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Date Posted: 00:04:18 06/19/99 Sat
Author: Kevin
Subject: Re: Time CHECK
In reply to: daniel 's message, "Re: Time CHECK" on 05:07:45 06/15/99 Tue

A man just like me prayed and it did not rain for 3 1/2 years.

A man just like me raised a widow's son from the dead.

A man just like me, at the Master's command stepped out in faith and walked on the water.

And yes, a man just like me said, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:25)

Thomas often gets blasted for this statement, but he was no different from the others;

(Luke 24:9 NIV) When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.
(Luke 24:10 NIV) It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.
(Luke 24:11 NIV) But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

Why? Because they required proof... and they got it;

(Luke 24:36 NIV) While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
(Luke 24:37 NIV) They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
(Luke 24:38 NIV) He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
(Luke 24:39 NIV) Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
(Luke 24:40 NIV) When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.

Physical proof of the resurrection. Thomas only requested what the others had already been given. The Lord could have left him to believe without seeing, but He didn't and that is important to remember.

(John 20:26 NIV) A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

Hmmmm... kind of sounds like further evidence of God's extra-dimensionality to me.

(John 20:27 NIV) Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
(John 20:28 NIV) Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"

My Lord and my God! I Love that verse. Praise Him church. Yes, Jesus told Thomas, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Still, this takes nothing away from the blessing Thomas did receive - he touched His hands and His side so he might believe.

It sounds good to say that we do not require proof as Thomas did in order to believe - but I think we do. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. That is what scripture says, and yet I know many who can quote Scripture and believe not in the least. It takes something more. For some (maybe all) of us, we must touch His hands, in a sense, in order that the Holy Spirit might reveal Him to us.

Growing up in a Christian home, surrounded by believers, is all the proof that is necessary for many to recognize Jesus is Lord. But, not all have had this privelege. Others are unable to make the leap of faith because they think it illogical to believe. This inability to believe is only reinforced when the more radical of the YECists declare YEC is a mandatory doctrine - making it a salvation issue. YEC is keeping the little children from coming to Jesus, all for the sake of tradition and man made rules.

The Holy Spirit reveals the Creator through His creation. It is like touching His hands. It not necessary to believe YEC, in fact I believe YEC is not even consistent with Biblical teaching.

(1 Th 5:21 NIV) Test everything. Hold on to the good.

Test everything, don't just accept the traditions of the staus quo. Ask questions. Seek answers. Knock and the door will be opened. Test the claims of the scientists. Test the claims of the theologians. God created the heaven and the earth - and they are very old. You know hermeneutics, good! Now, learn about the physical creation. Learn from those who study it (all sides - not just one). When you complete your study, come back and apply your linguistic talents to help others. It will be hard to find out that what you have believed is wrong, but it will be even more painful when you look back and see the damage that has been done by your present beliefs. Please before you disagree with me - test everything!

(Titus 1:2 NIV) a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

God does not lie, neither does He decieve us. He is light, in Him there is no darkness. He wants us to look for him through His creation;

(Psa 19:1 KJV) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.
(Psa 19:2 KJV) Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
(Psa 19:3 KJV) There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

The heavens declare the glory of God. They do not declare a deception, or an illusion. The earth is old. Test everything!

(Rom 1:18 KJV) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
(Rom 1:19 KJV) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.
(Rom 1:20 KJV) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

All are without excuse. Why? Because God has revealed Himself through His creation. If His creation is all an illusion then these Scriptures are false. If these these Scriptures are true then your hermeneutics need revised. Stop being so smart, humble yourself and learn. Test everything!

Peace
Kevin

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