of these circumstances.

The Value of People

A little while ago, I had one of those days. I had some things to accomplish, and although I tried, none of them got done. More over, a few other things happened, and, for a while, all I saw was black. The voice inside my head was making sure I knew how unimportant I was, and how little worth, and value, I had. I was pretty bummed to say the least.

The  only thing right I did was to bring my perception of myself to my Father. And I got two messages in response. The first was a picture of a cross. The second was a Bible passage: Romans 8:31-39.

In the Romans passage, Paul asserts that God is for us. Then, he asks four questions.

1. If God chose to send Jesus to the Cross, is there any good thing he won't provide for us. The question is rhetorical. He has already given us the best, and most important. Everything else we need is a no brainer.

2. Is there anyone, who can accuse us of wrong doing? From one perspective, the world accuses us. We accuse ourselves. From another perspective, God justifies us. Yes, we have failed. Yes, we have done wrong. But God has acted. He has wiped the slate clean. We can give our allegiance to him, and start over. And over. And over.

3. Is there anyone who can condemn us? Paul reminds us that Jesus died. Moreover, Jesus rose. Moreover, Jesus is now with the Father interceding for us. If someone points out how terrible we are, how we only deserve punishment and death, Jesus leans over to the Father: "I died for that person. I paid that person's punishment in full. There is no grounds for condemnation anymore. He\she is a child of the King."

4. Is there anything that can separate us from his love? Is there anything that can force, or persuade, him not to love us? Is there anything in life that says, "God does not love you anymore"? Paul included a couple of lists of things that might make someone think: "This thing that happened must mean that God does not love me anymore." But God has already given up the most important, most precious, thing he had -- his Son, Jesus -- to safeguard us. Surrendering Jesus to the Cross demonstrates God's love, and complete commitment to achieve the best for mankind. He invites everyone to be part of his immediate family. He proclaims the worth, and value, of everyone by this amazing sacrifice.

So, whenever you have a bummer of a day, remind yourself of these things. They show how important you really are.

Laodicea

The seventh church is Laodiciea. The salutation affirms Jesus as God's word, the main expression of who God is, and what he is like.

He knows their walk. He describes it as lukewarm. His preference would be hot: faithful, pursuing his mission, and focusing on knowing and obeying God's word. But he would rather that they were cold, so he could work in them to move them in a positive direction.

They are lukewarm -- not against God, but not really pursuing God -- because they perceive themselves as having made it. They are the ones, who have it all figured out. And that perspective just increases pride in their hearts. 

They believe they have no needs, when in reality, they are extremely needy. They are needy, because they do not pursue God, who is the one who fulfills, and meets all needs.

God reminds them that he has the cure for their needs, and he seeks to correct those he loves. They may experience trouble. And he affirms his willingness, and readiness, to unite with them, claim them as his own, and pursue relationship with them.

The overcomer is the one, who returns to relationship with him. He will rule with him. As Jesus conquered sin, and injected life into the world, they will experience that life.

Philadelphia

The sixth church is Philadelphia. In the salutation, Jesus reminds them that he is the Messiah, that he is heir to the house of David, and holds the key. And when he applies the key, the door is open, or the door is closed. And no one can change it.

He knows their walk, and what they are doing. They are small, and weak, but he has given them an open door. Their door is open, because they have remained faithful to him. Those who say they follow God, but do not, will submit to this church, because God has given them his love. He will keep them from the effects of judgment.

They have remained faithful, focused on God's mission and God's word. They have prioritized what God sees as important.

The one, who overcomes, will be a pillar in God's house. They will be identified as God's people.