ble that befalls us , for reasons a non-believer may not be able to . Believers understand there are tests and trials meant for a person as an exchange for the life God has promised to us . Believers do not welcome them , but they do their best not fear them . Non-believers do not share this belief and they will not until we show them proof God is in Heaven .
Since non-believers do not believe the Bible , the evidence for some will not be obtainable until they are standing in front of God themselves . They view the Bible as a subjective writing of words in books altered by the writers to sway the readers . However , it is the “ men and women of Science ” who were the true knowledge seekers , and their information will stand the test of time . They believe textbooks are facts collected by scientists with profound minds lacking any bias or basis of religion . It ’ s these men and women of Science who distinguished facts as concrete material to their hypotheses , but still , realize the incomprehension of faith . Even Albert Einstein , a great man of Science , once said , “ The most beautiful and profound emotion we can experience is the sensation of the mystical . It is the source of all true science … To know that what is impenetrable to us really exists … this knowledge , this feeling , is the center of true religion ”
Christians read the scriptures for truth . The Bible tells us about tests , trials , persecutions , and sufferings . The Lord says , “ follow me .” And that is enough for us . Our faith defines the Lord ’ s word , and that is sufficient . In the Book of Peter , Chapter 4 , Verses 12-17 says :
“ Dear friends , do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you , as though something strange were happening to you . 13But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ , so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed . If you are insulted because of the name of Christ , you are blessed , for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you . If you suffer , it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal , or even as a meddler . However , if you suffer as a Christian , do not be ashamed , but praise God that you bear that name . For it is time for judgment to begin with God ’ s household ; and if it begins with us , what will the outco me be for those who do not obey the gospel of God ?” ( NIV )
What do we tell others who do not follow the Lord ? Do we not say anything , let them find their way ? Do we consider them an atheist or agnostic , therefore not worth our time ? You could just walk away , but think about if the Lord would have walked away from you , or me ? No , Jesus died for us and our sins . I try not to sin . As I work on strengthening my faith , learning God ’ s grace and how to incorporate it in my life , I find it necessary to sit in judgment of myself . Sometimes , I can ’ t remember one sin committed during the day , but I ask for forgiveness anyway . After all , it is Satan ’ s foothold in our life that leads us to sin , to fear , and to doubt , and in doing so , he disturbs our faith . In Exodus , Chapter 20 , Verse 20 ,
“ Moses said to the people , “ Do not be afraid . God has come to test you , so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning .” ( NIV )
Moses confirmed this here , telling the people it is faith , it is fear , it is the tests we face in our life that keeps us from sinning . If we do not judge ourselves if we do not fear sin , then what will happen ?
Do you see any doubt or fear now ? Our world is full of so many people who have lost so much faith . They want to live their lives here doing whatever they want and living how they want ; it is as if they fear nothing . When my faith is tested , I face the fear , or in the words of Max Lucado , “ I face my giants .” I use my faith as armor and prayer as my shield . When I look at those around me now as they are tested , they use blame as armor and their voices and tears as they renounce their faith . When people take to the streets and express hate and discontent , encouraging others to fight and resist ? When people find Christians to blame because they are leaning on the Lord , instead of joining their protests , they then call them hypocrites or challenge their sense of nationalism and pride ? Fear or Faith ? I have heard and read so many responses from Twitter . Responses such as :
- “ Religious institutions don ’ t pay taxes . They have no right in changing legislation regard-