05/23/13

Demolishing Doubt by Randy Robison

We all doubt God at some point. In his brilliant apologetic book How Can I Know? Dr. Robert Jeffress tackles the five basic forms of doubt: natural, philosophical, experiential, spiritual, and empirical. He exposes the most common reasons for doubt, including suffering, betrayal, human intellect, and fear, then offers evidence that God exists and that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be.

 

It’s easy to condemn the doubt of others or feel guilt about our own questions. But the Bible offers some encouragement on these two points. First, in the brief epistle of Jude, it says “have mercy on some, who are doubting” (verse 22). There is a difference between those who are hostile towards God and those who are struggling to believe. Certainly there are those who will never believe, but part of discipleship is encouraging those who are weak in their faith. We do not determine who will and will not come to Christ, so we should all maintain the attitude of 2 Peter 3:9, “not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” This is not a position of passivity or weakness. It is a reminder that people are to be saved while ungodly ideas are to be demolished. Paul said, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God” (2 Corinthians 10:5a). We rescue the lost by shining the light of God’s truth through our words and actions.

 

 

When it comes to our own doubt, we must realize that it does take some faith on our part to really know God. It may be as tiny as a “mustard seed,” but at some point we must make the choice to believe the fundamental truths in Scripture. One such truth is this: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6).

 

 

This is not a contradiction. We don’t overcome our doubt by pretending it does not exist. Instead, this is a promise. When we take the initiative to believe God’s word and ask Him for wisdom, He promises to show up in our lives. It’s a bit like stepping onto a frozen pond, believing that it will hold you. Until you actually do it, you will never believe that you can skate.

 

So if you are struggling with doubt, ask God to show up in your life. Pester Him to show you His will. Read the Bible and implore the Holy Spirit to make it come alive. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Then your doubts will fade away as your faith becomes strong.

 

 

Dr. Robert Jeffress appears on LIFE TODAY May, 23, 2013, with Randy and James Robison.

 

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02/19/13

Words of Life

The State of the Kingdom

 

by Randy Robison

 

Ladies and gentlemen, the state of the kingdom is strong. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, still sits at the right hand of God. He still holds all of creation in His hands. He still moves in the lives of His people, fulfilling His word and making Himself known.

 

 

Our God does not make promises He cannot keep. Broken lives are healing, fractured families are being restored, and renewed souls are prospering.

 

 

Yes, we face challenges. Diabolical forces war against righteousness. Sin seeks to destroy that which is good. Darkness prevails in those who do not know His light. And the corruption of this world reminds us every day that this place is but a temporary home. But the gates of hell will not prevail. We have seen the final outcome and it is victory!

 

 

Every day, we should ask ourselves two questions about His kingdom: Is it reigning in me? And how can I reveal it to others? It is our unfinished task to make sure that His kingdom appears to the many, and not just the few.

 

 

The Gospel foretold since the beginning of time and fulfilled over 2,000 years ago continues to proclaim the truth of the Promised One. The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive in each of us. No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either settle for a church where the presence of the Holy Spirit is quenched or we can allow His Spirit to unleash the wonders of heaven. We must say each day, “Not my will, but Yours.” For it is not by our might and not by our power, but by His Spirit that we will overcome.

 

 

What’s at stake aren’t Democratic values, Republican values, or even American values, but the values established before the creation of heaven and earth: The truth of a Creator invested in His creation. A holy and perfect Father cut off from His children by their imperfect choices, yet able to be restored through His one and only perfect Son.

 

 

If we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no challenge too great, no mission too hard. As long as we’re joined in His common purpose, as long as we maintain our Godly resolve, our journey moves forward, and our future is hopeful, and the state of the church will always be strong.

 

 

Thank you, God bless you, and may His kingdom reign for now and evermore.

 

 

Randy Robison hosts the LIFE TODAY PLUS channel on YouTube and Lightsource. He is the author of the book God Wants You To Be Happy