God And Faith: Is It Still Relevant?

Faith in God is a topic that has been discussed and debated by theologians, philosophers, and individuals for centuries. While some people hold strong religious beliefs, others may struggle with doubt and uncertainty. It is natural to have doubts and questions about one's faith, and it is important to address them honestly and seek answers. The existence of God cannot be proven scientifically, but many people find reason to believe in a higher power due to the complexity and order in the universe, the capacity for love and desire to be loved, and the widespread worship of a divine being throughout history. Christians believe that faith in God is essential for salvation and accessing the things He has provided. However, it is not always easy to maintain faith, and individuals may go through periods of spiritual growth, doubt, and reconciliation.

Doubting God and keeping faith

It is common for Christians to view doubt as something that harms one's faith and should be avoided. However, this is not always the case. Doubt is a natural part of the spiritual journey, and almost everyone experiences some form of doubt at some point. While it may be brushed off or downplayed within religious communities, doubt is prevalent in the Bible, with many of its main characters experiencing uncertainty in their faith. For instance, Abraham and Sarah doubted God's promise of a child, and Thomas, one of Jesus' disciples, doubted Jesus' resurrection.

Exploring Doubt in Faith

The existence of doubt does not equate to a lack of faith. Instead, doubt can coexist with faith, and acknowledging and expressing doubt is essential. Rather than suppressing or ignoring doubt, it should be embraced as an opportunity for growth and a means to strengthen one's faith. By bringing doubts to God and seeking answers, individuals can deepen their understanding of their faith and develop a more intimate relationship with God.

Overcoming Doubt

So, how can Christians overcome doubt in their relationship with God? Here are two primary approaches:

• Reading the Bible: The Bible serves as a way to get to know God, understand His nature, and recognise His faithfulness, trustworthiness, and goodness. By immersing oneself in the Bible, individuals can fill their minds with proofs of God's power and love, thereby strengthening their faith and overcoming doubt.
• Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool for believers to connect with God and seek guidance. It is an opportunity to express one's doubts, fears, and concerns, and to find comfort and reassurance in God's presence. Through prayer, Christians can develop a deeper trust in God and strengthen their faith.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, doubt is a natural and common occurrence in the spiritual journey. Instead of avoiding or suppressing doubt, Christians can use it as a catalyst for growth and a means to deepen their faith. By turning to the Bible, prayer, and honest communication with God, individuals can navigate doubt and strengthen their relationship with Him.

God's existence cannot be proven

Gods existence cannot be proven

The existence of God cannot be proven or disproven by science. However, this does not mean that belief in God is irrational or unreasonable. Many people find that their belief in God is strengthened by scientific discoveries about the world and the universe. For example, some people argue that the existence of complex mathematical laws that govern the natural world points towards the existence of a divine creator. Others point to the existence of human consciousness as evidence of God, arguing that it is a mystery that lies beyond science.

Some people also find support for their belief in God in moral arguments. These arguments reason that certain features of morality, such as objective moral facts or the existence of human dignity, are best explained by the existence of God. For instance, the fact that humans possess a sense of moral knowledge and awareness of moral truth is seen by some as evidence of God's existence.

However, it is important to note that these arguments are not universally accepted and that there are alternative explanations for the phenomena they seek to explain. For example, some philosophers argue that moral facts are "subjective" or "expressive" rather than objective, while others propose non-theistic metaethical theories such as ethical non-naturalism to explain moral truths.

Ultimately, the question of God's existence is a matter of faith and personal belief. While scientific discoveries and philosophical arguments can influence this belief, they cannot provide definitive proof or disproof of God's existence.

Faith and Doubt

Faith in God is a relationship, not a checklist. It is natural to experience doubt and it is okay to feel frustrated or angry when life doesn't go as planned. Rather than running from doubt, it is important to bring these feelings to God and seek answers. Sharing doubts with trusted friends or a spiritual community can also help to process and grow from them.

God's presence felt in daily life

It is possible to feel God's presence in your daily life. God's presence can be felt in a number of different ways. It can feel like "liquid love", like lightness or joy in your heart, or like a deep sense of "knowing". It can also bring strength to face difficulties. God's presence can feel like something greater than yourself is at work in the situation.

However, we live in a sinful world that clouds our perception and awareness of God's presence. Our hearts can be covered by a mountain of hurts, fears, unforgiveness, and disappointment. These form a wall that causes our inability to perceive God's love.

Come Clean with Him

Sometimes you can't sense God's presence because there's something blocking the communication between you. David, the Psalmist, said, "When I kept silent (about his sin) my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. [...] Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' -- and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (Psalm 32:3-5). If you feel distant from God, confess to Him what's on your heart and mind and ask Him to give you an ear to hear His voice again.

Read Scripture Aloud

When you audibly speak God's inspired Word, you will sense its power and His presence. The Bible says God's Word is "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). Try reading in a different translation than you're used to, to switch things up. Sometimes a verse you’re familiar with can impact your heart in a new way when it’s worded slightly differently, causing you to sense God’s presence anew.

Sing Him a Love Song

God inhabits the praises of His people. When you start praising Him, regardless of where you are, you'll sense His presence, probably because you're no longer focused on yourself, but on Him. When we open the door of our hearts to love Him, He will meet us there.

Say a Breath Prayer

There are times when we need God but we just don't know what to say or where to start. Start by saying His name and then speak your heart's cry. Oftentimes it can be as simple as "Jesus, I need You" or "Jesus, give me a heart for You". The simplest of cries are the ones that penetrate His heart – and ours – the quickest.

Exercise

Get outside, move around, and confess to Him what's on your heart. My best times with God are when I'm walking while I pour out my heart to Him and listen for His still small voice. Taking a walk in nature can make you more aware of creation and make you feel more in touch with your Creator. Pick a quiet spot near a stream or lake where you can hear the sounds of water, or along a tree-lined path where you can hear the wind blow the leaves. Take note of bird songs or any other sign of creation as a reminder of your Creator.

Be Still

Sometimes we can't sense God's presence because there's too much else going on. Try to centre your mind on Him and start to breathe deeply. Exhale the distracting thoughts. Inhale a desire to sense His presence. Exhale your pre-occupation with self. Inhale a desire to know Him more completely. Exhale the worries of the moment. Inhale His peace. Now, don't you feel better already? Can you begin to sense that you're in His arms?

Pick a Scripture Verse

Pick a Scripture Verse that interests you and is simple. Psalm 23 is perfect for this exercise. Come to the Lord quietly and read a small portion or phrase. This is not the time to read rapidly from verse to verse. The purpose is to take each phrase in, and taste it, and digest it as you read. You may want to take the portion of Scripture that has touched your heart and turn it into a prayer. Only after sensing something of the passage and having extracted a deeper sense of its meaning, then gently move to the next portion. Do not rush. Take as long as you need. Try to sense and “feel” the meaning. Try to sense the Lord’s Spirit behind the words on the page. Then you may want to turn what you sense into a simple prayer from your heart.

God's forgiveness and repentance

The Bible presents repentance as a crucial aspect of the spiritual journey, emphasising its role in forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed relationship with God. It is a central theme in the relationship between humanity and God, and it is portrayed as a vital step towards reconciliation.

God's Forgiveness

God's forgiveness is a recurring theme in the Bible, with numerous verses highlighting His willingness to forgive those who repent and turn to Him. For instance, Acts 3:19 states, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." This verse encapsulates the message of repentance, connecting it to forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

Repentance

Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for one's actions. It involves a genuine turning away from sin and a commitment to seeking God's mercy and embracing a life of faith and obedience. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah repeatedly called people to turn from their sins and return to God. Jeremiah 15:19 captures this idea: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman."

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself emphasised the importance of repentance in His teachings. Mark 1:15 records His words: "The time has come... The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" This reflects the idea that repentance is a fundamental response to the Gospel, leading to a transformed life through faith.

The Process of Repentance and Forgiveness

The Bible provides a clear process for repentance and receiving God's forgiveness. It involves several key steps:

• Acknowledgement: Recognise and admit your sins, wrongdoings, or distance from God.
• Confession: Confess your sins to God honestly and openly.
• Repentance: Turn away from your sins and commit to a life of faith and obedience.
• Faith: Place your trust in God's mercy and believe in the good news of the Gospel.
• Restoration: Through repentance and faith, experience restoration and a renewed relationship with God.
• Service: As a result of your repentance and forgiveness, serve God and share the good news with others.

Benefits of Repentance and Forgiveness

Repentance and forgiveness offer a range of benefits, including:

• Spiritual renewal: Repentance leads to a refreshed and transformed spiritual life, bringing you closer to God.
• Forgiveness of sins: Through repentance, your sins are wiped away, and you receive God's mercy and forgiveness.
• Restored relationship: Repentance heals your relationship with God, allowing you to experience His love and presence more intimately.
• Personal growth: The process of repentance helps you grow in your faith, understanding, and commitment to God.
• Peace and freedom: By turning away from sin and towards God, you find true peace, freedom, and rest in your spiritual journey.

In conclusion, God's forgiveness and repentance are integral aspects of the Christian faith. Through repentance, individuals can experience spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and a restored relationship with God. By turning away from sin and embracing a life of faith, believers can walk in the path that Jesus paved for them, finding peace, freedom, and a deeper connection with their Creator.

God's faith and human faith

God's Faith in Humanity

The very act of creating humankind is an act of faith by God. By creating humans, God put the entire future of creation at risk. God's faith in humanity is the most radical theology.

Human Faith in God

Human faith is fundamentally an act of trust. It is a practical commitment to a truth claim about ultimate reality. It is a belief in something that cannot be proven through the five senses. Human faith is a gift from God. It is a belief in something that cannot be proven through the five senses.

Human faith is a belief in something that cannot be proven through the five senses. It is a gift from God, and it is up to us to put our faith in Him and receive His grace. This does not mean that we should not question our faith. On the contrary, doubt can be a doorway to a deeper faith. When faced with doubt, we can follow the examples of Asaph and Thomas from the Bible and bring our concerns to God and trusted friends.

God has faith in humanity, and it is up to us to have faith in Him. Our faith in God is a relationship and not a checklist. It is through our faith that we receive salvation and access to the Father, bringing us peace, freedom, and rest.

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