Re: Alliance for Science

One of that factors that first lead me in the direction of become a
Christian was an argument with an atheist professor. Moreover,
The first place I learned about ASA came about indirectly through a
skeptic list that was thoroughly dominated by atheists.

So my observation is that we must always be prepared to hear God's
message even when it is delivered through atheists, Muslims,
Buddhists, and even that clown next door, or the knucklehead at work
etc. Consider 2 Chronicles 35:20-36 where King Josiah opposed Neco
king of Egypt and lost his life as a consequence. If all scripture is
God breathed, then we certainly should take that as a lesson that
God speaks even through people we don't want to hear it from.

And maybe that is right

We are usually in a humbled spirit when we best hear God's voice,

We may really be mourning when we finally understand the peace
that comes in God.

We are typically humble before God, before we are enriched with
the power to do any good in the earthly kingdom.

We are usually deeply desiring the things of heaven when we most
are filled with the power of God's Grace.

We are best at showing God's Grace when we are merciful, and
that, which God first taught us, is passed onto others (at least
sometimes). It is certainly an example that is eventually
remembered by some in my observation, and no example
teaches nothing even if some will still refuse to learn.

We are best when our hearts are without vested interests, for we
are most able to see God's message in our lives clearly.

Likewise, we are best when we demonstrate a willingness to obey
God and make peace, at least if that it is possible for us to do so.
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone"
(Ro 12:18). Also, Isaac was deprived of water by the Philistines due to
their envy (Ge 26:14-15), yet he just kept digging wells until they stopped
quarreling with him (Ge 26:22). And what does Isaac do, he just names it
rehoboth (now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land).
I only read gratefulness to God, not vengeful anger. That ordeal was surely
at considerable cost to Isaac and it was done onto him out of pure malice.
Should we not also persevere like Isaac then?

Finally, we best show we know God when we do right even when people
persecute us for obeying God. The proud, and the vested interest may
taunt us, humiliate us, and even deprive us of our rights, but they will
be shown to have done evil in the end, for historians have the last word
on all of us. ... An ominous thought indeed!!!!

So my conclusion is that being a God fearing person is a life long lesson,
and we must be prepared to accept God's teaching from wherever it
comes. We must also be ready to forgive, as God has forgiven us at
the Cross. Really really hard stuff I have to admit, and only faith can
give us enough courage to submit to that sometimes.

By Grace alone we proceed,
Wayne
Received on Sun Mar 12 09:30:10 2006