St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) was an early Christian whose writings significantly shaped Western Christianity. Augustine emphasized that non-Christians often possess substantial knowledge about the natural world, including the earth, heavens, stars, and natural phenomena. He warned against Christians speaking ignorantly on these topics, as it could lead to mockery and discredit the Christian faith. Augustine’s perspective underscores the importance of Christians being informed and avoiding the appearance of ignorance when discussing matters of the natural world.
The ongoing debate between faith and science in American Christianity has intensified recently. While I do not aim to delve into these complex discussions, Augustine’s insights from over 1500 years ago remain relevant. He pointed out that unexamined assumptions and rigid stances can hinder meaningful dialogue. Let me be clear here: I am not implying that Christians should hold science over scripture. I am saying one should not not hold extrapolations from scripture about science as if they are anything but extrapolations. Christians must critically evaluate their interpretive principles, especially when they think Scripture conflicts with scientific consensus. Augustine’s writings encourage a humble and open approach, allowing for the possibility of being wrong and fostering a more constructive conversation about faith and science.
Augustine’s reflections also stress the importance of focusing on the core tenets of the Christian faith rather than peripheral scientific issues. He argued that one’s beliefs about the physical world have little bearing on their relationship with God. The primary concerns should be theological, addressing fundamental questions about humanity, God, and salvation. Augustine’s humility and willingness to admit his limitations in scientific knowledge serve as a model for modern Christians. His approach encourages believers to prioritize the essential truths of their faith while engaging with scientific matters thoughtfully and respectfully.
Usually, even a non-Christian knows something about the earth, the heavens, and the other elements of this world, about the motion and orbit of the stars and even their size and relative positions, about the predictable eclipses of the sun and moon, the cycles of the years and the seasons, about the kinds of animals, shrubs, stones, and so forth, and this knowledge he holds as certain from reason and experience. Now it is a disgraceful and dangerous thing for an infidel to hear a Christian, presumably giving the meaning of Holy Scripture, talking nonsense on these topics; and we should take all means to prevent such an embarrassing situation, in which people show up vast ignorance in a Christian and laugh it to scorn.
When you discuss such things with non-believes, which is more important: Proving them wrong about the natural world or proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus?
In the Book of Revelation, we encounter powerful and profound messages that offer hope and assurance to believers. One such verse, Revelation 21:6, stands out with its deep theological significance and comforting promise. Let’s delve into the meaning of this verse and its relevance for Christians today.
Revelation 21:6 (NASB) reads: “Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost.”
Only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. God does not force this on anyone. You must desire it. Your yearning for God must supersede all other desires.
“It is done.” These words signify the completion of God’s divine plan. Similar to Jesus’ declaration on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), this statement in Revelation affirms the fulfillment of God’s promises and the culmination of His redemptive work. It reassures believers that God’s purposes have been accomplished and that His ultimate victory is assured.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolize the entirety of existence. By declaring Himself as the Alpha and the Omega, God emphasizes His eternal nature and supreme authority over all creation. This phrase reminds us that God is the origin and the consummation of everything, the timeless and sovereign Lord who transcends all temporal limitations.
“To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” This beautiful promise underscores God’s grace and generosity. The “water of life” is a powerful metaphor for eternal life and spiritual sustenance, freely given to all who seek it. In a world often marked by spiritual dryness and longing, this assurance of divine provision is profoundly comforting. It speaks to God’s abundant mercy and the salvation He offers to all who come to Him with a thirsting heart.
The Context of Revelation 21:6 This verse appears toward the end of John’s apocalyptic vision, as he describes the new heaven and new earth. In this vision, God makes all things new, bringing about a renewed creation where His presence is fully realized. Revelation 21:6 encapsulates the essence of this vision, offering hope and a glimpse of the eternal joy that awaits believers.
The Relevance for Christians Today In our contemporary world, where uncertainty and challenges abound, Revelation 21:6 serves as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that God’s plan is not only in motion but nearing its glorious fulfillment. We are encouraged to trust in His sovereignty, to recognize His eternal presence, and to take heart in the promise of eternal life.
As we navigate our spiritual journeys, let us hold fast to the assurance that God, the Alpha and the Omega, will provide for our deepest needs. His grace flows freely, offering life and refreshment to all who seek Him. Revelation 21:6 is more than a verse; it is a testament to God’s unending love and His ultimate triumph over all things.
May this message of completion, sovereignty, and grace inspire and strengthen our faith, guiding us ever closer to the eternal spring of the water of life.
The true tragedy lies in a man who believes he is rich when he is actually poor, who considers himself good when he is vile, or who thinks he is educated when he is illiterate. This sentiment is echoed in the story of Samson, who stood in the valley of Sorek, surrounded by the lords of the Philistines, unaware that the Lord had departed from him.
It has been rightly said that no man is more ignorant than he who knows nothing and is unaware of his ignorance. Similarly, no man is sicker than he who has a fatal disease and does not realize it, and no man is poorer than he who is destitute but believes he is wealthy.
The Pharisees’ most pitiable trait was not their hypocrisy, but their complete lack of awareness of their true spiritual poverty in the sight of God. There is always something deeply pathetic about a person who is in great need but is oblivious to it.
Do you have unknown needs in your life? How would you know?
EPHESIANS 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.
Floyd Rogers – Texas Gospel Volunteer, Christian writer
Mathew 12:33-37“Either assume the tree to be good as well as its fruit good, or assume the tree to be bad as well as its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, express any good things? For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart. 35 The good person brings out of his good treasure good things; and the evil person brings out of his evil treasure evil things. 36 But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Floyd Rogers – Texas Gospel Volunteer, Christian writer
Matthew chapter 12 tells us of Jesus’ harsh words for those who speak blaspheme against the Spirit. Right after this, Matthew 12:33-37 tell us that our words demonstrate who we are and that we will give an account of our words on the day of judgement. What exactly are we being told?
Is it not clear Jesus is using the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to describe our heart (our desires/motives) and our words? To be clear, the tree is our heart, and the fruit is our words. Verse 33 tells us a good tree brings forth good fruit, and the bad tree brings forth the bad. I think it’s clear Matthew is telling us if we are good people, others will know by our words, and if we are corrupt, other people will know by our words. Verse 34 tells us the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart.
Consider, it is not uncommon for one’s closest friends to know things about us even we ourselves do not know. People are often blind to their own prejudices that others can recognize clearly through our choice of words. Could we not learn something about ourselves by examining the things we say, things said without care?
Now consider, Verse 36 and 37 that tells us on the day of judgment, “…by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” I don’t think this means as some have suggested that if I misspeak, I will condemn myself for saying the wrong word. These verses speak of words that are the fruit of our heart, not flubbed words that say something completely different from what we were thinking at the time. Look at the context. This is Jesus’ response to the Pharisees blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. They spoke words from their heart as they attributed an act of the Holy spirit to the devil.
Isn’t it a good idea to evaluate the words we choose and what they say about our heart. We will be judged by those words.
Mathew 12:30-31 30 The one who is not with Me is against Me; and the one who does not gather with Me scatters. 31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
Floyd Rogers – Texas Gospel Volunteer, Christian writer
Matthew 12:30-31 speaks of the unpardonable sin. To give context, Jesus spoke these words immediately after rebuking Pharisees who accused him of casting out demons by the power of the ruler of the demons. The Pharisees didn’t just accuse Jesus, they portrayed an act of the Holy Spirit as the devil’s work, and now Jesus speaks of those who are either with or against him. He also warns against speaking against the Holy Spirit. With this as a backdrop, what does Jesus mean by blasphemy against the spirit? Does this mean I cannot question someone who claims to heal in God’s name?
Verse 30 tells us whoever is not with Jesus is against him. And those who do not gather with him scatter. He made this comment as he rebuked the Pharisees who were scheming against him. Consider, Jesus gathered followers and led people to the Kingdom of Heaven in the preceding verses. Is he now saying there is no middle ground; you are either for or against God’s work? The Pharisees motives and actions show they were against Jesus’ gathering of God’s people. In the next verse Jesus’ words are stronger and more to the point.
In Verse 31 Jesus says all sins are forgivable, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven, and those who speak against the Holy Spirit have no forgiveness. Blasphemy can be defined as showing great disrespect; to mock and oppose the to the point of contempt. It appears this is what the Pharisees did. Jesus addressed Pharisees who referred to an act of the Holy Spirit as being an act of the devil. They didn’t just speak carelessly, their words showed what was in their heart. They were dead set against Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. This is not the same as judging the fruit of a prophet and I think we should address this.
There are people today who claim to heal by the power of the Holy Spirit. I don’t doubt that God can heal the sick. But I can still judge the fruit of the prophets who claim to heal. Jesus and his apostles had a 100% success rate in healing. We don’ see Jesus praying for someone to be healed who walked away unchanged. I don’t mock or reject the Holy Spirit. The point is God can heal a person through his or her faith no matter who is praying for them. Faith in the Holy Spirit is completely independent of recognizing a false prophet, and Matthew told us to examine the fruit of those who claim to do God’s work.
