Articles
Abortion?
By Thomas Akers 05/07/2022
When considering the issue of abortion, the main question we must ask, “Is this a baby or is it just tissue?” And we know through scientific evidence that it is a baby. It is a living human being at the moment of conception. The baby has its own unique DNA differing from the mother. The miracle of life comes from God, so God is pro-life. Genesis 1:28, “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number;…” In Luke 1:41 it says, “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” Luke1:44 “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” Babies in the womb have feelings.
Many people suggest that because the baby is attached to the mother, that the mother should have control of her own body (her right as a woman). This is not a good reason to kill another unique person. What about the rights of the baby (possibly female)? Think about conjoined twins, would it be OK for the stronger of the two conjoined twins to kill the weaker? The size of the person does not determine value, I’m much bigger than my wife, but we are both equal in value to God. Some say that the level of development dictates whether the baby is human. But what about special needs children, is it ok to kill them because they are not fully developed?
Many argue that “the circumstances of the pregnancy” should be considered, for example: rape, incest, faulty birth control, age of mother, finances, etc… But are these valid arguments? Is it ok to kill a toddler because they are unwanted or because they had an evil father? Do the needs of the mother outweigh the needs of the toddler or the unborn? Who has the “right” to take another’s life? The location in or out of the womb does not dictate whether they are a baby, their unique human DNA does. The bible tells us, “Thou shalt not kill.” There are always better options besides killing the baby. Many people would love to adopt a baby. We may sympathize with the women in some of these situations, but most women who get abortions in these situations ultimately regret their decision, and it haunts them for life. Thank God for his grace (undeserved favor) and all that repent (change and are humbled) can be forgiven because of what Christ did on the cross (if you believe).
Some people promote the supposed, “woman’s right.” Well, if you promote a “woman’s right” to murder, according to the bible, you are guilty of that murder. Jesus was crucified by the Romans, but Stephen in the book of Acts says that the Jews who urged the Romans to murder Jesus were actually guilty of that crime (Acts 7:52). Some Christians want to remain neutral, but Jesus said in Mat 12:30 “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scatters abroad.” In 1st John 2:4 it says, “He that saith, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
We as Christians are supposed to stand up for what is right. Even if it makes no difference in this life, it will most certainly make a difference in the next. Some say because I am a man, I should have no say in this issue, but the heart of God is my priority. It’s “thy (God’s) will be done” not “my will be done” or “women’s will be done.” If Roe v. Wade is overturned, God will be happy, and the 3,600 babies aborted every day will be happy. And the women deterred from this horrid decision will be happy. You never know, one of these babies may discover the cure for cancer, or bring peace in this unsettling world.
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God and Science
By Thomas Akers 08/25/2021
Most scientists believe that the Big Bang is the best explanation of the universe. That means all matter, energy, time and space had a beginning. So, everything exploded from nothing? Nothing came from nothing. It would seem more logical to me that everything came from…Someone. Someone that is outside matter, energy, time and space. Afterall the creator must be outside his creation.
Especially, when you consider the fine-tuning of the universe. There are over 100 physical constants and values that are fine-tuned. Distance from the earth to the sun, rotation, size, magnetic field of the earth, liquid water content, moon and its distance, location in the universe, just to name some. The possibility of these happening by chance is enormous. But even so, these are insignificant to then next.
The origin of life, this can not even be simulated by scientists. But even if we could create life, that would only prove it took intelligence to create life. It most certainly seems that the origin of life came from an intelligent being.
Also, we can clearly see the design within biology. DNA shows all the signs of a design. Therefore, it only makes sense that there is a designer. But this hurdle would be small compared to the next.
Emergence of consciousness. How does consciousness originate from unconscious matter? Once again, it seems like there must be a programmer to install the program.
Then there is freewill. Most everyone believes you have the ability to choose and make your own decisions. How can you explain freewill from a purely scientific by-chance framework? An illusion? Nonsense.
That leads us to Objective Morality. Where do we get our standard of right and wrong? Society? Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot believed it was ok to kill their own people. This would mean it is not objective, just an opinion. This would mean that if we get our standard of right and wrong from society, it would be a constantly changing standard based off who is in power or popular opinion. A standard that changes, is not a standard at all.
And that brings us to the last items, Good and evil, purpose, obligations, human dignity. None of these can be explained in a purely materialistic world. Most everyone believes in some of these, because we feel as humans we have obligations or why would we punish others for wrongdoing? Where did you get this idea of good and evil? Is it true that there is such a thing as good and evil? Have you ever told a lie? Of course, that is how you know there is truth. Without truth, there are no arguments.
Only the Christian worldview has answers for all the items listed above. God loves us and sent Jesus Christ (God manifest here on earth) to die for sinners like you and me. Those who believe in him will be granted eternal life as a free gift (grace). This transforms us and gives us the desire to follow him and be his disciples. I realize that in such a small number of words it will probably not change your views, but hopefully it gave you something to think about.
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Science Says Nothing
By Thomas Akers 06/05/2017
Science doesn’t refute anything. Science doesn’t say anything, scientists do. In the minds of scientists is where the proof resides, then conveyed to you through communication. In other words, the scientific method is just a means to process and gather information. Scientists communicate, this gathered information, to others through illustrations and speech (mind-to-mind), but the scientific process says nothing. Similar to the way, the letters that form the English language say nothing without a mind to read and understand them, scientific method says nothing without minds to understand the data. Science is just a method, and a method says nothing, your mind is what interprets data.
Some will say to me, “What have you got against science?” My answer is, “Nothing.” There is no movement against science, that I am aware of, but there is against scientists who make invalid claims. Science needs no defense, because it has no emotions or agenda. Unlike some scientists who make claims based entirely on emotion and agenda, not evidence. Even the very act of you making a defense for science…as if it needs it, shows emotion, belief and agenda on your part. You are not using scientific method to make your claim, but if you did, that would involve circular reasoning. You must presuppose that scientific method is valid, before you begin to use scientific method. Science itself cannot defend itself, any more than reasoning could defend the validity of reasoning without being circular. Much of what we believe in, requires circular reasoning and presuppositions. For example: How do we know scientific method is true? Because scientific method is always right. In which would be an example of circular reasoning.
Of course, we use the entirety of our life experiences to form our beliefs: science, reason, religion, morality, philosophy, history, etc…and most everyone believes this is a perfectly reasonable way to form their beliefs. Although, even that last statement is circular and requires presuppositions. Check it out.
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Is All Sin Equal?
By Thomas Akers 02/10/2018
1. Common Sense.
Common sense tells us that what Hitler did by killing millions of people would be worse than a 14 year old boy who stole a candy bar. We have this basic idea of right and wrong inside us that differentiates between the two. Since God put this idea of morality inside us, and we were made in his image [Gen 1:27], it would only make sense that He would adhere to this same sense of morality. It would be inconsistent for God to treat all sin equally.
There were different punishments in the Old Testament for various sins. So, if God made different punishments for different sins, then it only makes sense that all sin is not equal.
2. The Greater sin.
John 19:11 (KJV) Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Matthew 23:23 (KJV) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Genesis 13:13 (KJV) But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
3. Greater Damnation.
Matthew 23:14 (KJV) Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Mark 12:40 (KJV) Which devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater damnation.
Luke 20:47 (KJV) Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation.
Deuteronomy 32:22 (KJV) For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
Revelation 20:13 (KJV) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Luke 12:47-48 (KJV) And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 10:14 (KJV) But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
Lamentations 4:6 (KJV) For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, that was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands stayed on her.
4. Sin unto death. (willfull)
1 John 5:16 (KJV) If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
Psalm 19:13 (KJV) Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Numbers 15:30 (KJV) But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
Romans 7:13 (KJV) Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Hebrews 10:26-29 (KJV) For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
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Are You Spiritually Blind?
By Thomas Akers 11/05/2020
Spiritual Blindness
Can you see what God wants you to do? Do you know with certainty the will of God? If you were to die today, would you be certain of your eternity?
Without a biblical worldview there is no way of accurately answering these questions. Knowing the bible and what it says about these questions is paramount in determining your destiny. There will be no excuse for not knowing the will of God, especially here in America where the gospel is readily available. Just like in court if you were to say, “I didn’t know” the judge would say, “that’s no excuse” the same will be the case on judgement day. In Mark 1:15Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” In order to be part of the Kingdom, you must know who is the King. In order to repent, you must know what is true repentance. In order to believe the gospel, you must have proper view of the gospel.
The Kingdom of God is at Hand
Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is at hand.” This means that the kingdom was something that they could figuratively reach out and grab. It was attainable for those people, “the time is fulfilled.” The kingdom was not for some distant group of people, it was “at hand.” In Revelation 19:16 it describes Jesus, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” This undoubtedly means that there is one King and his name is Jesus Christ of Nazareth. When asked when the kingdom should come, Jesus said in Luke 17:20-21, “The kingdom of God comes not with observation…the kingdom of God is within you” or some versions say, “in the midst of you.” Meaning it is not a physical kingdom, it is a spiritual kingdom. The Apostle Paul said in Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Jesus talked almost exclusively about the kingdom and that the Kingdom of Heaven is the same as the Kingdom of God. Matthew 19:23-24 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed,” “The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven,” “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure,” He also gave the specific way to enter the kingdom in Mark 10:15, “Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” Which leads me to the next phrase.
Repent Ye
Jesus said, “repent ye.” This is directed at the listeners, “YOU, REPENT.” Repent means per Webster’s: 1. To turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life. 2a. to feel regret or contrition 2b. to change one’s mind. Strong’s definition adds, to think differently or reconsider. Just looking at this definition it seems quite clear you must regret or reconcider something. What? Well your regret should be the past path of your life. Every time you did something wrong it hurt God, just like when a child does something wrong it bothers the parent. God wants the best for you and knows that when you sin you are hurting yourself and others. The Apostle Paul says in2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” Everyone has sinned and by the leading of the Holy Spirit you will feel this “childlike” regret or “godly sorrow.” This humbling makes you put God first in your life and this new “change of mind” makes you no longer desire to sin against Him or others. This type of repentance includes becoming a disciple of Jesus, “a Christian” (Acts 11:26), because you realize that He is your King. Therefore, your “changed mind” now desires to obey the rules of your King, thus making you a subject of His Kingdom and all the strife and benefits of His Kingdom. This leads me to the next phrase.
Believe the Gospel
Gospel means “Good News,” but what is this “Good News”? It says in Matthew 4:23 “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom,…” Paul said in Galatians 1:6-8 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Wow, it must be very important to understand the gospel of the kingdom, because if you don’t preach it properly, you are cursed. The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ of Nazareth. God sent his Son (Jesus) to be born of a virgin, preach the gospel of the kingdom to the people, die on a cross, rise from the dead on the third day, then ascend to heaven to sit on the right hand of God. Christ means, “anointed one” and it was a tradition of the Jews to anoint the king with oil, thereby declaring him king. So, Jesus is the Christ, “the Spiritually anointed King” of the whole world. In Mat 3:16 it says He was anointed with the “Spirit of God” or “Holy Ghost” when He was baptized. Why is this “good news?” Because we too can have this anointing of the “Holy Ghost” (Mat 20:22). Also, at that time, the Jews were required by God to make sacrifices of animals for their sins. This would seem very barbaric to many today, but this is all about a relationship. In every relationship there is sacrifice. You sacrifice your time, money, labor, attention, etc… for your wife, husband, children, family and friends. Your sacrifice shows how much you love them. In John 3:16 Jesus said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God gave this ultimate sacrifice of His Son to us showing how much He loves us. But what made us worthy of His sacrifice? Absolutely nothing. That is why this is also called the “gospel of grace” or “grace of Christ,” because grace is a gift that cannot be earned. Meaning that there is nothing you can do to deserve this grace or gift from God. He gives it freely to you. And now by your belief in Jesus as the anointed King, you will receive this gift that will prevent you from perishing and give you everlasting life. But is it enough just to believe that Jesus existed? Or is there more? Nowadays, in our political climate you hear people say, “Not my president.” Well, in a way this is somewhat the same as if someone would say, “Not my King” to Jesus. They are not going to obey or follow his rules or policies. Note that a president is different because they do not make all the rules, where a king makes ALL the rules. So, someone who says, “Not my president” may in fact obey many of the rules of the USA, but reject the president’s ideals. In a sense you must give up everything in order to be part of the Kingdom of God. So, you’re either ‘all in’ or ‘all out.’ Many people quote “The Golden Rule” that Jesus states in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” But it’s not just about obeying the rules of Jesus, it’s about a relationship in knowing that He upholds your best interest, like a father, this makes you desire to follow Him and His ideals. Just as if you would follow a musician, your love for them and their musical work makes you a fan. You go to their concerts and praise them! Your following of Jesus and His kingdom makes you a Christian. So, you want to praise Him! Therefore, the gospel (good news) is that you can become part of the Kingdom if you give up everything of this world (spiritually) and you follow the King. You might stray off course a bit, but your desire is always in the direction of the King. In Acts 2:37-38 the people asked the Apostle Peter, “…what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” The good news is for us today and if you feel this calling from God, this tugging on your heart, you can become part of the Kingdom as a follower of Jesus Christ. Repent, be baptized, study the bible, assemble with likeminded believer’s in Christ, and you too will be a disciple, a Christian.
