United Church of God

Letter From Jim Tuck - February 8, 2019

Letter From Jim Tuck

February 8, 2019

Dear brethren,

Often people desiring to be more creative in their thinking will say--"let's think outside the box." This phrase often refers to novel or creative thinking. Much of the time this is harmless and innocent.

However, sometimes that approach with the Bible can be dangerous. It has caused many through the ages to stumble spiritually.  Thinking "outside the box" caused many to accept the trinity while openly saying it is impossible to understand. 

Since the time of Adam, it is "thinking outside the box" of the Bible which has caused so many to choose the way of sin.  Adam rejected the clear instruction of God given in the Garden of Eden, and people have been doing it ever since.

There are some thoughts which should never be thunk:-)  For example, when someone concludes there is no God!  King David was inspired to write anciently, "The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." (Ps.  14:1)

We are born in the same manner.  We have a similar experience in being exposed to God's splendid creation, and have gazed at the same night sky with all of its sparkling beauty. 

We learn more and more as the years go by the great complexity in the plant and animal kingdoms.  Even the migratory habits of birds are amazing to witness.  All of these things didn't just happen as the evolutionists say, but it took a great Designer and Creator to make them and put them in an environment where they would grow and thrive.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and] Godhead, so that they are without excuse..."

There are so called free-thinking "outside the box thinkers" who don't believe in God, and they think they are quite intelligent.   But they refuse to see what their own eyes have seen.

The famous physicist, Stephen Hawking, in his last book concluded there is no God.  It is a book that he began writing prior to his death, but afterward his family completed it for publication.  He is considered one of the most brilliant scientists of his generation. 

In his book, "Brief Answers to the Big Questions", he wrote, "There is no God. No one directs the universe."

It should remind us of what Paul wrote in Rom. 1:28"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting."

Indeed, a fool has said in his heart, there is no God.  The truly wise man searches for reasons to believe the Almighty God exists.  Many brilliant people have concluded God exists, and He sits at the controls of this vast universe.

He has given us His Holy Word to guide us in our life.  In the Bible it says of God, Isa. 46:5, "To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal and compare Me, that we should be alike?"

Isaiah continues"Remember this, and show yourselves men; Recall to mind, O you transgressors. 9 Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure," (Isa. 46:8-19)

Have a wonderful and uplifting Sabbath! 

          Your pastor and friend,                                                                              

Jim Tuck