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"The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14).
I read an article concerning a television series now being broadcast on the BBC hosted by an avowed atheist named Richard Dawkins. One article notes concerning Dawkins that "He is an enthusiastic advocate of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. But he doesn’t just stop there. He goes further to argue that an alternative belief in divine creation is not only untrue but also deeply damaging to people and to our world." The first show in the series is titled "The Root of Evil" and the second is "The Virus of Faith" in which he asserts religion is a "virus" and faith-based education he considers to be "child abuse."
WOW, as I consider such rantings of an atheist it merely strengthens my faith and resolve to serve the Lord. I also consider the source of disbelief going all the way back to the Garden of Eden. Disbelief and mocking the things of God are certainly nothing new.
Today's Scripture verse gives insight on this matter. "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Those such as Dawkins consider the things that come from the Spirit of God as foolishness. They cannot understand them, regardless of what level of human knowledge they have, since they do not have spiritual discernment which is a result of the New Birth. Regardless of how much wisdom they or others assert they have they're fools. Harsh words to some but consider Psalm 14:1: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'." An interesting footnote is that the Hebrew words rendered fool in Psalms denotes one who is morally deficient.
Consider the glorious truth of Hebrews 11:6. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Today I proclaim, "Yes, I believe!" Last year Brooksyne led our choir in a great song by that title of faith which came to mind today as I prepared this. It powerfully expresses belief in the midst of the various attacks we deal with. (The lyrics are in the footer.)
Today I encourage each reader to unashamedly place their faith in the Lord.
Be encouraged today,
Stephen C. Weber
Brooksyne's Prayer: Jesus, I recognize my relationship with You is based solely on the faith You impart to me through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Your Word declares that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. I want to serve you this day and through my words and actions express to a disbelieving world that I do believe! I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for everyone who believes. Help me to be merciful to those who doubt, snatching them out of the fire as You save them through Your atoning blood.
When I said that I would follow
It was with an honest heart
But I didn't fully understand the cost
'Cause there are saints throughout the ages
And there are those today
Who show us what it really means to carry the cross
That only fuels my devotion
No matter what comes I will say
(Chorus)
Yes, I believe
I believe with all that is in me
Yes, I believe
Though the world rises up against me
I will be faithful
To the choice I have made
I am determined
I will not be ashamed
To live so the whole world can see
That yes, I believe
There will never be a reason
To lose this confidence
For I have found where my assurance lies
It is not in my own power
But in who my savior is
And the truth of this conviction
Makes me shout to the sky
(Repeat Chorus)
Yes, I believe he is risen
Yes, I believe we are forgiven
Yes, I believe and one day we'll see him
And together we'll say
(Repeat Chorus)
Words & Music by Joel Lindsay & Tony Wood © 2001 Paragon Music Corp. / Vacation Boy Music / New Spring Pub, Inc. / ASCAP Here's an audio demonstration of the song "Yes, I believe"
Additional resources concerning today's topic:
Article 1
Article 2
Both Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians 1,2 address this topic of disbelief and worldly wisdom so powerfully.
Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission; and the King James Version.
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