Philosophy

I have been doing some studying recently that involves philosophy. Philosophy is defined as: The rational investigation of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct. At first I was intrigued by the study. I felt intellectual because I was learning about philosophy. This is what smart people talk about! I was thinking to myself about how useful this knowledge could be to win others to Christ! As I continued to turn this information over in my mind during the past couple of weeks I started to notice that philosophy does not seem to rely very heavily (or at all) on scripture. It is after all a "rational investigation of truth". Gods word is foolishness to the world so there is no need to include the Bible in philosophical discussions. John Piper once said that "science without God is heresy". I would say that philosophy without God is the same. Truth. What is truth? Truth, is the word of God. The Bible, Gods word is truth (tough for some to grasp in this wonderful post-modern world of ours!). You can talk philosophy with me all you want, you may even have some very persuasive arguments, but I will not sway (by Gods grace) from the truth found only in Gods eternal word. The word of God does not change (Mal 3:6). What was true about God when it was written is still true today and will still be true 1000 years from now and forever! Furthermore, the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ is what saves people not philosophy, or even apologetics for that matter! The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Rom 1:16). If truth is what you are looking for then look to Bible, not just a section or a verse but the whole thing. It is so easy to look to the world for wisdom. It is often done by Christians and they don't even realize it! God is the founder of truth, wisdom, and knowledge, seek Him.

Matt 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Sacrifice

Jesus Christ died for me and you. He took the sins of all of the world on His shoulders. He experienced His Father Gods wrath to the extent that our sins can be forgiven. Our sins. All of them throughout history. All peoples sin! Jesus took all of this on Himself! "My God! My God! why have you forsaken me"!? A holy Jesus on a torchering cross, suffering unimaginable pain, anguish, and taking upon Himself the punishment necessary to atone a Holy God for the sin that we are born with and He did not commit! A holy, perfect Jesus that experienced His Father God turning His back on Him. Ashamed of Him. All of this done for me! For you! Now that is Love!

I like to think that I would die or sacrifice my life for that of another. I like to think that the love that God has instilled in me would be sufficient for me to take that step were in necessary. I do after all have an eternity in heaven with my Jesus, my Savior to look forward too. Would you die for someone else? Can I take this a step farther? Would you die for the person who murdered your parents? Your child? Your spouse? What if that person were unrepentant? How about another step. Would you suffer while you died? One more step! Would you take that persons place in hell? Forever? Forever!!!! Do you have that much love in you? I don't think that I do. I don't know that we are capable of that kind of love. Jesus was and is capable of that kind of love. That is what he did for us! Now that is Love! Thank You Jesus, my Savior for that kind of love! Help me to share that kind of love with those who are lost!

I praise God that I serve a risen Savior who lives in my heart today! I praise God for His sacrifice! I praise God that Jesus sits at Gods right hand and intercedes for us! Father help me never for forget what you have done for me! Make it more real to me every day. I praise You!