Rather than accepting God’s gracious gift of salvation found only in Jesus Christ, we choose to believe the lie that God doesn’t exist or, if He does, he is responsible for everything bad that happens! 

Consequently the anthem, “let’s eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die” becomes our life. 

In this world, selling “pleasure for a season” is far easier than preaching “we must, through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God”. (Acts 14 v 22) 

If you want earthly riches, don’t become a minister of the Gospel. However, if it’s treasure in heaven you’re after, then it seems God’s reward is only reserved for the tough. And if I’ve learnt anything about Christianity in 38 years, it’s that religion is not just women’s business as championed by so many males.  With more women in churches than men, the only conclusion (sadly), is women are tougher than men?

Let’s look at modern objections against accepting a faith in Christ anticipated by ancient Bible scriptures. 

There is no God – The fool has said in his heart, “there is no God” (Psalms 14 v 1).

The Bible is myths written by men – All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3 v 16).

Prophecy never came by the will of men –  “But holy men of God spoke when moved upon by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1 v 21).

We are the result of evolution – “You formed my inward parts.  You covered me in my mother’s womb.  I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139 v 13 – 14). Jesus said, “from the beginning of creation God made them male and female” (Matthew 10 v 5 – 6).

I’ll live my life as I please – “There is a way that seems right but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14 v 12).

I don’t believe in heaven and hell – “It is appointed for men to die once but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9 v 27).

I’m not a sinner, I’m a good person – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”  (Romans 3 v 23). “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1 v 8).

Jesus was a good man, no more no less – “God has highly exalted Jesus and given him a name above all names… every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the father” (Philippians 2 v 9-11).  Thomas answered Jesus, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John 20 v 28)

I’ll get to heaven my way! – Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the father except through me” (John 14 v 6). “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life. He who doesn’t believe the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3 v 36).

I don’t need to go to church! – “Don’t forsake assembling together as some do.  But exhort one another more and more especially as we see the Day of Christ approaching” (Hebrews 10 v 25).

Friends, ignorance is not bliss, it’s foolishness!  See you in church.

Jim Seymour / pastor, www.tp4c.org.au, facebook: Tenterfield Presbyterian Family