How could God have always existed?

     Most scientists agree that our universe (space, time & matter) had a beginning (the so-called Big Bang). Therefore, it needs a beginner, a maker. It cannot create itself, so it needs a creator. Since time, space & matter didn’t exist before the creation of the universe, the ‘cause’ of the universe has to be timeless, spaceless & immaterial.
You cannot keep going backward forever, saying ‘What caused this cause” or “What caused that cause”. Something had to start it all.Philosophers call this the ‘First Uncaused Cause’. We can also call it ‘God’. This won’t get us all the way to the God of the Bible yet, but it does rule out atheism as a logical explanation for the origin of the universe.

Question: Who made God?
No one! He wasn’t made. He has always existed. Only finite things or things that are made need a maker. Only things that have a beginning need a beginner. It’s a category mistake to ask “Who made the unmade?” It’s like asking “Who is the bachelor’s wife?”

Question: Did God create Himself?
Again only finite things need to be created. This leaves us with 3 choices;
1) He is self-created…but nothing can create itself.
2) Caused by another…only finite things are created.
3) Uncaused…God must be uncaused, even if we cannot understand it.

Question: Is there only one God?
If you have 2 unlimited beings, then you have no limits as to where one stops and the other starts. So there can be only one unlimited being.
-since He caused everything else, He is unlimited in power (omnipotent).
-since He exists outside of time, He is eternal.
-since He exists outside of space, He is omni-present (Infinite, He can exist anywhere at the same time).
-since He made the universe, He is omniscient (He has all knowledge).
-since His creatures have morals, He is the ultimate moral being.
So God is omni-present, eternal, omniscient, omnipotent & moral.

Question: Is this the God of the Bible?
The Bible says that God is…
1) Eternal…Colossians 1:17 & Hebrews 1:2
2) Omni-present (Infinite)…1^st Kings 8:27 & Isaiah 66:1
3) All good (moral)…Psalm 86:5 & Luke 18:19
4) Omnipotent…Hebrews 1:3 & Matthew 19:26
5) Omniscient…1^st John 3:20 & John 21:17 & Hebrews 4:13

                              What about the multi-verse?

The multi-verse view of the universe is that there is a universe-creating ‘machine’ that creates trillion of universes, ours being just one. First off, there’s absolutely no proof at all for this view. It’s just idle speculation that tries to get around the fact that our universe has a beginning (and hence, a beginner). Secondly, if it was true, you just haven’t gone back far enough in time. Who created this ‘machine’? Eventually, you’ll get back to a ‘First Uncaused Cause’ again.

             Why couldn’t the universe have always existed?

     There are 2 reasons the universe couldn’t have always existed.
First…we know that our universe (space, time & matter) had a beginning. So we know it hasn’t always existed.
Why couldn’t the universe have always existed?
This question wrongly assumes that everything must have a cause. We only claim that everything that has a beginning needs a cause.
A…Did the universe have a beginning?
1…The 2^nd Law of Thermodynamics says the universe is running down. Since it’s
running down, it must have had a starting point that it’s running down from.
2…Math – an infinite time can NEVER be traversed. Infinitely in the past means that
there is no beginning to time. So no matter how many days there were in the
past, you will NEVER reach today. But since we have arrived at ‘today’, time had to
have a beginning.
3…Since nothing can cause itself, the universe must have been caused by something
else.

Second…if the universe had no beginning, that means that it has existed infinitely in the past.Since time is moving forward, we would NEVER have reached ‘today’. WOW! Do you feel that your mind just got stretched? Let me re-state that. Since time is moving forward and if there is an infinite number of days in the past, we NEVER would have reached ‘today’. But we have reached ‘today’, so there can’t be an infinite number of days in the past. And that means that time had a beginning.
Let me explain further…by definition,an infinite number of days can NEVER be traversed…in other words, it has no beginning and no end. But since the days before today have happened, this means that the number of days in the past are not infinite but finite…a limited number of days, proving once again that time did have a beginning.
I know that the concept of infinity is hard to understand. We keep wanting to think that there is a starting point somewhere. But infinity has no starting or ending points. Infinity in the past just keeps going and going and it never stops. This is why, if there where an infinite number of days in the past, we would NEVER reach today, as in this present day or right now.

Book references:
“Who Made God?” by Zacharias & Geisler, page 24
“The Case for a Creator” by Lee Strobel
“I Don’t Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist” by Geisler & Turek

Reference websites:
http://www.reasonablefaith.org/kalam

Regards,
Dave Maynard
https://bsssb-llc.com

Do You Want God's Unlimited Resources To Empower You?

God’s unlimited resources to empower you is not going to be a lightning bolt from heaven or a zap of some kind. No, our empowerment is the fullness of life from God. Read about it in today's post by clicking on the link below. #316 #BibleStudy #Devotions #Ephesians

https://www.ramckinley.com/do-you-want-gods-unlimited-resources-to-empower-you/

TEN CHARACTERISTICS OF KINGDOM MEN

Augustus Corbett, Esq.

Pastor • Attorney • Author • Activist Who's Taking Jesus' Kingdom of Righteousness and Justice Into Inner City Communities.

Published Jan 25, 2018, + Follow

 

How To Receive A Great Inheritance In The Lord

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatian Christians to straighten up a problem they were encountering. In this post we’ll look at what our inheritance is and why the law is important to us. Click on the link below to read today's post.  #316 #BibleStudy #Devotions #Galatians

https://www.ramckinley.com/how-to-receive-a-great-inheritance-in-the-lord/

                                                                                                                         Is Religion the Cause of Most Wars?

     “Religion is the most prolific source of violence in our history”. So says atheist Sam Harris (his book “The End of Faith”, page 27).
“More people have been killed in the name of Jesus Christ than any other name in the history of the world” says author Gore Vidal.
“Religion causes wars” says atheist Richard Dawkins.

     But are these statements true? What proof do these atheists have to back up their statements? Actually, they have none. Or at least none that stand to scrutiny.
Let’s consider the following;
– it’s a fallacy to say all religions contribute equally to warfare. They just don’t. Islam
has a history of converting at the point of a sword, Christianity doesn’t.
– in the past, its pretty clear that some countries used religion to justify their own
agenda.
– do the core beliefs of the religion actually advocate violence?
– just because a person is part of a religion doesn’t mean they speak for that religion
or that they are really true believers in that religion.
– secular or atheistic beliefs, like those of Stalin or Mao need to be challenged every bit as
much as religious views are.
– yes, its true that religions, including Christianity, have had wars. But this doesn’t mean
that they are the cause of a majority of all the wars.

     Phillips and Axelrod’s 3 volume “Encyclopedia of Wars” lays out the following facts:
– 1,763 wars have occurred in human history.
– 123 wars have been religious in nature, about 7% of all wars.
– Islam has had 66 of those 123 wars, 53% of all religious wars or 3.7% of all wars.
– All other religions have accounted for 57 wars, or 46% of all religious wars or 3.2% of all
wars.

     “The Encyclopedia of War” edited by Gordon Martel confirms this data. William Cavanaugh’s book,  “The Myth of Religious Violence” explodes this myth. Atheism, not
religion, and certainly not Christianity, is responsible for far more deaths. R.J. Rummel’s work in “Lethal Politics” and “Death by Government” says the following about the number of deaths under these atheistic leaders;
– Stalin 42,672,000
– Mao 37,828,000
– Adolf Hitler 20,946,000
– Chiang Kai-Shek 10,214,000
– Vladimir Lenin 4,017,000
– Hideki Tojo 3,990,000
– Pol Pot 2,397,000
Total = 122,064,000 in the 20^th century alone. Kind of puts a dent in Sam Harris’ argument, doesn’t it?
The historical evidence is quite clear. Religion, much less Christianity, is not the number one cause of war.

     What then is the cause of wars? We could say atheism and we’d be correct. But even more than that is what Jesus said in Mark 7:21-23…”For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’. James 4:1-3 says, What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

    Sin or our fallen nature is the #1 cause of wars. This is why when our sin nature is removed in eternity, there won’t be any more killings, death or wars. Psalm 46:9 says “He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth…” Isaiah 2:4 says “…They will beat their swords into plowshares…nor will they train for war anymore.”

     Won’t that be something to look forward to? For a glimpse of what that will be like, take my class “Heaven and Hell” on his website.

Book references: the above listed books plus “Christianity on Trial” by Carroll & Shiflett, chapter 4.

For His kingdom,
Dave Maynard
http://BSSSB-LLC.com

Here Is The Truth About Jealous And Selfish Ways

James made a comparison of jealousy and selfishness with wisdom and understanding. He also told us how to get into the circle of wisdom. You don't know what that is? Click on the link below and read about it in today's post. #316 #BibleStudy #Devotions #James

https://www.ramckinley.com/here-is-the-truth-about-jealous-and-selfish-ways/

John 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. ...

Genesis 1:3

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

John 3:16-17

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Corthinians 1:1-24

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ...

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Proverbs 1:33 NIV

33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

Proverbs 2:7-8 NIV

7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 4:18 NIV

18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:23 NIV

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 5:21 NIV

21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

Proverbs 6:6-8

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 7:4

4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;

Proverbs 8:35

35 For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 9:10-11

10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.

Proverbs 10:17

17 He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Proverbs 11:8

8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.

Proverbs 11:25

25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 12:14

14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Proverbs 12:26

26 A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 13:14

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Proverbs 14:21

21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.

Psalm 40:4

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

Proverbs 3:1-35

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. ...

Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

Proverbs: 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Mark 9:23

23" 'If you can" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

Mark 11:22-23

22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

Luke 17:6

6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

Romans 4:17

17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

Romans 10:9

9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

1 Timothy 6:12

12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 2:22

22Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Philemon 1:6

6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Hebrews 6:1

1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,

With Joyful Praise Offer New Shouts To The Lord

In today's Psalm two shouts are recorded. One of them is us, God's people. Offer the Lord joyful praise with thanksgiving in your heart. He loves it when we lift our voices up to Him. Click on the link below to read today's post. #BibleStudy #Devotions #Psalms #worship

https://www.ramckinley.com/with-joyful-praise-offer-new-shouts-to-the-lord/

                                                  Why doesn’t God heal everyone?

     Let’s understand that there are 3 different types of healing.
– God has built into nature, including our bodies, a self-healing process. You get a cold but your body naturally heals itself. Everyone has this ability.
– God has allowed us to discover certain medical remedies, whether they are drugs or medical procedures.
– God also heals miraculously but only on certain individuals.
It’s the miraculous healings that we question. Why does He heal some people but not others? 

              There are 35 recorded miracles of Jesus in the gospels. Only 10 mention faith in Jesus. In most of the cases, faith is not mentioned as a pre-condition of the healing. So some of the miraculous healings require faith (Matthew 8:13  9:22  9:29,30  17:19,20) but others don’t (Luke 8:26-39  John 18:10).

     Jesus also didn’t heal everybody. In John 5:1-5, many people at the pool of Bethsaida needed healing but Jesus only healed one, a blind and deaf man.  This man didn’t have faith in Jesus. He didn’t even know who healed hm until later (John 5:12,13).

     Like today in our western countries, Matthew 13:15 applies…”For this people’s hearts have become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”

     Some miracles are done so people will believe in Jesus. The apostles healed people as a confirmation of their message (Acts 3:1-26). There are also special gifts of healing that are given to certain people (1^st Corinthians 12:11). But even then, not everyone they pray for is healed.

     Miraculous healings tend to be a sign to people unfamiliar with the gospel message. In today’s world, there are more miraculous healings in unevangelized countries. Yet there are still healings in already evangelized countries. So miraculous healings illustrate Jesus’ redemptive mission. Bringing sight to a blind man, hearing to a deaf person, bringing sanity to a deranged person, feeding 5,000 people on a mountainside…these are all things nobody but God could do. These healings made people stand up and take notice of Jesus’ message in a way that nothing else could.

     Here’s a couple of things to consider:
1) If God healed everybody, people would be drawn to the miracle and not to the message. We humans have a great tendency to rationalize. I think we would rationalize these miracles away. We may come to think that we’re owed healing. In Luke 16, the rich man asked Abraham to send his family special messages that they might believe. Abraham said they already had enough proof and they still didn’t believe. He said that even if someone rose from the dead (foreshadowing Jesus’ resurrection) that they still wouldn’t believe.
2) If God healed everybody, He’d be taking a consequence of our own actions. Adam and Eve had a perfect world but it wasn’t enough for them. They rebelled and brought sin into the world. Sin brought death, disease and destruction with it (Romans 5:12). So the question shouldn’t be “Why doesn’t God heal everybody?”. It should be “Why does He heal any of us at all?”.

     What were the results of Jesus’ miraculous healings? Some became believers, some didn’t and some became believers until following Jesus became too hard (John 6:66).  Ultimately, we don’t have a pat answer for why God miraculously heals some people but not others. But that shouldn’t stop us from rejoicing when He does miraculously heal someone. Maybe God heals some people now as a way of reminding us that a complete healing will come later on when He returns and will go on for an eternity (Revelation 21:4,5 & 22:1-5).

Website reference:
www.letusreason.org/Biblexp239.htm
http://carm.org/why-doesnt-god-heal-everyone

For His Kingdom,
Dave Maynard
https://bsssb-llc.com

Focus On Ways To Do Good And To Be Right

In our verse for today, Peter said, But do this in a gentle and respectful way. After you read today's post, make a comment on the post or here. To tell me how you would do this in a gentle and respectful way. Click on the link below to read the post. #1Peter #316 #BibleStudy #Devotions #Evangelism

https://www.ramckinley.com/focus-on-ways-to-do-good-and-to-be-right/

Is The Church Ready Now For Christ's Return?

With a sound of the trumpet, Jesus could return on any given day. A question we must ask ourselves is this, is the church ready for His return?  If not, what will it take to get ready? Click on the link below to read today's post. #1Corinthians #316 #BibleStudy #Devotions

https://www.ramckinley.com/is-the-church-ready-now-for-christs-return/