Tuesday, April 29, 2025

ACOM - Can Faith be Reasonable?

Video Recording is available - https://youtu.be/xDX1GZDbLQw

Faith and Reason: Allies, Not Enemies

When we think of “faith,” what comes to mind? For some, it’s a deeply personal conviction. For others, it might sound like a blind leap into the dark—something set against logic or science. But is that really the biblical picture? In this post, we’ll explore how Scripture, history, and philosophy all point to a kind of faith that doesn’t abandon reason—but is enriched by it.

1. What Are Faith and Reason?

Let’s begin with two foundational scriptures:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." – Hebrews 11:1
"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. – Isaiah 1:18

Faith is often misunderstood. Some see it as emotional optimism, while others view it as belief in spite of evidence. But the Bible invites both faith and reason into the same conversation. God doesn’t call us to turn off our brains to follow Him.

Ask yourself:

What do you mean when you talk about “faith”?
Is it fair to say faith and reason are opposites?
Could faith be something more than just emotion or tradition?

2. Biblical Faith: Informed, Not Blind

Throughout Scripture, faith is not portrayed as irrational. It’s often a reasoned trust based on God’s character and past faithfulness.

Abraham believed God’s promises (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:20–21), not out of ignorance, but from experience.
Paul at Mars Hill (Acts 17:16–34) reasoned with philosophers, using cultural insight to explain his beliefs.
Thomas, often labeled a doubter, was offered evidence by Jesus Himself (John 20:24–29). His story reminds us that questions and faith can coexist.

The pattern is clear: Faith in the Bible is grounded in relationship, evidence, and thoughtful reflection—not in closing our eyes and hoping for the best.

3. Reasoning Our Way Toward Faith

Faith isn’t only a personal journey; it has philosophical and historical foundations.

Historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, such as Paul’s testimony in 1 Corinthians 15, supports the core of Christian belief.
Arguments like the moral, cosmological, and design arguments offer rational grounds for belief in God’s existence.
Thinkers like C.S. Lewis have shown that faith acts as a lens, helping us make sense of the world—not as an escape from reason, but as its partner.

Interactive idea: Try reading a short apologetics passage (perhaps from Lewis or Keller) and discuss with a group: Does this strengthen or challenge your view of faith?

4. When Faith Meets Resistance

Of course, not everyone sees faith as rational. Common objections include:

“Science has disproved God.”
“Faith is just a crutch.”
“You can’t prove God, so it’s unreasonable to believe.”

But these claims often rest on misunderstandings. Science can explain the how, but not always the why. Faith speaks to meaning, morality, and the soul—areas reason alone may not fully answer. And in truth, every worldview, including atheism, requires a measure of faith—faith in reason, in human perception, in unseen assumptions.

5. A Whole-Person Faith

Jesus said,

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37

Faith is not just emotional or intellectual—it’s holistic. It engages both our hearts and our heads. It begins with reason, but where reason ends, faith continues—not with naivety, but with trust in a faithful God.

Final Thought

Faith is not the enemy of reason. Instead, it often starts where reason leaves off—building upon evidence, experience, and reflection to place trust in something (or Someone) greater. A mature faith welcomes hard questions, seeks understanding, and ultimately rests in the character and promises of Go

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

ACOM - Is Bible True?

Video Recording is available - https://youtu.be/mQlORYI0bkw

📖 Is the Bible True? A Journey Through History, Evidence, and Faith

Whether you’re a lifelong Christian, a skeptic, or simply curious, the question “Is the Bible true?” is one of the most important you can ask. The Bible makes bold claims about its divine origin and offers life-shaping truth — but can we trust it?

Let’s explore the historical, archaeological, prophetic, and spiritual evidence that speaks to the trustworthiness of the Bible.

🟡 Why This Question Matters

What we believe about the Bible shapes everything — our understanding of God, our values, our relationships, and even how we face suffering and eternity. If the Bible is true, then it carries eternal significance. But if it isn’t, then the foundation of the Christian faith crumbles (see 1 Corinthians 15:14).

📖 What the Bible Says About Itself

The Bible isn’t shy about its origin. It claims to be God’s own Word:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16

“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”
— John 17:17

Jesus Himself treated Scripture as authoritative and final — not symbolic or outdated.

🕰️ Historical Reliability

Unlike myths or legends, the Bible is rooted in real people, places, and events.

Manuscript evidence: Over 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts exist — more than any other ancient document. Compared to other historical works (like Caesar’s Gallic Wars with only 10 manuscripts), the Bible stands alone in its preservation.
Eyewitness testimony: Many New Testament books were written by people who saw the events firsthand or spoke with eyewitnesses (Luke 1:1–4, 1 John 1:1–3).

In short, the Bible is not a distant legend — it’s a well-preserved historical record.

🏺 Archaeological Support

Time and time again, archaeological discoveries have supported biblical accounts:

The Pool of Bethesda (John 5) was found just as described.
King David’s name was found inscribed in ancient stone (Tel Dan inscription).
Entire civilizations like the Hittites, once thought mythical, have been confirmed.

No archaeological discovery has ever disproven the Bible. In fact, many findings have clarified or confirmed the Bible’s details.

📜 Prophetic Accuracy

One of the most compelling reasons to trust the Bible is its fulfilled prophecy. Unlike vague predictions, the Bible includes specific prophecies fulfilled in history:

The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) — fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 2:1–7).
Crucifixion was described in Psalm 22 before it existed as a form of execution.
Isaiah 53 outlines Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection with incredible clarity — written 700 years before His birth.

Only a divine author could consistently predict the future with such accuracy.

📘 Unity Over Time

The Bible was written over 1,500 years, by more than 40 authors across three continents, in three languages. And yet, it tells one unified story — God’s plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible speaks with a consistent voice about God’s love, justice, and grace. That kind of unity, across time and culture, is supernatural.

💡 Personal and Global Impact

The Bible hasn’t just changed history — it’s changed lives.

Millions of people from every nation and background have found hope, healing, direction, and transformation through its words. It continues to influence art, literature, law, and morality across the world.

Many who’ve read it with open hearts testify: “This book changed me.”

🧠 Faith and Reason Together

Belief in the Bible isn’t a blind leap — it’s faith built on solid evidence. Jesus Himself encouraged people to examine His works and believe based on what they saw (John 10:38).

The Bible stands up to scrutiny historically, archaeologically, prophetically, and personally. It engages both the heart and the mind.

✅ So… Can You Trust the Bible?

The evidence says yes.

✅ Historically accurate
✅ Archaeologically supported
✅ Prophetically fulfilled
✅ Personally transformative

You don’t have to check your brain at the door to believe. The Bible is trustworthy — and its truth invites us into a relationship with the God who speaks through it.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Jesus Christ – Is Jesus Really God?

Video Recording is available - https://youtu.be/i8g229KMXzI

Exploring the Divinity of Christ from Scripture and History

One of the most important questions in the Christian faith is this: Who is Jesus? Was He merely a good teacher, a prophet, or is He truly God? The identity of Jesus Christ forms the very foundation of Christianity. In this blog post, we explore His divine nature through Scripture, history, and practical application.

Why This Question Matters

In Matthew 16:13–17, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” That question echoes through the ages, still challenging us today. In a world full of diverse opinions about Jesus, understanding His true identity is not just academic—it’s transformational.

Did Jesus Claim to Be God?

Jesus didn’t just do good works—He made astonishing claims about Himself. Consider these:

John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
Mark 2:5–12 – He forgave sins, a divine prerogative.

The reactions of religious leaders, who often sought to stone Him for blasphemy, reveal they understood these as clear claims to divinity.

Biblical Evidence for Jesus’ Deity

The New Testament repeatedly affirms the divine nature of Christ:

John 1:1–14 – “The Word was God… and became flesh.”
Colossians 1:15–20 – Jesus is the “image of the invisible God.”
Hebrews 1:1–4 – He is the radiance of God’s glory.
Matthew 28:9, Revelation 5:12 – He was worshiped as God.

Key Titles that Point to His Deity

Jesus is described with divine titles throughout Scripture:

Son of God
Lord (Kurios)
Messiah (Anointed One)
Alpha and Omega
Emmanuel – “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)

These are not just symbolic names—they point to His eternal, divine nature.

Was Jesus Always Seen as God?

Many skeptics argue that Jesus’ divinity was a later invention. But historical and theological records disagree.

Early Christians worshiped Jesus (Acts 2:36, Philippians 2:10–11).
Church fathers wrote extensively on His divine nature.
The Nicene Creed (325 AD) clearly states: “True God from true God, begotten, not made.”

The resurrection served as the ultimate validation of His divine identity (Romans 1:4).

From Apostles to Creeds: A Timeline

1st Century: Apostolic teachings affirm Jesus as Lord
2nd–3rd Century: Early theologians defend His divinity
4th Century: Council of Nicaea formalizes doctrine against heresies

Why It Matters Today

If Jesus is truly God, that changes everything.

He deserves not just admiration, but worship
He is not just a wise teacher—He is Lord
We are called to live in obedience to Him

His deity demands our full attention and devotion.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

ACOM - Humanity - Why am I here?

Video Recording is available - https://youtu.be/dCGzDuLT1tY

One of the deepest questions every human heart eventually asks is: "Why am I here?" It's a question of identity, direction, and meaning—one that echoes through every stage of life. At our recent seminar, we explored this question through Scripture, reflection, and conversation. Here’s a journey through the five sessions we shared together.

Existence – Am I an accident or by Design?

Scriptures: Psalm 139:13–16, Genesis 1:26–27

We began where it all starts—at the very core of our identity—with the powerful truth that each of us was intentionally created by a loving and purposeful God. Before the foundations of the world were laid, He had you in mind. You are not the result of chance or coincidence. You are not a mistake. Every part of you—your personality, your story, your gifts, even your struggles—was woven together with divine care and intention.

Scripture tells us that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), which means we reflect His nature in a unique and sacred way. We carry His fingerprints on our lives. The way we think, love, create, and dream is rooted in the One who first thought of us. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” formed in secret and known intimately by our Creator.

This means your life has inherent value—not because of what you do, but because of who made you. You were not mass-produced. You were handcrafted with purpose, on purpose. And that purpose begins not with doing something for God, but with simply being known and loved by Him.

Intent- Why did God make me?

Scriptures: Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 2:10

God didn’t just make you for existence—He made you for Himself. You’re not here to simply take up space, breathe air, or go through the motions of life. You were intentionally created by a God who longed for relationship with you. Before you ever accomplished a single thing, before you were born or even conceived, He knew you—and He delighted in the idea of you.

Your life isn’t a product of randomness; it's the result of divine imagination. You were made on purpose and for a purpose. The One who formed galaxies also formed your personality, your passions, your gifts, and even your weaknesses—all to reflect something unique about Him. You are a living expression of His creativity and love.

Scripture says, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). That word “workmanship” in the original Greek is poiēma—the same root for our word "poem." You are God’s masterpiece, crafted not just for beauty, but for impact.

And those good works you’re called to? They’re not random acts of kindness or afterthoughts. They were prepared in advance—specifically for you. There are things in this world that only you can do, people only you can reach, and moments only you are placed to steward.

Your purpose flows not from striving or status, but from simply being God’s own—loved, called, and sent. You’re not just made from Him. You were made for Him.

Result of Fall- If I have a purpose, why is life complex and full of challenges?

Scriptures: Genesis 3, Romans 8:20–23

Life isn’t always easy—and we wrestled with why. If God created us with purpose, why do we so often feel lost, discouraged, or broken? Why does pain seem to interrupt our plans, and why do we sometimes question our worth or direction?

In this session, we confronted the reality of the Fall—how sin entered the world and distorted God’s perfect design. It didn't just affect creation—it affected us deeply. Our sense of identity, our clarity of purpose, and our ability to live it out were all impacted. We live in a world that is fractured, and that fracture reaches into our own hearts. But here’s the good news: sin may have distorted our purpose, but it did not destroy it.

God has never given up on His design. Even in our brokenness, He sees beauty. Even in our wandering, He still calls. And through Jesus, the story doesn’t end in ruin—it moves toward redemption. Christ came not only to save us but to restore us to our original purpose. He is the bridge back to who we were always meant to be.

We ended this powerful session with a sacred moment—an invitation to lay down false identities. In quiet prayer and vulnerability, we released the lies we’ve carried: “I’m not good enough,” “I’ve failed too many times,” “I’m too damaged to be used.” One by one, we surrendered them at the feet of Jesus, exchanging them for truth. Truth that says: You are chosen. You are loved. You are still called.

Redemption - How is purpose restored in Christ?

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17–20, Romans 12:1–2

In Christ, everything changes. The moment we say yes to Jesus, we’re not only forgiven—we're transformed. We move from death to life, from lost to found, from wandering to walking in purpose. But salvation is not the finish line—it’s the beginning of a brand new mission.

You’re not just saved—you’re sent. When Christ redeems you, He also commissions you. You become an ambassador of God's Kingdom, a representative of His love, truth, and power in a world that desperately needs to see Him. Your life now carries eternal weight and Kingdom authority, not because of who you are, but because of who lives in you.

As 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” That means your words, your actions, your compassion, and your courage—all become instruments through which heaven touches earth. You are called to live out a renewed mission—one that is bigger than personal dreams or comfort. It’s a mission rooted in reconciliation, restoration, and the radical love of God.

And here’s the beautiful truth: You don’t have to figure it all out before stepping into your purpose. God equips those He calls. Your job is simply to respond—to go where He leads, to speak when He prompts, and to love like Jesus.

Daily – How do I live my “Why”?

Scriptures: Micah 6:8, Matthew 28:18–20

Purpose is not just a revelation—it’s a lifestyle. It’s not a single moment of clarity, but a series of choices made every day in response to God's love and calling. While we may long for big, dramatic moments of destiny, the truth is that our purpose is most often revealed in the quiet, consistent faithfulness of our daily lives.

God has shown us what He requires—not a complex formula, but a clear path: to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). These are not just spiritual ideals; they are practical ways of living out who we are created to be. Justice, mercy, and humility become the rhythm of a life that understands its “why.”

Each step of obedience, no matter how small, becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of your calling. Whether you’re serving in unseen places, offering encouragement, choosing integrity, or simply showing up with love—these small acts echo with eternal significance.

As we walk with God in these everyday moments, our purpose comes into focus. We begin to see that it’s not just about doing great things for God, but about being faithful with what He places in our hands today. And in that faithfulness, our purpose becomes not only clear—but powerful.

💡 Conclusion

Your existence is not a coincidence—it's a calling. You were made with care, sent with purpose, and equipped by the Creator Himself. If you've ever wondered why you’re here, remember:
Your life finds its meaning in the One who gave it.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

The Heart of Prayer: Exploring Its Five Essential Elements

Prayer is a profound and transformative practice that serves as a bridge between the human and the divine. While there are many ways to pray, five essential elements often form the foundation of heartfelt communication with God: praise, thanksgiving, petition, confession, and intercession. Each of these components addresses a unique aspect of our relationship with God, enriching our spiritual journey. Let’s explore them in detail.

1. Praise: Honoring God's Greatness

Praise is the act of acknowledging and exalting God for who He is. It focuses on His character, attributes, and deeds rather than our circumstances. When we praise God, we shift our attention from our challenges to His majesty, reminding ourselves of His sovereignty, love, and power.

Through praise, we honor God as Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. This element of prayer can be expressed through words, songs, or meditative silence. Scriptures such as Psalm 100:4 (“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise”) encourage believers to approach God with reverence and awe.

2. Thanksgiving: Expressing Gratitude

Thanksgiving in prayer is about recognizing and appreciating God’s blessings, both big and small. It involves a conscious effort to count our blessings and express gratitude for His provision, protection, and guidance.

This practice helps cultivate a spirit of contentment and shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have received. By thanking God, we acknowledge His goodness and faithfulness in our lives, aligning our hearts with His will. As 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

3. Petition: Presenting Personal Requests

Petition is the act of asking God to meet our personal needs and desires. It reflects our dependence on Him and our faith in His ability to provide. Whether it’s seeking wisdom, strength, healing, or guidance, petitions allow us to lay our burdens before God, trusting in His perfect timing and provision.

In Matthew 7:7, Jesus encourages us to “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” While presenting our requests, it’s essential to remain open to God’s will, knowing that His plans are greater than ours.

4. Confession: Acknowledging Our Sins

Confession involves admitting our sins and shortcomings to God, seeking His forgiveness and cleansing. It is an act of humility that restores our relationship with Him and aligns us with His righteousness. Through confession, we acknowledge our need for God’s grace and mercy.

1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Regular confession fosters a heart of repentance and helps us walk in the freedom of God’s forgiveness.

5. Intercession: Praying for Others

Intercession is the selfless act of praying on behalf of others. It reflects the love and compassion of Christ as we bring the needs of family, friends, communities, and even strangers before God. Intercession demonstrates our trust in God’s ability to intervene in the lives of others.

The Bible provides many examples of intercessory prayer, including Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in John 17. As we intercede, we become instruments of God’s grace and blessings in the lives of others.

Conclusion

Each of these elements—praise, thanksgiving, petition, confession, and intercession—offers a unique way to deepen our relationship with God and align our hearts with His purposes. Together, they create a holistic framework for meaningful prayer, reminding us of God’s greatness, goodness, and grace. By incorporating these elements into our prayer life, we not only draw closer to God but also grow in faith, gratitude, and love for others.