We are living in a world filled with multiple opinions. Currently, there are over forty thousand different Christian denominations plus thousands of different religious groups such as Muslims, Hindus, etc. We are in a world where many voices are trying to undermine the Christian faith, how can we as believers stay strong and confident in our relationship with God? How can we avoid being influenced by the negativity and doubt that surrounds us? How can we deal with our own questions and struggles when facing life difficulties? These are some of the challenges that Christians face in the modern age, and we require wisdom, discernment, and courage to overcome. John 1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was true in the beginning with God. He made all things, and without him was not anything made that was made.”
Classical Arguments for the Existence of God
If our faith is shaken in the belief of Christ, are we then saying that God does not exist? This question has been asked throughout life existence does God exist? There are various theories about the existence of God. Here are some of the classical arguments for the existence of God:
1. Cosmological Argument: This argument asserts that everything that exists must have a cause, and since the universe exists, it must have a cause as well. Proponents argue that this cause is God.
2. Teleological Argument (Argument from Design) : This argument posits that the complexity and orderliness observed in the universe, such as the intricate design of living organisms or the fine-tuning of physical constants, imply the existence of an intelligent designer, namely God.
3. Ontological Argument: Proposed by philosophers like Anselm of Canterbury and René Descartes, this argument reasons that the very concept of God as the greatest conceivable being implies His existence. In other words, if we can conceive of a being greater than all others, then that being must exist because existence is a greater attribute than non-existence.
4. Moral Argument: This argument suggests that the existence of objective moral values and duties implies the existence of a moral lawgiver, namely God. Without a divine source, it’s argued, morality would be subjective and arbitrary.
5. Argument from Religious Experience: Many people claim to have had personal experiences of God, such as feelings of transcendence, spiritual encounters, or answered prayers. These experiences are cited as evidence for the existence of God.
6. Argument from Consciousness: Some philosophers argue that consciousness itself cannot be explained solely by physical processes and therefore requires a non-physical, transcendent source, which they identify as God.
These are just a few examples, and there are variations and elaborations within each argument. Each has been debated extensively throughout history, and their persuasiveness depends on one’s philosophical, theological, and personal perspectives. Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
Grounded in Christ
One of the first things that we as Christians need to do is to be grounded in the truth of God’s word. The Bible is not a human invention, but a divine revelation that reveals who God is, what He has done, and what He promises to do. The Bible is the ultimate authority for our faith and practice, and it is the source of our hope and joy. The Bible is not a book of myths or legends, but a book of history and prophecy that confirms the reality of God’s existence, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not a book of rules or regulations, but a book of love and grace that shows us how to live in a way that pleases God and blesses others. When we study the Bible, we will realize that it could not be written from the imagination of mortal men. Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”
Christians Need to Read
Therefore, Christians need to read, study, meditate, and memorize the Bible regularly. They need to apply its teachings to their lives and obey its commands. They need to pray over its promises and claim them by faith. They need to share its message with others and defend it against attacks. They need to love the Bible as God’s word and treasure it as their most precious possession. 1 Timothy 4:13-16, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect, not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
Christians Need to be Connected
Another thing that Christians need to do is to be connected to the body of Christ. The church is not a human organization, but a divine institution that represents God’s presence and purpose in the world. The church is not a social club or a religious ritual, but a spiritual family and a mission force. The church is not a place or a program, but a people and a movement. The church is not an option or an accessory, but a necessity and a priority for every believer.
Christians need to be involved
Therefore, Christians need to be involved in a local church that teaches sound doctrine, practices biblical worship, fosters loving fellowship, promotes godly service, and engages in faithful witness. They need to submit to the leadership of their pastors and elders, support the ministry of their deacons and teachers, encourage the growth of their brothers and sisters, and welcome the diversity of their guests and visitors. They need to participate in the public gatherings and the small groups of their church, contribute their time, talents, and treasures to its work, seek its counsel, correction, and comfort in times of need, and celebrate its joys and sorrows as one body.
Christians need to be filled
A third thing Christians need to do is be filled with the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is not a force or an influence, but a person whom Jesus sent to be our Comforter. The Holy Spirit is not an addition or an improvement, but an essential and indispensable part of our salvation. The Holy Spirit is not a temporary or an occasional gift, but a permanent and ongoing presence in our lives. The Holy Spirit is not a source of confusion or division, but an agent of clarity and unity among God’s people. Act 2 vs 4, “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Christians need to yield
Therefore, Christians need to yield to the control and guidance of the Holy Spirit daily. They need to confess their sins and repent of their rebellion against Him. They need to ask for His filling and empowerment for every situation they face. They need to listen to His voice and follow His direction through His word. They need to cultivate His fruit and exercise His gifts for His glory. They need to acknowledge His sovereignty and cooperate with His work in their lives.
Conclusion
These are some ways Christians can maintain their beliefs, faith, and trust in God in a hostile world. They can avoid all the negativity by focusing on the positivity of God’s word, God’s people, and God’s Spirit. They can also read those articles or watch videos that question or challenge their faith with discernment and confidence, knowing that God’s truth will always prevail over human error. When they are struggling in life and questioning their beliefs, they can pray to God, seek His help through His word, find support from His people, and rely on His grace through His Spirit.
God has not left us alone or defenseless in this world. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3). He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He has assured us that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). He has guaranteed us that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Let us, therefore, hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23)