The witness of the heavens to God (Addresses to working lads) - Biblical Christianity
The witness of the heavens to God (Addresses to working lads)
Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered about the meaning and purpose of life? Have you ever felt a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and majesty of nature? Have you ever sensed a voice within you that tells you right from wrong, good from evil? If so, you have experienced what the Bible calls "the witness of the heavens to God".
The witness of the heavens to God (Addresses to working lads)
In this article, we will explore what this witness is, why it is important for working lads like you and me to know it, and how it can lead us to a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
Introduction
What is the witness of the heavens to God?
The witness of the heavens to God is the evidence that God exists and that He has revealed Himself to us through His creation, His conscience, and His Christ. It is based on what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:20:
"For since the creation of the world Gods invisible qualitieshis eternal power and divine naturehave been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
This means that by looking at what God has made, we can learn something about who He is, what He is like, and what He expects from us. We can also see that He loves us and wants us to know Him personally.
Why is it important for working lads to know this witness?
It is important for working lads like us to know this witness because it answers some of the most fundamental questions that we have about life. Questions like:
Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
What is our destiny?
How should we live?
How can we be happy?
How can we be forgiven?
How can we be saved?
These are questions that every human being asks at some point in their lives. They are questions that cannot be answered by science, philosophy, or religion alone. They are questions that can only be answered by God Himself.
The witness of the heavens to God shows us that there is more to life than what we see with our eyes or touch with our hands. It shows us that there is a spiritual dimension to reality that we cannot ignore or deny. It shows us that there is a God who created us, who cares for us, and who wants to have a relationship with us.
The witness of creation
How the heavens declare the glory of God
One of the ways that God reveals Himself to us is through His creation. The Bible says in Psalm 19:1:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."
This means that by looking at the sky, we can see the greatness and majesty of God. We can see His power and wisdom in creating and sustaining the sun, the moon, the stars, and the planets. We can see His beauty and splendor in the colors and shapes of the clouds, the rainbows, and the auroras. We can see His faithfulness and order in the seasons, the days, and the nights.
The heavens are like a giant billboard that displays the glory of God to everyone who has eyes to see. They are like a loudspeaker that proclaims the work of His hands to everyone who has ears to hear. They are like a book that tells the story of His love and grace to everyone who has a heart to read.
How the order and design of the universe point to a Creator
Another way that God reveals Himself to us is through the order and design of the universe. The Bible says in Hebrews 3:4:
"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything."
This means that by looking at the universe, we can see the intelligence and purpose of God. We can see His logic and skill in designing and arranging everything according to precise laws and patterns. We can see His creativity and artistry in making everything with variety and complexity. We can see His sovereignty and plan in governing everything with harmony and balance.
The universe is like a giant machine that works with accuracy and efficiency. It is like a giant puzzle that fits together with logic and consistency. It is like a giant painting that displays with beauty and diversity.
The universe shows us that there is a Creator behind it all, who made it all, who knows it all, and who controls it all. It shows us that there is a mind behind the matter, a designer behind the design, a builder behind the building.
How the beauty and variety of nature reflect God's wisdom and goodness
A third way that God reveals Himself to us is through the beauty and variety of nature. The Bible says in Psalm 104:24:
"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures."
This means that by looking at nature, we can see the wisdom and goodness of God. We can see His knowledge and understanding in creating and providing for all kinds of living things. We can see His kindness and generosity in giving them life and joy. We can see His care and compassion in sustaining them and protecting them.
Nature is like a giant garden that grows with abundance and diversity. It is like a giant zoo that houses with variety and complexity. It is like a giant museum that exhibits with beauty and wonder.
Nature shows us that there is a Maker behind it all, who loves it all, who blesses it all, and who watches over it all. It shows us that there is a Father behind the family, a Shepherd behind the flock, a Gardener behind the garden.
The witness of conscience
How the law of God is written in our hearts
Besides revealing Himself through His creation, God also reveals Himself through our conscience. The Bible says in Romans 2:15:
"They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."
This means that by looking at our hearts, we can see the law of God. We can see His standards and expectations for how we should live. We can see His justice and righteousness in judging what we do. We can see His mercy and grace in forgiving what we confess.
Our conscience is like a compass that guides us with direction and orientation. It is like a judge that evaluates us with verdicts and sentences. It is like a friend that advises us with warnings and encouragements.
The witness of Christ
How God revealed Himself in human flesh through Jesus Christ
The ultimate way that God reveals Himself to us is through His Son Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Hebrews 1:1-3:
"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
This means that by looking at Jesus Christ, we can see the fullness of God's glory. We can see His eternal power and divine nature in human flesh. We can see His radiance and exact representation of His being. We can see His authority and creativity as the heir and maker of all things.
Jesus Christ is like a mirror that reflects God's glory perfectly. He is like a stamp that imprints God's image precisely. He is like a word that expresses God's mind clearly.
Jesus Christ shows us that there is a Savior behind it all, who loves us so much that He became one of us, who lived for us, who died for us, and who rose again for us. He shows us that there is a Son behind the Father, a Brother behind the Friend, a Lord behind the King.
How Jesus fulfilled the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament
Another way that God reveals Himself to us through Jesus Christ is by fulfilling the prophecies and promises of the Old Testament. The Bible says in Luke 24:27:
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
This means that by looking at the Old Testament, we can see how Jesus Christ was predicted and promised by God long before He came into the world. We can see how He fulfilled the types and shadows of the law and the prophets. We can see how He accomplished the plan and purpose of God for our salvation.
The Old Testament is like a puzzle that reveals Jesus Christ as its solution. It is like a map that leads to Jesus Christ as its destination. It is like a story that climaxes with Jesus Christ as its hero.
The Old Testament shows us that there is a Messiah behind it all, who was foretold by God from the beginning, who was expected by His people throughout history, and who was revealed by God in the fullness of time. He shows us that there is a Lamb behind the Sacrifice, a Priest behind the Temple, a King behind the Throne.
How Jesus demonstrated His power and love through His miracles and teachings
A third way that God reveals Himself to us through Jesus Christ is by demonstrating His power and love through His miracles and teachings. The Bible says in John 20:30-31:
"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
This means that by looking at the miracles and teachings of Jesus Christ, we can see how He proved His identity and authority as the Son of God. We can see how He displayed His power and love over nature, disease, demons, sin, and death. We can see how He revealed His truth and grace through His words and deeds.
The miracles and teachings of Jesus Christ are like signs that point to His divinity and humanity. They are like proofs that confirm His claims and credentials. They are like invitations that offer His life and salvation.
Conclusion
How to respond to the witness of the heavens to God
Now that we have seen how God reveals Himself to us through His creation, His conscience, and His Christ, how should we respond? The Bible gives us three clear responses that we need to make:
Repent of our sins. To repent means to change our mind and turn away from our rebellion against God. It means to acknowledge that we have sinned against God and that we deserve His judgment. It means to agree with God that we need His forgiveness and grace. Acts 17:30 says: "The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."
Believe in Jesus Christ. To believe means to trust and rely on Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It means to accept that He is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose again for our salvation. It means to receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior by faith. John 3:16 says: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Follow Him as His disciples. To follow means to obey and imitate Jesus Christ as our Master and Teacher. It means to learn from Him and live for Him. It means to join His family and His mission. It means to love Him and serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Matthew 16:24 says: "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'"
These are the responses that God expects from us when we hear His witness through the heavens. These are the responses that will lead us to eternal life and joy in His presence.
How to grow in faith and knowledge of God through His Word and Spirit
But responding to God's witness is not a one-time event. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in faith and knowledge of God. How can we grow in our relationship with God? The Bible gives us two essential means that we need to use:
The Word of God. The Word of God is the Bible, which is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of God is the primary way that God speaks to us and reveals His will to us. The Word of God is also the food that nourishes our souls and the sword that equips us for spiritual warfare (Matthew 4:4; Ephesians 6:17). We need to read, study, meditate, memorize and apply the Word of God daily if we want to grow in our faith and knowledge of God.
The Spirit of God. The Spirit of God is the Holy Spirit, who is the third person of the Trinity and who dwells in every believer (John 14:16-17). The Spirit of God is the one who convicts us of sin, guides us into all truth, teaches us all things, reminds us of Jesus' words, testifies about Jesus, glorifies Jesus, produces fruit in us, gives us gifts for ministry, empowers us for witness, intercedes for us, helps us in our weakness, and seals us for the day of redemption (John 16:8-15; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14). We need to listen to, obey, follow, depend on, pray in, walk by, be filled with and not grieve or quench the Spirit of God daily if we want to grow in our faith and knowledge of God.
These are the means that God has given us to grow in our relationship with Him. These are the means that will help us become more like Jesus Christ.
How to share the witness of the heavens to God with others
Finally, growing in our relationship with God also involves sharing His witness with others. The Bible tells us that we are not only recipients but also ambassadors of God's witness. We have a responsibility and a privilege to tell others about what God has done for us and what He can do for them. How can we share the witness of the heavens to God with others? The Bible gives us three simple steps that we can follow:
Pray for them. Pray that God would open their eyes to see His glory, open their ears to hear His voice, open their hearts to receive His grace, and open their mouths to confess His name. Pray that God would use you as His instrument to reach them with His love. Pray that God would give you opportunities, wisdom, boldness and compassion to share His witness with them.
Live for them. Live in such a way that your life reflects the glory of God and attracts others to Him. Live in such a way that your words and actions are consistent with your faith and testimony. Live in such a way that your love and joy and peace and patience and kindness and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness and self-control are evident to all. Live in such a way that your good deeds cause others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
Speak to them. Speak the truth in love to them. Speak the gospel of Jesus Christ to them. Speak the witness of the heavens to God to them. Speak with clarity, simplicity, sincerity, humility and urgency. Speak with respect, gentleness and reverence. Speak with power, authority and confidence. Speak with grace, mercy and hope. Speak as one who has seen and heard and experienced the glory of God.
These are the steps that we can take to share the witness of the heavens to God with others. These are the steps that will lead others to eternal life and joy in His presence.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the witness of the heavens to God:
What is the difference between general revelation and special revelation?
General revelation is the way that God reveals Himself to everyone through His creation and conscience (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:19-20; 2:14-15). Special revelation is the way that God reveals Himself specifically to His people through His Word and Spirit (Psalm 19:7-14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 16:13-15).
What is the difference between natural theology and biblical theology?
Natural theology is the study of what can be known about God from nature, reason, and experience. Biblical theology is the study of what can be known about God from Scripture, faith, and revelation.
What is the difference between common grace and saving grace?
Common grace is the undeserved favor that God shows to all people by giving them life, health, food, rain, sun, talents, abilities, etc. Saving grace is the undeserved favor that God shows to His elect by giving them forgiveness, regeneration, justification, sanctification, glorification, etc.
What is the difference between justification and sanctification?
Justification is the act of God by which He declares us righteous on the basis of Christ's righteousness imputed to us by faith alone. Sanctification is the work of God by which He makes us righteous on the basis of Christ's righteousness imparted to us by the Spirit.
What is the difference between evangelism and discipleship?
Evangelism is the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ to those who do not know Him as Lord and Savior. Discipleship is the instruction and training of those who do know Him as Lord and Savior.
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