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Real Questions Real Answers
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Scientist and theologian William James said most of us exist in the universe in the same way as dogs and cats exist in libraries…they see the books and hear the conversation but have no inkling of the subtle meaning of it. The same can be said when examining different religions.
All religions point to a god, even those that don't seem to refer to one. The differences in religions start with core beliefs and who is being worshiped. Religions were created by man, for man, with the exception of one… Christianity.
The Bible claims a founder who transcends death and promises that His
followers will do the same. Men and prophets, whose end is the grave, founded
all other religions. Christians rest in the fact that God became man, died
for sins, and rose on the third day. It takes a living God to effectively
deal with sin and death. The God of Christianity is the only one who makes
such a claim. While other religions rely on the works of their followers,
Christianity proclaims that God did the work necessary for us to live in
a relationship with Him. Faith in Christ justifies us, not the works we
do.
Back to dogs and cats in the library - many people read the Bible and get
no understanding from it. They attend church and never meet the Author.
HOWEVER, some have a spiritual encounter with the Author and He exchanges
spiritual blindness for spiritual sight and they begin to see things the
way He does. When men find this treasure they no longer seek the trinkets
of outward acts… but all hope, joy, and goodness is found in communion
with the living God.
Christy Smalley is the President of American Institute for Biblical Studies and is a member of American Association of Christian Counselors. Pastor Carl Springhower is the Theology Professor at the seminary. www.americanbiblicalstudies.com.
© 2008 Good News Tucson™
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