"Light of the World"

I was listening to a podcast today that was describing a "black hole." A "black hole" is when a star explodes and the gravitational pull is so strong that it sucks all matter, even light, into it.

Jesus told us that we are the "light of the world." Paul said that as children of God we should "shine like stars in the universe." (Philippians 2:15). So, we are called to be stars, lights if you will.

But, what happens when our world explodes? When we get so consumed with sin that our faith explodes, that our lives become dark? We become black holes of faith. We suck everything to us, and rob the world of the light.

Unfortunately, I have known a few "spiritual black holes" in my life. You don't get there by having troubles. I have known MANY believers who have a stronger light because of troubles. You become a black hole by rejecting faith and becoming totally selfish.

The world needs our light... no more "spiritual black holes."

"Believing Agnostic?"

Before I make my point, I want to define the words "Believing Agnostic." First of all, a believer in the context I am using the word is one who has faith in the resurrected Jesus. The term agnostic comes from two Greek words "a" meaning to negate and "gnosis" which means knowledge. So, agnostic means "to not know."

Now, there is a really famous person in the Bible named Thomas. Because of one statement, he is forever known as "Doubting Thomas." Yet, he is the same man who fell to his knees and cried out "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

I was reading an article the other day by a Christian professor that acknowledged that sometimes he has moments of doubts. It isn't that he doesn't believe, it is just that sometimes situations cause doubts and questions to enter his mind. His point is that everyone who really believes has those moments. And, it isn't wrong to have them or to ask God to help you through them.

So, I have a confession to make. I am a "Believing Agnostic." I don't know everything about God, I don't know all the answers, I have doubts and questions, but still I believe. To quote the disciples who had a moment of doubt, and Jesus asked them if they wanted to leave him... "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69).

I won't go into the logical, factual reasons that I believe (that's for another time). Today, I want simply to pray the words of a man in Scripture, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)