ARGUMENTS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
2. Moral argument
4. Degrees of perfection
5. Time and Contingency
6. Personal experiences and miracles
Every thing has a cause. Everything that begins to exist must have a cause That casual chain cannot go back infinitely. The universe has a start point. Therefore there must be an uncaused cause which is identified as God, the ultimate source of existence.
Heb 11:3 says that God created the universe from nothing.
Rom 1: 20 reveals his invisible qualities - powerful and divine nature.
The idea that the existence of objective moral (like good and evil) points to a moral lawgiver. Conscience based judgment imprinted on humanity potentially points to the divine source of morality. Existence of objective moral values suggests a divine source that is the basis for such moral values.
Rom 2:4 talks about conscience, our internal ability to know what is right and wrong. The conscience either accuses or excuses.
The observance of the universe and the life of Earth implies an intelligent design, pointing to designer and creator. We notice a prefect order and harmony in all things existing in the universe. This leads to master designer, we call as God.
Various degrees of perfection noticed (Reliable person over unreliable one; intelligent over foolish; love over hatred; peace over chaos, etc.) Expanding to extremes leads to a perfect being, we call as God.
All existing things in the universe have a beginning and an end. Before the particular thing began to exist, it was not existing. If we apply this theory to the Universe, there was a point it started to exist, and it was not existing before that point. From nothing comes nothing. Something is necessary to make other things to exist and that something that is self existent is God.
Some people have experienced miracles, answered prayer, supernatural encounters that lead them in believing a supernatural being, God
WORDLY VIEWS OF GOD
Theism - Belief that God exists realistically. God creates and sustains every thing. God is eternal and omnipotent, but personal and answers prayers. God is both transcendent and immanent. Theists believe either in a God or many gods - Monotheism or Polytheism.Deism - Deism believes that God is wholly transcendent. God exists but does not intervene in the world beyond creating it. Like a watchmaker, made a watch and let it run independently. God is not interested in humanity.Pantheism - Pan means all. According to pantheism, God is everything and everything is God. It is the belief that the universe is identical with divinity. - Nontheism refers to the absence of belief in a god or gods, encompassing both religious and non-religious attitudes. It's a broader term than atheism, which actively denies the existence of deities, and can also refer to a focus on moral teachings within a tradition without necessarily believing in gods. Some nontheists understand God as a symbol of human values and aspirations. Buddhism: Often described as nontheistic, as it doesn't focus on a monotheistic creator deity. Hinduism: Some Hindu philosophical schools have nontheistic viewpoints. Jainism: Jainism is considered nontheistic, focusing on moral commandments and self-realization. Scientists: May discount spiritual explanations for the universe. Philosophers: Such as those who advocate for secular humanism, which emphasizes human potential and morality. Polytheism - Polytheism is the belief in and worship of multiple gods or deities. A large portion of today's polytheistic religions resides in Asia, and includes Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Shintoism. Monotheism - Monotheistic religions are those that believe in one single, all-powerful god. Examples of monotheistic religions include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Baháʼí Faith, and Zoroastrianism. Religious exclusivism is the belief that only one particular religion or belief system is true, and all others are either false or incomplete. Exclusivists believe that only their own religion offers the complete and true path to salvation, rejecting the validity of other religions. Religious pluralism is the acceptance and co-existence of multiple religions within a society, where no single religion dominates or suppresses others. It emphasizes respect for diverse beliefs and practices, allowing individuals to choose and practice their faith freely. Pluralists believe that all religions are equally valid and offer unique paths to truth or spiritual fulfillment, without necessarily claiming one is superior. Inclusivism in religion is the belief that while one's own religion is the most accurate, other religions may also contain aspects of truth and can offer paths to salvation or spiritual fulfillment. It acknowledges the validity of other faiths and their role in guiding individuals towards the ultimate truth, which may be found within one's own religion. Syncretism in religion refers to the blending or mixing of different religious beliefs and practices to form a new or modified system. This can involve the fusion of distinct belief systems or the incorporation of elements from one tradition into another. It's often seen as a natural result of cultural contact and exchange, particularly in areas where multiple religious traditions exist. In some regions, Christianity blended with pre-existing pagan beliefs and practices, leading to syncretic interpretations of Christian beliefs. Sikhism is often considered a syncretic religion, drawing from Bhakti, Hinduism, and Sufi Islam.BIBLICAL VIEW OF GOD
Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD, is one"
In the Bible, God is All-powerful, sovereign, holy, merciful and good
Genesis 17:1 - 'I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless.'"
Isaiah 44:6 - Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: "I am the first, and I am the last; besides me there is no God."
God is described as the ultimate and supreme being, the creator and sustainer of the universe - Bringing all things into existence and maintaining their existence.
Colossians 1:16 - By him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
God is depicted as eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and immutable.
God is understood as a Trinity: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
In the Bible, God is both transcendent (wholly independent of the material universe) and immanent (actively involved in creation and human affairs).
God is loving, merciful, holy, long-suffering, kind, faithful, all-powerful, and eternal. Exodus 34:6,7 - The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
God's righteousness means He always acts in a way that is morally and ethically right.
Psalm 145:17: "The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does". Christians are considered righteous in God's sight not because of their own merits but because they have been given God's righteousness through faith in Jesus.
God's holiness implies a complete separation from sin and evil. He is considered the ultimate source of moral goodness. Holiness is linked to other key attributes of God like righteousness, justice, and truthfulness. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God's holiness, often using phrases like "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty" (Isaiah 6:3).The Bible also calls on believers to strive for holiness, reflecting God's image.
God's love is the foundation of His character and His actions towards humanity. Christians are called to demonstrate love for others, mirroring God's love in their own lives. God demonstrated His love by sending His only Son, Jesus, to die for humanity's sins.
Will of God expresses His attribute of self determination by which He acts in accordance with His eternal power and God head. Theologians distinguish between two types of will of God: Decretive will of God and Permissive will of God. Decretive will of God is the will of God by which God brings to pass whatsoever He decides. This is hidden to us until it happens. Permissive will of God is God's revealed law or commandments, which we have the power to break but not the right to break. Through the permissive will of God, He enjoins upon His creatures the duties that belong to them. The decretive will is always accomplished while the permissive will of God is often disobeyed in earth. Entrance of sin in the world is attributed to the permissive will of God.
It is God's nature to reveal Himself and His purpose to mankind. God revealed the generic will about us in the written word of God. Some of the revealed will concerning us in Bible are that we thank Him always (1Thes 5:18) that we live sanctified lives (1Thes 4:3) that we do good to others (1 Pet 2:15) that all people have the eternal life through faith in Christ (Jh 6:40).
In Mk3:35, Jesus said, “Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother”. And in Mt 7:21, we read Jesus mentioning that doing the will of God is necessary for entering heaven. In the model prayer, when Jesus meant to pray for God’s will be done on earth as it is heaven, he refers to the permissive will of God, the execution of which is possible only when we make a decision to align our will with God’s will.
In Eph 5:17, we read as “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” And in John 7:17, we read, “If anyone chooses to do God's will.” Doing the will of God starts with the choice we make to do the will of God. The willing will that wills God’s will, will dwell within God’s will. In many cases, our will contradicts with the will of God. The lust of flesh and the attractions of the world influence us to decide against the will of God.
Other than the revealed will of God in scripture, while making choices in our daily life, if there are right and wrong choices, we would go by the right choice. But while choosing from two or more right choices, or to choose from choices, outcome of which is not clear, we would face difficulty in finding the direction of God. God has blessed us with indwelling Holy Spirit, who teaches us, guides us and directs our steps. He directs us in the will of God, step by step. In order to gratify our desires, we quench the directions of Holy Spirit, often. Responding to the promptings of the inner voice in us will help us to be in the will of God.
Faithfully obeying the revealed will of God, committing to regular study of Scripture, seeking the direction of God in prayer, godly counseling, etc. would enable us to walk in His will.
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD
Is 45:21 says that Our God is righteous. Righteousness of God would refer to the absolute moral perfection and absence of all sin. Richard L Strauss in his book, “The joy of knowing God” says “God’s righteousness is the natural expression of His holiness. If He is infinitely pure, then He must be opposed to all sin, and that opposition to sin must be demonstrated in His treatment of His creatures. Because God is righteous and just, He has established moral government in the world, laid down principles, which are holy and good, then added consequences, which are just and fair for violating those principles.” Dan 9:14 says “The LORD did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.”
The Lord demands obedience from all men without partiality. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says “Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” God in His righteousness, condemn sin and punishes the wicked. Due to their fallen nature, mankind is unable to live up to the expectations of God. Righteousness cannot be obtained by works or efforts. Strict legalism will not make us righteous before God. We are all infected and impure with sin.
We are told in Rom 6: 21-24 that God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law…We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Therefore, we understand that we are accepted as righteous by God on account of what the Lord Jesus has done. He was made sin and we are made righteous before God. And also, the righteousness of God is an effective defensive weapon, in our spiritual warfare.
Being made righteous with God is not the end of our spiritual life. We are expected to seek His righteousness and live a righteous life. Mat 5:6 says, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. In Mat 5:20 Jesus said “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” In Rom 6:13, we are advised to yield our body as instruments of righteousness. In Eph 5:8-12 we are told to walk as children of light in all righteousness. In 1 Tim 6:10 we are asked to pursue righteousness.
Righteousness ought to be the character of every follower of Christ. 1 Tim 3:16 suggests that studying God’s word helps us to grow in righteousness. Let us spend more time studying and obeying the word of God and thereby reflecting the righteousness of God in our life.
MERCY OF GOD
Were we not living a life contrary to the will of God? Have we not living a life, gratifying the lust of the flesh, following the prince of this world? Were we not by nature alienated from God, found guilty and condemned? How is it possible for us to enjoy a joy and peace filled life in Christ today when we really deserve condemnation for our past thoughts, words and deeds?
It is possible because our God is merciful. Eph 2:4 says, “God, who is rich in mercy.” God being merciful would mean God withholding the punishment, when we deserve it. Mercy of God would mean God’s love that causes Him to help the miserable. It is wrong to say that God is more merciful in New Testament times than in Old Testament times. In fact, Old Testament proclaims the mercy of God four times more than that of the New Testament. God has been merciful since beginning.
In Old Testament we read that every year, high priest entered most holy place and sprinkled the blood of the sacrifice before the mercy-seat on the Day of Atonement, seeking the mercy of God. In Old Testament, mercy-seat concealed His people from ever condemning judgment of law and in New Testament, Jesus Christ became our “Propitiation”. Jesus received our condemnation, and we received God’s mercy. Instead of punishing us for our sins, God allowed His Son to take the condemnation in our place. He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy (Tit 3:5).
God is merciful and righteous at the same time. In the book “The knowledge of the Holy,” author writes, “As judgment is God’s justice confronting moral inequity so mercy is the goodness of God confronting human suffering and guilt. God has always dealt in mercy with mankind and will always deal in justice when His mercy is despised.'
To receive the mercy of God, we need to turn away from sin and wrong doings and seek His mercy. Bible says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Pr 28:13).
We are told to be merciful, because our God is merciful (Luke 6:36). To be merciful would mean sympathizing with those in need, forgiving all who did wrong to us, helping those in distresses and need. Blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy (Mt 5:7).
Since God is merciful and forgave us from the huge sins, we are also expected to be merciful and to extend forgiveness to others. Merciful person is sensitive to the needs of others and would make possible efforts to address the needs. It would be good to make a decision to do some acts of mercy everyday in our life. May God enable us to be merciful as He is merciful.
GRACE OF GOD
Think about the role of parents who provide every good things and gifts to their children to nurture them, to keep them comfortable. They continue doing so, though their children are rebellious, at times. Why do they do so? Is it because of what they have received from the child? No. It is because of their nature to love them, provide them for their growth and prosperity.
Similarly, God is gracious towards us because it is His nature to love and to do good. He is gracious towards us because He is our creator. God who is inherently, infinitely and eternally gracious provides for the needs of the humanity. Grace is getting what we don’t deserve. Grace is God's unmerited favor and goodness toward us, who have no claim or reason to expect such favor. Grace is defined as the favour or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it.
God is gracious from the beginning. Old Testament records several instances highlighting the gracious acts of God. In Gen 6:8, we read as “Noah found favour in the eyes of God”. When Abraham and Sarah received Isaac, it was through the grace of God. Israelites were delivered from Egypt and established in the Promised Land purely by the grace of God. Although grace of God was experienced by people in Old Testament, it is more explicitly expressed in New Testament.
God revealed His grace through His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was full of grace and we received the grace of God through Jesus Christ (Jh 1: 14-17). Idea of grace is more prominent in the gospels. In the writings of Peter, John and in epistle Hebrew, word “grace’ is used flexibly and in general sense. Doctrine of grace is more explained in Pauline epistles, where mankind is shown as sinner but by the grace of God, they are justified (Rom 3:9 – 4:25). God in His grace treats us as if we have never sinned, though guilty.
Salvation is of divine origin but God was not bound to save us. It is the result of His gracious will. By His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ restored the broken relationship between God and His people. Therefore salvation is only through the grace of Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 15:11). Every step in Christian living and growth is attained through the grace of god. Christian life is demonstration of the grace of God.
In Titus 2:11, we are told that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. In Eph 2:8-10, we read that by grace we have been saved and we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. We are expected to show the gracious nature through our daily acts– showing kindness and love.
Our response to the grace of God has to be a lifetime response – walking before him humbly in loving obedience.
LOVE OF GOD
Love is an attribute of God revealed to us. Someone defined love as the high esteem God has for His human children and the high regard which they should have for Him and for other people. God’s love is not in conflict with His holiness, righteousness, justice, or even His wrath. All of God’s attributes are in perfect harmony. Everything God does is loving, just as everything He does is just and right. Love originates in God. God is love. He is the source of love. Love of God reveals the friendly nature that the creator extends to His creatures. Love is an emotion and God being love expresses the emotional attachment God has upon humanity.
The love of God is revealed in various ways since creation but understanding his love is little difficult. That's why Paul prays for growing believers in Ephesus to be rooted and established in love and they may have power…..to understand how wide and long, high and deep is the love of Christ. Bible is the book of love. It records the God’s unconditional love for us. God displayed His love by sending His son for us. Jesus displayed His love by laying down His life for us. Jesus demonstrated what love is, how powerful, love can be and how should we love God and one another.
God's love is not like the love expressed by many in our world today - a love of convenience and ego. The world kind of love says, "I will love you as long as you add value to my life and please me”. God does not force love on anyone. Those who come to Him do so in response to His love.
Love for God and love of other things cannot co-exist. God’s demand is that we love God with the full personality. He commands us to love Him with all our intellectual, emotions, will and senses. The way we seek, obey and please God would define how good we love God. From what Jesus said to Peter in His post resurrection appearance, we learn that God expects us to love him more than all persons and things.
Whoever does not love, does not know God because God is love. Whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar. When we have fellowship with loving God, the love would flow through us. Loving others would mean being open and not pretending, being and doing good, keeping others first, helping others in need with what we have, being patient by enduring without allowing one’s anger to lash out in retaliation, being kind by stepping forward to solve a problem or to share a burden. Love rejects jealousy, bragging, arrogance, selfishness, anger, resentment and unrighteousness. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. May God enable us to love Him and to love others.
FEAR OF GOD
Heb 12: 28, 29 urge us that we be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Today in our modern Christianity, we like to have a God who is comfortable and friendly with us. We like our God to be loving, gracious, merciful, forgiving, tender and gentle. But the God mentioned in the Bible is also Holy and righteous, the one to be feared.
The fear of God is holy fear enabling men to reverence God's authority, obey His commandments, and hate and shun all forms of evil. Our Bible talks about His holiness that expects purity in us and His justice that convicts us. The fear of God is an awesome respect or reverence growing out of an understanding of the greatness of God. Fear of God comes from the knowledge of our own sinfulness and the sense of the presence of God. In Pr 8:13 we are told that to fear the Lord is to hate evil. Genuine fear of the Lord is always seen in obedience to the Word of God.
Fear of God helps us to acquire true wisdom. In Pro 1:7 we read that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. When we live in the fear of God, we have the true wisdom. James 3:17 mentions about the wisdom that comes from heaven which is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Fear of God helps us to live a holy and blameless life. In Pro 16:6 we read that by the fear of the LORD men departs from evil. Fear of God helps us to hate evil and stimulates us to seek holiness. Fear of God leads to divine protection and long life. From Pro 10:27, we understand that the fear of the Lord prolongs life and in Psalm 34:7 we read that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescue them.
In the Old Testament true spirituality is often regarded as synonymous with the fear of God. In the New Testament we are being encouraged to walk in the fear of God. Heb 11:7 says that in holy fear, Noah built an ark to save his family. Gen 22:12 talks about Abraham fearing God, made a decision to sacrifice Isaac. In Gen 42:18 we read about Joseph confessing his fear for God in front of his siblings. Job 1:8 conveys how God acknowledges the fear of God, Job had. In Acts 9: 31 we are told that the early Christians lived in the fear of God. The people who sought God and walked with God lived in the fear of God.
The conclusion of the book of Ecclesiastes is that we fear God and keeps his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. God expects us to fear Him. In Deut 5:29 the Lord exclaims: "O that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commandments". We are commanded to fear God. Deut 10:12 questions "What does the Lord require of you, but to fear the Lord your God”. The genuineness of our Christian life is marked by how well we fear God in our daily life. May God enable us to fear God and live a life pleasing Him.
SEEK GOD
God gifted us with beautiful life and relationships. We live on certain time and space on this vast Universe. There are much said about life, done in life and shared in life. Life offers opportunities that bring name, fame and abundant wealth to some while bad memories and experiences to others. Life happens to be a mixture of ups and downs, happiness and sorrows. From our birth to death, we seek after things that satisfy us and that would give better living conditions and life style.
Is our God a personal being, whom with we can interact? Ps 14:2 says that The LORD looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who seek God. Acts 17:26, 27 conveys that from one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him. God wants us, His creation to seek after Him. In Dt 4: 29, we are told that we will find him if we seek him with all our heart and with all our soul. Seeking God is lot more than believing in God. It would mean seeking the purpose of God in our life, seeking God for our provisions, protections, and so on. It would mean seeking His approval and guidance in the decisions, we make with our life. Seeking God would mean proactively set out to know Him, to incline our hearts towards him, listening to Him and responding to him.
We read in Heb 11:6 that who come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. It implies that the true blessing of God will be upon those who seek Him earnestly. Israelites were continually commanded to seek God. The history of Israel is nothing but the outstanding actions of God when they sought Him and punishments when they failed to seek Him. The concluding words of David at his old age to his son, Solomon were “Devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.” Our ego and pride keep us away from knowing God, hindering our relationship with Him. In Psalm 10:4 we read as “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God”.
Each one of us is made with a void inside us that can be filled only by God and that’s why what is temporal and worldly can never satisfy us completely. Our attitude of Self-Sufficiency prevents us from seeking God. Keeping ourselves busy and sparing no time for God and godly things prevent us from knowing and seeking Him. The choice is left to us individually whether to seek Him and follow Him or to move in the opposite direction, seeking alternate things.
Regular time of prayer, sufficient time with the word of God, meaningful fellowship with the believers, obedience to the known truths, etc. would guide us in the direction seeking Him in our day to day life. May God enable us to seek Him.
FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
The material things around us point to a creator, who is intelligent and powerful. Things that are visible and invisible are created from nothing by God in an undated past. The most significant part in creation is God making humankind in the image and likeness of God. Human beings are created with an earthly substance and with a divine substance. Though our physical body is from the earth, there are invisible godly components in us.
The divine substance, our spiritual part, can connect us with God. By keeping the right relationship with God, we can find our fullness in life. Understanding the purpose of our life depends on how well we know and maintain our relationship with our creator. Fellowship with God demands spending time with Him and responding positively to His will. Spending quality time in prayer and making efforts to learn godly truths from the Bible can glue us with God and make a great difference in our lives. Such a lifestyle can build us in the ways of God in the midst of attractions and influences that are conditioned to take us away from God's intended life.
May God enable us to understand the importance of maintaining fellowship with God and to make efforts to grow in fellowship with our Creator.
நம்மைச் சுற்றியுள்ளவைகள், அறிவாற்றல் மற்றும் சக்திவாய்ந்த ஒரு சிருஷ்டிகரை சுட்டிக்காட்டுகின்றன. காணக்கூடியவைகள் மற்றும் காணக்கூடாதவைகளை ஆகிய யாவற்றையும் ஒன்றுமில்லாமையிலிருந்து தேவன் ஆதியிலே சிருஷ்டித்தார். தேவன் மனுக்குலத்தை தேவனின் சாயலிலும், ரூபத்திலும் படைத்ததே சிருஷ்டிப்பில் மிக முக்கியமான பகுதியாக கருதலாம். நமது உடல் பூமியிலிருந்து வந்திருந்தாலும், நம்மில் ஆவிக்குரிய தன்மைகள் உள்ளன. மனிதர்களாகிய நாம்பூமிக்குரிய பொருளாலும், ஆவிக்குரிய பொருளாலும் படைக்கப்பட்டு உள்ளோம். நம்மில் உள்ள ஆவிக்குறிய பகுதி, நம்மை தேவனுடன் இணைக்க வல்லது. தேவனுடன் சரியான ஐக்கியத்தைப் பேணுவதன் மூலம், வாழ்க்கையில் நாம் முழுமையைக் அடையலாம். நம் சிருஷ்டிகரிடம் நமது உறவும் ஐக்கியமும் எப்படி உள்ளது என்பதை பொறுத்தே நம்மை குறித்த நமது வாழ்க்கையின் நோக்கத்தைப் நாம் புரிந்துகொள்ள முடியும்.
ஜெபத்தில் நேரத்தை செலவிடுவதும், வேதபுத்தகத்தின் உண்மைகளை புரிந்த கொள்ள நாம் தொடர்ச்சியாக மேர்கொள்ளும் முயற்ச்சிகளும் நம்மை தேவனுடனான ஜக்கியத்தில் வளரச் செய்வதோடு, நமது வாழ்வில் நல்ல மாற்றத்தையும் கொண்டு வரும். தேவ நோக்கத்திலிருந்து நம்மை விலக்கிச் செல்ல செய்யும் இவ்வுலக ஈர்ப்புகள் மற்றும் தாக்கங்கள் நிறைந்த உலகில், தேவனுடனான ஐக்கியமும், தேவனை சார்ந்த வாழ்க்கை முறையும், தேவனின் வழிகளில் நம்மை உருவாக்கும்.
தேவனுடனான ஐக்கியத்தைப் பேணுவதன் முக்கியத்துவத்தைப் புரிந்துகொள்ளவும், நமது சிருஷ்டிகர் உடனான ஐக்கியத்தில் வளர முயற்சிகளை மேற்கொள்ளவும் தேவன் நமக்கு உதவி செய்வராக.
WALKING WITH GOD
God desires all of us to walk with him. His life will be different from those who do not walk with Him. Walking with God implies faith in God, obedience to God and fellowship with God. To walk with God means to make a relationship with God as an essential part of our everyday lifestyle. It is not the kind of lifestyle of spending one day in the presence of God and living ungodly lives on the other days. To walk with God is to honor God with our choices in every aspect of life. If we claim that we walk with Him, we have to make consistent efforts to spend time with Him and to execute His will in our lives.
Enoch found it possible to live in communion with God and yet to do all the common things that men did then. We may have our own queries and doubts to consider if we can walk with God. If what is said about Enoch is true and if he could walk with God, we also can. May God enable us to strive to walk with God daily.
ஆதியாகமம் 5:24-யில், ஏனோக்கு தேவனுடன் நடந்ததாகவும், மரணத்தை ருசிக்காமல் எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்பட்டதாகவும் வாசிக்கிறோம். பழைய ஏற்பாட்டில், மரணத்தை ருசிக்காமல் எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்பட்ட இருவரில், இவரும் ஒருவர். அவரது வாழ்க்கை முறையைப் பற்றி, எபிரேயர் 11:5 குறிப்பிடும் போது, ஏனோக்கு எடுத்துக்கொள்ளப்படுவதற்கு முன்பு, தேவனைப் பிரியப்படுத்தும் வாழ்க்கை வாழ்ந்ததாக, அந்த நிருபத்தின் ஆசிரியர் குறிப்பிடுகிறார். தேவனுடன் நடப்பது என்பது பரிசுத்த ஆவியானவரால் வழிநடத்தப்படுவது என்பதால், அது நம் வாழ்க்கை முறையிலும், நடத்தைகளிலும் வெளிப்படும். மீகா 6:8-லிருந்து, நாம் நியாயஞ்செய்யவும், இரக்கத்தைச் விரும்பவும், தேவனுக்கு முன்பாக மனத்தாழ்மையாய் நடக்கவும் தேவன் விரும்புகிறார் என்று புரிந்துகொள்கிறோம்.
நாம் தேவனுடன் நடக்கும்போது, நம்மைச் சுற்றியுள்ள மக்கள் நம்மில் தேவனின் அன்பையும், வல்லமையும் காண்பார்கள். நாம் அன்பானவர்களாகவும், இரக்கமுள்ளவர்களாகவும், சமாதானம் பண்ணுகிறவர்களாகவும் இருப்போம். தேவனுடன் நடக்கும்போது, அவர் வழங்கும் பரிசுத்த வாழ்க்கை நம்மில் வெளிப்படும். நாம் தேவனுடன் நடப்பதாகக் கூறிக்கொண்டு, உலகத்திற்கொத்த வாழ்க்கை வாழ்ந்தால், நம்மை நாமே ஏமாற்றிக் கொள்கிறோம். தேவன், நாம் அனைவரும் அவருடன் நடக்க விரும்புகிறார். தேவனுடன் நடப்பவரின் வாழ்க்கை, அவரோடு நடக்காதவர்களிடமிருந்து வேறுபட்டதாக இருக்கும். தேவனுடன் நடப்பது என்பது, தேவன் மீது நாம் வைக்கும் விசுவாசம், தேவனுக்குக் கீழ்ப்படிதல் மற்றும் தேவனுடனான ஐக்கியத்தைக் குறிக்கிறது.
தேவனுடன் நடப்பது என்பது அனுதினமும் அவருடனான ஐக்கியத்தில் நிலைத்திருப்பதாகும். தேவனுடன் நடப்பது என்பது, ஏதோ ஒரு நாள், தேவனுடன் செலவழித்து விட்டு மற்ற நாட்களில் நம் இஷ்டம் போல வாழதுடிக்கும் வாழ்க்கைமுறை அல்ல. தேவனுடன் நடப்பது என்பது வாழ்க்கையின் ஒவ்வொரு அம்சத்திலும், நம் தெரிந்தெடுப்புகள் மூலம் தேவனை மகிமைப்படுத்துவதாகும். நாம் தேவனுடன் நடப்பதாகக் கூறினால், தேவனுடன் நேரத்தைச் செலவிடவும், நம் வாழ்க்கையில் அவருடைய சித்தத்தை நிறைவேற்றவும், நாம் தொடர்ந்து முயற்சி செய்ய வேண்டும். ஏனோக்கு, அக்காலத்தில் மற்றவர்களுடன் ஒரு சராசரியான வாழ்க்கை வாழ்ந்தாலும், தேவனுடன் நடக்கும் வாழ்க்கை முறையைப் பின்பற்ற முடிந்தது.
தேவனுடன் நாமும் இந்நாட்களில் நடக்க முடியுமா எனச் சிந்திக்கத் தோன்றும். ஏனோக்கைப் பற்றிச் சொல்லப்பட்டிருப்பது உண்மை என்றால், அவரால் தேவனுடன் நடக்க முடிந்திருந்தால், நம்மாலும் முடியும். தினமும் தேவனுடன் நடக்கத் தொடர்ந்து முயற்சி செய்யத் தேவன் நமக்கு உதவி செய்வாராக.
TEMPTATION TO DISOBEY GOD
Genesis 3:11 states, "Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” When God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were expected to obey him unconditionally. But when Eve was tempted by a serpent, she doubted the word of God and ended up disobeying God. When tempted to doubt and disobey the word of God, Eve failed in the temptation.
Firstly, she was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Satan took advantage by finding her near the forbidden tree. The serpent initiated a talk with her and convinced her to fall in his trick. Eve should have ignored the initiation of Satan, but she enjoyed the conversation and gave the natural and distinct answers to the prowling, unsuspected enemy. We can be attacked by the devil readily when we are alone. When we step outside of Christian fellowship, we become more susceptible to temptation and sin.
Secondly, we notice the serpent planting a doubt in the mind of Eve and then offering his attractive false interpretation for the word of God. Thus, the temptation by Satan begins by laying a doubt at the root, questioning and unsettling the revealed truths. Our doubts concerning the word of God can move us away from God. To keep us from the harmful effects of doubts, we must saturate our minds with the truth of God’s word. Also, when we seek God, He will clarify our doubts at the right time through the right means.
May God enable us to understand the necessity of fellowship in our Christian growth and to seek His help whenever we face doubts.
ஆதியாகமம் 3:11,யில் "புசிக்கவேண்டாம் என்று நான் உனக்கு விலக்கின விருட்சத்தின் கனியைப் புசித்தாயோ" என்று எழுதப்பட்டுள்ளது. நன்மைத் தீமை அறியத்தக்க மரத்தின் கனியைப் புசிக்க வேண்டாம் என்று தேவன் ஆதாமுக்கும் ஏவாளுக்கும் கட்டளையிட்டபோது, அவர்கள் நிபந்தனையின்றி அவருக்குக் கீழ்ப்படிய வேண்டும் என்று எதிர்பார்க்கப்பட்டது. தேவனின் வார்த்தையைச் சந்தேகித்துக் கீழ்ப்படியாமல் போகச் சர்ப்பத்தால் சோதிக்கப்பட்டபோது, ஏவாள் அந்தச் சோதனையில் தோல்வியடைந்தாள்.
முதலாவதாக, ஏவாள் தவறான நேரத்தில், தவறான இடத்தில் இருந்தாள். தடைசெய்யப்பட்ட மரத்தின் அருகே ஏவளைக் கண்டச் சாத்தான், அந்தச் சந்தர்ப்பத்தைத் தனக்குச் சாதகமாகப் பயன்படுத்திக் கொண்டான். சர்ப்பமானது ஏவாளுடன் பேச்சைத் தொடங்கி, தன் தந்திரத்தில் விழும்படி தூண்டினான். ஏவாள் சாத்தானின் தந்திரத்தைத் துவக்கத்திலேயே கண்டறிந்து அவனின் ஆலேசனையை புறக்கணித்திருக்க வேண்டும். ஆனால், அவள் சர்ப்பதுடனான உரையாடலை ரசித்து, சந்தேகத்திற்கு இடமில்லாமல் நடித்த அந்த எதிரியை நம்பி, அவனின் சாதுரியமான பேச்சில் விழுந்துத் தேவவார்த்தைக்குக் கீழ்படியாமல் போனாள். நாமும் தனியாக இருக்கும்போது, பிசாசால் எளிதில் தாக்கப்படலாம். நம்முடைய ஆவிக்குரிய வளர்ச்சிக்கு விசுவாசிகளின் ஐக்கியம் ரொம்ப அவசியம். நாம் ஐக்கியத்தில் இல்லாதிருக்கும் போது, எளிதில் நாம் சோதனையில் விழ நேரிடும்.
இரண்டாவதாக, சர்ப்பம் ஏவாளின் மனதில் ஒரு சந்தேகத்தை விதைத்து, பின்னர்த் தேவனின் வார்த்தைக்கு எதிராகக் கவர்ச்சிகரமான தவறான விளக்கம் வழங்குவதை நாம் கவனிக்கிறோம். இவ்வாறே, சாத்தான் நம் வாழ்விலும், முதலில் தேவவார்த்தைகளுக்கு மாறானச் சந்தேகத்தை விதைத்து, வேதாகமத்தின் உண்மைகளைக் கேள்விக் கேட்கப் பண்ணி, நம்மை வஞ்சித்துத் தேவனுடைய வார்த்தைகளை மீறச் செய்வான். தேவனின் வார்த்தையைப் பற்றிய நமது சந்தேகங்கள் நம்மைத் தேவனிடமிருந்து விலகிப் போகப் பண்ணும். தேவவார்த்தையினால் நம் சிந்தனைகள் நிறைந்திருக்கும் போது அவிசுவாசத்தால் ஏற்படும் தீங்கு விளைவிக்கும் விளைவுகளிலிருந்து நம்மைக் காப்பாற்றிக் கொள்ள முடியும். மேலும், சந்தேகங்கள் ஏற்படும் போது நாம் தேவனுடைய உதவியை நாடினால், சரியான நேரத்தில் சரியான வழிகளில் அவர் நம் சந்தேகங்களைத் தெளிவுபடுத்துவார்.
நமது கிறிஸ்தவ வளர்ச்சியில் முக்கியப் பங்கு வகிக்கும் ஐக்கியத்தின் அவசியத்தை நாம் புரிந்துகொள்ளவும், நாம் வாழ்வில் சந்தேகங்கள் நடுவே பயணிக்கும் போது தேவனின் உதவியை நாடவும் தேவன் நமக்கு உதவிச் செய்வாராக.
FAVOUR OF GOD
In Gen 6:8, we read about Noah finding favor in the eyes of the Lord. In the midst of a corrupt generation, Noah remained righteous, obedient, and blameless. Noah’s life is evidence of great faith. When God communicated His plan to Noah, He submitted himself along with his family to work out the plan of God. Noah had to work more than fifty years to build the ark. It took a lot of miseries, hard work, perseverance and faith to execute the plan of God. Like Noah, when we commit our lives to obeying His commands and yield ourselves to fulfill His plan through us, the favour of God will be evident in our lives.
In Luke 1:30, we read about Mary finding favour with God. God chose her as a vessel to bring the son of God into the world. Her life was known for humility and obedience to God. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humility can draw us nearer to God.
God's favoured life is enriching. Living a life seeking His favour in our life is the best thing we can do to keep our lives effective and meaningful. May God lead such blessed lifestyles.
Ps 90: 17 reads as “Let the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us”. This Psalm was written by Moses who had the habit of seeking the favour of God. God does not show favoritism but in scripture and in our life, we come across persons who are definitely different from others in experiencing the favour of God in their lives. If we have the favour the God, Should we require anything else? When we have the favour of God, we will be a God’s channel of real blessing to others. We cannot influence God to receive His favour, but we can work on our lives to make it pleasing and acceptable in His sight.
We will look at four biblical characters, who found favour in their lives and will try to derive some valuable lessons from them.
Our first character is Mary. In Lk 1:30, we read Angel saying to Mary that she found favour in the sight of God. When confronted with an opportunity that could affect her future, she accepted the realities of life and humbled herself for the fulfillment of His will in her life. To be humble would mean having a good understanding of our weakness and defects, despising no one and not being arrogant. In 1 Pet 5:5, we read that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humility draws us nearer to God.
The second character is Abel. In Gen 4:4 we read as, that the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering. Cain brought a random offering, but Abel gave the firstborn and best of his flocks. Abel received the favour for giving the best to God. Giving our best to God would mean giving God our total being, giving God first of everything, giving God our best talent, skills and knowledge. When we give priority to God and offer our best, God will be pleased by our life and our offerings.
The next character we look at is Noah. In Gen 6:8, we read that Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. What was the secret that brought the favour and goodwill of God to Noah. When the rest of the world was wicked, Noah kept his integrity. It is not easy to stand for God when no one else stands for him. Noah stood for obeying God in the midst of ungodly people and corrupt wicked sin centric world. He had his life set apart for God and to walk with Him. He was firm in His faith and committed to fear and obey God, even though the world was walking in the other direction. When we stand for God, He will not forsake us.
The final character we refer is Moses. In Ex 33:13 we read Moses praying as “Teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you”. We find Moses praying God to let him know His ways so that he may be pleasing to Him. In Col 1:9, 10 we read how earnestly Apostle Paul prays for the believers to increase in knowledge of God. God’s ways are higher than our ways and it is only fitting for us to ask Him to reveal His ways to us. Our closeness with God is proportional to our knowledge about Him. We spend our life time looking for the favour of other persons, but when was the last time we thought about seeking the favour of God?
