All in Faith

Faith and Evidence

Faith and Evidence

Shane Scott
Faith, Doubt, Evangelism

Several years ago, I decided I needed a hobby. I had many interests – basketball, fantasy baseball, music – but I engaged in all of these past times with members of the church where I preached, or with fellow Christians in the area. I needed a hobby that would put me in contact with people from all walks of life. So I looked up the closest chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and over the last 17 years I have made a large and diverse bunch of friends.

As it happens, several of my barbershop singing friends are from Sweden, and – typical of the very secular climate in Sweden – they are not believers. A few of them are quite belligerent about their atheism. Last fall, I fell into a discussion on Facebook with one of them, a discussion I was frankly hesitant to engage in, given the nasty reputation that debates on social media have earned. But in this case, I am glad to say that my fears were misplaced. Over the course of nearly three weeks, several atheists and agnostics in Sweden as well as in the States joined in and presented arguments against Christianity and gave me a very courteous hearing as I responded.

Habakkuk's Example for Troubled Times

Habakkuk's Example for Troubled Times

Greg Chandler
Doubt, Faith, Judgment, Trust, Worldliness

The past few months have been troubling for the people of God who are concerned about morality. Debates about transgenderism have led to cultural clashes around the country as states and their leaders make decisions that will impact younger, more vulnerable citizens. A recent leak from the Supreme Court on the hot button topic of abortion has reignited emotional responses so much so that fencing has been placed around the Supreme Court building, for fear of attack. Atrocities in a foreign war remain forefront in the news cycle and a reminder of how villainous humans can be to other humans. If one has a steady diet of news consumption, it can lead to hand-wringing worry about the state of the world. Yet, God says to live without anxiety: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5b-7). How is this possible?

The Slap Heard 'Round the World

The Slap Heard 'Round the World

Greg Chandler
Faith, Trust

Yearly, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents “the Oscars” to celebrities and those associated with film making who are recognized as making a lasting contribution to the film industry. In recent years, the program has become little more than a self-congratulatory session, accentuated with political, social, and environmental stands. It is no surprise that the world has virtually turned off the Oscars as ratings in recent years have been in freefall. However, this year’s “slap heard ‘round the world” has revived interest in the failing awards ceremony. When comedian Chris Rock took aim at the wife of actor Will Smith, he did not expect what ensued. Coming to the stage, Smith demonstrated his offense to the joke by slapping the comedian. Since then, the media world, along with other segments of the population, has been abuzz in giving their take on the violent event.

Faith in God's Word

Faith in God's Word

Michael Molloy
Faith

Faith is the foundation upon which our salvation is built. According to Hebrews 11, one cannot please God if he does not have faith: “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (11:6). Why is it impossible to please God without faith?

Redeemed By And Through Affliction

Redeemed By And Through Affliction

Eric Hamilton
Bitterness, Endurance, Faith

The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and happiness in the year. Unfortunately, depression often can strike hardest this time of year, as well. And tragedies don’t automatically put on hold just because it’s supposed to be a “joyous time of year.” Dealing with the sadness and tragedies of life is difficult any time of the year, but perhaps even more pronounced during a festive season.

Two Fellowships

Two Fellowships

Robert F. Turner
Unity, Faith, Fellowship

In 1 John 1 John describes his fellowship with God as one dependent upon his walking “in the light” of God’s truth. He had learned of Christ, first hand, and then wrote this truth for our benefit; so that we may have the same kind of fellowship he had, i.e., fellowship with God. There is no fellowship with God for those who walk in darkness — error and sin.

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